Complex Cases: Zygomatic Implants & Pterygoid Implants

Have you been told you’re not suitable for Full Mouth Dental Implants? Or have you been refused treatment at another clinic? At New Life Teeth, we love complex cases and offer advanced solutions like Zygomatic and Pterygoid Implants to help restore your smile and quality of life.

What are Zygomatic Implants and how are they placed?

Zygomatic implants are longer than traditional implants, typically ranging from 30 to 55 mm in length. They are made of titanium, a biocompatible material that integrates well with bone through a process called osseointegration.

Unlike conventional implants that are placed vertically into the jawbone, zygomatic implants are inserted at an acute angle, passing through the sinus cavity and anchoring into the dense, cortical bone of the zygomatic arch (cheekbone). This unique placement allows the implants to achieve stability, even in cases of severe bone loss, where there is insufficient jawbone to support traditional implants.

Credit to Ramsey Amin DDS for the photo

How do Zygomatic Implants fuse with the bone?

Osseointegration is the biological process by which the titanium implant fuses with the surrounding bone. The implant surface is often treated with a rough texture or coating to increase its surface area and promote better bone-to-implant contact. Over time, the bone cells grow and attach to the implant surface, creating a strong, stable foundation for your final prosthetic teeth.

In regular zygomatic implant procedures, one implant is placed on each side of the upper jaw. These implants can be combined with traditional dental implants in the front region of the jaw, providing that sufficient bone is available. This distribution helps to balance the bite forces and provides an optimal support for the fixed teeth.

New Life Teeth also offer Quad Zygomatic Implants in the most severe cases of bone loss, Typically these patients have been without teeth for a long periods of time. With Quad Zygomatic Implants 4 zygomatic implants are placed in each jaw instead of 2.

What are Pterygoid Implants and how do they help Zygomatic implants?

Pterygoid implants are placed at the junction of maxillary (upper jaw) bone and are typically 12 to 20mm in length. They are often used in combination with zygomatic implants to provide additional stability. Zygomatic implants, which are anchored in the cheekbone, can be compared to flag poles. Just like a flag pole needs support to remain stable in high winds, zygomatic implants require linking to other implants for optimal stability. Without this connection, the tip of the zygomatic implant may experience slight movement.

In cases where patients have limited bone availability, pterygoid implants can be utilized as there may be no suitable areas for traditional bone implants. Pterygoid implants are anchored in the dense cortical bone found in the upper wisdom tooth region, known as the pterygoid plate. By connecting pterygoid implants to zygomatic implants, a highly stable foundation is created that can effectively support a fixed prosthesis.

Credit to Ramsey Amin DDS for the photo

How Can Zygomatic Implants Help Patients with Severe Bone Loss?

Zygomatic implants provide a scientifically advanced solution for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw. By anchoring into the dense zygomatic bone, these implants can achieve excellent stability and support a fixed implant bridge, restoring both function and aesthetics.

This procedure is a valuable option for patients who may not be candidates for traditional full mouth dental implant treatments. Regular zygomatic implants, when combined with traditional implants in the front region of the mouth (if possible), can effectively rehabilitate the upper jaw and improve patients' quality of life.

Benefits of Zygomatic Implants

  • Avoid Bone Grafting: Zygomatic implants eliminate the need for complex and time-consuming bone grafting procedures.

  • Immediate Results: In many cases, a fixed provisional prosthesis can be placed immediately after surgery, allowing for faster restoration of function and aesthetics.

  • High Success Rate: Studies report a success rate of 97-98% for zygomatic implants.

  • Improved Facial Appearance: By utilizing the strong zygomatic bone, these implants can help restore facial structure and potentially have a rejuvenating effect.

  • Single-Stage Procedure: Zygomatic implant placement is often completed in one surgical stage, reducing overall treatment time and patient discomfort.

When Are Zygomatic Implants Recommended?