What Are Zygomatic Dental Implants?
Zygomatic dental implants are specifically designed to utilize the zygoma bone, also known as your cheekbone, for support. The zygoma bone is significantly thicker and stronger than the jawbone, allowing it to hold dental implants securely.
A zygomatic dental implant has a much longer post or screw than an ordinary implant, typically two or three times the length. This is because they must be inserted at an angle right at the back of the mouth, requiring the additional length.
What Are Pterygoid Dental Implants?
Pterygoid dental implants can be used to restore a complete set of upper teeth or are useful when some natural teeth are still present. Instead of being inserted into the jawbone, they are inserted into the pterygoid plates. These pterygoid plates are an area of bone situated right at the back of the upper jaw, right at the junction of the upper jawbone or maxilla.
The bone here is more suitable for dental implants because it is less likely to atrophy or resorb. It tends to be dense and strong enough to anchor implants in place.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing Zygomatic or Pterygoid Dental Implants?
The following are some of the benefits and reasons for choosing these implants.
Receive Teeth That Feel Strong and Stable
Using these dental implants can provide you with a set of upper teeth that feel strong, stable, and comfortable. Once fully healed, you will have much better biting and chewing strength compared with an ordinary denture.
There is no risk of your teeth moving embarrassingly or uncomfortably out of place, and no need to use messy denture adhesive. Instead, you will have teeth that remain securely and permanently in place.
No Need for a Strong and Healthy Jawbone
The major benefit of choosing zygomatic implants or pterygoid implants is that you do not need to have a strong and healthy upper jawbone.
The upper jawbone or maxilla is naturally thinner and weaker. It can be destroyed due to advanced periodontal disease, trauma, or cancer.
Understanding the Problems of a Thinner, Weaker Upper Jawbone
After you lose natural teeth, the jawbone soon resorbs, becoming thinner, weaker, and less able to support dental implants securely. This is because real tooth roots help provide valuable stimulation to the surrounding bone, preventing jawbone resorption. A significant amount of bone can be lost in just the first year after tooth loss.
If you have already worn dentures for several years, the loss of jawbone density will likely be substantial. Wearing an upper denture places the upper jaw under pressure and can accelerate jawbone loss.
Because zygomatic and pterygoid dental implants are not inserted directly into your jawbone, it doesn’t matter if this bone is weaker or lacking in density and volume.
No Need for Dental Bone Grafts
Dental bone grafts are extremely common and are frequently used to prepare the jawbone for dental implants. They are often necessary if someone wishes to replace their upper back teeth, as the implants will be inserted near the sinus cavities.
The sinus cavities are air-filled spaces on either side of your nose, and the jaw here is naturally thinner and weaker. Some people also have larger sinus cavities than others, which can worsen this problem.
A dental bone graft is a straightforward procedure, but it can increase the cost and overall treatment time. Additionally, not everyone is eligible for this treatment. Some people are less suitable due to medical issues or other problems.
Can Help After Implant or Dental Bone Grafting Failure
Bone grafting and traditional dental implants are both procedures with an excellent success rate of 95% or higher. However, this does mean that they can fail in a tiny percentage of cases. If this occurs, zygomatic or pterygoid dental implants may be an alternative to dentures.
A Long-Term Solution for Missing Teeth
Dental implant treatments, such as zygomatic and pterygoid implants, provide a long-term solution for tooth loss. Treatment is tried and tested, and the implants give a secure foundation for a new set of teeth.
Immediate Loading
A temporary restoration can be created before your implant surgery and fitted soon afterward. This ensures that you can leave the dental office with a new set of teeth in place, which you will wear during the healing process.
These teeth should look good and will function reasonably well, although you will need to follow a soft food diet while your implants heal to ensure they are not disturbed. This treatment ensures that you will not be left without teeth for any length of time.
After healing is complete, you will receive your permanent teeth that will look and feel even better and are sturdy and comfortable.
Will Implant Treatment Hurt?
No dental treatment should ever feel painful, and dental implants are no exception. Placing zygomatic or pterygoid dental implants is a complex and advanced procedure that requires a high level of skill and expertise.
You will most likely need to see a dental specialist, such as an oral maxillofacial surgeon, prosthodontist, or periodontist, for this treatment. They will advise that you have sedation dentistry, usually IV sedation, to ensure you feel completely comfortable and relaxed during your treatment.
Intravenous sedation is given through a vein in your hand or in the crook of your elbow and will make you feel very sleepy and relaxed. It can contain an amnesiac, so when you come around afterward, you will have little or no memory of the procedure. It is an ideal solution for anyone who feels anxious or nervous about undergoing dental treatment.
Some people may be advised to have this procedure under a general anaesthetic.
What to Expect After Receiving Zygomatic or Pterygoid Implants
After the anesthetic wears off, you can expect to experience some minor discomfort, swelling, or bruising. This is perfectly normal and easily controllable with over-the-counter pain relief, or your implant surgeon may prescribe something for you to take. They can also advise you on other ways to manage the discomfort, such as using hot and cold compresses to reduce any swelling.
You will also be given precise instructions on how to care for your mouth during the healing process, including maintaining its cleanliness. Be sure to follow these postoperative instructions closely, including completing any antibiotics prescribed for you.
Caring for Your Zygomatic or Pterygoid Implants
Looking after your implants correctly will prolong their natural life and help ensure they remain strong and healthy for many years or even for life. Your implant dentist or hygienist can carefully review your oral care routine with you, ensuring you know how to clean around the restoration and implants to prevent plaque and food buildup.
Regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments are essential to ensure your implants can be cleaned professionally and monitored closely, thereby increasing their long-term success.
