Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic Implants in Los Angeles, CA

Losing significant bone in the upper jaw can feel like it closes the door on dental implants altogether. If a previous doctor has told you that you do not have enough bone to support a traditional implant, or that extensive grafting would be needed before treatment could even begin, you may be wondering whether a stable, permanent solution is still possible.

At Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center, we offer dental implants for patients across the full range of bone loss, including zygomatic implants for those with the most severe upper jaw atrophy. Dr. Jonathan Shadi and Dr. Saman Vahedi are board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons who use advanced cone beam 3D imaging to plan every case with precision, so you get an accurate picture of your options before any treatment ever begins.

What Are Zygomatic Implants?

Zygomatic implants are longer, specially designed implants that anchor into the zygomatic bone, more commonly known as the cheekbone, rather than the upper jawbone itself. This bone remains dense and stable even after significant loss in the maxilla, giving the implant a strong foundation without relying on the jaw at all.

Since the cheekbone rarely resorbs the way the upper jaw does, zygomatic implants can often support a full prosthesis immediately after placement in appropriate cases. This strategy was developed specifically for patients who have run out of viable options in the upper jaw, and it has become a well-documented solution over several decades of clinical use.

Who Zygomatic Implants Are For

Zygomatic implants are intended for those with severe upper jaw bone loss who can’t have conventional bone grafting or would face a long and uncertain path if they did. This may include patients who have worn dentures for many years, experienced trauma to the upper jaw, or had previous implants fail due to insufficient bone.

You may be a candidate if you have been told any of the following applies to your case:

If you fall into one or more of these categories, a consultation can help clarify whether zygomatic implants, or another option, fits your specific anatomy and goals.

How Zygomatic Implants Differ From Standard and Pterygoid Implants

Standard dental implants rely on the alveolar bone of the jaw itself, which means they generally require enough width and height in that bone to place the implant securely. When that bone has significantly deteriorated, patients are often told they need bone grafting, sinus lifts, or other procedures to rebuild the area before an implant can even be considered.

Zygomatic implants bypass this requirement entirely by engaging the cheekbone instead. This makes them appropriate for cases where the upper jaw bone is too thin, too short, or too compromised for a standard implant to succeed, even with grafting.

Pterygoid implants address a related but distinct problem. These implants anchor into the pterygoid plate at the back of the upper jaw, which helps support implants in the posterior region when the back of the maxilla lacks sufficient bone. Zygomatic implants and pterygoid implants are sometimes used together in the same treatment plan, particularly in cases of widespread bone loss across the entire upper arch, since each addresses a different area of the jaw.

Procedure Overview

Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation, including cone beam 3D imaging, to map the exact shape and density of your zygomatic bone and confirm that this approach is appropriate for your anatomy. This imaging allows us to plan implant angulation and length with precision before you are ever in the surgical chair.

The implants themselves are longer than standard implants, often spanning from the upper jaw ridge to the cheekbone at an angle. Placement is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia, and in many cases, a temporary or final prosthesis can be attached the same day, giving you a functional set of teeth without a lengthy waiting period. A published systematic review found zygomatic implants reach a cumulative success rate of 96.1% after more than five years of follow-up, which reflects the strong long-term track record of this approach when patients are properly selected and the procedure is planned carefully.

A Last-Resort Solution That Avoids Extensive Grafting

We view zygomatic implants as a last-resort solution reserved for patients who have exhausted other options, not a first-line treatment. If a standard implant with modest grafting can achieve a stable, long-lasting result, we will recommend that route first, since it is generally simpler and involves a shorter recovery.

Zygomatic implants exist for patients who do not have that choice. When severe bone loss has ruled out conventional grafting, or when previous grafting attempts have already failed, this method offers a way to move forward with a fixed, functional set of teeth without months or years of preparatory bone-building surgery. Same-day surgery and IV sedation are both available for qualifying patients, which can make the entire process more manageable from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions