Restorative dentistry has come a long way in the last 30 years. In the past, when adults began to have problems with their jawbones, there was nothing we could do. Many adults suffer injuries to their faces because of trauma from a car accident or a blow to the face. Some adults suffer from cancer and other illnesses and need to have their smiles restored. One of the most revolutionary procedures to come to restorative dentistry in the last 30 years has been dental implants. However, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. If you have heard that you are not a candidate for implants because of your injuries or because you do not have enough bone in the upper jaw to hold implants, there is another procedure available to you called zygomatic dental implants.
What Are Zygomatic Dental Implants?
We use zygomatic implants when we have patients who are not candidates for traditional implants. Do not get us wrong, as traditional implants are amazing. Traditional implants consist of a metal post and a porcelain crown. We insert the implant post directly into the jawbone, where it functions like a tooth root. To qualify for traditional implants, you need to have sufficient bone mass in your jaw to support an implant. Zygomatic implants are different.
While they are still implants, the posts we use with zygomatic implants anchor into the zygoma bone, which is directly above the upper jawbone. Since the zygomatic implants anchor into a different bone, they can work for people who do not have enough bone mass in their upper jaw. For many people who have deteriorated jaws, zygomatic implants mean that they may still be able to get dental implants and restore their smile.
The Implant Procedure
The first step of the zygomatic implant procedure is to get X-rays to make sure that we can perform the procedure. The zygomatic implant procedures follow the same procedure as a traditional implant, and can be combined with any necessary tooth extractions to streamline the appointment. We will then make an incision into the gumline - after numbing your mouth, of course - and we use a very long rod that attaches to your upper jawbone with an anchor (if needed) in the zygoma bone. After the rods have healed, we can then place the porcelain crown on top of the implant post. Usually, we can place several teeth at one time with the zygomatic implant procedure in the same way we place teeth with a traditional implant.
Customization and Longevity of Prosthetics
Once zygomatic dental implants have healed, we customize prosthetic teeth, such as dental bridges or dentures, to fit your mouth perfectly. These prosthetics are designed to look natural, effectively replacing missing teeth. With proper care, zygomatic dental implants can last a lifetime, though their lifespan may vary based on individual factors such as oral hygiene and overall health.
Zygomatic Implants vs. Conventional Dental Implants
While traditional dental implants are more commonly used, zygomatic dental implants serve as an alternative for patients with significant jawbone loss. The decision to use zygomatic dental implants depends on individual patient needs and the expertise of the surgeon. Due to their specialized nature, these implants are less frequently employed compared to traditional dental implants.
Ensuring Success and Longevity of Implants
The success rate of zygomatic dental implants at our clinic is impressively high, exceeding 96 percent. This near-parity with the success rate of conventional dental implants reflects the reliability of this treatment. Regular dental checkups and proper oral hygiene play a crucial role in maintaining the health and longevity of these implants.
Expert Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
At Surprise Oral & Implant Surgery, we are deeply committed to your safety and well-being, especially when it comes to zygomatic dental implants. Our team, comprising of a board-certified maxillofacial and oral surgeon, is expertly trained in the placement of these implants. This expertise is of paramount importance, given that zygomatic dental implants are located near sensitive areas of the face, such as the eyes and sinuses. The proficiency of our surgeons ensures not only the safety of the procedure but also its effectiveness, providing a durable solution for smile restoration.
Zygomatic Dental Implants in Surprise AZ
Contact our expert oral surgeons at Surprise Oral & Implant Surgery by calling (623) 263-5042 today to schedule your appointment for Zygomatic Dental Implants.
