What is Zygomatic Implant? Which patients is it applied to?

Thanks to the advancing medical and dental practices, new treatment methods are constantly being developed and permanent solutions are being realized even for dental problems that are considered impossible to treat.

In implant treatment, which is normally performed by placing an artificial tooth root into the jawbone, a new method has been developed with the zygomatic implant. So what is a zygomatic implant? To whom and how is it applied?

Implants placed in the zygoma bone, known as the cheekbone instead of the jawbone, are longer than normal implants. While normal implants are usually 8-10-12 mm long, the length of zygomatic implants can reach 30 to 55 mm. This is because the distance between the cheekbone and the upper jaw area is long.

Like normal implants, zygomatic implants are made of titanium. If the upper jaw is not suitable for an implant or if there is no space in the upper jaw zygomatic implant treatment can come into play.

The retention of implants in the upper jaw may be more difficult than in the lower jaw. Especially in the upper jaw, various problems may be encountered in the attachment of implants placed in the posterior region. In cases where the amount of bone in the upper jaw is insufficient, alternative treatment methods can be used to replace the lost bone tissue. The zygomatic implant is an alternative and effective treatment method for patients with problematic upper jaws.

Who Can Get a Zygomatic Implant?

• Patients with very advanced osteoporosis
• People who have used total dentures for many years (In these people, the bones can reach the point of complete melting. For such patients, the zygomatic implant presents itself as an alternative treatment).
• Patients who have lost teeth due to genetic problems
• In short, zygomatic implant treatment can be applied to all patients whose upper jaw is not suitable for implant treatment.

Zygomatic implants are placed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, as in a normal implant procedure. The procedure is performed as a surgical operation and under general anesthesia.

The implant age limit also applies to zygomatic implants. For people who have completed bone development, zygomatic implant treatment can be realized if the specialist dentist deems it appropriate. In this way, no matter how problematic their tooth and bone structures are, people can have teeth with functional and aesthetic appearance that they can use for a lifetime.