Brighton Implant Clinic - An award winning dental health clinic
Patients looking for dental implant treatment may have been told that they do not have sufficient bone height or density for this type of treatment. Zygomatic implants are a type of dental implant used to combat bone resorption or bone loss through ensuring a sufficient foundation as well as a bond to bone in the upper jaw.
Zygomatic implants are a dental implant option for those with limited jawbone. Unlike conventional implants placed in the jawbone, zygomatic implants anchor in the denser cheekbone. This one-day procedure is a good alternative to bone grafting for patients seeking implants. Ask your dentist about zygomatic implants if you've been told you lack jawbone for conventional implants.
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A little bit about dental implants, what are they?
Dental implants are the number one tooth loss solution to single and multiple missing teeth. A dental implant is a little screw made from biocompatible material which is placed into the jawbone, like that of a root of a natural tooth. A crown or dental bridge is then fitted to the implant, which looks as well as feel like natural teeth!
Why is bone so important in dental implant treatment?
Implant Success! For a dental implant to be successful there needs to be sufficient bone in the upper and or lower jaw so that the dental implant can anchor and create a bond to bone called osseointegration. Osseointegration ensures the longevity as well as the fit and stability of the dental implant… in other words it’s success.
CLINICAL CASE OF ZYGOMATIC IMPLANTS
A 53-year-old female patient presented to our clinic with multiple missing teeth and difficulty coping with a removable denture. Some of her natural teeth were mobile, infected, and caused discomfort. She sought to replace her dentures and problematic teeth with dental implants. After a consultation, it was decided to remove the mobile teeth and clean all infections. A temporary denture was provided for the healing period. Post-healing, 3D CT scans showed sufficient bone in the upper jaw’s anterior but limited bone in the posterior regions.
The patient chose zygomatic implants over bone grafting to avoid the latter’s invasive sinus lift surgery. While bone grafting is less invasive, its healing can be unpredictable. Zygomatic implants, though more invasive, eliminate the need for grafting. Surgery was performed under conscious sedation, placing four conventional implants in the anterior upper jaw and two zygomatic implants in the posterior. The implants supported a provisional fixed bridge immediately after surgery. After 4 months, the implants and tissues were healing well, leading to a definitive implant-supported bridge being made.
The patient also received implants in the lower jaw, where the bone was of good quality. The protocol used was teeth on 4 implants. She will have regular reviews every 6 months for the first year, then annually, to ensure the implants and bridges function well. The bridges, made from acrylic, composite resin, and metal alloy, are removed yearly for maintenance.
At Brighton Implant Clinic, dental implants are simple and comfortable. Patients can choose local anesthesia or sedation for a relaxed experience. Procedures usually take 30 minutes to an hour. For back teeth, a healing period of 8 weeks is needed for integration with the jawbone. Front teeth replacements can often include a temporary tooth fitted on the same day. After healing, a second visit involves taking impressions for a custom-made, natural-looking tooth, typically made from durable, stain-resistant zirconia. Post-treatment care includes regular oral hygiene and annual check-ups to maintain the implant.
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