Zygoma Implants Vs Standard Dental Implants

Dental implants involve a surgically inserted implant post to anchor the replacement teeth, making them the most sturdy, functional, and comfortable of all the solutions for missing teeth. The implant post also helps to preserve jawbone health. One catch, however, is that the patient must already have sufficient jawbone to support the dental implant. When teeth are missing, the jawbone begins to deteriorate almost immediately, even when the missing teeth are replaced with dentures or bridges. In cases where there is insufficient bone in the upper jaw, zygoma implants (also called zygomatic implants) are a great solution with a very high success rate. 

But what exactly are zygoma implants? How long do zygoma implants last compared to standard dental implants? And how successful are zygoma implants? 

You have questions, and we have answers. Here’s what you need to know. 

Zygomatic implants vs standard dental implants

Zygomatic implants San Diego and standard dental implants are similar in that they both provide a stable, long-term solution for missing teeth. But the two implant types differ in several ways as well. One of the main differences is in the bone they’re anchored to. Standard implants are anchored into the jawbone. Zygomatic implants are anchored partially in the jawbone and partially in the cheekbone (also called the zygoma bone or malar bone), which is more dense than the jawbone and does not lose mass when you lose your teeth. Both zygomatic and conventional implants are excellent tooth replacement solutions. Here’s how they compare:

• Length: Zygoma implant screws are much longer than conventional dental implant screws. This is necessary because zygoma implants are anchored into bones that are further away from the gum line and jawbone. 
• Anchor bone: Conventional dental implants are anchored in the upper or lower jaw. Zygoma implants are anchored partially in the jaw and partially in the zygoma bone. 
• Arch placement: Standard dental implants can be used to replace teeth in the upper and lower arches.  Zygoma implants are used for replacing teeth in the upper arch only. 
• Candidates: Good candidates for standard dental implants should have sufficient bone volume and density to support the implant. Candidates for zygoma implants are typically those who have experienced significant jawbone atrophy from missing teeth in the upper jaw.  These may be individuals with loose teeth in the upper jaw or those who wear full dentures in the upper arch. 
• Supplemental procedures: Implant patients with insufficient jawbone height, width, or densit can have a bone graft to build up their bone prior to standard implant placement. This usually adds several months to treatment time. Zygomatic implants rarely require a bone graft, so the treatment time is significantly reduced.  
• Success rate: Conventional dental implants have a 90% to 95% success rate. The success rate of zygomatic implants ranges between 97% and 98%. Zygomatic implants are often used to treat and rehabilitate failed conventional implants in the upper arch. 
• Longevity: With proper care and regular visits to the dentist, standard and zygomatic dental implants can last up to 25 years or more. The crown and abutment are susceptible to damage from biting and chewing, so they may need to be replaced at 10 or 15 years, depending on the location in the mouth. 
• Cost: Every case is unique, and the cost of dental implants will vary from one person to the next, depending on a number of factors, including the scope of the treatment, the number of implants,  the location of the tooth or teeth, the materials used, and supplemental procedures required. In general, however, conventional and zygomatic dental implants cost between $1500 and $2000 per tooth. For people with jawbone atrophy who require bone graft or other procedures to prepare for traditional dental implants, zygomatic implants are significantly less expensive overall. 

No matter which type of dental implants you use to replace your missing teeth, it’s important to choose a highly skilled and experienced dental implant specialist to perform the procedure. Your smile depends on it. 

The best dental implant specialist in San Diego | Dr. Armin Hage

When you come to Smile Designers for your dental implants, you’re in the hands of the best implant dentist San Diego has to offer. Dr. Armin Hage is an award winning dentist who has performed over 10,000 dental implants. As a diplomate of the prestigious International Academy of Implantology, a faculty member who teaches other dentists about the intricacies of implants, and a practicing implant specialist, Dr. Hage has the knowledge, expertise, and commitment to provide you with a comfortable experience and incredible results. For more information on our dental implant services, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hage, give Smile Designers a call at (619) 222-6000 today.