Zygomatic implants are a type of dental implant that is specifically designed for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw. Unlike traditional dental implants, which are placed in the jawbone, zygomatic implants are angled and much longer, allowing them to be securely placed in the patient’s cheekbone (zygoma). The zygoma is a very dense bone and provides excellent long-term support for missing teeth.
Insufficient Bone Density for Traditional Dental Implants
Achieving successful dental implant placement hinges on a crucial factor: sufficient bone density in the upper jaw, or maxilla. This becomes especially challenging for patients who have been missing teeth for a long time, a condition known as edentulism. In these cases, the bone in the jaw naturally weakens over time. Even sinus augmentation procedures, which aim to rebuild bone in the upper jaw, might not always be enough to create a strong enough foundation for traditional dental implants.
Edentulism & Bone Loss
The challenge of insufficient bone density is particularly pronounced in edentulous patients, those who have been missing teeth for a prolonged period. Over time, the jawbone naturally undergoes resorption, meaning it weakens and shrinks. In such cases, even sinus augmentation procedures, which aim to increase bone volume in the upper jaw by lifting the sinus floor, may not be sufficient to provide a robust foundation for traditional dental implants.
Zygomatic Implants: A Strategic Design for Optimal Support
Zygomatic implants offer a unique solution to the challenge of insufficient bone density in the upper jaw. Unlike traditional dental implants, which are typically straight posts, zygomatic implants have a strategic design. Their angulated and extended form allows for placement along the entire length of the upper jaw, including the zygomatic bone (cheekbone). This innovative approach capitalizes on the denser bone structure of the cheekbone. By maximizing the implant’s surface area within both the jaw and cheekbone, zygomatic implants achieve the necessary stability to support upper jaw restoration, even in cases where the jawbone itself is thin and compromised.
Explore Zygomatic Implants at Mercer Island Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
While traditional dental implants offer a fantastic option for many patients, bone density issues can sometimes present a significant obstacle. Fortunately, zygomatic implants emerge as a groundbreaking solution for those facing challenges with insufficient bone in the upper jaw. Learn more about the benefits of zygomatic dental implants and what they can do for you at Mercer Island Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.