When the patient’s jaw has little bone and this bone is of poor quality to make a common implant, the main alternative is to make a zygomatic implant.
Zygomatic implants are a type of implant that is longer than conventional implants. While zygomatic implants measure between 45 and 55 millimeters, conventional implants do not exceed 15 mm. These implants are fixed in the zygomatic bone, so they are in a superior zone, and they are only indicated in those patients who have severe maxillary atrophies, which can be:
- Patients who have had severe periodontal disease.
- Patients with several years without teeth or edentulous.
- Complex extractions
- The patient uses removable dentures that cause trauma to the bone.
- Patients with little bone in the maxilla for anatomical reasons.
What are the advantages of zygomatic implants?
- They do not require grafts or sinus lifts, thus reducing treatment time.
- It is a very safe process with a high success rate.
- It is a simple treatment with less morbidity.
- Allows immediate implantation of prostheses
- Immediate aesthetics
- The postoperative period is very light and there is hardly any discomfort.
Zygomatic implant techniques
There are two modalities:
- Patients who have some bone in the frontal area. In this case two zygomatic implants are fixed in the zygoma (cheek bone) and it can be done in total edentulous patients combining it with conventional implants.
- In large maxillary atrophies, in which two implants are placed in the posterior sector and two in the anterior sector.
The surgery is performed under local anesthesia and conscious sedation, avoiding hospitalization. Beforehand, an exhaustive planning is carried out with study models, orthopantomography and CT scan, using guided surgery programs that allow a three-dimensional analysis of the case.
For more information about dental implants and zygomatic implants, consult a specialist in Dentistry.