Antalya Zygomatic Dental Implants

1. What Are Zygomatic Dental Implants?

Zygomatic implants represent a remarkable advancement in the field of dental implantology, offering hope and solutions to patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.

Zygomatic implants are a type of dental implant that is anchored in the zygomatic bone, also known as the cheekbone. Zygomatic implants differ in size (30-50 mm) and characteristics from traditional implants placed in the lower and upper jaw bones.

Zygomatic implants are used for patients who have severe bone loss in the upper jaw due to factors like trauma, disease, or long-term tooth loss and cannot support traditional implants.

2. Zygomatic Implant Benefits

This innovative approach bypasses the need for bone grafting procedures, which can be lengthy, costly, and sometimes ineffective. By utilizing the dense zygomatic bone for support, even patients with significant bone loss can regain the ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently.

Here are some of the benefits of zygomatic implants:

• Can be used in patients with severe bone loss
• Avoid the need for bone grafting
• May allow for immediate placement of dentures or implants
• Shorter treatment time than traditional implants

3. Zygomatic Implant Surgery

The procedure for placing zygomatic implants is typically more complex than that of traditional implants, requiring specialized training and expertise. It often involves a collaborative effort between oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and other dental specialists to ensure optimal outcomes.

Placement of zygomatic implants is performed under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, the implants are carefully positioned and anchored into the zygomatic bone, providing a stable foundation for the eventual attachment of prosthetic teeth.

Here's an overview of the typical steps involved:

• Preparation and Evaluation: Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies such as CT scans. This helps the dental team assess the condition of the jawbone and surrounding structures to determine the best approach for implant placement.
• Anesthesia: The procedure, depending on the complexity of the case, takes on average 2-3 hours and is performed under general anaesthesia for patient comfort and treatment success.
• Incisions: Once the patient is properly anesthetized, the surgeon makes one or more small incisions in the gum tissue to access the underlying bone. The location and size of the incisions depend on the planned placement of the implants. After the implants and prosthetic components are in place, the surgical site is carefully sutured closed. The sutures help promote proper healing of the gum tissue and protect the implants during the initial recovery period.
• Bone Preparation: In some cases, minor bone reshaping or smoothing may be necessary to ensure proper implant placement. This step helps create a stable foundation for the implants.
• Implant Placement: Using specialized instruments, the surgeon precisely drills channels into the zygomatic bone to accommodate the zygomatic implants. These implants are longer than traditional dental implants and are designed to engage with the dense zygomatic bone for stability.
• Attachment of Prosthetic Components: Once the zygomatic implants are securely positioned, temporary prosthetic components may be attached to provide immediate function and aesthetic improvement. The waiting period for the zygomatic implant and bone to fuse is between 1-3 months depending on the characteristics of the case. After the waiting period is completed, a fixed dental prostheses is permanently placed.

4. Postoperative Care

Postoperative Care: Following the procedure, patients receive instructions for postoperative care, including guidelines for oral hygiene, diet, and activity restrictions. They may also be prescribed pain medication or antibiotics to manage discomfort and prevent infection.

5. Are Zygomatic Implants Commonly Used?

Despite their many advantages, zygomatic implants may not be suitable for every patient. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with zygomatic implant placement such as infection, nerve damage and implant failure.

These risks can be minimised with proper patient selection and meticulous surgical technique after careful consideration of factors such as the quality and quantity of remaining bone, general oral health and medical history.