Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are an innovative technique for inserting implants when there is insufficient bone in the maxilla (upper jaw) due to bone resorption following extraction. They offer a solution for patients who are not ideal candidates for implant placement by providing a fixed restoration.
Camden High Street Dental Practice has assembled a team of expert dental surgeons with extensive experience, advanced skills, and innovative thinking, enabling them to perform even the most complex oral surgeries. We provide zygomatic implants with a high success rate and high patient satisfaction.
Zygomatic Implants: An Overview
After a tooth extraction, the jawbone becomes unstimulated, leading to bone resorption that can account for up to 50% of the bone volume. This significant resorption, along with delayed restoration of the missing teeth or prolonged use of a removable denture, may make it more difficult to restore the missing teeth later using dental implants due to insufficient bone to support the implants.
Zygomatic implants provide a solution for full-arch restoration when there is insufficient bone support for conventional implants.
Zygomatic implants are embedded in the zygomatic bone on each side of the upper arch. The zygomatic bone, also known as the cheekbone, is denser and stronger than the jawbone.
They act as the foundation for All-On-Four implant restoration, where four conventional implants are inserted in a predetermined position and distance from each other.
Also offering the advantage of having a temporary restoration loaded on the same day.
Difference between Zygomatic Implants and conventional dental implants
Zygomatic implants are like conventional dental implants in that they are metal fixtures inserted into the bone; however, they differ in their site of insertion, design, and applications.
Conventional implants are titanium screws that are tapered in shape, resembling the roots of the tooth. They are inserted into the jawbone and require adequate bone quality and quantity surrounding them for proper support.
While zygomatic implants are longer than conventional implants, typically ranging from 35 to 55 mm, they are angled 45 degrees to obtain their support from the denser zygomatic bone. These implants are inserted in the cheekbone, or zygoma, to support a restoration in the areas where there is insufficient jawbone support.
Zygomatic implant placement is a more complex surgical procedure that is specifically designed to replace missing upper teeth. In contrast, conventional implant placement is a simpler procedure and can be used to replace both upper and lower teeth.
Indications of Zygomatic Implants
Rehabilitation of a severely resorbed maxillary arch.
To avoid sinus lift and bone graft procedures.
Failure of conventional implant placement, sinus lift procedure, and bone graft.
Rehabilitation of cases with maxillary resection due to tumor or trauma.
Zygomatic Implants procedure at Camden High Street Dental Practice
Preparation Phase
A detailed medical history is collected to ensure you are medically fit for the surgery.
Due to the extensive drilling distance, a thorough investigation using cone beam CT is necessary to assess the bone condition and anatomical landmarks, particularly the extension of the maxillary sinus.
A team of our finest oral surgeons and prosthodontists determine the number, dimensions, and locations of zygomatic and conventional implants to be used.
Surgical Procedure
The surgery is conducted under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia, which blocks the nearby nerves. Then a full flap is raised, and the bone is exposed.
The access to the zygomatic bone may be through:
- Intra-sinus approach: The path for drilling the zygomatic bone starts from the crest of the alveolar ridge and then proceeds to the lateral wall of the sinus space. The sinus membrane is elevated, and a specialized drill is used to prepare the implant space in the zygomatic bone. The implant emerges from the oral cavity nearly at the center of the alveolar ridge.
- Extra-sinus approach: The drilling path extends from the lateral wall of the maxilla towards the root of the zygomatic bone without penetrating the maxillary sinus space. The implant is emerging buccal to the maxillary sinus and appears in the oral cavity near the crest of the alveolar ridge.
The extra-sinus approach results in less post-operative pain, swelling, and inflammation of the maxillary sinus compared to the intra-sinus approach. Special instruments are used to prepare the zygomatic bone for implant placement. Then, the edentulous ridge is prepared for conventional implant placement.
After all the implants are secured in their places, a temporary denture is loaded to provide you with function and aesthetics until complete bone fusion around the implants. After complete healing, the temporary denture is removed, and the final denture is constructed.
Advantages of Zygomatic Implants
- Revive the hopes of patients with severe bone resorption to have a more stable implant-supported restoration.
- Reduces the treatment time and eliminates the need for bone graft procedures.
- Immediate loading of the restoration, so you can walk out with a complete smile without waiting 4-6 months for complete osseointegration.
- Improve the masticatory function, esthetics, and speech for patients who were not eligible for implants and suffered from ill-fitting dentures.
- Durable.
- High success rate.
Disadvantages of Zygomatic Implants
- Complex procedure and require a highly trained, experienced dentist.
- Expensive as it requires highly specialized instruments.
- Longer recovery time compared to immediate loading conventional implants.
- Limited to restoring upper teeth only.
Contraindications For Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are contraindicated for use when there is a condition related to the bone and maxillary sinus. The contraindications for zygomatic implants include:
- Active sinus infection: Patients with an active infection of the maxillary sinus are not suitable for zygomatic implant placement because of the high risk of surgical site infection, especially if the intra-sinus approach is to be used.
- Bone or maxillary sinus tumours: Any tumour in the maxillary sinus or maxillary bone contraindicates the placement of zygomatic implants because of weakened bone caused by the tumour. Additionally, if the tumour treatment has advanced, especially with radiotherapy, you cannot have zygomatic implants until the treatment is complete because radiotherapy impairs tissue healing, which may increase the risk of implant failure.
- Osteoporosis: This condition causes the bones to become weak and brittle, leading to easy bone fractures.
These conditions must be handled first before considering zygomatic implants to ensure their success.
Zygomatic Implants Procedure at Camden High Street Dental Practice
Our dental experts at Camden High Street Dental Practice always aim to fulfill our patients’ dreams while ensuring the efficiency and durability of their treatments. Our experienced oral surgeons have placed over 5000 dental implants, including zygomatic implants, providing our patients with stable, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing restorations. This is the roadmap for zygomatic implants:
Preparation Phase:
A detailed medical history is collected to ensure you are medically fit for the surgery.
Due to the extensive drilling distance, a thorough investigation using cone beam CT is necessary to assess the bone condition and anatomical landmarks, particularly the extension of the maxillary sinus.
A team of our finest oral surgeons and prosthodontists determines the number, dimensions, and locations of zygomatic and conventional implants to be used.
Surgical Procedure:
The surgery is conducted under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia, which blocks the nearby nerves. Then a full flap is raised, and the bone is exposed.
The access to the zygomatic bone may be through:
Intra-sinus approach: The path for drilling the zygomatic bone starts from the crest of the alveolar ridge and then proceeds to the lateral wall of the sinus space. The sinus membrane is elevated, and a specialised drill is used to prepare the implant space in the zygomatic bone. The implant emerges from the oral cavity at the centre of the alveolar ridge.
Extra-sinus approach: The drilling path extends from the lateral wall of the maxilla towards the root of the zygomatic bone without penetrating the maxillary sinus space. The implant is emerging buccal to the maxillary sinus and appears in the oral cavity near the crest of the alveolar ridge.
The extra-sinus approach results in less post-operative pain, swelling, and inflammation of the maxillary sinus compared to the intra-sinus approach.
Special instruments are used to prepare the zygomatic bone for implant placement. Then, the edentulous ridge is prepared for conventional implant placement.
After all the implants are secured in their places, a temporary denture is loaded to provide you with function and aesthetics until complete bone fusion around the implants.
After complete healing, the temporary denture is removed, and the final denture is constructed.
Instructions following a Zygomatic Implant surgery
Following zygomatic and all on four implant placement and loading, you may experience some pain and swelling in the first few days.
- To control the pain, use the painkillers prescribed by the surgeon.
- To minimize the swelling, use ice packs for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first two days. On the third day, use a hot towel to accelerate the disappearance of the bruising.
- Take the prescribed antibiotics to avoid any infection at the surgical site. Also, antibacterial mouthwashes may be beneficial.
- Within the first few days, you may experience minor bleeding. Place a moist gauze or a tea bag wrapped in a gauze over the bleeding site.
- Follow a soft diet regime for a few days after the surgery.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol intake to promote healing.
- Do not blow your nose or sneeze during the first two weeks after surgery.
- Maintain oral hygiene measures, but avoid brushing the surgical site for a few weeks.
Maintain your follow-up appointments to allow your surgeon to monitor the healing and osseointegration of the implants. Once the implants heal, the temporary restoration is substituted with a permanent one, giving you a long-lasting, confident smile.
If at any time you experience increased pain intensity with time, unresolved swelling, or implant loss, consult your doctor immediately.
Zygomatic Implants Alternatives
1. Bone graft
Bone graft is a specialised dental procedure where sutures are made, and the flap is elevated to expose the jawbone. This is followed by augmenting the resorbed ridge with the chosen types of bone graft in a sufficient amount, then sutures are made. The bone graft is left to heal for a few months before implant insertion.
2. Sinus lift
Sinus lift is an oral surgery that involves elevating the floor of the maxillary sinus that occupies the maxillary bone above the premolar-molar area to create a space for bone graft insertion. A flap is made, and a window in the jawbone is made to expose the maxillary sinus floor. Then the removed bone or bone graft is inserted to elevate the floor of the maxillary sinus. The bone graft is left for a few months before proceeding with dental implant insertion.
3. Subperiosteal implants
Subperiosteal implants are a different type of dental implant that does not require drilling. They do not require enough bone to be inserted; on the contrary, they are indicated in cases with severely resorbed ridges. They are formed of a metallic framework that embraces the jawbone rather than drilling through the jawbone. Metallic attachments at their upper surface fit in their counteracting parts inserted in the fitting surface of the dentures. They are indicated for patients who are not eligible or refuse bone graft and zygomatic implants. Subperiosteal may be associated with a higher risk for infection because they are placed beneath the gum tissue.
Why Choose Us for Dental Implants in London?
Dedicated and experienced staff – Our skilled team of dentists keeps itself updated with the latest advancements in dentistry so that they can provide you with optimum results.
Personalised care and treatment – We have an effective and unique treatment plan for each patient that will match their lifestyle.
In-depth consultations – We will discuss the kind of treatment you need to perform and explain all the possible options so that you can make the right decision.
Quality treatment – All the patients can benefit from our simple and hassle-free treatments at any stage of their lives.
Affordable cost – We offer dental implants at an affordable price, along with suitable payment plans to fit every budget.
Our implant team has placed over 5,000 implants, often undertaking and receiving referral cases from other practitioners. We also consult and treat cases where you may have been told that you are unsuitable for dental implants. Having assembled one of the country’s leading dental implant teams, we can treat the most advanced and complex cases, including all-on-four dental implants. Our world-class team are pioneers in our surgical methods, with a national and international reputation as leaders in our field. Our Lead dental implant surgeons are oral surgeon Dr Javier Perez and Dr Sanjay Patel. Call us today at 020 7388 6108 or book your appointment online 24/7 to schedule a consultation.
Book Your Zygomatic Implant Consultation Today
Does bone resorption prevent you from having dental implants? Don’t settle for no as an answer to your dental implant dream. Call us on 02073886108 or book online 24/7 for a consultation with our dental experts to discuss the zygomatic implant solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zygomatic implants are titanium fixtures inserted in the zygomatic or cheekbone rather than the jawbone. They act as an anchor for the final restoration when severe bone resorption exists.
The zygoma is a dense and strong bone offering a solid foundation for implant placements, especially in the case of severely resorbed jawbone.
Zygomatic implants offer a solution to restore missing teeth in the upper jaw when there is severe bone loss, making it difficult to use conventional dental implants.
Zygomatic implants are inserted in the cheekbone to act as a base for the final restoration, while conventional implants are placed inside the jawbone. Zygomatic implants are also longer than conventional implants.
Zygomatic implants offer a stable base for implant placement in severely resorbed upper jaws. They also eliminate the need for bone graft procedures, allow for immediate restoration loading, improve the masticatory function, esthetics, and speech for patients with ill-fitting dentures. Zygomatic implants are durable with a high success rate.
- Take the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers to avoid infection and pain.
- Use an ice pack for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to reduce the swelling.
- Follow a soft diet regimen.
- Avoid blowing your nose or sneezing during the first two weeks.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol intake.
- Maintain your oral hygiene and schedule regular hygiene and follow-up visits.
As with conventional implants, with proper care and maintenance, zygomatic implants can last a lifetime.
The cost of zygomatic implants varies according to the number of zygomatic and conventional implants to be used, as well as the type of the final restoration. The range for zygomatic implants at our clinic starts from £12,995. Consult our dental experts to learn more about the accurate cost for your case and learn more about our comfortable payment plans.
If you are not elected for zygomatic implants or you refused the procedure for any reason, the alternatives to be able to use dental implants include sinus lift, bone graft, and subperiosteal implants.
Zygomatic implant procedure is safe; however, like any other surgery, it may be associated with some minor risks, such as sinus complications, especially if an intra-sinus approach is used, infection, nerve damage, and implant failure. Choosing an experienced oral surgeon and following post-operative instructions reduced the chances of developing post-operative complications.
Our implant team has placed over 5000 implants, often undertaking and being referred cases from other practitioners. We also consult and treat cases where you may have been told that you are unsuitable for dental implants. Having assembled one of the country’s leading dental implant teams we can treat the most advanced and complex cases including zygomatic implants. Our world class team are pioneers in our surgical methods, with a national and international reputation as leaders in our field. Our Lead dental implant surgeons are oral surgeon Dr Javier Perez and Dr Sanjay Patel. No referral is necessary you can call our reception team on 020 7388 6108 or book in online 24/7 by clicking here.
Dr Javier Perez
Dental Implant, Oral Surgeon (Special Interest), and Wisdom Tooth Expert
Lic Odont, PG Cert (Implant), MClinDent (Implant), Dip Oral Surg RCS (Eng), PG Cert Cons Sed
GDC No: 225487
Special interest in Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Dental Implant and Oral Surgeon Expert
Dr Javier Perez graduated in dental surgery in 2010.
His clinical practice is focused on dental implants and oral surgery, from simple single tooth replacements to complex reconstructions involving both soft and hard tissues.
Dr Javier has completed a Masters in Implant Dentistry MClinDent (Implant) in London over three years and was awarded a diploma in Oral Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, one of the most prestigious colleges in UK.
Dr Perez has trained in Oral Surgery at the Maxillofacial Unit in the Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in South England. He is at the forefront of dental implants and oral surgery regularly attending National and International conferences to develop his skills and learn about the latest trends in Implantology.
At Camden High Street Dental our implant team have placed over 5000 implants, often undertaking and being referred cases from other practioners. We also consult and treat cases where you may have been told that you are unsuitable for dental implants. Having assembled one of the countries leading dental implant teams we can treat the most advanced and complex cases here at Camden High Street Dental.
Outside of work Dr Javier spends the majority of his time with his young family, recently welcoming a new son (October, 2021). He enjoys spending weekends exploring London, especially going to local food markets.
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