Dental implants are excellent for replacing upper teeth, but you need a strong upper jaw to support them. If your dentist has ever told you that traditional implants are out of the question for an upper jaw restoration, zygomatic implants are another option. This procedure is a bit more advanced because it secures the implants to your cheekbone. However, it has a high success rate and offers an alternative to traditional implants. Below, you’ll learn a few key differences between zygomatic and traditional dental implants in McDonough so you can go into the procedure with confidence and reassurance.
1. Where they’re anchored
Traditional implants use the jawbone as an anchor and dentists can use them for lower and upper teeth. Once placed, they fuse to the jawbone over several months through osseointegration.
Zygomatic implants, on the other hand, are attached to the zygomatic bone, another name for the cheekbone. This is further up in your face, meaning the implants are much longer so they can reach the bones. It also means they’re only used to replace upper teeth. However, the zygomatic bone is incredibly strong and dense. It’s also not subject to decay via missing teeth like the jawbone is.
2. Complexity and procedure time
Both procedures require some surgical intervention to place the implants into bone. However, zygomatic implant procedures are longer and more complex than traditional endosteal implants because the implants are longer and require more work and advanced techniques to place properly. As a result, you’ll most likely see an oral surgeon or prosthodontist with zygomatic implant experience to get yours installed.
That said, the other pieces of the implant work the same. The implant abutment goes on top of the implant after osseointegration, followed by a cap or other device that restores your tooth’s look and function.
3. Bone density/grafting needs
Traditional implants need a strong, dense jawbone to fuse and hold them in place. But some patients who need dental implants don’t have enough jawbone specifically because they’ve been missing teeth for a while. They may need a bone graft and, for upper implants, a potential sinus lift. Such procedures add months to the process and mean you do have to recover multiple times from surgery.
The zygomatic bone is different. It’s super strong and dense, giving implants a rock-solid foundation to fuse to. The procedure is a bit more complex, but you won’t need a bone graft. That’s why some dentists recommend zygomatic implants for patients who don’t have enough jawbone and can’t or prefer not to do the necessary prep treatments.
4. Cost
Zygomatic implants cost more than traditional dental implants since they require specialized experience on the dentist’s part. The higher upfront cost also outweighs the cost of a single tooth implant, since zygomatic implant treatment is typically used when you need a full arch restoration.
5. Recovery experience and time
You may wonder if zygomatic implants would complicate recovery since the procedure is more involved. But the healing process and timeline are not much different. Like traditional implant surgery, your zygomatic procedure will cause some soreness and swelling in your gums and jaw for a few days before gradually fading after the end of at least a week. Pain medication, ice packs, and following your dentist’s instructions can make this process smooth and manageable.
Then comes osseointegration, or the implant’s fusion to the zygomatic bone. That’ll take several months to complete but not much longer than the time period for traditional implants. The difference is you won’t have to recover from bone grafts and other procedures if you need them for traditional implants.
The bottom line
If you have a strong upper jawbone and your dentist finds no issues, traditional implants can be a great way to restore individual teeth or a full arch. If not, and you need an entire upper arch restoration, zygomatic implants are a great alternative. They anchor to your much stronger cheekbone, so fusion won’t be an issue, and recovery won’t differ much from traditional implant recovery. Consult with a specialist to see which is right for you. They’ll evaluate your medical history, jawbone density, and oral health to find the best path to restoring a happy smile.
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