Zygomatic Implants

ZYGOMATIC DENTAL IMPLANTS

Patients looking for dental implant treatment may have been told that they do not have sufficient bone height or density for this type of treatment. Zygomatic implants are a type of dental implant used to combat bone resorption or bone loss through ensuring a sufficient foundation as well as a bond to bone in the upper jaw.

A little bit about dental implants, what are they?

Dental implants are the number one tooth loss solution to single and multiple missing teeth. A dental implant is a little screw made from biocompatible material which is placed into the jawbone, like that of a root of a natural tooth. A crown or dental bridge is then fitted to the implant, which looks as well as feel like natural teeth!

Why is bone so important in dental implant treatment?

Implant Success! For a dental implant to be successful there needs to be sufficient bone in the upper and or lower jaw so that the dental implant can anchor and create a bond to bone called osseointegration. Osseointegration ensures the longevity as well as the fit and stability of the dental implant… in other words it’s success.

CLINICAL CASE OF ZYGOMATIC IMPLANTS

A 53 year old female patient presented to our clinic with a main complaint of multiple missing teeth and an inability to cope with a removable denture. There were a number of existing natural teeth still present however these were mobile, infected and causing some discomfort during function. The patient wanted to replace her dentures and problem teeth with dental implants. After a thorough implant consultation it was decided that the mobile teeth needed to be removed and all infections cleaned. A removable denture was made and the bone allowed to heal. Following a 4 month healing period 3 dimensional ct scans were taken to ascertain the volume of bone that was available for implant treatment. Whilst there was sufficient bone in the anterior aspects of the upper jaw, we found limited height and width of bone in the posterior regions.

The patient was given the option of grafting bone in the posterior regions or zygomatic implants. In an attempt to avoid bone grafting ( sinus lift surgery ) the patient opted for zygomatic implants which do not require bone grafting. There are advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Whilst bone grafting is considered to be less invasive when compared to zygomatic implants the results can be unpredictable and generally take longer to heal. Zygomatic implants avoid the need for bone grafting but do involve a more invasive surgery which could also involve greater risks and potential complications.

The surgery was carried out under conscious sedation. Four conventional root form implants were placed in the upper anterior region and two zygomatic implants were placed in the posterior regions. All of the implants were embedded securely into healthy bone. A stability test was carried out following the implant placement and the implants were adequately secure to support a provisional fixed bridge on the same day of the surgery. After 4 months of healing the implants, gum tissues and bone were checked and confirmed to be healing well. New impressions were taken to complete a definitive implant supported bridge.

The patient also completed implant treatment on the lower arch. The mandible had a greater volume of bone of very good quality. A standard protocol of teeth on 4 implants was used. The patient will be reviewed every 6 months for the first year and then yearly to ensure that the implants and bridges are functioning well. The bridges are removed yearly to ensure that they are being correctly maintained and cleaned. The bridges are made with a passive seating technique using an acrylic, composite resin and metal alloy.

WHAT ARE OUR PATIENTS SAYING?

I had 2 implants, all in all took 10 months to complete, but wow was I happy with the results, cannot put into words how happy I am, my amazing dentist Aura Fanandez was fantastic, I was probably one of the most nervous patients, but I shouldn't of been, it never hurt once. Really !! So recommend them.

Kalih-Saleh

From the beginning of the process to my final fit of all on four implants the care I received from Bruno and all his team was excellent. Bruno's manner is caring and non intimidating. His attention to detail with regard to getting my final teeth to look 'just right' was exemplary.

Georgina

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