If you’re looking to get a dental implant, you have probably come across zygomatic implants. Since this implant type is relatively new, you probably don’t know much about them and how they compare to conventional implants. Here’s what you need to learn about zygomatic implants.
Used to Replace Upper Teeth
Zygomatic implants are specially designed to supplant upper teeth. They can be used to replace a missing tooth, severely decayed teeth, or teeth that have loosened due to severe gum disease.
Additionally, zygomatic implants are a perfect option for patients for whom conventional implants are unsuitable due to the lack of bone mass in the upper jaw. Dentists can also use zygomatic implants in conjunction with standard implants to replace lower and upper teeth.
Zygomatic Implants Get Attached to The Cheekbone
Zygomatic implants got named after the bone they get attached to, the cheekbone or zygomatic bone. The cheekbone is denser than the maxillary bone and offers a strong support area for the implant. Zygomatic implants are considerably longer than standard implants because they get attached to the cheekbone.
Suitable for Patients With Inadequate Bone Mass
One of the major requirements for a dental implant procedure to take place is sufficient bone mass. Nonetheless, experts can safely place zygomatic implants even in cases where a patient lacks bone mass or has poor maxillary bone quality. This becomes possible because zygomatic implants are not attached to the maxillary bone. Instead, they get implanted into the cheekbone.
Unlike jawbones, cheekbones don’t lose bone mass due to severe periodontal disease or loss of teeth.
Eliminate the Need for The Bone Grafting Procedure
In most cases, when a dental implant gets attached to upper jaws with low bone mass, supplemental procedures become necessary. One of the common procedures is a sinus lift, whereby the dentist thickens the bone between the sinus cavity and oral cavity to ensure the implant does not cause damage to the sinuses. Often, you have to wait until the sinus lift heals before getting the implants, which can take months or years.
However, with zygomatic implants, you don’t have to undergo supplemental procedures, making it possible to get your implants promptly.
Immediate Teeth
Zygomatic implants get angled into the cheekbone. The heavy composition of the cheekbone, together with the angulation of the zygomatic implant, allows a dentist to quickly load a dental prosthetic onto the implant during surgery. This means you will not go without teeth while the implant heals. You don’t have to wait to regain complete dentition.
Higher Success Rate
Like standard Dental Implants, zygomatic implant treatments are highly successful due to dental implant technological advancements experienced in the last two decades. But generally, the success of all dental implant procedures depends on your overall health and ability to continue with routine maintenance.
To maintain functionality, you have to care for the implant by flossing and brushing at least two times per day to keep the teeth and implants clean. Routine appointments with your dentists are recommended to clean areas you cannot reach with a standard toothbrush. If you follow your dentist’s guidelines and advice, zygomatic implants can serve you for life.
Less Invasive Procedure
While zygomatic implants may sound invasive than traditional treatments, experts can place them in a single surgical procedure while you’re receiving intravenous sedation treatment. During the process, your dentist uses a surgical guide to place the implants strategically in your cheekbone to ensure your sinuses remain unharmed.
The procedure also involves placing additional traditional implants to the area with the densest jawbone to secure the implant correctly and ensure it supports the new teeth. The process usually takes one day, helping you gain a beautiful new smile quickly.
Reasons to Consider Zygomatic Implants
If you want implants but experience bone loss issues, consider getting zygomatic implants before undergoing supplemental procedures. A zygomatic dental implant is an incredible
way of getting a beautiful, confident, and healthy smile. Furthermore, a sinus lift will require you to spend a lot of time vising your dentist compared to a zygomatic implant.
Zygomatic implants are a relatively new advancement in the implant dentistry sector. Dr. Per Ingvar Branemark, the father of implant dentistry, developed this procedure in the late 1990s. Since their introduction, these implants have become increasingly popular due to their effectiveness in people who would never qualify for dental implant treatment.
