Zygomatic Implants: What Are They and How Do They Work?

There are many ways we can replace missing teeth, including dentures and bridges. But by far, the most effective solutions involve dental implants. Using titanium posts anchored to your jaw, we can support one or more replacement teeth to restore your smile’s full function and appearance. 

But, whether you’re using implants to support a few teeth or an entire arch, there are occasions when we can’t place them because of a lack of bone density. In these instances, zygomatic implants may be an option. 

But what’s the difference between them and traditional implants, and how do they work?

Here’s everything you need to know about the revolutionary zygomatic implant procedure. 

The Problem With Jaw Resorption

When you lose a tooth, you’ll face some immediate issues. The gap in your smile could knock your confidence, not to mention cause issues while you’re chewing your food. But below the surface of your gums, there are other problems you may not know about. 

Without a tooth attached, your jawbone will start to break down. The bone that once supported your tooth will gradually deteriorate and be absorbed into the bloodstream. This causes the skin around your mouth to sag.

Ordinarily, we could place a dental implant to replace the entire missing tooth —including its root. But when resorption occurs, there’s not enough bone for the implant to bind to.

You can have a bone graft to restore the jaw, A sinus lift is a specific bone grafting procedure that enhances bone density around the upper jaw and maxillary sinus. It involves lifting the sinus membrane and attaching additional bone between the jaw and sinus. Over time, the added bone will fuse with the existing facial structure. 

The other option that may be available in your situation is to have zygomatic implants. 

What Are Zygomatic Implants?

A zygomatic implant is an advanced dental procedure that is an alternative to traditional dental implant placement. 

Zygomatic implants let us replace teeth in areas where your jawbone has depleted. We can replace missing teeth from your upper row by using long dental implants angled into the zygomatic arch (the cheekbone).

The cheekbone is much denser than the maxillary bone, which is where we’d normally place implants to support upper teeth. To access this bone, the implants we’ll use are significantly longer than usual and will provide firm anchorage.

When having a zygomatic implant, there’s no need to have a sinus lift or bone graft. This type of procedure is a game-changer for many people who have been told that dental implants aren’t right for them.

What Are the Benefits of Zygomatic Implants?

If you were to have a sinus lift or bone graft, you’d need to wait several months for your jaw to heal before we could place the implants. Opting for zygomatic implants will reduce the overall length of your treatment process. 

Added to the specific benefits of zygomatic implants, you’ll also enjoy everything traditional implants offer. Because we use bespoke lifelike replacement teeth modelled on your mouth, you’ll get a smile that makes you feel good. 

Dental implants fuse with the bone, creating a tight union that offers rigidity to your bite. Unlike other options for replacing teeth, you can chew confidently without turning down your favourite meal. 

Unlike dentures, implants hold your replacement teeth tight to your jaw. That means there’s no danger of them slipping while you’re speaking—that’s great news for anyone who loves to talk. 

Because implants are titanium, they’re strong and won’t ever deteriorate. Once we’ve placed your implants, they’re there for life.

Placing Zygomatic Implants

Before placing your zygomatic implants, we’ll perform a full assessment of your teeth, jaw, and cheekbone. We’ll take a CT scan to view your facial structures accurately. These digital images help us determine where to position the zygomatic implants for maximum effect. 

Usually, we’ll use two longer implants which we’ll insert into your cheekbone at an angle. Up to four standard dental implants will compliment these. We’ll space these additional implants across your jaw to give even support. 

When we place your implants, we’ll give you an anaesthetic. This ensures the process is pain-free. 

After the implant placement, we’ll fit a temporary set of replacement teeth. You’ll wear these while the skilled technicians craft your final smile. If you think your temporary teeth look and feel great, you’ll love what’s in store when the team has finished making the permanent set. 

We’ll keep an eye on how well your new implants bind with your bone. Once we’re happy that they’ve fused, we’ll fit your permanent teeth. 

Caring for Your Zygomatic Implants

The great news about zygomatic implants is that they’re easy to take care of. There’s nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to maintaining your new smile. 

Brushing your teeth is essential. Although your replacement teeth won’t be susceptible to tooth decay, you could still develop gum disease through exposure to bacteria. In severe cases, advanced gum disease can harm your jaws, potentially affecting your implants. 

Always brush twice daily for two minutes each time. Use fluoride toothpaste and thoroughly brush every part of your teeth. It may also help to use mouthwash and floss. 

Although your implants aren’t natural teeth, it’s still important to come and see us often. If we see you twice a year, we’ll notice the early warning signs of a problem, and we can address this before it worsens. 

Zygomatic Implants at Love Teeth

Zygomatic implants are a revolutionary way of replacing upper teeth where your jawbone lacks sufficient density. The implants provide outstanding support for your new smile, allowing you to chew and speak with renewed confidence. 

We’re experienced and equipped at Love Teeth to deliver this groundbreaking dental procedure at our Cheam, Chessington, Sutton, and Stonecot clinics. 

Get in touch today and schedule a consultation if you’d like to learn more about the life-changing benefits of zygomatic implants and find out whether they’re right for you.