For patients with significant bone loss in the upper jaw who have been told they are not candidates for conventional dental implants, zygomatic dental implants offer an advanced alternative that bypasses the need for bone grafting entirely. At Ora Dentistry, Dr. Devan Dalla offers zygomatic implant treatment as part of our comprehensive restorative dentistry services, providing a solution for patients who have exhausted or wish to avoid traditional bone augmentation pathways.

What Are Zygomatic Dental Implants?

Conventional dental implants are anchored into the jawbone, which requires adequate bone density and volume at the implant site. When significant bone loss has occurred in the upper jaw, there may not be sufficient bone to support a standard implant without first performing bone grafting procedures. Bone grafting adds time, cost, and an additional healing period to the treatment process, and in cases of severe bone loss may not always produce the volume needed for successful conventional implant placement.

Zygomatic dental implants take a fundamentally different approach. Rather than anchoring into the jawbone, these specialized implants are significantly longer than conventional posts and are angled to anchor into the zygoma, or cheekbone. The cheekbone is denser and more stable than the alveolar ridge of the upper jaw and retains its volume even when significant jawbone deterioration has occurred.

While the zygomatic implant does pass through the upper jaw, it does not rely on the jawbone for its primary support. The dense cheekbone provides the stability needed to support the final restoration, allowing patients with severe upper jaw bone loss to receive implant-supported teeth without bone grafting in many cases.

Who Is a Candidate for Zygomatic Implants?

Zygomatic dental implants are specifically indicated for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw for whom conventional implants are not a viable option without significant grafting. Patients who have previously been told they cannot receive dental implants due to insufficient upper jaw bone are encouraged to schedule a consultation to discuss whether zygomatic implants may be appropriate for their situation.

During your consultation, Dr. Dalla will evaluate your bone structure using advanced 3D CBCT imaging to determine whether zygomatic implants are the most appropriate solution for your specific anatomy and restoration goals.

Zygomatic implant placement is a highly specialized procedure that requires advanced surgical training and experience. Dr. Dalla and our team at Ora Dentistry offer this treatment as part of our commitment to providing the most advanced implant solutions available to patients throughout Elk Grove, Sacramento, Galt, and surrounding communities.

Contact us today to schedule your zygomatic dental implant consultation at our Elk Grove office.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zygomatic Dental Implants

How are zygomatic implants different from conventional implants?
Conventional implants are anchored into the jawbone and require adequate bone density at the implant site. Zygomatic implants are longer and angled to anchor into the cheekbone rather than the jawbone, bypassing the need for bone grafting in patients with severe upper jaw bone loss. The cheekbone provides a dense, stable foundation for the implant that is unaffected by the bone loss that has occurred in the jaw.

Do zygomatic implants require bone grafting?
In most cases no. The primary advantage of zygomatic implants is that they eliminate the need for bone grafting by anchoring into the cheekbone instead of the deteriorated jawbone. This reduces treatment time, eliminates the additional healing period associated with grafting, and makes implant treatment accessible to patients who would not otherwise be candidates.

Is the zygomatic implant procedure more complex than conventional implant surgery?
Yes. Zygomatic implant placement is a more technically demanding procedure than standard implant surgery due to the anatomy involved and the specialized training required. It is important to choose a provider with specific experience in this technique. Dr. Dalla has the advanced surgical training and clinical experience to perform zygomatic implant procedures predictably and safely.

How long do zygomatic implants last?
Like conventional implants, zygomatic implants are designed to be a long-term solution. With proper care, routine dental visits, and good oral hygiene, zygomatic implants can provide stable, functional support for a dental restoration for many years.

Can zygomatic implants be used for a full arch restoration?
Yes. Zygomatic implants are often used as part of a full arch restoration strategy for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss. They may be used alone or in combination with conventional implants depending on the patient’s specific anatomy and the number of implants required to support the planned restoration.

Am I a candidate if I have already had failed conventional implants?
Possibly. Patients who have experienced implant failure due to insufficient upper jaw bone may still be candidates for zygomatic implants, as the cheekbone is unaffected by the bone loss that led to the previous failure. Dr. Dalla will evaluate your specific situation during a consultation and provide an honest assessment of your options.