Zygomatic Dental Implants
Natural Teeth FAST™
An alternative to bone grafting. FAST™ Zygoma implants provide
immediate, fixed teeth to patients with minimal or limited
upper bone. No bone grafting, no dentures.
No bone grafting. No dentures to wear ever. Immediate, permanent teeth.
We will not compromise
Bone atrophy (bone loss) is a natural phenomenon that occurs after the extraction of teeth. Bone atrophy is progressive and is accelerated by wearing dentures. Advanced atrophy prevents dental implants from being placed without the need for bone grafting. Even when there are teeth still present, severe infections or gum disease can cause the destruction of the jawbone. Such patients may often be deemed unsuitable for conventional treatment with dental implants.
Zygoma and pterygoid implants are designed for patients with bone loss in the upper jaw and are used as an alternative to bone grafting. Both implants are specially designed longer implants. The zygoma implants are tilted during placement and avoid the soft, inadequate bone in the upper jaw. They anchor into the underside of the cheekbone where the bone is extremely dense. This technique ensures a strong foundation to support immediate replacement teeth without bone grafting.
Traditionally, patients with advanced bone loss in the upper jaw would require various types of sinus grafts or jawbone grafts. Bone grafts must be allowed to consolidate before the new bone can be relied upon for supporting implants and teeth. When sinus bone grafts are performed the patient will typically wait 6-12 months before teeth are permanently fixed to implants in the region. During the waiting period, patients wear a denture, if they haven’t already been wearing one.
FAST™ Zygoma
Many of the patients we have successfully treated with Natural Teeth FAST™ Zygoma implants were previously told elsewhere that there wasn’t enough bone for implants, that they needed extensive bone grafting, or simply were not candidates for permanent teeth.
Why did I lose all this bone?
Bone atrophy (bone loss) is a natural phenomenon that occurs after the extraction of teeth. Bone atrophy is progressive and is accelerated by wearing dentures. Advanced bone atrophy prevents dental implants from being placed without the need for bone grafting. Even when there are teeth present, severe infections or gum disease can cause the destruction of the jawbone. Such patients may often be deemed unsuitable for conventional treatment with dental implants.
Traditionally, patients with advanced bone loss in the upper jaw would require various types of sinus grafts or jawbone grafts. Bone grafts must be allowed to consolidate before the new bone can be relied upon for supporting implants and teeth. When sinus bone grafts are performed the patient will typically wait 6-12 months before teeth are permanently fixed to implants in the region. During the waiting period, patients wear a denture, if they haven’t already been wearing one.
What is a sinus lift or sinus bone graft?
When gum disease or tooth loss occurs, the bone will dissolve. Sinus bone grafting replaces the bone loss in the back upper part of the jaw. Historically this procedure has had varying degrees of success and carries many limitations for tooth replacement. Loss of the graft, infection, and failure can all happen after the procedure. In addition, the bone graft will take 6-12 months to consolidate adequately to support teeth on top. While sinus bone grafting is an option, most patients opt-out due to time, lack of immediacy, and predictability.
Traditional Bone Grafting
FAST™ Zygoma Implants
Zygoma implants are special implants designed to bypass areas where you use to have bone. The zygoma implants are inserted in the back of the upper jaw, anchoring into the underside of the strong, dense cheekbone. Typically, we place one zygoma on each side but in more severe situations, we will place two zygoma implants on each side (commonly referred to as quad zygoma).
We will combine the zygoma implants with one or more additional regular implants in the front part of your jaw and typically 2 pterygoid implants all the way in the back. This placement gives a large, stable base to attach teeth.
With Natural Teeth FAST™ Zygoma implants, you can have a fixed Trial Smile™ bridge in just 18 hours! No bone grafting, no waiting, no dentures to wear ever.
Natural Teeth Fast™
The main benefits of the Natural Teeth Fast™ compared to the traditional zygoma implants:
-More accurate positioning of the implants
-Optimized the restorative and aesthetic outcome
-Reduce the associated risks of complications
During the consultation and CT scan, our team will determine if you are a candidate for Natural Teeth Fast™. If you are a candidate, we will share with you the plan and a predicted outcome to restore appearance, function, and comfort with the use of our sophisticated software system.
The Natural Teeth FAST™ Advantage
The Natural Teeth FAST™ technique is a combination of proven methods to help improve the outcome and reduce risks associated with the procedure. Benefits of FAST™ vs. traditional are outlined:
- More accurate positioning of the implants
- Thinner, more natural feeling teeth
- Enhanced esthetics
- Reduced risk of sinus complications
- Reduced healing times
We will determine the proper number of zygoma implants during your consultation. The FAST™ technique usually involves 2-4 zygoma implants on the sides, 2 pterygoid implants in the very back, and 1-2 traditional implants in the front. The goal is to provide a large base to support your missing teeth.
As many as it takes
FAQs on Zygomatic Implants
Zygoma procedures have several advantages over bone grafting and traditional implants when you have a limited quantity of bone in the upper jaw:
- Less invasive than bone grafting and sinus lift operations
- One-stage procedure
- Faster healing time
- An effective option for patients who cannot have traditional implants
- Immediate teeth
- Natural-looking permanent replacement teeth
- An excellent alternative to dentures
- Safe procedure with high, long-term success rates
- Immediate improvement in appearance, comfort, and function
- Do you have bone loss around your teeth on the upper jaw?
- Have you been missing back teeth for a while?
- Have you been wearing a denture for more than 10 years?
If you answered yes to any of the above you likely have a need for either bone grafting or FAST™ Zygoma.
If you have suffered from gum diseases or advanced periodontitis over the years, the chances are the bone needed for conventional dental implants is limited.
If you have been wearing a removable prosthesis for many years, the pressure actually may lead to bone loss. The bone loss could be so severe that the only option for permanent teeth in the upper jaw is FAST Zygoma.
You would not be a good candidate if you fall into the following categories:
- If you are under 18 (growth and development are still taking place)
- People who suffered severe traumas due to an accident may not be a good candidate or may need to wait for fractures to heal
- If you have had surgery to remove cancer from your jaw
- If you smoke or have severe metabolic disease that interferes with wound healing
Historically, zygoma implants were placed through the sinus cavity which resulted in potential surgical complications but also placed the top of the implant more toward the palate. As a result, the final teeth were thicker and more unnatural.
Placing the implant outside the sinus cavity, or bypassing the sinus cavity, we are able to reduce surgical risks and position the implant in a more ideal location for the implant to support teeth.
Studies have shown that this type of implant placement is safe. The postoperative stage is simple, fast, and with few complications. In addition, this placement technique enables the restoration of teeth without bone structure in cases once considered impossible.
Yes, there are additional fees associated with FAST™ Zygoma implants. However, we typically find that the cost is less than bone grafting and it is certainly more predictable for immediate teeth.
Request your free consultation
Convenient office hours or an online virtual consultation