If you have previously enquired about conventional dental implants, but are yet to find a suitable treatment, then zygomatic implants might be the best solution for you.
Zygomatic bone implants are a specialised type of implantology. This technique is one of the latest developments in implant dentistry – so if you have been turned away for traditional dental implants in the past, zygomatic implant treatment could provide a new solution.
Zygomatic implants are a real alternative for patients who have been told that traditional dental implants are unsuitable. This is usually due to a lack of supporting bone structure in the upper jaw caused by insufficient bone density.
Instead of placing the titanium implants in the jaw bone, longer zygoma implants are attached to the cheekbone. Many patients with severe bone loss prefer this method as an alternative to bone grafting and sinus lift procedures, resulting in faster and more comfortable treatment.
Here at Dental Solutions, our implant surgeon – Dr Richard Brookshaw – is one of only a handful of specially trained dental professionals in the country who can offer this service.
Find out more about this permanent restoration method to replace missing teeth below.
What are zygomatic implants?
Zygomatic implants were first introduced in 1988 as a new dental implant solution. This is a very complex procedure, which means that implants can be placed in the cheekbone instead of the jaw when there is not enough bone availability in the upper jaw.
This method is used for a number of reasons, but most commonly because of severe bone loss in the upper jaw, resulting in the lack of a secure foundation for conventional implants.
Zygomatic implants can not only avoid complex bone-grafting procedures, but they also last longer than regular implants, because the unique zygomatic implant placement in denser bone offers better stability.
With zygomatic implants, patients will have fixed teeth on the same day with one surgical procedure – whereas if implants need to be placed via the graft approach, it can take up to 18 months and multiple procedures to finalise the dental implant treatment.
Why choose zygomatic dental implants?
If you have been turned away by another dentist for other dental implant treatments, then zygomatic implants might offer some hope.
According to Dr Richard Brookshaw, zygomatic implants are, “an ideal alternative to traditional dentures” and a “less traumatic and more predictable alternative to complicated bone graft procedures”.
Learn more about Richard’s experience with zygomatic implants in the video below:
Who is suitable for zygomatic implant treatment?
There are a number of reasons why someone might benefit from zygomatic implants, but the main reason a patient would be a suitable candidate for them is if they had insufficient bone to place conventional dental implants.
Severe bone loss can occur in the jaw when the absence of teeth causes a loss of stimulation to the jawbone through the tooth roots, resulting in the body reabsorbing the bone over time to use the minerals elsewhere (bone resorption).
As zygomatic implants are extra-long, they can be implanted at an angle into the cheekbones instead, allowing you to benefit from healthy implants with a strong foundation – even with a lack of jawbone, bone grafts are not necessary.
Whether you have suffered oral trauma, experienced severe gum disease with bone loss, or have simply lost bone structure due to ageing, then zygomatic implants could help to replace any number of missing upper teeth.
Benefits of Zygomatic Implants
There are many benefits of choosing zygomatic bone implants, some of which include:
- Shorter time-to-teeth (from consultation to final implants)
- Allows those with severe dental bone loss to replace upper teeth
- Less invasive in comparison to bone augmentation
- The dental surgery is therefore more comfortable for patients
- Patients will see immediate results following surgery
Not only are zygomatic implants are more stable than removeable dentures when eating or talking, but they also look and function exactly like natural teeth.
So, even if you were told that you cannot have conventional implants, you could still get all your top teeth back if you’re eligible for zygomatic arch implants.
The Zygomatic Implant Procedure
Depending on the amount of bone you have, we can either place two zygomatic implants or four zygomatic implants to anchor a dental bridge.
Before we can place implants, we must take a CBCT scan to see how much bone there is in your upper jaw. The next step is to create a structural model of your jaw, so we can assess the shape of your cheekbone and jaw to help plan the specific placement of your implants.
This ensures the accuracy and success of the maxillofacial surgery, thereby ensuring the longevity of the results – drastically improving the patient’s quality of life.
We can fit a fixed bridge on the same day as your oral surgery, so you’ll have a permanent alternative to loose dentures in just one day. The implant is surgically anchored to the ‘Zygomatic’ arch, or the cheekbone, onto which a bridge is attached.
The procedure means that teeth are permanently fixed, with the appearance and functionality of natural teeth, giving you an immediate confidence boost.
We use intravenous sedation, so nervous patients don’t need to worry about the procedure being painful. If you have any concerns about this, our team will talk through them with you during the consultation and planning stages to put you at ease.
Having a fixed dental bridge on zygomatic implants means that you still need to maintain regular daily oral hygiene. Along with brushing their teeth using a toothbrush and toothpaste, many patients also use a water-pick for routine cleaning. Tepe brushes and/or Superfloss may be recommended, as well.
Visits to our hygienist team on a regular basis are also important to maintain the health of your zygomatic bridge, where our advanced Airflow system can be used to leave your mouth and implant system feeling fresh and clean.
Contact Dental Solutions for Zygomatic Implants
Our primary aim at Dental Solutions is to ensure every patient leaves feeling confident and happy after receiving the restorative dental care they need and deserve.
Dr Richard Brookshaw has been helping implant patients to achieve their dream smile for years. He is both nationally and internationally respected as a lecturer in all aspects of implant dentistry, so patients will be in the best possible hands for their zygomatic implants.
We want to make every patient feel welcome, which is why we offer a completely free no-obligation consultation when you come to us to enquire about the zygomatic implant procedure.
Let us show you how dental implants can improve your quality of life today. For further information about any of the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our attentive team by calling 01925 756 565.
Alternatively, you can book an appointment online, or email us at [email protected] and we’ll be in touch to confirm the details of your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zygomatic implants are a type of dental implant used when bone loss means that traditional dental implants can't be placed directly into the patient’s jawbone.
Zygomatic dental implants use small screws that are made from a bio-compatible material, which are fitted to the cheekbone. The implant acts like a root that crowns or dental bridges are then fitted to, which look, feel, and act just like real teeth.
Traditional implants are often secured to the jawbone, but over time, the health of your jawbone can deteriorate, so traditional implants wouldn’t be successful. In these instances, you may require a bone graft – however, with zygomatic implants, they are fitted to your cheekbones, which are much less likely to deteriorate over time.
Once these implants are secured, we can then place crowns or fixed bridges. Our Principal Dentist, Gavin Laidlaw, will work with you to create your new smile, which will look completely natural once your zygomatic implant treatment is complete.
Prior to your consultation for zygomatic implants, we will ask you to bring along some photos of you smiling so that we can help to create the most natural smile.
Getting zygomatic dental implants means that you can not only avoid complex bone-grafting procedures, but also enjoy the results for longer, as zygomatic versions tend to be longer-lasting than traditional implants.
In total, you can expect zygomatic implant surgery to last for around 6 hours. This includes 2 hours for preparation, 2 hours of treatment, and 2 hours relaxing in our dedicated implant suite following your surgery.
Prior to your surgery, we will take some scans so we can map the specific location of your cheekbones. Then we will create a digital model of your jaw, which helps us to carry out zygomatic implants surgery accurately.
We can fit your zygomatic dental implants and a temporary bridge on the same day, so you aren’t left without a full smile while you wait for your final fitting.
During the surgery, you might feel some slight motions or pressure, but our patients report a mostly painless procedure when it comes to zygomatic implants. You will be sedated throughout the procedure, and we will provide you with the necessary pre-and post-operative medications.
Following your treatment, you might notice some swelling, soreness, and bruising, but this usually only lasts for a couple of days. Any pain should be easily controlled with over-the-counter painkillers, but you can contact your dentist with any issues.
Yes, of course! We have a range of payment options and treatment plans that can be tailored to suit your needs, including interest-free credit plans.
Our treatment co-ordinator, Sarah Lewis, can discuss these options with you during your initial consultation for replacement teeth.
Yes. Zygomatic implants have a very high success rate and can be a life-long solution to missing teeth and a lack of jawbone.
This is a very specialist treatment, and there aren’t many dental professionals who can perform this type of procedure – but here at Dental Solutions, we’re lucky enough to have an in-house dental specialist, Dr Richard Brookshaw, who is an extremely experienced implant surgeon.
If you’re in need of zygomatic dental implants, he will work with you to ensure you’re completely informed about the nature of the procedure, as well as any associated risks that may apply in your specific case.
Zygomatic implants are considered a long-term solution for tooth and jawbone loss and can last more than 12 years. If you take good care of them by keeping up with a good oral healthcare routine and attending regular dental check-ups, they could even last you a lifetime.
Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best ways to make sure your new zygomatic implants last for as long as possible.
Meet the Implant Team
Dr Richard Brookshaw
BDS | MMedSci (Oral Surgery) | MPhil (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) | DipImpDent RCS Ed
He first qualified in 1996 from the University of Dundee. Then in 1999, he gained his Masters's degree in Oral Surgery from the University of Sheffield, and further extended his clinical qualification in…
FAQs
What are Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic implants are a type of dental implant that are used when bone loss means that traditional implants can’t be placed. Dental implants use small screws that are made from compatible material that is then fitted to the cheekbone. This implant then acts like a root to which crowns or dental bridges are fitted that then look, feel and act just like natural teeth.
What happens if I don't have enough bone for Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic implants are secured to your cheekbones, as opposed to the jawbone with traditional implants. Once these implants are secured, we can then place implants or fixed bridges. Our Principal Dentist Gavin Laidlaw will work with you to create your new smile which will look completely natural once your zygomatic implant treatment is complete. Prior to your consultation for zygomatic implants, we will ask you to bring along some photos of you smiling so that we can help to create the most natural smile.
Will I need Zygomatic Bone Implants?
Traditional implants are often secured to the jawbone but, over time, the health of your jawbone can deteriorate, meaning that traditional implants wouldn’t be succesful. In these instances, you may require a bone graft, however, with zygomatic implants, these are fitted to your cheekbones, which are much less likely to deteriorate over time. Zygomatic implants mean that you can not only avoid complex bone-grafting procedures, but they tend to last longer than traditional implants.
What should I expect during Zygomatic Implant Surgery?
In total, you can expect zygomatic implant surgery to last for around 6 hours in total. This includes 2 hours for preparation, 2 hours of treatment and 2 hours relaxing in our dedicated implant suite following your treatment surgery. Prior to your surgery, we will take some scans so that we can locate the specific location of your cheekbone. Then we will create a model of your jaw which helps us to carry out zygomatic implant surgery accurately.
We can fit your zygomatic implants and a temporary bridge on the same day so that you’re not left without a full smile. During the surgery, you might feel some slight motions but our patients report a mostly painless procedure when it comes to zygomatic implants. You will be sedated throughout the procedure for zygomatic implants and we will provide you with all pre and post-operative medications. Following your treatment, you might notice some swelling, soreness and bruising, but this usually only lasts for a couple of days and is easily controlled with painkillers.
Can I spread the cost?
Yes, of course. We have a range of payment options and treatment plans to suit you, including interest-free credit plans. Our treatment facilitator Niamh Collins can discuss these options with you during your initial consultation.
Are Zygomatic Implants safe?
Yes. Zygomatic implants have a very high success rate and can be a life-long solution to missing teeth and a lack of jawbone. This is however a very specialist treatment, and there aren’t many dental professionals who can perform this type of procedure.
Here at Dental Solutions, we’re lucky enough to have an in-house dental specialist, Richard Brookshaw, who is an extremely experienced implant surgeon. If you’re in need of Zygomatic implants, he will work with you to ensure you’re completely informed about the nature of the procedure, as well as any risks that may exist in your specific case.
How long do Zygomatic Implants last?
Zygomatic implants are considered a long-term solution for tooth and jawbone loss and can last longer than 12 years. If you take good care of your Zygomatic implants by keeping up with a good oral healthcare routine and regular check-ups, they could even last you a lifetime.
Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best ways to make sure your new Zygomatic implants last for as long as possible.
Why might you need Zygomatic Implants?
There are a number of reasons why you might benefit from Zygomatic implants, but the main reason is that there’s minimal jawbone when using traditional implants.
Because Zygomatic implants are extra-long, they can be implanted into the cheekbones instead, allowing you to benefit from healthy implants that still use a strong and secure foundation, even despite your lack of jawbone.
Whether you’ve suffered oral trauma, severe gum disease with bone loss or have simply lost bone structure due to old age, Zygomatic implants could help.
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