Tooth loss is a condition that can seriously affect individuals’ quality of life. It can have important results both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Missing teeth can negatively affect chewing function, causing digestive problems and speech difficulties. Additionally, bone loss may occur in areas where teeth are missing, disrupting the natural structure of the face, which may increase aesthetic concerns. Traditional dental implants are a widely preferred method of overcoming such problems by replacing missing teeth with fixed prostheses. Implants function like the roots of natural teeth, thanks to titanium screws placed in the jawbone, and restore tooth functions with prostheses placed on them.
However, standard implants may not be suitable for every patient. Especially in individuals who have experienced long-term tooth loss, the jaw bone becomes thinner over time and there may not be enough bone tissue left for implant application. In such cases, the application of standard implants becomes difficult or impossible due to jaw bone deficiency. This is where the zygomatic implant comes into play.
Zygomatic implants are a high-tech solution developed for patients with jaw bone deficiency. Zygomatic implants, unlike traditional implants, are placed in the zygoma, that is, the cheekbone, instead of the upper jawbone. In this way, it becomes possible to apply fixed prostheses even in patients with insufficient jaw bone. Zygomatic implants provide a great advantage, especially in cases of advanced bone loss and where traditional implants cannot be applied.
What is Zygoma Implant?
Zygomatic implants are special types of implants used in cases where the upper jaw bone is insufficient. These implants, named after the zygomatic bone (cheekbone), are longer than traditional implants and are placed in the cheekbone. In this way, it is possible to apply fixed prostheses even in patients with insufficient upper jaw bone.
Zygomatic implants are preferred especially in patients with advanced bone loss or in cases where previous bone grafting (adding bone powder) procedures have failed. These implants can be used alone or in conjunction with traditional implants.
In Which Situations Is Zygoma Implant Applied?
Zygoma implants are an implant treatment developed especially for patients with jaw bone deficiency or severe bone loss. This treatment method comes into play when it is not possible or difficult to apply traditional dental implants. The following situations create suitable conditions for the application of zygoma implants:
- Advanced Osteoporosis: Patients who have experienced tooth loss for many years, have experienced trauma, or have severe osteoporosis due to certain diseases may experience great difficulties with traditional implant treatments. Insufficient jawbone volume prevents the safe placement of implants and may require additional procedures such as bone grafting. However, zygoma implants offer a revolutionary solution in such cases. These implants, fixed to the cheekbone (zygomatic bone), allow even patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw to obtain a functional and aesthetic solution with fixed prostheses. Thanks to zygoma implants, even patients with advanced osteoporosis can effectively compensate for their tooth loss.
- Failure of Bone Grafting Procedures: Bone grafting is a frequently used method to enable implant applications in patients with insufficient jaw bone volume. This procedure is usually performed by adding bone tissue taken from another part of the patient’s body to the jawbone. However, in some cases, these processes cannot provide the desired success; The grafted bone does not fuse sufficiently or sufficient volume is not formed. In such cases, patients may have to look for another way for implant treatment. Zygoma implants appear as an effective alternative in cases where bone grafting procedures fail. These implants placed in the cheekbone increase the chance of success of the treatment by eliminating the need for grafting.
- Need for Sinus Lift Procedure: When there is bone insufficiency in the upper jaw area, especially close to the sinus cavities, sinus lift procedure may be required for implant applications. This procedure is performed to increase the bone tissue under the sinuses and is a highly invasive procedure. Placing traditional implants close to the sinus cavity carries the risk of damaging the sinuses, which can lead to complications. Zygoma implants offer an excellent solution for patients with bone deficiency in areas close to the sinus cavities. These implants eliminate the need for sinus elevation, shortening treatment time and allowing the patient to have their prosthesis with a less invasive procedure.
- After Cancer Treatment: Some patients undergoing cancer treatment may experience serious damage to the jawbone due to radiotherapy or surgical interventions. Such treatments can cause the loss of some bone tissue, making it difficult to replace tooth loss. Zygoma implants offer an effective option for patients experiencing tooth loss after cancer treatment. These implants placed in the cheekbone enable fixed prostheses to be applied even in patients with jaw bone deficiency. Thus, patients can regain the dental functions they lost after treatment and achieve an aesthetically satisfactory result.
In this way, zygoma implants offer a safe and effective treatment option beyond traditional methods for many patients with jaw bone deficiency.
How to Apply Zygoma Implant?
Zygoma implants require a meticulous surgical procedure. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and consists of these steps:
- Planning: A detailed planning process is required before zygoma implant application. In this process, the condition of the jawbone and cheekbone is evaluated with three-dimensional imaging techniques. The patient’s general health condition and suitability for treatment are also taken into consideration.
- Surgical Intervention: During the surgical procedure, implants are placed in the cheekbone. Angles are determined according to the area where the implants are placed and the implants are fixed to the bone. During the procedure, several zygoma implants can be placed at the same time.
- Healing Process: After the zygoma implants are placed, the healing process begins. During this process, the implants are expected to fuse with the bone. It may take several months for the implants to fully attach to the bone. After the healing process is completed, fixed prostheses are placed on the implants.
Advantages of Zygoma Implant
Zygoma implants have many advantages:
- Reduces the Need for Bone Grafting: Zygoma implants can eliminate the need for bone grafting procedures. In this way, the treatment process is accelerated and additional surgical interventions can be avoided.
- Shorter Treatment Time: Compared to traditional implant treatments, the treatment time with zygoma implants is shorter. After the implants are placed, fixed prosthesis can be applied in a short time.
- High Success Rate: Zygoma implants have a high rate of fusion with bone. Successful results can be achieved, especially in patients with advanced bone loss.
- Aesthetic and Functional Solutions: Zygoma implants offer successful results in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Patients can achieve a natural-looking smile while regaining their lost dental functions.
