Arizona Tribune - Who is a Good Candidate for Zygomatic Implants?

1. You don't have enough jawbone for traditional upper implants

Traditional implants need a strong, healthy jawbone to provide a sturdy base. Zygomatic implants use the zygomatic bone, which is very strong and doesn't erode due to missing teeth. That makes zygomatic implants a common implant alternative for patients who don't have a strong upper jawbone. Yet the implants themselves will look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.

2. You don't want additional procedures

If you don't have a strong enough jawbone, you'll need a bone graft and potentially a sinus lift (which also entails a bone graft) to create space for the implant. Bone grafts take a week or so to heal, but it takes months for your jawbone to grow more bone around the graft. These procedures are surgical and invasive, too.

Patients who prefer to reduce the number of invasive procedures and keep the timeline as short as possible may instead ask for zygomatic implants. You'll need tooth extractions if any teeth remain, but healing time post-extraction is far faster than bone grafts and sinus lifts.

3. You need to replace most or all of your upper teeth

Dentists generally won't do zygomatic implants to replace one or two teeth. They're reserved for restoring your entire upper set of teeth, whether you're missing multiple or all teeth. What's great about zygomatic implants is you only need a few actual implants to replace all upper teeth. And, if possible, dentists may use some traditional implants strategically for maximum support and restoration. If you've been weighing the pros and cons of a root canal vs. implant for an infected tooth, but most of your upper teeth are missing, zygomatic implants may be the right option may be the right option.

4. You want a fixed, long-term solution

Dentures may be quicker and cost less, but not everyone wants the downsides. You may not want to deal with potential clicking, slipping, nightly removal and cleaning, and regular adjustments. Zygomatic implants fuse to the cheekbone for a stable upper arch restoration that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.

Zygomatic implants also better preserve your jawbone and facial structure, unlike dentures, thanks to the indirect stimulation they provide. They distribute chewing forces throughout your mouth and face a lot more like natural teeth than dentures do, even though they aren't attached to the jawbone. If combined with traditional implants, the jawbone gets plenty more stimulation.

5. You're in good overall health

Zygomatic implants are a surgical procedure, so although jawbone health isn't as critical, overall health can be. It makes healing and dealing with the typical side effects of dental implants much easier, increasing implant success and reducing your risk of complications during recovery.

You'll likely be a good candidate if your oral health is in good shape, you don't smoke, and you don't have underlying conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune conditions. Your dentist will get this information from you during the consultation, and if you see a different specialist for the surgery, that specialist will understand your health history as well.

Learn more about your dental implant options

Zygomatic dental implants, like traditional implants, aren't for everyone. Your dentist might recommend them if you don't have enough upper jawbone, yet need to replace your full upper arch with a long-term solution. The surgery itself is a bit more advanced than traditional implants but the process and results are much the same. But speaking with your dentist is the only way to see if it's right for you. They'll help you figure out the best treatment, whether that's zygomatic implants or something else, so you can get on the path toward a restored smile.

Contact Information:

Name: Sonakshi Murze
Email: [email protected]
Job Title: Manager

SOURCE: iQuanti

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