Zygomatic implants are a game-changer for people with severe bone loss in the upper jaw. Unlike traditional implants that need a solid bone foundation, zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbones, making them a reliable option when other methods aren’t viable.
- Zygomatic implants attach to the cheekbones, providing a solution for those with limited upper jaw bone density.
- Perfect for patients who can’t have bone grafting or sinus lifts due to severe bone loss.
- The procedure is done under sedation, so you won’t feel any pain, and any post-surgery discomfort can be managed with prescribed painkillers.
- Boasts a high success rate, with implants lasting 12 years or more in most cases.
- Affordable options are available abroad, especially in places like Turkey, which offers cost-effective package deals.
What Are Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic implants are a relatively new dental treatment that allows implantation for the severely resorbed upper jaw. When bone density is not enough for a dental implant, bone grafting, or sinus augmentation is not possible, zygomatic implants are the only solution.
They are implanted on the cheek bones, next to the maxillary sinus. More specifically, on premaxilla, pre-molar, and molar area.
Zygomatic implant surgery requires a specialty in the oral and maxillofacial field. It is considered a gold standard procedure.
Are Zygomatic Implants Commonly Used?
No, zygomatic implants are a relatively new treatment and not meant for everyone who wants implants. It is a highly invasive surgery.
If the bone density is enough, we recommend dental implants or full mouth implants.
If the bone density is not enough, we recommend bone grafting.
If the bone density is severely reduced, then we recommend zygomatic implants.
What Are Zygomatic Implants Made of?
Zygoma implants are made of titanium. Zygoma implants are not different from traditional implants in material or type. They are just longer as much as 3.5x13mm.
Pterygoid Implants vs. Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic Implants are for Premaxilla, pre-molar, and molar areas of the upper jaw. Pterygoid implants are placed near the back of the upper jaw.
Pterygoid implants are rarely needed. Zygoma implants can hold the dentures. In rare cases when the bone is not soft enough, we consider pterygoid implants.
Zygoma implants are safer than pterygoid implants.
Zygomatic Implant Procedure
Different from traditional dental implants, zygomatic surgery is done under sedation. Surgery is done the same.
A whole is opened through your gums to place the implants. The biggest difference is zygomatic implants are longer than traditional implants and they are placed near your sinus. It requires more invasiveness.
Are Zygomatic Implants Safe?
As long as an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon is doing it, the zygoma procedure is safe.
Like any other dental implant, there are possibilities of complications or implant failure. However, it is a very low possibility. Zygoma implants are known to have a 93% success rate and 10% of failure rate at most.
Are Zygomatic Implants Painful?
The zygomatic implant treatment is performed under sedation, so you won’t feel anything during the surgery. Afterward, your dentist will prescribe painkillers to help manage any discomfort. Depending on your pain tolerance, you might not feel much discomfort at all after the procedure.
Zygomatic Implants Pros and Cons
Though these disadvantages are a minor possibility or resolvable, here’s a comparison table of the benefits and drawbacks of zygomatic implants.
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Benefits
|
Drawbacks
|
|---|---|
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Perfect solution for people who have an insufficient bone density
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Done under sedation and more invasive
|
|
Known to be the most successful implantation rate
|
The recovery process is harder compared to traditional implant recovery
|
|
Done without bone grafting, thus it’s a shorter process overall
|
Rare possibility of sinusitis
|
|
Great solution for patients who have a cleft lip
|
More costly than traditional dental implants
|
|
Benefits
|
Drawbacks
|
|---|---|
|
Perfect solution for people who have an insufficient bone density
|
Done under sedation and more invasive
|
|
Known to be the most successful implantation rate
|
The recovery process is harder compared to traditional implant recovery
|
|
Done without bone grafting, thus it’s a shorter process overall
|
Rare possibility of sinusitis
|
|
Great solution for patients who have a cleft lip
|
More costly than traditional dental implants
|
Complications of Zygomatic Implants
The zygomatic implants are replaced in the intrasinus. The intrasinus is on the cheekbone, next to the sinus cavity.
If the implant is accidentally placed in the cavity, the patient will experience sinusitis. This is the only complication of the zygomatic implant procedure. However, this is not common at all. In addition, if it’s noticed during your procedure, it can be solved quickly.
In case of a zygoma implant removal, you’ll be prescribed antibiotics and a treatment for sinusitis. There are no alternative treatment options for zygoma implants. However, by checking your test results, your doctor will plan the most proper treatment for you.
How Long Do Zygomatic Implants Last?
Research shows that a zygomatic implant lasts for 12 years with a survival rate of 95.8% – 99.9%. After 12 years, a check-up is important for your dental health.
If you keep up with your oral hygiene and as long as your oral health is adequate, your implant will last long.
A regular check-up is crucial for your zygomatic implant health.
Can I Have a Zygomatic Dental Implant in the Lower Jaw?
It is not possible to get zygoma implants in the lower jaw. There is not enough space for an implant that long. For the lower jaw, we recommend all-on-x implants with fixed dentures. If your bone density is not enough, we can apply bone grafting.
Who Is a Candidate for Zygomatic Dental Implants?
- Patients who have severe bone loss (osteoporosis) that cannot be fixed with bone grafting,
- Patients who experienced bone graft rejection,
- Patients who have osteoporosis genetically,
- Patients who lost their teeth at a young age (this leads to bone loss),
- Patients who have a dental trauma or severe gum infection
- Patients who delayed dental placement
How Much Are Zygomatic Implants?
Depending on the country and the clinic you want to get your zygomatic implants, the price will change. Zygoma implants are a bit more costly than traditional implants. Here are the approximate costs of zygoma implants.
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COUNTRY
|
PRICE
|
|---|---|
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TURKEY
|
€4K
|
|
USA
|
€31.5K
|
|
UK
|
€28.5K
|
|
EUROPE
|
€18K
|
|
MEXICO
|
€12K
|
|
COUNTRY
|
PRICE
|
|---|---|
|
TURKEY
|
€4K
|
|
USA
|
€31.5K
|
|
UK
|
€28.5K
|
|
EUROPE
|
€18K
|
|
MEXICO
|
€12K
|
The costs are determined by the cost of living in the country/city, the experiences of the doctors, and the quality of the material that the clinic uses.
Cost of living in Turkey €545, Istanbul €600 per person. Meanwhile, the cost of living in the USA is €1081, the UK is €964, Europe is €857 (approx), and Mexico is €642.
As the Turkish lira is the least valuable one, the prices seem lower than the rest of the countries. Our clinic is strictly investigated by the Turkish government as we welcome foreign patients to our clinic. With a very experienced professional dental team and oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dentfix provides you with package deals for zygoma implants.
For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll get back to you in no time.
Are Zygomatic Implants Covered by Insurance?
Implants are in general considered cosmetic procedures. Insurance companies most of the time cover implants after an accident. If you’re getting your implants in your country, you should contact your insurance provider as each company has a different policy. Some of the insurance companies cover only a part of the procedure.
However, if you’re looking for an affordable option, you can consider getting your zygoma implants abroad. Your insurance will not cover your implants abroad, however, thanks to the affordable prices, you might not even need insurance coverage.
Turkey is a great destination for getting dental treatment. With the specialty of dental implants, Dentfix offers you the best materials at affordable prices.
We work with Straumann and MegaGen implant brands as they are the best in the field.
Instructions for Post-Op Care After Zygomatic Implant Surgery
- Immediately after your procedure start applying an ice bag on for 2 days. Put the ice bag on as long as you can tolerate it and off for 10 mins.
- You should drink plenty of water and be hydrated after your zygoma surgery.
- You can consume soup, pureed food, and soft foods. Make sure they are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Avoid sucking movement until your wounds are healed.
- Postpone smoking as much as you can, at least for a week. Smoking delays healing and will disturb your implanted area because of sucking movement.
- Your dentist will leave a gauze. After removing it, you can rinse your mouth with water and salt. Make sure you rinse your mouth softly. Do not use mouthwash other than salted water.
- As Zygoma Implants are placed near your sinus cavity, avoid blowing your nose until your wounds are healed (approximately 3 weeks)
- If you were to sneeze, open your mouth. This will relieve the pressure from your sinus.
- If you think something is wrong or having problems, do not hesitate to contact your clinic.
What Can I Eat After Zygomatic Implants?
To prevent any disturbance, we recommend soft foods. You can consume boiled vegetables and pureed food. You can consume chicken soup which is both high in vitamins and protein. You can consume meatballs.
Avoid food that has small pieces such as rice and broccoli. These foods can get stuck in the open area. As you can mouthwash hard enough, it can lead to bacteria build-up.
You can consume iced beverages, they can help with the swelling. However, make sure you don’t use a straw.
Avoid hot beverages and foods. Make sure you eat or drink them at room temperature.
You can consume eggs, cheese, and bread (without the crusty part).
References:
1-) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25123760/
2-) https://norismedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/1-s2.0-S1061331521000196.pdf
3-) https://meridian.allenpress.com/joi/article/43/5/392/2600/Minimally-Invasive-Removal-of-Nonmobile-Zygomatic
