Severe bone loss, particularly in the upper jaw, can make traditional dental restorations more difficult. Implants, however, are more important than ever in these situations to restore your smile, stop additional bone loss, and help avoid the aged appearance brought on by bone resorption. Zygomatic implants may be a resourceful solution in these situations.
Zygomatic implants, attached to the cheekbone or zygomatic bone, provide an alternative for patients with inadequate maxillary bone. Here, we’ll cover all the benefits of this treatment in detail.
What Causes Severe Bone Loss in the Maxilla?
Periodontal disease, extended denture use, or even the natural aging process can lead to severe bone loss in the maxilla, also known as atrophic maxilla.
This condition has several consequences; it can impact one's appearance, diminish the stability of the upper jaw, and make it difficult to place traditional dental implants. Patients with insufficient upper bone often struggle with everyday functions, like chewing, speaking, and showing off their pearly whites.
Other health risks are also associated with severe bone loss in the maxilla (upper jaw), like:
- Facial Collapse and Aesthetic Alterations: The maxilla is an important component of facial structure. Severe bone loss can lead to a sunken-looking face, which can cause premature aging and lower self-esteem.
- Difficulty with Dentures and Prosthetics: Traditional dentures may not fit correctly due to insufficient bone support, causing discomfort and functional difficulties.
- Increased Fracture Risk: Severe bone loss weakens the jawbone, making it more prone to fractures and complicating recovery.
- Increased Risk of Sinus Problems: Pneumatization, or the expansion of the sinuses, can result from bone loss in the posterior maxilla, which can cause discomfort and other sinus-related issues.
Zygomatic implant surgery is an innovative treatment that helps prevent these issues. These implants leverage the zygomatic bone’s density for support, avoiding the need for a bone graft or sinus lift while helping patients restore their full smile.
What Are Zygomatic Implants?
As a practical substitute for conventional dental implants, zygomatic implants give hope to those dealing with the consequences of significant maxillary bone loss.
Zygomatic implants are longer and made to attach to the zygomatic bone after extending past the maxillary deficiency. By using the natural stability and density of the zygomatic bone, also referred to as the cheekbone, for implant support, these robust implants allow patients to regain the appearance and functionality of their teeth.
That way, they can avoid the common problem of insufficient bone density in the maxilla. This can be especially helpful for patients with a resorbed edentulous maxilla, a common consequence of prolonged use of removable dentures or periodontal disease.
Zygomatic implants also offer a viable treatment option for patients who have had unsuccessful bone grafts, sinus lifts, or even traditional implant procedures. Moreover, patients can rest assured knowing that zygomatic implant surgery is highly sophisticated and specialized, with an impressive success rate of about 97-98%.
Benefits of Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants offer a wide range of benefits.
- Longer dental implants provide a stable foundation for dental restorations, supporting bridges or dentures and restoring a patient’s ability to speak and chew without discomfort.
- Although the surgery may seem invasive, these implants offer quicker recovery times than, for example, a sinus lift combined with a traditional implant placement. Patients can resume normal activities within days.
- When properly maintained, zygomatic implants have a long lifespan. This allows patients with severe bone loss to enjoy an improved quality of life for years.
- Implants help stop further bone resorption and even contribute to restoring the health of your jaw, reversing the side effects of an atrophic maxilla.
What is the Process for Getting Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic implant placement is a complex, highly technical procedure that calls for accuracy and knowledge.
To determine the patient's eligibility for the procedure, the oral surgeon will begin with a thorough assessment of the patient's general and oral health. We will visually examine your teeth and gums, take dental X-rays to analyze your bone density, and use advanced technology like CT scans to plan the implant placement.
During this period, we will carefully plan where to place the implant to optimize contact with the zygomatic bone and guarantee that the prosthetic teeth are aligned correctly. Then, on the day of the surgery, our doctor makes precise incisions to expose the zygomatic bone and meticulously places the zygomatic implants.
Following surgery, the patient goes through a healing phase that lasts for several months, in which the implant and bone fuse together. During this time, maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling follow-up visits with the surgeon are essential to ensuring a successful implant integration and managing any possible issues.
What Is the Zygomatic Implant Recovery Like?
The recovery process for zygomatic dental implants is relatively similar to that for traditional dental implants. However, because the procedure extends past the jawbone, patients may experience more bruising, especially within 48-72 hours.
To reduce discomfort, apply cold compresses (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) for the first 24-48 hours. After 48 hours, change to warm compresses to encourage healing and circulation. Additionally, take any prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter pain relievers as your surgeon recommends.
For at least two to four weeks, maintain a soft diet to prevent straining the implants. Good food choices include mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, soups, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and soft pasta. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could stress the implants.
Regarding oral hygiene, avoid rinsing, spitting, or using straws during the first 24 hours to prevent blood clot dislodging. After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water or a prescribed antiseptic mouthwash. Avoid swishing or brushing directly on the surgical site for the first few days.
If you notice complications like excessive bleeding, severe pain, fever, pus, or foul taste, visit us immediately.
Discover If You’re a Candidate for Zygomatic Implants!
Zygomatic implants are an innovative solution for patients who struggle with inadequate bone mass in the upper jaw, making them poor candidates for traditional dental implants.
By firmly attaching to the dense bone in the cheekbone area, these special implants get around the problems caused by insufficient bone volume, reduce treatment times, and help patients fully restore their smile for years. If you’d like to figure out whether or not zygomatic implants are a viable option for you, contact Butura Oral and Dental Implant Surgery today!
