Zygomatic Implants
Full-arch restoration for patients with severe bone loss — without the need for bone grafting
For patients who have lived with missing teeth for years, one of the most discouraging conversations is learning that their jawbone has deteriorated to the point where standard implants are no longer a straightforward option. Zygomatic implants were developed precisely for this situation. Rather than anchoring into the jawbone, these longer, specially engineered implants attach to the zygomatic bone — more commonly known as the cheekbone — which is one of the densest, most stable bones in the face. This allows us to place a full set of fixed teeth even when the upper jaw has experienced severe bone loss.
Our oral surgeons have completed advanced training in zygomatic implant placement and use contemporary imaging and surgical planning tools to ensure each procedure is performed with the highest level of precision and predictability. For many of our patients, this treatment represents the first time they have been told there is a reliable, long-term solution available to them — one that eliminates the need for extensive bone grafting procedures and can often deliver a fixed, functional smile in far less time than traditional approaches would allow.
Key Benefits of Zygomatic Implants
- No bone grafting required in most cases: Because zygomatic implants anchor into cheekbone rather than the deteriorated jawbone, the majority of patients can move forward without undergoing bone grafting — eliminating months of healing time and an additional surgical procedure.
- Immediate or accelerated tooth restoration: Many patients receive a provisional set of fixed teeth on the same day as implant placement, or within a very short period following surgery. This means leaving our office with functioning teeth — not a removable denture — far sooner than other treatment paths would allow.
- A fixed, non-removable result: Unlike conventional dentures, zygomatic implant-supported restorations are permanently secured. Patients do not remove them at night or worry about slippage, adhesives, or the social discomfort that often comes with traditional removable appliances.
- Strong, predictable long-term outcomes: Decades of clinical literature support the use of zygomatic implants in appropriately selected patients, with high long-term success rates. The cheekbone provides a stable foundation that does not continue to resorb the way the upper jaw often does after tooth loss.
- Restored quality of life — eating, speaking, and confidence: Patients consistently report significant improvements in their ability to eat comfortably, speak naturally, and engage socially without anxiety. The restoration functions and looks like natural teeth, supporting facial structure and eliminating the sunken appearance that severe bone loss can cause.
- A solution where other options aren’t available: Many patients we see have been told by other providers that they are “not a candidate” for implants due to bone loss. Zygomatic implants frequently make treatment possible for these individuals, opening a door that many believed was permanently closed.
The Evaluation Stage
What to Expect During Consultation
Your first visit is primarily an information-gathering appointment — for us and for you. We will review your dental and medical history in detail, discuss any current medications, and take a comprehensive 3D cone beam CT scan of your facial structures. This imaging allows our surgeons to evaluate the volume and density of your cheekbone, the anatomy of your sinus cavities, and the remaining condition of your upper jaw. We use this data to determine whether zygomatic implants are appropriate for your specific anatomy and to begin planning your treatment with precision before any surgical decisions are made.
This is also an opportunity for you to ask every question you have. We will walk you through the proposed treatment plan, discuss how many implants are recommended, explain what the restoration will look and function like, and give you a clear picture of the timeline from surgery through final tooth placement. We understand that patients who have dealt with dental problems for a long time may come to this appointment with a mix of hope and skepticism — that is completely normal, and we take as much time as needed to ensure you leave with an honest, thorough understanding of your options.
The Treatment Process
What to Expect During the Treatment
Zygomatic implant placement is performed in our surgical facility under either IV sedation or general anesthesia, so patients are fully comfortable and unaware of the procedure while it is taking place. The surgery itself involves placing one or more specially designed long implants — typically between 30 and 52 millimeters in length — so that they pass through the upper jaw and anchor securely into the cheekbone. In cases of extreme bone loss, two zygomatic implants per side may be used alongside or in place of conventional implants in the front of the mouth. The total time in the surgical suite varies depending on the complexity of the case, but most zygomatic implant procedures are completed within two to four hours.
Once the implants are placed and our surgeon confirms their stability, a provisional fixed restoration may be attached the same day, giving you functional teeth before you leave the office. In some cases, your restorative dentist will place this provisional bridge within a day or two of surgery rather than at the same appointment. Our team coordinates closely with your restorative provider throughout this process to ensure seamless continuity of care. You will be monitored in our recovery area before being discharged, and a responsible adult must accompany you home following any procedure performed under sedation.
Recovery and Aftercare
What to Expect for Recovery
The first week following zygomatic implant surgery is the period of greatest discomfort and the most important time to follow our post-operative instructions carefully. Swelling around the cheeks and mid-face is expected and generally peaks around the second or third day before gradually resolving. Most patients manage discomfort effectively with prescribed pain medications and find that it diminishes significantly within the first four to five days. We ask that patients maintain a soft or liquid diet during the initial healing phase, typically for several weeks, to protect the implants while they begin the process of integrating with the surrounding bone. Cold compresses, adequate rest, and keeping the head elevated while sleeping all help reduce swelling and support a smoother early recovery.
As the weeks progress, most patients find that their energy and comfort levels return steadily, and they are able to resume normal activities within ten to fourteen days following surgery. Light physical activity is generally acceptable within the first week, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least two weeks. Follow-up appointments are scheduled at regular intervals so our team can monitor healing, confirm that osseointegration — the process by which the implants fuse with bone — is proceeding as expected, and make any needed adjustments to your provisional restoration. Final impressions for your permanent restoration are typically taken several months after surgery, once full integration has been confirmed. Patients who follow our care instructions consistently tend to experience the most predictable and satisfying outcomes.
Healing timelines vary by individual. We provide detailed written instructions tailored to your procedure, and our team is available to answer any questions that arise during recovery — including after hours for urgent concerns.