Big US states, such as Virginia, have become a haven for edentulous patients seeking permanent restorative options – from traditional to advanced implant procedures to zygomatic dental implants Virginia has dedicated dentists for every treatment type.
However, among the several treatments offered by dentists, zygomatic dental implants have been garnering special attention and interest from patients lately.
But why’s that? Is there something unique about these implants? Well, yes, more than unique: it’s a saviour for people suffering from bone loss – you can get these implants even if you have a severely deteriorated jawbone! If you, too, happen to have bone loss (and have been rendered ineligible for regular implants), zygomatic implants may be the ultimate solution for you. Read through the blog to learn more about zygomatic implants and where you can get them in Virginia.
What Are Zygomatic Implants?
Let’s start with a general introduction to zygomatic implants, then we’ll move on to other aspects of the same.
Zygomatic implants are a unique type of dental implant (artificial tooth roots that support a dental prosthesis) designed especially for people suffering from bone loss in the upper jawbone.
These implants adopt a tactical approach to eliminate the effects of bone loss – they’re placed in the cheekbones (zygomatic bones) instead of the upper jaw. In this way, the implants bypass the jawbone altogether while still getting the necessary bone support from the cheekbones.
Patients often feel sceptical and uncomfortable about the unconventional placement of zygomatic implants, but they don’t really warrant any such concerns. They yield the same level of functionality and aesthetics as provided by regular jawbone-supported implants, just via a different placement process.
So, in a nutshell, zygomatic implants have come as a godsend for edentulous patients with weak jaws, giving them an alternative (and perfectly healthy and efficient) means of permanent teeth replacement.
The Mighty Cheekbones: A Perfect Alternative To The Upper Jaw
Every single bone in our body has a profound purpose, even when it’s not immediately apparent. This applies to the cheekbones too – they don’t only help you have a beautiful smile (aiding in dimple formation and the like) but act as a supporting structure for the upper jaw. These are the general uses of cheekbones that people are aware of.
However, there’s a hidden use that has only been uncovered with the invention of zygomatic implants: they can be used as a substitute for the maxilla for dental implant placement for people with maxillary atrophy (upper jawbone loss), easing their otherwise difficult (and sometimes impose) journey to teeth restoration.
The cheekbones are located in close proximity to the maxilla, have the same elongated arch-like structure, and have a high bone density. These are perfectly logical reasons behind the use of cheekbones as an alternative site for implant placement, helping them evade the effects of jawbone loss.
These implants are usually indicated where there’s severe jawbone loss that can’t be remedied by any means, but it’s also a great option where bone loss is mild to moderate (remediable via bone grafting), but the patients don’t want to take the longer route.
Is Zygomatic Implants Placement Difficult? Process Explained
People feel uncomfortable with the prospect of zygomatic implants not only because of their unconventional nature but also because of the placement process. They think that the placement will be too painful, complicated and difficult, but that’s not really the case.
While it’s true that zygomatic implant placement is more detailed (i.e. invasive) than normal implants, it doesn’t necessarily have to be complicated or difficult unless it’s being performed by a non-specialist.
Here’s how the process typically goes:
- First of all, your implant surgeon will evaluate your suitability for zygomatic implants. They’ll confirm if you’re actually in need of zygomatic implants (i.e. if the upper jaw is actually deteriorated enough to warrant an alternative treatment option).
- Once the eligibility is confirmed, the diagnostic planning process begins. The surgeon will take impressions of your mouth and the jaw to determine the initiating points for the surgery. The distance between the jaw and the cheekbones is also measured to plan the entire pathway and appropriate angulations for implant placement.
- The surgery begins on the next visit. It starts with the surgeon lifting off a flap of gums from the gums and accessing the upper. Then, narrow but long holes are drilled into the jawbone via the flap. Since the implants are meant to be placed in the cheekbones, the holes are extended till there. Once done, implants are securely inserted into the holes, after which they are sutured close.
- A prosthesis (crown/bridge/denture) is either loaded directly after the surgery on the same day or a few months after the surgery, depending on whether you’ve opted for same-day implants or conventional implants.
Zygomatic Implants In Virginia
As we hinted above, zygomatic implant surgery must be performed by a specialist because of its intricate and extra-invasive nature.
The surgeon would have to manoeuvre through multiple nerves, blood vessels, hard and soft tissues during the surgery, which demands extra precision and perfect skills.
Besides the placement, the pre-surgical diagnostics and preplanning must also be done with precision for the treatment to be successful.
At Virginia Implant Clinic, we not only have expert surgeons (with multiple years of experience performing zygomatic implants), but special attention is given to all treatment aspects.
Advanced machinery and diagnostic tools (such as 3D scanning machines, CAD/CAM technology, 3D printing machines, etc.) are employed in the treatment. These tools ensure impeccable precision and accuracy in all treatment phases – from preplanning, prosthesis designing, implant placement to prosthesis loading and everything in between.
Conclusion
In conclusion, zygomatic implants are a straightforward and efficient restorative solution for patients suffering from maxillary bone loss. If performed correctly, these implants would work just as well as regular implants.
For a smooth and successful zygomatic implant experience, schedule a FREE consultation with VA Implant Clinic, a premium dental practice located in Virginia. Talk to our team of zygomatic implant experts and pave your way to a healthy and beautiful smile!
