Not enough bone for dental implants?
Dental implants are the sturdiest, most reliable, and most natural-feeling tooth replacement option available. Unlike other options, all of which replace only the crown of the tooth, dental implants replace the entire tooth, from the crown all the way down to the root. Implants look and function just like natural teeth. They not only make it possible to eat the foods you love and smile without the embarrassment of denture slippage, but they also support jawbone health.
Qualified candidates must have sufficient jawbone to support the implants. Those who don’t usually undergo a bone grafting procedure before they can begin the implant process, which can postpone their smile restoration for a year or more. But not everyone wants to wait that long. For those with severe bone loss in the upper jaw, Zygomatic dental implants provide a solution that bypasses the need for bone grafting surgery. Here’s what you need to know.
Zygomatic implants are a new type of dental implant that are intended for the replacement of the upper teeth. They are a great solution for those who are in need of dental implants but who have severe upper jawbone loss.
When you chew, your tooth root stimulates your jawbone, which sends a message to your body for nutrients to be sent to the area to preserve bone strength. But when the teeth are lost or extracted, the area no longer receives nutrients, so the bone begins to atrophy. The bone loss process begins as soon as six months after tooth loss and quickly progresses. People who wear dentures for many years and want to switch to implants often must first undergo a bone grafting procedure in order to build up the jawbone. Zygomatic implants provide another alternative for upper jaw implants.
Zygomatic implants consist of an extra-long post that acts as the artificial tooth root. Rather than insertion into the jawbone, as is the case with standard dental implants, the Zygomatic implants are surgically inserted into the cheekbone (zygoma), where they anchor securely and immediately. The abutment (connector) is then attached to the post, and the prosthetic teeth are secured to the abutment. Depending on the specific treatment plan, an individual may have one or two Zygomatic implants placed on each side of the upper jaw to support a full or partial set of dental bridges, which can be placed the same day.
Tooth loss and jawbone loss can have a negative impact on your overall health and wellbeing. The inability to eat comfortably often results in malnourishment in those with severe tooth loss. And as the jawbone begins to deteriorate, speech becomes more difficult and the face begins to collapse and lose its shape. These physical changes often have a serious emotional impact, leading to feelings of extreme self-consciousness and diminished self-esteem and self-worth. Zygomatic implants have numerous benefits that can provide a significant boost to a person’s overall health and wellbeing. These benefits include:
Zygomatic implants are a wonderful tooth replacement option for those with severe atrophy of their upper jawbone.
Call us for a cost estimate.
It’s impossible to say what the exact cost of an individual Zygomatic implant procedure would be because there are so many different factors to consider for each case. Every patient is different, and the implant itself is just one part of the overall cost. Other factors that impact the cost include:
In general, however, the overall cost of Zygomatic implants is typically between $25,000 and $35,000. The best way to determine the exact cost of your Zygomatic implant procedure is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hage. He’ll perform a full evaluation of your condition, and if he determines that you’re a good candidate for the procedure, he’ll answer all your questions and discuss your options with you.
Zygomatic implants can provide a significant boost to your quality of life. By allowing you to eat the foods you love and smile confidently, they can boost your confidence and make you feel like you again. At University Dental, we’re committed to maintaining open communication and keeping our patients comfortable every step of the way. For more information about Zygomatic implants or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hage, call University Dental at (619) 473-2565.