Are Zygomatic Implants Safe?
Zygomatic implants are a dental implant technique designed for people with bone loss in their upper jaw. In this article, we will be exploring the question ‘Are zygomatic implants safe?’
At Didsbury Dental Practice, Zygomatic implants are a solution we offer, so we thought it would be best to break down this technique to put your mind at ease if this is a procedure you are considering.
So first up, what are zygomatic implants?
What are zygomatic implants?
Zygomatic implants are used in the upper jaw to provide support for a dental implant restoration where there has been a substantial amount of bone loss. Zygomatic implants are a form of dental implant, however, their application is different.
They are usually used in conjunction with ordinary dental implants to support the creation of a new denture platform or fixed bridge solution.
Zygomatic implants are longer than standard dental implants and ‘anchor’ to the cheekbone, or zygomatic arch – hence their name. This means that the implants can be used as an alternative to complex bone grafting operations, making it possible to carry out surgery in just one stage.
Zygomatic bone location can easily be felt as it forms the ridge above the fleshy area of the cheeks, along the outer rim of the eyes. If you run your fingers along either ridge from the side of the nose, the first part you feel is the lower rim of the eye socket.
Some people choose implants over dentures as they are easier to manage and longer lasting, either option is suitable, provided you keep up with the required maintenance.
Before zygomatic implant surgery, a CBCT scan is taken to assess the amount of bone available in the upper jaw. It allows us to ascertain if you are suitable for treatment using Zygomatic implants and plan their placement.
To make the experience as comfortable as possible, this particular treatment usually takes place under intravenous sedation.
So now that we know the basics of a zygomatic implant, who qualifies for them?
Who would need zygomatic implants?
Zygomatic implants are a solution for people who need dental implants, but who have bone loss in the upper jaw. Bone loss can be caused by trauma and illness. This can also be an alternative for dentures, granted there is the need to apply dental implants in the zygomatic bone.
Zygomatic implants forgo the need for a bone graft which can be a long and painful process and is sometimes required with regular dental implants, which can take multiple occasions on the operating table. The procedure to install zygomatic implants can be done in one day, with one procedure.
Zygomatic implants are available for people who have a fully matured jawbone (if it is not fully developed, zygomatic implants may harm its growth). However, adults that are young and old are able to get them, it just depends on your personal circumstances.
Considering the method of installation of these implants, some would wonder if they are safe, read on to find out if you are asking yourself ‘are zygomatic implants safe?’
Are zygomatic implants safe?
Yes, even though the implants are attached to your zygomatic bone, (which does sound painful) the process actually causes less trauma than using a bone graft. The application process is done through intravenous sedation, so you won’t feel a thing.
As you recover, your bone regrows around the implant, and it eventually encompasses the implant, securing it even further, granted there is no injury or accident to the zygomatic bone during the recovery process.
Zygomatic implants heal quicker than bone grafts but will take around 8 months to heal. Generally, dental implants can last from 15-20 years with adequate care, so even though the process takes around 8 months to recover from, you don’t have to immediately worry about replacing them as long as you take care of them.
due to the implants being attached to your zygomatic bone, it is advised to avoid contact sports or scenarios in which you can get hit on the face, if so, a mouthguard or faceguard is recommended to wear.
If you do end up causing damage to the implants, surgery may be required to replace/fix/remove the implants. Please consider this before taking part in anything that can cause damage. Especially during the recovery period.
Zygomatic implants remain safe for the user as long as they are kept clean. This means that you need to maintain regular daily oral hygiene. Brushing, using a water flosser routinely around the bridge and implants will help to keep the implants clean.
How much are zygomatic implants? Can I get them through the NHS?
Zygomatic implant costs may vary depending on your individual case, we recommend you take a look at our treatment fees to gauge the possible cost.
Private dental practices like ours have more freedom when it comes to treatment options, whether it’s for aesthetic purposes or to help your overall oral health, we are legally qualified to help you. Pricing of private dental care can seem daunting, but to help we’ve made our prices as accessible as possible so we offer a finance option for your dental treatment.
But are zygomatic implants available through the NHS?
Due to the privatisation of the NHS over the years, the COVID-19 pandemic as well as new patients, NHS dentists are backlogged.
For the 65 million people in the UK, there are only 47,000 dental practitioners to help the population maintain good oral health. This comes out as almost 1383 patients per dental practitioner, and not all of these 47,000 dental practitioners practice orthodontics. fully highlighting the difficulty dental practitioners face with minimal support.
Implants are usually only available privately. They’re sometimes available on the NHS for patients who cannot wear dentures or whose face and teeth have been damaged, such as people who have had mouth cancer or an accident that’s knocked a tooth out.
There is a possibility you can obtain orthodontic care through the NHS, however, this is approved on a case-by-case basis. If this is the route you’d like to go, we advise you to check, but due to the previously mentioned backlog, it may take longer for you to get an appointment.
If you’d like a full insight as to why doctors aren’t seeing NHS patients, you can check out our blog for all the information that can help you decide the future of your oral health.
What if I just want dental implants?
As long as you don’t have significant bone loss in the jaw, you should be eligible for a dental implant, although you may have to get bone grafts. It is completely subject to your current situation. This will be worked out during your consultation
During your consultation appointment for zygomatic implants, your dentist will provide all the information you need to know. They will assess your teeth and gums and consider the following:
- Your gum health
- Your overall health
- Your desire to replace missing teeth
- The state of your zygomatic bone
- Whether you are ready to undergo the dental implant installation procedure
If you are particularly young, the dentist may need to evaluate your bone development. So, you may require an X-ray as part of your consultation assessment.
If your jawbone has not fully matured, you may be considered too young for zygomatic implants, so you will have to wait some time before you can get them fitted. The consultation process is done so we can move accordingly with you to avoid as much hassle as possible with your procedure.
Here to help you smile again
So, to conclude, what are zygomatic implants? They are:
- A secure, long-lasting alternative to dentures
- A quicker and much less gruelling process than traditional grafts
- Made for people with bone loss
And are they safe? The answer is a resounding yes.
Aside from the range of treatments and orthodontic services we offer, as a 24-hour emergency dentist, you can rest assured that we at Didsbury Dental Practice are here for you whenever you need it.
Whether you’re looking for a new reliable dental practitioner or looking for realignment treatment for your teeth, we have what you’re looking for. We hope to have answered the question ‘Are zygomatic implants safe?’ whilst providing you with all the information that we at Didsbury Dental Practice can offer you.
For all the information you need to know about dentistry, be sure to check out our blog page.
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Our opening hours are from:
9:00 AM – 12:00 AM – Monday to Sunday
Call us at:
0161 504 7425
Visit our practice:
Didsbury Dental Practice
90 Barlow Moor Road
Manchester
M20 2PN
United Kingdom
