Zygomatic implants give you a second chance at having a beautiful smile. Instead of anchoring implants in the jawbone, zygomatic implants anchor within the cheekbone, offering an effective alternative for teeth restoration when you have been denied conventional dental implants due to bone loss. If you are ready to embrace a renewed smile that looks, feels, and fits just like natural teeth, explore the option of zygomatic implants at Carolinas Centers for Oral & Facial Surgery in Denver, North Carolina. 

What are Zygomatic Implants? 

Zygomatic implants are innovative dental implants designed to replace teeth in the upper jaw when you have suffered severe bone loss. 

These types of implants are slightly tilted and much longer than traditional dental implants. They also anchor to the cheekbone, known as the zygoma, instead of embedding into the jawbone.

This anchoring technique makes them an ideal solution to replace missing or failing teeth when there is considerable bone loss— the zygoma is made up of very dense bone and provides ample support for implants. 

Ideal Candidates

At Carolinas Centers for Oral & Facial Surgery, we recommend zygomatic implants if you:

  1. Have been denied dental implants due to significant bone loss in the upper jaw
  2. Have difficulty keeping your dentures in due to bone loss in the jaw
  3. Struggle to eat, chew effectively, and talk due to missing or failing teeth 
  4. Want to avoid a bone graft or sinus lift 
  5. Want to enjoy your new teeth as soon as possible

Zygomatic implants give you another chance at revitalizing your smile and improving your quality of life even after significant bone loss in the upper jaw.

Getting Started with Zygomatic Implants 

The Consultation 

When you are ready to take the next step towards restoring your smile with zygomatic implants, schedule a consultation with the experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Carolinas Centers for Oral & Facial Surgery. 

At your initial consultation, we will assess and use advanced technology to take three-dimensional scans (CBCT scans) of your jaw to get a more comprehensive view of your individual needs. Additionally, we will ask you questions to better understand your goals, medical history, current medications, and procedure concerns. These questions help us build you a personalized treatment plan that covers all of your options. 

If you have specific questions or concerns about zygomatic implants, the surgery, or procedure costs, this is an ideal opportunity to discuss those with your doctor. We want to ensure you feel comfortable moving forward with your treatment plan. 

What Should I Do in Preparation? 

Before surgery, your doctor will provide a list of pre-operative instructions. We recommend you follow these instructions closely, as they help encourage a smooth surgery and foster optimal healing during your recovery. 

What is Surgery Like?

On the day of surgery, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will administer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Then, your surgeon will perform a tooth extraction if this is part of your treatment plan. 

Next, they will anchor the zygomatic implant strategically in your cheekbone (the zygoma) to achieve maximum stability. This technique provides a solid foundation for a full upper arch bridge, delivering a beautifully restored smile. 

Once the zygomatic implants are in place, you will rest in our relaxing recovery room until the anesthesia wears off. We will then discharge you to finish your recovery in the comfort of your own home.

Recovery and Aftercare

On the day of surgery, you can expect mild discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, as well as some swelling, tenderness, and bruising in the treated area. We recommend applying ice compressions for the first couple of days following your procedure to minimize discomfort and swelling. While you may feel nauseous, you can resume eating soft foods, such as oatmeal, pudding, and eggs. Additionally, make sure you drink plenty of fluids. 

In the three to five days following your zygomatic implant surgery, you may experience increased swelling and bruising as your jaw continues to heal, but this should resolve around day five. 

Depending on your recovery rate, your doctor may recommend eating soft foods for a few weeks to three months after your surgery. However, your doctor will provide personalized recovery and aftercare instructions to foster optimal healing and recovery. 

There are three main choices for anesthesia

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia provides numbness directly where it is administered. It does not affect consciousness, so the patient remains awake while the feelings of discomfort are eliminated. Local anesthesia is commonly used for minor procedures.

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that the patient inhales to alleviate feelings of anxiety. It does not cause the patient to lose consciousness. It is often used together with local anesthesia.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is commonly used for moderate to extensive oral or facial surgery procedures. This type of sedation is administered directly into the patient’s vein. Since amnesia (forgetfulness) is a common side effect of the medication, most patients who use IV sedation do not remember their procedure.

Learn More About Anesthesia


We’re Here For You 

If you have one or more missing teeth but not enough bone density for traditional dental implants, it is time to consider zygomatic implants. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons are passionate about helping you restore your smile with this innovative implant alternative and have the skills to deliver outstanding results. Call us at (704) 820-2982 and schedule a consultation today.