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:
- Have been denied dental implants due to significant bone loss in the upper jaw
- Have difficulty keeping your dentures in due to bone loss in the jaw
- Struggle to eat, chew effectively, and talk due to missing or failing teeth
- Want to avoid a bone graft or sinus lift
- 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.
