Zygomatic Dental Implant
St. George, UT
 Zygomatic dental implant surgery is a complex and highly specialized oral surgery, recommended to only be performed by an experienced oral surgeon. Dr. Scott E. Bulloch has been successfully placing zygomatic implants for several years. He is one of very few oral surgeons in the state fully trained and experienced in the placement of zygomatic implants and has treated patients from throughout Utah and several surrounding states.
What are Zygomatic Dental Implants?
Traditional dental implants are on average about 10 – 15 mm long. They fuse to the bone through a process called osseointegration, which is what prevents bone loss when a missing tooth is replaced by an implant.
The main differences between a traditional implant and a zygomatic implant are the length and the location of the implant that is placed. As the name suggests, the implant extends into the dense and reliable zygomatic bone, commonly called the cheekbone, and they are generally between 32 and 52 mm long. They provide a very strong and reliable option.
Zygoma bone is located above the upper jaw, so zygomatic implants are typically placed where the posterior or back upper teeth are located. One to two zygomatic implants may be placed per side.
Who Needs Zygomatic Dental Implants?
Osseointegration (the process of the bone fusing to the implant) requires quite a bit of healthy robust bone to occur. The upper posterior region of the mouth is one of the most difficult places for osseointegration to occur because it typically doesn’t have the amount of robust bone needed to facilitate the process naturally. This especially is the case when teeth have been missing for long periods of time.
When a tooth has been missing for long periods of time, the bone where the tooth was located loses stimulation which leads to atrophy of the bone- or bone loss. When bone loss occurs to the point where even a bone graft is not likely to support a traditional implant, a zygomatic implant is recommended.
Typically people who need zygomatic dental implants are those who have been told that traditional dental implants in the upper jaw are not an option because of bone loss. Patients with osteoporosis who have had dental implant failure in the past may find success with zygomatic implants.
What are the benefits of Zygoma Implants?
The main benefit is qualification: patients who suffer from severe bone deterioration now have the ability to qualify for a sustainable kind of dental implant surgery, when they otherwise would not qualify for a traditional dental implant surgery.
Other benefits of zygomatic dental implants include: Immediate loading abilities (the ability to fully chew on the implant site), improved aesthetics and function (increased ability to chew and speak), and there is generally no need for bone grafting, ridge augmentations or sinus lifts, which can cut costs and also improves comfort after surgery.
For more information zygomatic dental implants, call Precision Dental Specialties at 435-522-5629 today! |
