If you're struggling with extreme bone loss in your upper jaw, zygomatic dental implants could be your permanent fix to missing or failing upper teeth.
In this complete guide you’ll learn the 15 essential things you need to know about this revolutionary dental treatment including what the zygomatic implants recovery time is like.
From how zygomatic dental implants are different from traditional implants to what you can eat post-surgery, we've got all your burning questions covered. Stick around for question #1; your dream smile could be just an article away!
Curious if you may be a candidate? Find out with this 60-second quiz!
Question 15: Why would I need zygomatic dental implants?
Answer: Zygomatic dental implants make it possible for patients with extreme bone loss in the upper jaw (maxilla) to still get dental implants.
In other words, patients who worry they will spend the rest of their life with temporary solutions to missing teeth like dentures because of bone loss, may still be a candidate for dental implants with zygomatic ones.
Long-term denture wearers or those who have spent years without teeth oftentimes experience bone loss. Without enough jaw bone, dental implants can’t be placed.
Zygomatic dental implants work well in these situations because the implants aren’t placed in the jawbone, they’re placed in the cheekbone.
Question 14: How are zygomatic dental implants different from normal dental implants?
Answer: The biggest differences between zygomatic and traditional dental implant placement are the type of implant used and the angle at which they are placed.
Zygomatic dental implants are much longer and are placed in the zygomatic (cheek) bone.
Question 13: How long does the procedure for zygomatic dental implants take at Nuvia Dental Implant Center?
Answer: Zygomatic dental implant procedures at Nuvia Dental Implant Center typically take anywhere from 3-5 hours for placement.
The exact timing depends on several factors, such as the need for cleaning the bone and tissues due to decay or the removal of remaining teeth.
In addition to an oral surgeon and restorative dentist, patients at Nuvia get a dedicated CRNA to provide anesthesia and make sure they sleep comfortably throughout the procedure.
Patients can rest assured that the procedure isn’t being slowed down by a multi-tasking oral surgeon who is also worried about anesthesia as may be the case elsewhere.
Question 12: What is the zygomatic implants recovery time like?
Answer: The recovery process for zygomatic dental implants is relatively similar to that of traditional dental implants.
However, patients may experience more bruising due to the procedure extending past the jawbone where the traditional dental implants would stop. Bruising and swelling will typically subside within a few days to a few weeks. Remember to use your ice packs to help minimize the swelling and bruising after surgery!
Question 11: Are there any special care instructions for patients who have received zygomatic dental implants?
Answer: The care instructions for patients with zygomatic dental implants are the same as those for traditional dental implant placement.
*Actual NUVIA patient(s) who may have been compensated for sharing their story. Not all those who come in for a consultation are eligible for this treatment. Results may vary in individual cases.
Question 10: Can zygomatic dental implants be used in combination with traditional dental implants?
Answer: Yes, zygomatic dental implants can be used in combination with traditional dental implants.
Zygomatic dental implants can only be placed in the upper jaw. For patients that have enough bone in the lower jaw, traditional all-on-4® dental implants can still be used.
Question 9: How do zygomatic dental implants affect a patient's facial appearance?
Answer: Zygomatic dental implants are designed to provide support for replacement teeth in patients with significant bone loss in the upper jaw.
These implants do not alter a patient's facial appearance beyond helping to restore a natural-looking smile and improve overall facial aesthetics.
Question 8: If I have bone loss should I just ask for Zygomatic Dental Implants?
Answer: While zygomatic dental implants can be an excellent option for many patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw, they may not be needed, even in the case of bone loss.
All-on-4® dental implants is a method used to maximize on the bone that’s already in the jaw so even patients that have experienced some bone loss could still get normal full mouth dental implants.
However, when bone loss is too severe for All-on-4® dental implants, then your provider may recommend zygomatic dental implants.
With zygomatic dental implants being a more technical procedure, it’s important that you see a highly experienced provider. You probably don’t want to visit a general dentist who has only taken a weekend course on placing dental implants for this procedure. You’ll want to get an idea of how many successful dental implant cases they’ve done.
For example, From 2022- 2024, Nuvia’s internal tracking showed a success rate of 99.13% across all patients. This compares to other large studies that have reported a 93.3 - 98% success rate (2).
Nuvia patients get an oral surgeon, restorative dentist, and CRNA who all work together to provide a safe experience and a high-quality result.
It is crucial to consult with an experienced dental professional at Nuvia Dental Implant Center to determine the best treatment plan for your unique situation.
To get in touch, start by taking this 60-second quiz
Question 7: How Much Do Zygomatic Dental Implants Cost?
Answer: The cost of zygomatic dental implants can be higher than traditional dental implants due to the materials and highly technical nature of the procedure and the limited number of surgeons who can perform it.
However, the overall cost and treatment timeline should be weighed against factors such as patient comfort, zygomatic implants recovery time vs traditional implants, and long-term success rates when considering the best course of action.
For more details on cost, finance plans, and insurance questions, see the FREE Dental Implant Cost Guide here.
Question 6: How long do zygomatic dental implants last?
Answer: With proper care and maintenance, zygomatic dental implants are designed to last a lifetime.
Factors that can affect the longevity of the implants include the experience of your care team, oral hygiene, overall health, and lifestyle choices such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are essential to ensure the continued success of the dental implants.
Question 5: I Have medical conditions and take medication, can I receive zygomatic dental implants?
Answer: Some medical conditions and medications can affect a patient's eligibility for zygomatic dental implants.
To get a concrete answer to this question based on your medical history, you’ll have to get in touch with a provider at Nuvia.
Question 4: What is the process for maintaining zygomatic dental implants, and are there any differences compared to traditional dental implants?
Answer: The maintenance process for zygomatic dental implants is similar to that of traditional dental implants.
It includes regular dental checkups, professional dental implant cleanings, and practicing good oral hygiene at home, such as brushing and flossing the dental implants daily. There are no significant differences in the maintenance process between zygomatic and traditional dental implants.
Question 3: How soon after tooth extraction can zygomatic dental implants be placed?
Answer: Patients can get their tooth extractions and dental implants placed in the same procedure at Nuvia. Not only that, but they can then get their set of permanent teeth 24 hours later.
Traditional methods of placing either normal or zygomatic dental implants can take up to 10+ months to get patients their final set of teeth. During those months of waiting patients are often given a bulky set of temporary teeth.
Not at Nuvia. No waiting for months for a final set of teeth. No bulky temporaries.
Question 2 : What is the zygoma?
Answer: The zygoma is a term used in the medical field to refer to the cheekbone.
It's a strong, protruding bone that sits above the upper jaw. The zygoma provides a firm foundation for zygomatic dental implants when the maxilla does not have enough bone to support traditional implants.
Question 1: What can I eat after zygomatic dental implant surgery?
Answer: With dental implants and permanent teeth, you can eat anything your heart desires!
For a few months directly after the surgery, during the zygomatic implants recovery time, patients are told to stick to a soft food diet consisting of foods that can be cut with a plastic fork. After this period, patients have the ability to eat whatever they’d like.
It’s important to note that your doctor will review your needs based on your specific case and adjust these guidelines accordingly.
If you’ve been told elsewhere that you’re not a candidate for upper dental implants due to bone loss, it could be worth exploring zygomatic dental implants.
See if you may be a candidate for dental implants with this 60-second quiz.
Sources
Esposito, M., Worthington, H. V., Thomsen, P., & Coulthard, P. (2003). Interventions for replacing missing teeth: Different types of dental implants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003815
Source: (1) Pjetursson, B. E., Thoma, D., Jung, R., Zwahlen, M., & Zembic, A. (2012). A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) after a mean observation period of at least 5 years. Clinical Oral Implants Research, 23(Suppl 6), 22-38.
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