Placing Zygomatic Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the greatest additions to oral surgery ever created. They can restore a patient’s confidence and ability to live their lives to the fullest all while reinforcing the integrity of the underlying alveolar bone. However, for some patients with advanced bone loss, dental implants are difficult to place. Until now, multiple grafting surgeries were required to ensure dental implants would be a successful solution. Thanks to zygomatic dental implants, Dr. Sedaros is now able to restore the smiles of patients with severe bone loss and other complications without any extra surgery.  He is proud to be the only oral surgeon in the Melbourne, Florida area performing this procedure.

What Are Zygomatic Dental Implants

Zygomatic dental implants are similar to traditional dental implants in that they are titanium rods that are placed in the jaw bone and used to fix dental appliances like dentures or a bridge. They are different in that they are much longer and placed in the zygoma rather than in the alveolar ridge.

The zygoma is more commonly know as the malar bone, or cheek bone. Placing implants in this region makes it possible for patients to have their dental appliances fixed without having to perform additional surgeries, such as a sinus lift. It also requires the expert hand of a practiced oral surgeon for the exact placement of these spectacular implants.

Why Choose Zygomatic Dental Implants

Zygomatic Dental implants are an amazing and secure alternative for dental implants, however not every patient will need this type of implant. Zygomatic implants are most beneficial to patients who have lost much of their maxilla. With zygomatic dental implants Dr. Sedaros is able to bypass this area of the mouth and place the implants into strong, secure bone tissue that is up to the challenge of holding dental appliances in place for many years.

In the past, patients whose alveolar bone, or maxilla, has absorbed so much that implant surgery is impossible would have to undergo a procedure called a sinus graft. A sinus graft is a procedure that grows bone tissue in the sinus cavity so that implants can be placed. This procedure is very predictable and safe to use, however it is another procedure the patient will have to recover from. If a patient has lost much of their alveolar bone, Dr. Sedaros may suggest placing zygomatic dental implants. This will yield the same results in less time.

Missing Maxilla

Patients who are missing a substantial amount of maxilla are extremely common. Periodontal disease is the main cause. This inflammatory gum disease can cause the teeth to become loose and fall out. However that is only the tip of the iceberg so to speak. After the tooth is gone, the bone that was holding it in place begins to reabsorb back into the body. Unless dental implants are placed and the structure of the bone is upheld, this can continue in perpetuity, making the fitting of dentures a difficult and ongoing problem.  If a patient has suffered tooth loss and the corresponding loss of jaw bone for many years, once they are referred to an oral surgeon like Dr. Sedaros there may not be enough bone to place an implant with. Before zygomatic implants Dr. Sedaros would first need to perform a sinus graft to regrow bone in the sinus cavity before he could place dental implants and restore the integrity of the bone. However, with zygomatic dental implants he is able to carefully place long implants into bone that is not usually affected by the perils of periodontal disease. With this technology he is able to provide his patients with a long lasting solution in one visit.

Keeping your dental appliances in place can be difficult. Until recently in the Melbourne, Florida area dental implants often meant multiple procedures including bone graft to get the job done. If you are suffering from bone loss and think that zygomatic dental implants may be right for you, call our office to set up an appointment today. Dr. Sedaros will be able to review your case and see if placing dental implants in your zygoma can help you keep your dental appliances in place and help protect the integrity of your existing bone without any extra procedures. Call our Melbourne, Florida oral surgeon’s office with any questions.