Key Takeaways
- Zygomatic dental implants are placed in the cheekbone (zygomatic bone) instead of the jawbone and are designed for patients with severe upper jawbone loss.
- These implants are longer than traditional implants and bypass the need for bone grafting procedures by anchoring into the stronger, denser cheekbone.
- The cost ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 per arch, or up to $30,000 for a full set, making them more expensive than traditional implants.
- Recovery time is typically faster than traditional implants, with patients returning to normal activities within a few days to a week.
- Zygomatic implants are considered a specialized treatment used in only a small percentage of dental implant cases, requiring an experienced oral surgeon.
Reach New Heights in Dental Restoration
When traditional dental implants aren’t an option due to severe bone loss in the upper jaw, zygomatic dental implants provide a groundbreaking alternative. These implants bypass the need for bone grafting and offer a stable, long-lasting solution for those with significant bone deficiencies.
Contact our best dental implant dentist in Hilliard, OH, today by calling (614) 771-6060 to learn more about your dental implant treatment options. Explore how zygomatic dental implants can transform your smile and enhance your quality of life. Our Hilliard dental practice near you welcomes new and returning patients from Columbus, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Grove City, Westerville, and surrounding areas in Ohio.
What Are Zygomatic Dental Implants?
A zygomatic dental implant is a tooth replacement placed in the zygomatic bone, which is a bone located in the cheek area of the upper jaw. Zygomatic implants are longer than traditional dental implants and provide additional support for patients with severe bone loss in the cheekbone of the upper jaw.
Zygomatic implants are designed to anchor a prosthetic tooth, such as a dental bridge or a denture, in the upper jaw. The implant is surgically placed in the zygomatic bone, which is a stronger and denser bone than the jawbone, allowing it to support the weight of the prosthetic.
Zygomatic Implant Benefits
The benefits of zygomatic dental implants include:
- A strong foundation for dental restorations: Zygomatic implants provide strong foundations for restorations such as dental bridges or dentures, allowing patients to regain the ability to speak and chew comfortably.
- Suitable option for patients with severe bone loss: These implants are an option for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw who may not be candidates for traditional dental implant placement. There’s also no need for a bone grafting procedure.
- Faster recovery: The recovery time after zygomatic implant placement is typically shorter than traditional implant placement, and patients can return to their normal activities within a few days.
- Long-lasting: When properly cared for, zygomatic dental implants can last for many years, providing patients with a long-lasting solution.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Zygomatic dental implants offer a natural-looking solution for missing teeth, which can improve patients’ confidence and self-esteem.
Zygomatic Implant Surgery
Unlike traditional dental implants, which are placed anywhere in the upper jaw or lower jaw, zygomatic implants provide additional support for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of the zygomatic dental implant procedure:
- Consultation: The first step in the process is a consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dentist who specializes in implant dentistry. During this consultation, your oral health will be evaluated, and they’ll determine if zygomatic implants are a suitable treatment option.
- Planning: If zygomatic implants are best for you, the dentist will use advanced dental implant technology, such as CT scans, to create a personalized treatment plan. The plan will determine the optimal placement of the implants and ensure that the prosthetic teeth will be properly aligned.
- Dental Sedation: Before the procedure begins, the patient will receive local anesthesia or IV sedation to numb the surgical area.
- Incisions: The surgeon will make small incisions in the gum tissue to access the zygomatic bone. They’ll place the implants directly into the bone, providing a stronger foundation for the prosthetic teeth.
- Attachment: Once the implants are securely in place, the surgeon will attach abutments to the top of the implants. These abutments serve as connectors between the implant and the prosthetic teeth.
- Healing: After the procedure is complete, the patient will need to allow time for the implants to heal and integrate with the bone. This process typically takes several months and requires careful oral hygiene and regular check-ups with the dentist.
- Prosthetic Teeth: Once the implants have fully healed, the dentist will attach the prosthetic teeth, such as a dental bridge or denture. These teeth will be customized to fit the patient’s mouth and provide a natural-looking solution for missing teeth.
Are Zygomatic Implants Commonly Used?
While zygomatic implants are a possible treatment option for those with severe jaw bone loss, endosteal dental implants remain the most common option for tooth replacement. Zygomatic implants are considered a specialized treatment.
Using zygomatic implants depends on several factors, including the patient’s individual needs, the oral surgeon’s experience and expertise, and the availability of zygomatic implant systems. It’s estimated that zygomatic implants are used in a small percentage of dental implant cases.
Cost of Zygomatic Implants
Compared to traditional dental implants, zygomatic implants are more expensive because of their specialized nature and the additional surgical expertise required to place them. Patients should expect to pay several thousand dollars per zygomatic implant, with costs ranging from $8,000 to $15,000 per arch, or up to $30,000 for a full set of zygomatic implants.
The cost of zygomatic dental implants isn’t typically covered by dental insurance. However, some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider before undergoing the procedure.
Patients should also consider the long-term benefits of zygomatic implants when considering the cost. While the initial cost may be higher than traditional implants, zygomatic implants offer a long-lasting solution for patients with severe bone loss, eliminating the need for costly bone grafting procedures or sinus lifts and ensuring a strong foundation for dental restorations for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of zygomatic dental implants?
Risks of zygomatic implants include infection, nerve damage, and implant failure, though these are generally low when performed by qualified surgeons. The procedure is more complex than traditional implants due to proximity to sinuses and facial nerves, making the surgeon’s experience crucial for success.
How long is the recovery after zygomatic implant surgery?
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days to one week after zygomatic implant placement. Complete healing and bone integration take several months, but recovery is typically faster than with traditional implants since no bone grafting is required.
Who is a candidate for zygomatic dental implants in Hilliard?
Ideal candidates have severe upper jawbone loss that makes traditional implants impossible, good overall health, adequate zygomatic bone density, and realistic expectations. Patients who can’t or don’t want bone grafting procedures are often good candidates for zygomatic implants.
Do dentists in Hilliard perform zygomatic implant surgery?
Zygomatic implant placement requires specialized training and is typically performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons or periodontists with advanced implantology experience. Our Hilliard office can refer you to qualified specialists in the Columbus area for zygomatic implant evaluation and treatment.
Restore Your Smile Today!
Achieve your dream smile and replace your missing teeth with zygomatic dental implants. To learn more about zygomatic implants and if they’re the best choice for your dental needs, contact your dentist today. If you live in Hilliard, our dentist has the experience needed to help you achieve your dream smile.
Contact our dental practice near you today at (614) 771-6060 to discuss your treatment options. We welcome new and returning patients from Columbus, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Grove City, Westerville, and surrounding areas in Ohio.
