If severe bone loss in your upper jaw has ruled you out of standard treatment, zygomatic dental implants may offer a pathway that does not involve extensive grafting. At Axis Dental, we help patients across Sydney to regain fixed teeth with these advanced implant solutions.
What Are Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic implants are specialised types of dental implants designed for patients with significant bone loss in the upper jaw. Unlike with traditional dental implants (which are placed into the upper jawbone), zygomatic implants are much longer and anchor into the zygomatic bone. (aka the cheekbone).
This difference is important because the zygomatic bone typically remains dense and stable, even when the upper jawbone has experienced severe deterioration. For many patients with insufficient bone, this provides a secure foundation for implant treatment and eliminates the need for bone grafting.
In many full-arch cases, zygomatic implants are combined with conventional implants or pterygoid implants to support a full set of replacement teeth. This allows patients who may previously have been told implants were impossible to receive fixed teeth and restore function.
Who Is a Candidate for Zygomatic Implants?
Many patients seeking zygomatic implant treatment have already been told they are not suitable for standard dental implants due to severe bone loss. The most common reason is long-term tooth loss, as when missing teeth are left untreated, the maxillary bone gradually shrinks.
Other causes include advanced periodontal disease, failed implant treatment, prolonged denture use, trauma, or patients who have incurred significant bone resorption over many years.
That said, you may be a suitable candidate for zygomatic implants if:
You have been told you require bone grafting before implants can be placed.
Previous bone grafting treatment was unsuccessful.
You have worn removable dentures for many years.
A dental practice has advised you there is not enough bone for implants.
You have experienced implant failure due to poor bone density.
We can assess your suitability through a free consultation and 3D CBCT scan.
Zygomatic Implants vs. Bone Grafting: Which Is Right for You?
Deciding whether bone grafting procedures or zygoma implants are the right surgical procedure for you is often influenced by how much bone is available in your upper jaw.
The former is a well-established procedure that rebuilds the lost jawbone to provide sufficient support for traditional implants. It's an effective treatment, but it often requires multiple stages and several months of healing before the implants can be placed and restored.
Zygomatic implants offer an alternative for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss because instead of rebuilding the jaw, these implants are anchored into the dense cheekbone. Often this eliminates the need for grafting altogether. It can also significantly reduce treatment time and may allow fixed provisional teeth to be placed shortly after surgery.
There isn't one option that is universally better than the other. Indeed, patients with mild to moderate bone loss may still benefit from grafting and conventional dental implants. That said, many zygomatic cases are used to support All-on-X treatment.
The Zygomatic Implant Procedure at Axis Dental
At Axis Dental, we are highly experienced in performing zygomatic implant dentistry. Here's what you can expect if you choose to have this surgical process.
Consultation and 3D Imaging
In an initial free consultation, we will review your dental and medical history. We will also assess your oral health and perform a detailed CBCT scan. This imaging allows us to evaluate the sinus anatomy, bone structure, and available bone volume, and digitally plan every aspect of your treatment before surgery.
Surgery Day
Because this is a specialist oral and maxillofacial surgery procedure, it will be performed under either deep sedation or general anaesthetic.
During the zygomatic implant surgery, the implants are placed through the upper gum and then anchored into the cheekbone.
Provisional Teeth Within 24-48 Hours
Most patients return home on the same day of the surgery, and in many cases, fixed provisional new teeth are fitted within 24-48 hours. Unlike removable dentures, these teeth remain securely attached.
Osseointegration and Final Restoration
Over the following three to six months, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone. During this time, patients continue to wear their provisional restorations.
Once integration is complete, a final bridge is fitted. Often this is made from zirconia or titanium-reinforced acrylic. You can learn more here.
Benefits of Zygomatic Implants
There are several reasons why patients choose zygomatic dental implants. But one of the main ones is that they eliminate the need for bone grafting. Indeed, for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss, this can remove years from the treatment timeline.
Another attractive benefit is that, rather than waiting months for the graft to heal, many patients leave treatment with a functional smile within days. That is because as the implants anchor into dense bone, they provide a highly stable foundation for full-arch rehabilitation.
Some patients also appreciate that, unlike removable dentures, their teeth do not come out. Additionally, zygomatic implants have a very good success rate of more than 95% over five to ten years.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical treatment, zygomatic implants do carry risks. The most common of which involve the maxillary sinus. Mainly this is because, as the implants pass close to the sinus cavity, some patients may experience sinusitis or sinus communication. Other potential complications include infection, soft tissue irritation around the implant emergence site, and healing difficulties.
The surgery is also much more complex than standard implants. So, it should only be performed by trained clinicians with experience in oral and maxillofacial procedures.
How Much Do Zygomatic Implants Cost in Sydney?
Given that zygomatic implant placement is more complex than conventional implant treatment, the costs are generally higher.
At Axis Dental, zygomatic cases typically fall within the more advanced tiers of our All-on-X pricing structure. As a guide, Tier 2 treatment starts from $21,000 per arch, while Tier 3 treatment starts from $30,000 per arch.
To help make these treatments more accessible to patients, we offer flexible payment options. They include Total Lifestyle Credit and Access My Super.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How do zygomatic implants differ from regular dental implants?
Zygomatic implants are longer implants that anchor into the cheekbone, rather than the upper jaw. They are designed for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss.
-
Am I a candidate for zygomatic implants if I've been told I have too little bone for standard implants?
Patients who've previously been rejected for conventional implants may be suitable candidates for zygomatic treatment. The best way to determine this is through a CBCT assessment.
-
Do zygomatic implants require bone grafting?
In most cases, no. One of the key benefits of zygomatic implants is that they avoid the need for extensive grafting.