Zygomatic implants are a new and advanced dental implant technique for patients with severe maxillary (upper jaw) resorption. Zygomatic implants are a real alternative for patients for whom traditional dental implants are unsuitable due to a lack of bone in the upper jaw.
Instead of placing the titanium implants in the jaw bone, longer zygoma implants are attached to the cheekbone. Many patients with significant bone loss prefer this method as it avoids grafting and sinus lift procedures, which involve shorter, more comfortable treatments.
What is a Zygoma?
Usually, normal dental implants are inserted into the jawbone; however, if you have upper jaw bone loss, the bone may be too weak to support a traditional dental implant, resulting in dental problems.
The zygoma implants are inserted into the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) to support maxillary teeth (upper jaw teeth), bridges, and dentures. The zygoma is a very dense bone that provides excellent support for dental implants. This procedure can even replace a complete arch at once.
Advantages of Zygoma Implants
1. Shorter Treatment Period:
A Zygomatic implant requires a shorter treatment period than other implants. In this scenario, the time required for the implant to fuse completely with the zygomatic bone is approximately 4 to 6 months, whereas a bone graft followed by the placement of traditional implants requires 9 to 12 months.
2. Reduced Need for Bone Grafting:
No bone graft is required since the implant is inserted into the zygomatic bone rather than the jawbone. Therefore, the patient does not need a second surgery in addition to the implant placement.
3. Improved Patient Outcomes:
Zygomatic dental implants offer a natural-looking solution for missing teeth, which can improve patients’ confidence and self-esteem. Also, surgical wounds heal faster in this procedure than traditional implants, hence improving patient outcomes.
4. Immediate Functionality:
Because of the strength of the implants and support from the implant site, patients can be discharged on the same day as the procedure with new teeth. This can be a boon for patients who have experienced a complicated history of oral health problems because of its immediate functionality.
5. Higher Success Rate in Compromised Bone Situations:
These implants are great options for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw who may not be candidates for traditional dental implant placement.
6. Improved Stability and Support:
Zygomatic implants anchor a prosthetic tooth in the upper jaw, such as a dental bridge or a denture. 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.
7. High Success Rates:
The overall success rate of zygomatic implants is higher than 97%, comparable to that of normal dental implants. It also involves better patient care and comfort.
8. Overcome Bone Resorption:
Loss of bone density and volume is a common issue faced by patients suffering from edentulous, a condition without teeth, for an extended period. The zygomatic implants are anchored in the zygomatic bone or the cheekbone, a dense and sturdy part of the facial skeleton. So, this procedure results in successful implant placement even when there is insufficient bone in the upper jaw, avoiding the need for complex bone grafting procedures.
9. Potential for Immediate Loading:
The major advantage of Zygoma implants is their potential for immediate loading, which means any prosthetic (temporary or permanent) can be attached to the implants immediately after placement. This is because the zygomatic bone is much stronger and provides exceptional stability. Prompt loading of prostheses results in less time for healing, allowing patients to regain their functional and aesthetic abilities promptly.
Indications for Zygoma Implants
Zygoma implants are not recommended for every patient. Only people with severe bone deterioration will benefit from a Zygomatic Implant procedure where other options fail or are not possible to carry on.
Severe Bone Loss in Upper Jaw:
Zygomatic implants are designed specifically for patients who have significant bone loss in the upper jaw but would still like a permanent upper bridge. These implants are significantly longer than traditional implants and placed at an angle into the dense zygoma bone or the cheekbone.
Unsuitable for Traditional Implants:
Zygomatic implants are an effective alternative for patients who are not ideal candidates for traditional implants. People who do not have enough bones in the upper jaw for traditional implant bridges or who needed significant grafting before implant placement can now benefit from dental implant restorations.
Overall Health Considerations:
This is a secure and fast-healing surgical procedure that is suitable for people with prolonged and subsequent health considerations.
Zygoma Implants Procedure
Pre-Operative Assessment
- Consultation: The first step in the process is a consultation with a dentist who specializes in implant dentistry. During this consultation, your oral health will be evaluated, and they will determine if zygomatic implants are a suitable treatment option.
- Planning: If zygomatic implants are suitable 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.
Surgical Steps Involved
- Dental Sedation: Before the procedure begins, the patient will receive local anaesthesia or sedative medicines 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.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
- 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.
Potential Risks and Complications
Zygoma Implants are indeed a critical or complex surgical procedure due to its special requirements and patients’ conditions. Therefore, surgical risks are involved. You should consult a reputed dental unit or dentist with enough experience and good reviews.
Nerve injury: The placement of zygoma implants requires careful surgical precision to avoid damaging the surrounding nerves, particularly the infraorbital nerve. Nerve injury can result in numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the affected areas.
Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the implant site or surrounding areas. Proper oral hygiene and adherence to post-operative instructions are crucial to minimise such risks.
Implant failure: In some cases, the zygoma implant may fail to integrate properly with the surrounding bone, leading to implant loosening or rejection. This could be due to factors such as poor bone quality, excessive loading, or some underlying medical conditions.
Sinus complications: Since the zygoma implants are placed close to the maxillary sinus, there is a risk of sinus membrane perforation or inflammation. This can lead to sinus infections or other sinus-related issues.
Aesthetic complications: In some cases, the placement of zygoma implants may result in visible implant components, leading to aesthetic concerns. Proper implant positioning and soft tissue management are crucial to avoid or lessen this risk.
Prolonged healing: Compared to conventional dental implants, zygoma implants may require a longer healing and recovery period due to the complexity of the procedure and the involvement of the zygomatic bone.
How to Mitigate Risks
Every surgical procedure involves risks of some kind. A few precautionary measures you may follow to minimise and mitigate such risks.
- Consulting an experienced professional: One must be particular before consulting a dental professional for an implant procedure. These complex and sensitive procedures are best treated by an expert.
- Careful Selection of Brand: When choosing a dental facility with implant services, you should consider selecting a reputable brand with enough experience.
Comparison with Other Dental Implant Options
Zygoma Implants vs. Traditional Dental Implants
- Conventional implants are anchored in the upper jaw or lower jaw, while zygoma implants are anchored in the zygoma bone, sometimes partially in the upper jaw. This is the major difference between Zygoma and other implants.
- Zygoma implant screws are three to five times longer than conventional implant screws because the zygoma bones they anchor into are located much deeper from the gum line.
- Zygoma implants only replace upper arches, while traditional implants can replace teeth in both the upper jaw and lower jaw as needed.
- Candidates – traditional dental implants require sufficient jawbone density, which some candidates may need supplementary surgery to achieve, while zygomatic implants don’t.
Zygoma Implants vs. All-on-4 Implants
- The major difference between zygomatic implants and other implants is Zygoma includes the implants placed in the cheekbones while others, including All-on-4 implants, are placed in the upper or lower jaw.
- Zygomatic implants are typically used when the jawbone is too thin or too soft to support traditional dental implants. That is not the case in All-on-4 implants.
- Another difference between the two implant systems is the length of the treatment process. While All-on-4 implants can be placed in a single appointment, zygomatic implants require a comparatively longer treatment time. This is because zygomatic is a complex surgical procedure requiring longer healing.
- In terms of long-term prognosis, both All-on-4 implants and zygomatic implants have a high success rate. However, zygomatic implants have a slightly higher risk of complications, such as implant failure, surgical risks or sinus problems.
Both zygomatic and traditional implants have a very high success rate, but zygomatic implants are slightly more reliable. The longevity of both implant types also promises excellent value, as the implanted posts can last many decades, and the crowns or bridges can last for 10–25 years, depending on how well the patient cares for them and maintains their oral hygiene.
Zygomatic implants are usually the most cost-effective option over traditional implants with bone replacement surgeries, especially for people with severe bone complexities. If you need clarification about which implant procedure is more suitable for you or are willing to learn more about Zygomatic implants, log on to our website.
Also Read: The Advantages of Guided Implant Surgery
FAQs
The pain and swelling can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. However, over-the-counter pain medication and doctor’s prescribed medicines subside the discomfort within a few days.
Zygomatic implants have a high long-term survival rate, almost the same as compared to conventional implants.
A single zygomatic is not commonly recommended. It is mostly used in the upper full arch treatment, which may include three normal implants, two zygomatic implants, and the prosthesis. This can cost between INR 3 and 7 lakh per jaw, which may vary with time and location.
These procedures are designed to provide a feasible solution for patients with missing teeth and severe bone loss in the upper jawbone, and as such, they do not require bone grafting.
The “quad zygoma” or quadruple zygoma involves inserting four zygomatic implants with adequate anteroposterior spread and correct inclination for the distribution of forces. It is meant for patients with insufficient anterior and posterior maxilla bone height.
References
Aparicio, C., Manresa, C., Francisco, K., Claros, P., & Albrektsson, T. (2014). Zygomatic implants: indications, techniques and outcomes, and the Zygomatic Success Code. Periodontology 2000, 66(1), 41-58. Link
Chrcanovic, B. R., Abreu, M. H. N. G., & Custódio, A. L. N. (2013). Survival and complications of zygomatic implants: a systematic review. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 17, 81-93.
Malevez, C., Daelemans, P., Adriaenssens, P., & Durdu, F. (2003). Use of zygomatic implants to deal with resorbed posterior maxillae. Periodontology 2000, 33, 82-89.
Bedrossian, E. (2010). Rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla with the zygoma concept: a 7-year prospective study. International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 25(6), 1213-1220. Link
Esposito, M., Worthington, H. V., Coulthard, P., & Grusovin, M. G. (2005). Interventions for replacing missing teeth: zygomatic implants. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), CD004151.
