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If you have been told you do not have enough bone for dental implants, there is still a solution. Zygomatic implants make it possible to replace teeth even when the upper jaw has very little bone left.
In this guide, you will learn what zygomatic implants are, how they work, what the procedure involves, who may need them, and what recovery is like.
Table of Contents
- What Are Zygomatic Implants?
- An Implant Solution For Patients with Severe Bone Loss
- The Zygomatic Implant Process
- The Pros and Cons of Zygomatic Implants
- Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Deer Park, IL
- FAQs
Key Takeaway
Zygomatic implants provide a proven solution for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss, offering stability and long-term success when traditional implants are not possible.
What Are Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic implants are designed for patients who have been told they cannot get traditional dental implants because of significant bone loss in the upper jaw. In these cases, the lack of strong bone makes it difficult or impossible for standard implants to stay secure.
Instead of relying on weakened jawbone, zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbone (zygomatic bone), which is much denser and provides a stable foundation for new teeth. This approach makes it possible to restore a full arch of teeth without the need for extensive bone grafting or sinus lifts.
An Implant Solution For Patients with Severe Bone Loss
For many patients with moderate bone loss, bone grafting can rebuild the jaw to make traditional implants possible. However, grafting requires additional surgeries, long healing times, and in some cases may not provide enough strength for lasting results.
Zygomatic implants are considered when bone grafting is not recommended, has failed, or when patients prefer a more immediate solution. By anchoring into the cheekbone instead of the upper jaw, they bypass weak or missing bone and provide a secure foundation for new teeth. In many cases, this approach allows patients to receive replacement teeth the very same day.
The Zygomatic Implant Process
The process begins with a thorough consultation. Dr. Stephen Martin uses advanced 3D scans to evaluate the jaw, sinuses, and surrounding structures. This digital planning makes it possible to determine the exact placement and size of each implant, which reduces risks and increases accuracy on the day of surgery.
Consultation and 3D Planning
During this stage, a 3D imaging scan provides a complete picture of your bone and sinus anatomy. With this information, Dr. Martin can map out the procedure in detail and ensure a customized treatment plan.
Surgical Steps
On surgery day, IV sedation keeps you relaxed and comfortable. If there is enough bone at the front of the upper jaw, traditional implants may be placed there as well. The zygomatic implants are then inserted at an angle through the upper jaw into the cheekbone, where the bone is strongest. If any remaining teeth need to be removed, they can usually be taken out during the same appointment.
When both types of implants are used together, the biting forces are spread evenly across the entire arch. This creates a strong and stable foundation for replacement teeth. In many cases, a temporary set of teeth can be attached the same day, allowing patients to leave surgery with a functional smile while healing takes place.
The Pros and Cons of Zygomatic Implants
Like any surgical procedure, zygomatic implants come with both advantages and limitations. Understanding these can help you decide if they may be the right solution for your needs.
Pros
- May allow teeth to be placed the same day for immediate function
- Avoids the need for bone grafting or sinus lifts
- Shorter overall treatment timeline
Extractions and implant placement can often be completed in one surgery - Provides a stable option for patients once told they could only wear dentures
- Proven track record with a high success rate when performed by experienced surgeons
Cons
- A more complex procedure that requires advanced surgical skill
- Limited to patients with severe upper jaw bone loss (not for everyone)
- Recovery may include more bruising or swelling than traditional implants
- Higher cost compared to conventional dental implants
- Long-term success is highly dependent on surgeon experience and planning
| A Proven Solution with a Long Track RecordZygomatic implants have been used successfully for decades. First introduced in Europe in 1988 and in the United States in 1998, they have shown high success rates around the world. Their success is linked to careful planning and the experience of the surgeon performing the procedure. |
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Deer Park, IL
If you have been told that dental implants are not possible because of severe bone loss, zygomatic implants may provide a solution. Dr. Stephen Martin has advanced training and experience in this specialized procedure and can help determine whether it is right for you.
To book a dental implant consultation at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or visit us at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.
FAQs
Zygomatic implants are designed as a long-term solution. A 2023 systematic review found a 96.2% survival rate over an average follow-up of 6.3 years, confirming their reliability when placed by experienced surgeons (PubMed). With good oral hygiene, regular checkups, and proper care, they can provide lasting support for replacement teeth. While the implants themselves are built to last, the attached teeth (prosthetic arch) may need adjustment or replacement over time.
One of the main advantages of zygomatic implants is that they avoid the need for a sinus lift. Because they anchor into the cheekbone, the procedure bypasses areas where bone is thin or missing.
If you have been told you do not have enough bone for traditional implants, zygomatic implants may still be an option. At Oral Facial & Implant Specialists in Deer Park, IL, Dr. Stephen Martin has advanced training in this specialized procedure and provides solutions for patients with even the most severe bone loss.
