Qualified candidates must have sufficient jawbone to support the implants. Those who don’t usually undergo a bone grafting procedure before they can begin the implant process, which can postpone their smile restoration for a year or more. But not everyone wants to wait that long. For those with severe bone loss in the upper jaw, Zygomatic dental implants provide a solution that bypasses the need for bone grafting surgery. Here’s what you need to know.
Zygomatic implants are a new type of dental implant that are intended for the replacement of the upper teeth. They are a great solution for those who are in need of dental implants but who have severe upper jawbone loss.
When you chew, your tooth root stimulates your jawbone, which sends a message to your body for nutrients to be sent to the area to preserve bone strength. But when the teeth are lost or extracted, the area no longer receives nutrients, so the bone begins to atrophy. The bone loss process begins as soon as six months after tooth loss and quickly progresses. People who wear dentures for many years and want to switch to implants often must first undergo a bone grafting procedure in order to build up the jawbone. Zygomatic implants provide another alternative for upper jaw implants. .
Zygomatic implants consist of an extra-long post that acts as the artificial tooth root. Rather than insertion into the jawbone, as is the case with standard dental implants, the Zygomatic implants are surgically inserted into the cheekbone (zygoma), where they anchor securely and immediately. The abutment (connector) is then attached to the post, and the prosthetic teeth are secured to the abutment. Depending on the specific treatment plan, an individual may have one or two Zygomatic implants placed on each side of the upper jaw to support a full or partial set of dental bridges, which can be placed the same day.
Tooth loss and jawbone loss can have a negative impact on your overall health and wellbeing. The inability to eat comfortably often results in malnourishment in those with severe tooth loss. And as the jawbone begins to deteriorate, speech becomes more difficult and the face begins to collapse and lose its shape. These physical changes often have a serious emotional impact, leading to feelings of extreme self-consciousness and diminished self-esteem and self-worth. Zygomatic implants have numerous benefits that can provide a significant boost to a person’s overall health and wellbeing. These benefits include:
Zygomatic implants are a wonderful tooth replacement option for those with severe atrophy of their upper jawbone.
Given their high survival rate of 96% after 12 years, Zygomatic implants are a safe and effective treatment option, especially for patients who have lost a significant amount of jawbone and would rather avoid having a bone graft or sinus lift procedure performed. Call Smile Designers at (619) 222-6000 to fet your free consultation.