A zygomatic implant is a specialized dental implant used in patients with severe bone loss or insufficiency in the upper jaw. This implant is preferred when traditional implant methods are not applicable or when additional surgical procedures such as bone grafting must be avoided. Unlike standard implants, it is placed in the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) rather than the jawbone. It offers an effective solution, especially for patients who have failed previous implant or graft treatments or who have insufficient jawbone support. This provides a safer and more durable dental treatment.
| Definition | Long implants placed in the zygomatic bone for patients with severely atrophied upper jaw. |
| Who is it suitable for? | Patients with severely atrophied upper jaw and insufficient bone volume for traditional implant placement. |
| Advantages | – Allows for the application of a fixed prosthesis without requiring a bone graft.
– Provides a faster solution than traditional implants. – Long-lasting and durable. – Provides a fixed prosthesis for completely edentulous patients. |
| Disadvantages | – A surgical procedure that requires specialized expertise.
– Post-operative recovery time may be slightly longer. – Initial costs may be higher than traditional implants. |
| Application Process | 1. The patient’s jaw and zygomatic bone are evaluated.
2. Long implants are placed in the zygomatic bone under general anesthesia or sedation. 3. A temporary prosthesis is usually placed on the same day or shortly thereafter. 4. The permanent prosthesis is placed within 3-6 months. |
| Care and Use | Daily oral hygiene should be maintained, and dental checkups should be frequent. Special cleaning devices may be recommended. |
| Lifespan | With proper care, they can last a lifetime. |
How Do Zygoma Implants Differ from Traditional Dental Implants?
Zygoma implants differ from traditional dental implants in terms of their structural features and application methods. While conventional implants are usually placed in the upper or lower jawbone, zygomatic implants are placed in the cheekbone (zygomatic bone). This placement allows the zygomatic bone to be utilized for situations where bone volume is insufficient.
Significant differences between zygomatic implants include:
- Applied to the cheekbone, not the upper jaw
- Special solution for severe bone loss or atrophy cases
- Providing support without the need for bone grafts
- A viable alternative after failed traditional implant treatments
Zygomatic implant placement is more complex than standard dental implants. They are placed around or within the maxillary sinus and require a more meticulous surgical approach. Furthermore, zygomatic implants are longer than traditional implants and are designed to span the distance between the jaw and cheekbone. These features support the biomechanical structure of the implant to facilitate prosthetic attachment and allow for early loading.
What are the Indications for Choosing Zygomatic Implants?
Zygoma implants are specialized implants used in cases of severe bone loss or bone deficiency in the upper jaw, particularly when traditional implants are not suitable or have failed. These implants are used when the jawbone is insufficient and provide a secure anchorage in the zygomatic bone. They are typically used in the following situations:
- Long-term edentulousness
- Periodontal disease
- Post-traumatic bone loss
What are the Indications for Choosing Zygomatic Implants?
Zygoma implants offer innovative solutions for special situations where traditional implants are not suitable. They provide a reliable dental implant alternative, anchoring themselves in the zygomatic bone, particularly in cases where the upper jawbone support is inadequate. The following are specific indications for which zygomatic implants are preferred:
- Severe bone loss
- Maxillary atrophy
- Wide sinus cavities
- Pathological conditions
- Bone graft failures
- Post-cancer maxillary loss
These implants are preferred not only for severe bone loss but also for patients who have been edentulous for a long time. Such patients often experience bone loss in the upper jaw, which may not provide adequate support for traditional implants. In this case, zygomatic implants restore aesthetics and functionality.They improve patients’ quality of life.
Zygoma implants are also a suitable option for individuals who wish to avoid bone grafting procedures. In cases where traditional grafting procedures fail, the dense structure of the zygomatic bone provides a strong anchor for these implants. This provides a safe treatment without the need for additional surgical interventions.
In some cases, the widening of the maxillary sinuses can reduce bone height in areas requiring implant placement. Zygomatic implants cross the sinus area, anchor themselves in the zygomatic bone, and overcome anatomical obstacles. This ensures implant stability without the need for sinus lifts or other interventions.
Patients who have not achieved positive results with previous implant procedures can also benefit from zygomatic implants. The robust structure of the zygomatic bone provides more reliable results, especially in individuals with insufficient bone quantity or quality. Furthermore, zygomatic implants provide a successful support for prosthetic treatment in individuals experiencing jawbone loss following cancer surgery.
What Are the Potential Risks and Complications Associated with Zygoma Implants?
While zygomatic implants offer an ideal solution for patients experiencing significant bone loss in the upper jaw, they are also associated with certain risks and complications. The placement of these implants must be carefully planned due to the proximity of the sinus structures and surrounding soft tissues. Complications that may arise post-procedure and in the long term include:
- Sinusitis
- Soft tissue infections
- Paresthesia
- Oral-sinus fistulas
- Hematomas and epistaxis
In addition to these potential risks, long-term complications include implant failure and peri-implantitis. Implant failure can occur due to insufficient osseointegration or biomechanical loading issues. Peri-implantitis, however, can cause inflammation in the tissues surrounding the implant, leading to bone loss and implant instability. These conditions require regular follow-up and professional care.
Prosthetic complications can also occur with zygomatic implants. Issues such as screw loosening, prosthesis fractures, or aesthetic issues may necessitate revision or replacement of the prosthesis.
What is the Success Rate and Longevity of Zygomatic Implants?
Zygoma implants offer a highly successful and long-lasting solution for patients with insufficient bone volume in the upper jaw. Studies conducted with an average follow-up period of 6.3 years have shown an impressive 96.2% survival rate for zygomatic implants. This rate may vary depending on the different placement techniques, such as intrasinus or extrasinus, and may affect the long-term success of the implant:
- Intrasinus placement 94.0% – 97.4%
- Extrasinus placement 98.2% – 100%
- Anatomically guided approach (AGA) 89.9% – 98%
- Zygomatic anatomically guided approach (ZAGA) 76.2% – 94.3%
In zygomatic implants, immediate loading provides higher survival rates than delayed loading and increases implant success. However, some complications, particularly sinusitis, can affect this process. With a mean follow-up of 65.4 months, sinusitis complications were observed in 14.2%. Other complications include:
- Soft tissue infections
- Paresthesia (loss of sensation)
- Oroantral fistulas
Patient factors also play a significant role in the long-term success of an implant. Patients with good bone quality and good oral hygiene have a higher success rate. Prosthesis design and fit also affect the longevity of restorations supported by zygomatic implants. A well-planned prosthesis prolongs the life of the implant by reducing mechanical problems.
