What are Zygoma Implants? When should they be performed?

Zygoma implants are an advanced solution for long-term tooth loss patients suffering from severe jawbone resorption. This is a crucial step to ensure the implant placement process is optimised and highly effective. Join The East Rose Dental Clinic to learn more about this method in the article below!

What Are Zygoma Implants?

Zygoma implants, also known as Implant Zygoma, are a modern dental technique specifically designed for patients with long-term tooth loss and severe upper jawbone resorption. Instead of placing implant posts in the jawbone as in traditional methods, this technique uses specialised implants with lengths ranging from 30 to 52.5 mm and adjustable angles of up to 45 degrees that are inserted directly into the zygomatic bone.

With its high density and exceptional hardness, the zygomatic bone not only enhances initial stability but also distributes force more evenly, allowing for fixed prosthetics immediately after surgery. This means patients can have temporary teeth for chewing without long waiting periods.

Implant Zygoma is an ideal solution for complex cases, such as expanded sinus cavities or significant bone loss. The procedure allows for the placement of one to two implant posts per side of the jaw, depending on the patient's condition and needs, ensuring load distribution and stable chewing function recovery. With a high success rate when performed by experienced dentists, this is an optimal solution that provides confidence and comprehensive aesthetics for those with severe tooth loss.

Read more: X-Guide - Leading Technology In The Art Of Implants

Cases Requiring Zygoma Implants

Not every dentist prescribes zygoma implants. Below are five scenarios where this method is essential to restore aesthetics and effective chewing ability:

• Bone loss in the back of the upper jaw: People who have lost a lot of bone in the area of their upper back teeth need zygoma implants to avoid sinus problems or complicated bone grafting procedures.
• Complete upper jaw tooth loss with severe bone resorption: For those who have lost all their upper teeth and experienced significant jawbone atrophy, making traditional implants unfeasible, zygoma implants are an effective alternative.
• Failure with traditional implants: In cases where conventional implants fail due to weak or insufficient bone stability, zygoma implants offer a viable and long-lasting solution.
• Immediate fixed prosthetics after surgery: Zygoma implants allow for immediate fixed prosthetics, enabling patients to quickly regain temporary teeth for chewing and daily activities without waiting for bone integration like traditional methods.
• Jaw deformities or bone loss from medical treatment: Zygoma implants can help people who were born with jaw or facial deformities or who have lost upper jawbone after cancer treatment or tumour removal.
• Expanded sinus cavity: When the sinus cavity extends forward, placing traditional implants can be challenging. Zygoma implants are specially designed to overcome this limitation, anchoring directly into the zygomatic bone to provide stability and better support for dentures.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Zygoma Implant Method

Before opting for this method to restore teeth, it's important to understand its advantages and disadvantages to ensure that your choice is the right one. Below are the strengths and limitations of this method.

Advantages

Advantages of the Zygoma Implant method

• Solution for severe bone resorption: Zygoma implants are an ideal choice for patients with significant upper jawbone resorption, especially when traditional implant placement is not feasible.
• Reduced complex interventions: no need for bone grafting or sinus lift procedures, minimising surgery time and risk of complications.
• Quick integration: Zygoma implants allow for immediate fixed prosthetics post-surgery, enabling patients to quickly restore chewing function and aesthetics.
• High stability: The zygomatic bone has high density and exceptional hardness, ensuring long-term stability for the dentures.
• Suitable for complex cases: This technique is ideal for patients who have failed traditional implants or those with conditions like cleft palate, lip deformities, or complications from previous implant surgeries.
• High success rate: Research has shown that the success rate of this method ranges from 95.8% to 99.9% when performed by experienced dentists.
• Improving confidence and quality of life: Getting a temporary restoration placed immediately after surgery helps patients feel more at ease, improving their ability to chew, speak, and enjoy food due to the open palate.

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of the Zygoma Implant Method

• High technical requirements: The procedure demands a highly skilled and experienced dentist in zygoma implant surgery to ensure optimal results.
• High cost: Compared to traditional implant methods, zygoma implants are more expensive due to the specialised techniques and equipment required.
• Risk of complications: If not performed correctly, complications such as infections, sinus damage, or nerve injury may occur. It's essential to seek a reputable dental clinic for this procedure.
• Long recovery time: Even though patients with weaker constitutions can receive immediate prosthetics, the surgical area needs time to fully heal.

Post-Surgery Care After Zygoma Implant Surgery

Zygoma implant surgery is a complex procedure that requires strict adherence to post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal results and minimise complications. Below are essential guidelines that you need to follow.

Wound Care and Oral Hygiene

• Do not touch or apply any rough objects to the implant area during the initial days after surgery.
• Use saline solution or the prescribed antiseptic mouthwash to gently rinse your mouth.
• Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes; instead, use a soft toothbrush and gently clean around the surgical area.

Dietary Recommendations

• For the first 24 hours, consume soft foods such as porridge and soup, and drink warm liquids.
• Avoid hard, chewy, or extremely hot/cold foods for at least one week to prevent injury to the surgical site.
• Include nutrient-rich foods, especially proteins and vitamins, to aid in the recovery process.

Follow the Doctor's Instructions

• Adhere to your doctor's recommended dosage when taking painkillers, antibiotics, or other prescribed medications.
• Attend regular follow-up appointments as scheduled to allow your doctor to monitor your recovery and the integration of the implants.

Limit activities that may stress the implant area.

• Avoid strenuous physical activities, bending over, or lifting heavy objects in the initial days after surgery.
• Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol, as they can impede healing and affect the integration of the implant.

Monitor and manage complications.

• If symptoms such as severe swelling, prolonged pain, bleeding, or fever occur, contact your doctor immediately for prompt intervention.

Zygomatic bone implant surgery is the optimal solution for patients with complete tooth loss and severe bone resorption, especially when traditional implant methods do not provide satisfactory results. However, this technique requires careful evaluation by a specialist; consider other options, such as a sinus lift or bone grafting, before deciding on this approach.