Zygomatic Dental Implants Bone Thickness/Thinness Comparison

Zygomatic dental implants are used in cases of more extreme bone loss in the upper jaw.  They rely on anchorage into the base of your cheek bones which are called  “ zygomatic bone.”  They are commonly done for full arch replacement with a Prettau, zirconia dental implant bridge.

Generally speaking this bone is dense and moderately thick.

The 3D CBCT x-ray image posted shows a comparison of two different patients with different amounts of bone.  The diagnosis of this is critical.

The one on the left has very thin zygomatic cheek bone area for anchorage while the patient on the right has a very thick zygomatic cheek bone.  Obviously having more is always better.  Most people have somewhere in between these 2 images.  The image on the left is likely not sufficient enough to place zygomatic implant and “may”  be better off with sinus lift bone grafts.

This is an excellent article on comparing sinus lift bone grafting versus zygomatic dental implants.  Both have their merits in both are very successful procedures in my hands.

Zygomatic bone -thick versus thin analysis

Often times patients with very thin upper jaw bones also need nasal lifting which is too in the bone graft on the inside of the nose through the mouth.  I will make a post about that soon.

Thank you for taking a look.

Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
Fellow-American Academy of Implant Dentistry

6 thoughts on “Zygomatic Dental Implants Bone Thickness/Thinness Comparison”

  1. Hi Dr. Amin…how wonderful to visit your blog from Pa! Currently undergoing an All-on-Four that went to 7 implants that were embedded to heal for about 5 months. Was told that day that if the healing wasn’t good enough with ISQ, that I would need to go with a zygomatic on each side. I burst into tears with fear and was so disappointed that after going the long hard route, that I would have to do the zygomatics anyway. I had one implant in the back that was a 56 and all the others in or near 70’s. That one was removed and when I woke up, my temporary was attached. Is there any chance that the 6 could become stronger? I did have bone grafting with the 6. A lot of bruising and swelling. Thank you for your time. My surgeon has been wonderful, but you have so many years of experience, especially in zygomatics.that I wondered what your thoughts were. THANK YOU for your time. GOD BLESS! PS- I have a delicate high cheekbone structure (English/Scotch/Irish/German).

    Reply
    • Sounds like you are in good hands! 6-8 implants on the upper is great but sometimes 4 or 5 can do well as well. The upper is always better with more implants. Zygomatics work very well.

      Reply
      • Dr. Amin…wow…I didn’t think you would have time to respond being so busy. Thank you so much! Surgery for zygomatics on Nov. 29th. Took no pain meds for the whole extraction/bone graft/implants. Used frozen veggies on my face for 3 days as I had a lot of swelling. Do you think one zygomatic on each side should go easier? I am currently talking funny, like I have cotton in my mouth. A lot of people notice it. Like my temps are sitting lower or out too far. Hope that subsides and I don’t talk worse with zygomatics. Any thoughts on what I should ask my surgeon? He did say there could be an adjustment period, but it’s been almost a month.

        Reply
      • Dr. Amin…do you think after all of this work with pain/swelling/bruising that one zygomatic on each side will be better. I didn’t use any pain meds, although it hurt. Just ice off and on for the first 3 days. Will I be able to see or feel the implants from my cheekbones?
        And what is the longest that zygomatics have lasted?
        Thank you!

        Reply
        • Depends on your situation. Many good options including sinus lifts. You won’t look or feel any different on your cheeks Except in rare situations were somebody skin is super thin but even then it is still quite rare

          Reply

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