Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants are used as a an alternative for the rehabilitation of the patient with severe maxillary (upper jaw) bone loss.  Progressive bone loss is expected following extraction of teeth and many years of denture use.  Patients with severe bone loss may not have sufficient quantity or quality of bone for placement of conventional dental implants and therefore, may require significant surgical procedures, such as grafting, to attempt to regain bone.  Zygomatic implants avoid these grafting and sinus lift procedures and therefore contribute to a shorter and more comfortable treatment. Other indications for zygomatic implants include failed conventional implants, failed sinus augmentation or other grafting procedures, and rehabilitation after tumor and trauma resections.

In the atrophic posterior maxilla, in general one zygomatic implant is placed on each side of the maxilla, in combination with 2-4 conventional implants in the anterior region.

For the maxilla with severe bone loss where placement of anterior implants is not possible, 2 additional zygomatic implants may be placed in a more anterior position (Quad zygoma).

Zygomatic implants are routinely immediately loaded with a fixed resin bridge so that patients can leave with fixed teeth in the same day.

Summary

• Zygomatic implants are longer than ordinary dental implants so that they can reach the very strong bone near the cheekbone
• Zygomatic implants can be used as an alternative to complex bone grafting operations, making it possible to carry out surgery in just one simple stage.
• Depending on bone availability we may only need to use one or two Zygomatic implants, along with 2-4 ordinary dental implants to support the restoration (prosthetic teeth).
• In cases where bone loss is more severe, up to 4 Zygomatic Implants may be used to achieve a stable support for the restoration.