Zygomatic and pterygoid are a type of dental implants that are usually used in patients that do not have a sufficient bone or the quality of it is not very durable. They are longer due to the fact that they need to be placed in the cheekbone area, unlike traditional implants. Furthermore, we will explain what both zygomatic and pterygoid implants are, how the procedure works and what are their main benefits.
What Are Zygomatic Implants?
Patients who lack sufficient bone in their upper jaw to qualify for standard implant bridges may find that zygomatic implants provide a viable option. Dental implant restorations are now available to patients who were previously informed they were not candidates for bridges or implants, or that extensive grafting was required prior to implant insertion.
Patients who want a permanent upper bridge but have experienced considerable bone loss in the upper jaw might benefit from zygomatic implants. These implants are positioned at an angle into the thick zygoma bone, sometimes referred to as the cheekbone, and are noticeably longer than conventional implants. This reduces the need for bone grafting and shortens the time needed for tooth restoration for patients.
In order to provide a stable base for the placement of the upper arch bridge, one or two zygomatic implants as well as conventional implants are positioned on either side of the dental arch during the process. Most of the time, the zygomatic implant surgery and the restoration may be done on the same day.
How Does The Procedure Work?
A group of dental specialists, usually consisting of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a prosthodontist, undertake the zygoma implant implantation surgery under general anesthesia. A thorough assessment of the patient’s medical and dental history, together with a CT scan of the maxillary sinus and jawbone, is performed at the start of the procedure.
The dentist will make a tiny incision in the gum tissue and use specialized tools to prepare the zygomatic bone for the implant once the patient has been given the all-clear to proceed. After that, the implant is gently inserted into the bone and fixed there.
In order to aid in healing and osseointegration—the process by which the implant bonds to the bone—a temporary denture is affixed to the implant following its insertion. The temporary denture is taken off once the implant has completely integrated, and a permanent set of teeth is affixed to the implants.
Benefits Of Zygomatic Implants
Some of the main benefits of zygomatic implants include:
- Improved stability: The insertion of zygomatic implants offers a more solid basis for dental restorations, especially when standard implants are not feasible because of bone loss. All-on-4 implants also have a solid base thanks to zygomatic implants.
- Better aesthetics: For individuals who lack teeth, zygomatic implants provide a natural-looking, aesthetically beautiful alternative.
- Shorter treatment period: Because zygomatic implants enable instantaneous loading, patients can obtain a full set of teeth in a single process, cutting down on both the length of time needed for treatment and the number of dental appointments.
- Better quality of life: Patients’ general quality of life is enhanced with zygomatic implants, which give them the confidence to eat, speak, and smile.
What Type Of Patients Do Zygomatic Implants Suit?
Deterioration of the jawbone is frequently associated with extended use of a denture or tooth loss. The loss of teeth frequently causes the bone to alter and may result in the loss of bone foundations required for traditional dental implant placement.
Most of the time, the sinus spaces above the upper jaw enlarge as well, further weakening the underlying bones. Zygomatic implants can replace your missing implants completely without the need for bone grafting if your maxillary bone is insufficient to support conventional dental implants.
No Need For Bone Grafting Procedures
Zygomatic implants do not require bone grafting since they are intended to be a practical option for those who have lost teeth and significant bone loss in the upper jawbone. In order for traditional dental implants to be supported, the jawbone must have a specific quantity of healthy bone tissue; however, in situations when bone loss is significant, this may not be achievable without bone grafting.
But because the zygomatic bone is stronger and denser than the jaw bone, zygomatic implants can provide more stability and support because they are fixed into it. This implies that zygomatic implants can frequently be obtained without the requirement for bone grafting, even in patients who have experienced considerable bone loss.
Furthermore, by positioning zygomatic implants at a 45-degree angle, it is possible to avoid parts of the upper jaw bone that can be weakened by bone loss, which further minimizes the need for bone grafting.
All things considered, zygomatic implants offer a less intrusive substitute for conventional implants, enabling patients experiencing significant bone loss to have a functioning set of teeth that seems natural without the necessity for bone grafting.
How Successful Are Zygomatic Implant Treatments?
Given the improvements in dental implant technology over the past 20 years, zygomatic implant surgeries are incredibly effective. Generally speaking, dental implants are only viable under specific circumstances that may impact overall health and the capacity to provide the necessary upkeep.
To maintain the cleanliness and correct cleaning of the implant, brushing and flossing should be done twice a day. Regular dental hygiene appointments are also recommended in order to get rid of any areas that could otherwise require cleaning.
Immediate Placement
With zygomatic implants, a process known as “immediate loading” enables patients to get a complete set of teeth in a single treatment by immediately attaching a temporary denture or bridge to the implant following its insertion.
This method has several advantages, such as shorter treatment times and instant function and cosmetic restoration. Without the need for a prolonged healing time, patients who undergo this procedure may eat, speak, and smile with confidence from the moment the procedure is finished.
Furthermore, since patients don’t need to schedule several sessions to have their denture or bridge attached, quick loading minimizes the number of dental visits. This benefit is very effective and convenient and you will gain your teeth and your smile back in no time. This way you won’t be ashamed that you don’t have teeth and you will not need any temporary artificial teeth.
How Long Do Zygomatic Implants Last?
These dental implants are made to last a lifetime for patients and are quite durable. Studies have demonstrated that zygomatic implants have a high success rate and can endure for many years, however, their durability might vary depending on factors such as the patient’s dental hygiene practices, general health, and lifestyle factors.
With the right maintenance and care, such as routine dental examinations, excellent oral hygiene, and abstaining from bad habits like smoking and binge drinking, zygomatic implants can endure for many years and provide patients with a set of teeth that appear and act like real teeth.
But just as with any dental operation, it’s crucial to talk to a skilled dentist about the anticipated lifetime of zygomatic implants to see whether they’re the best option for your particular situation.
What Are Pterygoid Implants?
Pterygoid implants are suitable in cases when the patient is diagnosed with a condition called atrophic maxilla which consists of a shrinkage of the upper jaw. If you have these conditions traditional dental implants will not be the right treatment for you so you have to find a specialized surgeon who knows how to decide which is the right treatment for you, in this case, Pterygoid implants.
Traditional implants will not work in this case because even if the implantologist successfully places the root, it would not be able to fuse properly causing the implant to fail. While there are other possible dental treatments available, dental implants remain the best and the most long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
Unlike traditional dental implants which are inserted vertically in the jawbone, pterygoid implants will need to be anchored at a 45-degree angle in the medial pterygoid plate. After the procedure is done you will be left with gorgeous-looking teeth and a shiny new smile, leaving behind the problems that the loss of bone has caused.
How Does The Procedure Work?
The good news is that the procedure will be done under the effect of local anesthesia so you will not feel any pain or discomfort. The basic difference between the procedures is that the implants that will be used are supposed to be long (16-20 millimeters). This way they will reach the pterygoid bone where there is a possibility to fix the implant, especially in cases where the other areas of the mouth have bone shortage.
In addition to the standard drills, the implantologist will probably use osteotomes, which are similar to nail punches, during the procedure because they allow for greater control and because working the implant hole may condense the limited amount of available bone rather than remove it.
Benefits Of Pterygoid Implants
- Replace missing teeth permanently: Pterygoid implants, with a few minor exclusions, can permanently replace your missing teeth. In addition to having greater self-assurance, you’ll be able to chew meals similarly to how you would with your real teeth. Pterygoid implants have a life-changing effect on many individuals.
- Prevent the need for sinus augmentation: To increase the amount of bone between the sinuses and the mouth cavity, sinus augmentation may be required. Because the patient needs to have sinus augmentation surgery and then wait for the region to heal before an implant can be put, this procedure can prolong the implant process by several months. On the other hand, patients can enjoy their beautiful smile more quickly with pterygoid implants since they do not require sinus augmentation.
- Avoid bone grafting: In the past, bone grafting was common for individuals with significant bone loss. It may take up to a year for the jaw to heal after a bone transplant before it is prepared to receive implants. Patients do not require a bone transplant when using pterygoid implants since they completely avoid the upper jaw.
- Suitable for usage in combination with other implant kinds: Pterygoid implants can be used safely in addition to standard implants if you need dental implants for your lower jaw.
- Simple to maintain and clean. Your dental implants will look identical to your own teeth, and you will take care of them in the same way. You may preserve the health of your gums and safeguard the natural teeth you still have by brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day.
- The success rate of pterygoid implants is very high and it goes beyond 95%!
When Are Pterygoid Implants Needed?
- If the patient suffers from insufficient bone pterygoid implant will be the right procedure for you.
- When the maxillary sinus lining is located near the alveolar bone.
- It serves as an alternative to the process of bone augmentation.
What Is The Difference Between Zygomatic And Pterygoid Implants?
Even though zygomatic and pterygoid implants seem similar because they are both used in patients who suffer from significant bone loss, their main difference is their placement area. Their materials can vary but the most used ones are made of titanium.
- The sphenoid bone, which is a component of the base of the skull, has a Pterygoid process that houses the pterygoid implant.
- The most noticeable part of the face or cheekbone is formed by the even rhomboidal zygomatic or malar bone, which is where the zygomatic implant is anchored.
Both bones offer exceptional anchoring in the posterior region of the maxilla because of their exceptional hardness and density, which, in contrast to the maxillary bone, is maintained over time. They also do not exhibit bone resorption which means they will last even more than your natural roots. In order to reach their anchoring place, zygomatic and pterygoid dental implants are positioned at an angle and require a greater amount of length—up to 55 mm—than conventional implants. However, to decide which one is the right procedure for you, you will need to discuss it with a specialized dentist or implantologist and we offer some of the best professionals here at Dr. Roland Zhuka’s dental clinic.
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