If you’re missing teeth in your upper arch but don’t have enough bone to support traditional dental implants, consider zygomatic implants. Zygomatic implants can transform your smile and make it easier to eat and speak. At The Pacific Coast Center for Oral, Facial & Cosmetic Surgery, expert surgeon Husam Elias, MD, DMD, FACS, and the team have specialized training in the placement and restoration of zygomatic implants. To make an appointment at the practice in Pasadena, California, call the office or schedule online today.
Zygomatic implants are titanium posts used to replace the tooth roots in your upper jaw. They’re inserted into your cheek (zygomatic) bone during an outpatient procedure and integrate with it over time, providing a base for restorations like crowns, a fixed bridge, or implant-retained overdentures.
The zygomatic bone is denser and provides a more solid anchor for dental implants than the maxillary bone (where dental implants are traditionally placed). If you’re missing teeth on your lower arch as well, your provider might recommend a combination of zygomatic and traditional dental implants.
Anyone missing teeth in their upper jaw due to oral trauma, cavities, or gum disease is a candidate for zygomatic implants. That’s especially true if you also have low bone mass in your upper arch.
During your initial consultation, let your Pacific Coast Center for Oral, Facial & Cosmetic Surgery provider know if you have a chronic condition like heart disease, kidney disease, or diabetes.
These issues won’t prevent you from getting zygomatic implants, but they may increase the risk of complications, so it’s important they’re well-managed.
Thanks to advances in endodontic technology, zygomatic implants require only two quick visits to The Pacific Coast Center for Oral, Facial & Cosmetic Surgery.
That prevents the need for supplemental procedures like a sinus lift or a bone graft, meaning anyone with low bone volume in their upper jaw can receive implants quickly.
At The Pacific Coast Center for Oral, Facial & Cosmetic Surgery, getting zygomatic implants takes two appointments spaced about a week apart.
If your provider determines you qualify for zygomatic implants, they administer a local anesthetic and place a series of titanium posts into your zygomatic bone. Following the procedure, they take impressions of your mouth and provide care instructions.
Your Pacific Coast Center for Oral, Facial & Cosmetic Surgery provider sends your impressions to a dental laboratory that uses them to design and manufacture your custom restorations, like crowns, a bridge, or implant-retained overdentures.
Zygomatic implants heal much quicker than traditional implants. They’re also preloaded, meaning they can accept restorations right away. As soon as the laboratory finishes your crowns, bridge, or implant-retained overdentures, you return to the office.
Your Pacific Coast Center for Oral, Facial & Cosmetic Surgery provider administers a local anesthetic, attaches your restorations to your implants, and provides care instructions.
To learn more about zygomatic implants, make an appointment at The Pacific Coast Center for Oral, Facial & Cosmetic Surgery by calling the office or scheduling online today.