There are different ways in which it is possible to install dental implants in a person’s mouth. There is a very well-known procedure of getting small screw-like implants inserted in the low or upper jaw. The more unconventional method consists of getting much longer implants placed in the cheekbone, also known as Zygomatic dental implants.
It is a procedure designed specifically for people who don’t have enough bone structure to get the typical implant surgery, hence why they are quite unusual.
Zygomatic implants consist of less invasive intervention and fewer clinic visits. Besides, patients don’t have to go through bone grafting (where dentists have to take bone from other areas of your body to strengthen and give volume to your jaw), which can add significant time and cost to treatment.
Thanks to this solution, those patients who were told that they’re not good candidates for implants and had to settle for dentures now have another alternative to get brand new teeth.
Let’s start by saying that these implants will function just like the regular ones. However, at first, they might seem a bit scary since they are way longer than traditional implants, but have in mind that they are designed to perfectly fit the space in your cheekbone so they can create a secure foundation for the new teeth.
For you to get a better idea of how Zygomatic implants work, we’ll give you a short but clear description of its components:
Before the procedure takes place, the dentist will first have to diagnose what the patient needs. In this case, Zygomatic implants work as an effective alternative to rehabilitate patients who may have undergone surgeries in the maxilla areas. This could be due to cancer or severe accidents; these patients have severe surgical sequelae, possibly because surgeries removed part of the palate. After the incident, the patient isn’t capable of chewing, swallowing, or even talking.
As mentioned before, Zygomatic implants help rehabilitate patients who do not have any bone structure to work with; Implants can actually be set in place in one visit and will take three to five days for the after-effects ease off. These can come in the form of swelling, bruising, and bleeding.
The implants will then have to fuse with the cheekbones, which is a process that takes around five to six months to stabilize fully. While it happens, the patients need to take care, so the following tips can help prevent any discomfort and adequately care for oral health:
After this, the dentist will have to place the dentures, and the patient’s smile will be good as new. The Zygomatic technique allows patients who would ordinarily require additional surgeries to obtain implants much sooner.
These implants restore the patient’s smile and improve daily activities like speaking or chewing. After the operation occurs, the patient must follow a hygiene routine to ensure their new beautiful teeth don’t get damaged and can last for a long, long time.
If we talk about critical risks, there are just a few that can potentially harm your oral health, like toothaches or bruising.
The main complication that may arise during zygomatic implants is sinusitis. According to specialists, sinusitis may be apparent even years after the operation. But, in very few cases, there can be complications due to poor dental practices.
Other complications may include the following:
Remember, every case is unique, so most likely, not all people will have the same complications. If you happen to have severe bone loss, ask your dentist about Zygomatic implants. Depending on their evaluation, they’ll be able to determine if that is the best option for you and let you know what you can expect from the full procedure.
As you can see, there is always a great way to get dental implants in San Diego. If you have more questions about this or other procedures, call your dentist in Clairemont. We are ready to help you.