In the world of restorative dental care, nothing compares to an oral implant.
Affixed to your jaw, oral implants offer a more secure alternative to dentures or bridges, allowing those who wear them to bite into food and chew it without the implant moving or causing sore spots.
However, when it comes to regular implant types (endosteal), there is a suitability assessment that needs to be conducted before they can be fitted; are you in good health? Is your jaw strong enough to support endosteal implants and do you have medical conditions that could negatively impact on an oral implant?
Ultimately, if there are any contraindications to having endosteal implants fitted, then your dentist may recommend different types of dental implants Sydney CBD. In this article, the zygomatic implant is briefly discussed and when it is used.
What is a zygomatic implant?
If you are a bit of a biology buff, you may know that the zygoma is one name for the cheekbone.
And as you may have guessed, a zygomatic implant is implanted into the cheekbone; it is about 3 times longer than a regular endosteal implant and is used to secure prosthetic teeth to the top of the mouth if you have a weakened jaw. It is strong enough to support an entire set of dentures too!
How is it fitted?
Much like a regular oral implant, where your dentist will need to drill a small hole into your upper jaw, except with a zygomatic implant, it will be much longer and will go into your cheekbone. This will, understandably, make the fitting process lengthier.
Once the implant has been fitted, your dentist will sew the gum up to secure the implant and then it has been fitted!
How long does it take to fuse?
A regular implant takes between 3-6 months to fuse, but with the added bone involved in the fitting of a zygomatic implant, it can take up to 9 months.
But many dental patients are able to have their prosthetic teeth attached to a zygomatic implant in 6 months. Your fusing time will depend on your overall health, your lifestyle choices and your age.
Do they last longer than regular implants?
In short, no they do not.
They have the same aftercare requirements as regular implants and are just as susceptible to gum disease or other pathologies as endosteal implants are. But with correct care and hygiene, your zygomatic implant(s) should last a lifetime.
Are they more expensive than traditional options?
The skill that is required by your dental team to fit zygomatic implants is usually much higher than that of a team that can fit regular implants; due to this, the cost is typically higher.
Similarly, as it is a more invasive procedure, there are additional tools required that need to be of a higher quality for the implant to be fitted successfully, and this is also reflected in the higher pricing. Talk to your dental team about the payment plans they offer for zygomatic implants.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.