At Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we utilize Nobel Biocare Zygoma implants to help patients, with severely atrophic bone in the upper jaw, who are not candidates for traditional dental implants. Dr. Johri and Dr. Wolf both specialize in placing Zygomatic Implants. Dr. Johri is a regional expert in Zygomatic implant placement and has given lectures and hands-on surgical placement courses to other surgeons on this procedure.

Thanks to modern technological advancements, zygomatic implants have allowed many patients to forgo the lengthy processes of bone grafting and sinus lifts. Known as the “rescue implant”, they can even be used after resorption or infection results in a failed bone graft.

The process involves a surgical procedure that requires adequate training and experience. Rest assured, we here at Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, are one of the few practices today that are trained to perform this procedure. In short, zygomatic implants offer patients with deteriorated bone, a quicker and easier route to dental implants and fixed dentures.

How Zygomatic Implants Work

Traditional upper arch implants are fixed to the bone in the jaw, known as the maxilla. If the maxilla has undergone severe deterioration or resorption, then traditional implants are impossible. Instead, we can anchor zygomatic implants to the bone bulk that makes up your cheekbone, known as the Zygoma - hence the name.

These implants are placed through the alveolar crest (the ridge of bone that contains your tooth sockets), and the maxillary sinus, to be anchored to your Zygoma. Typically, the process requires the use of two zygomatic implants to be placed in the posterior maxilla (above the premolars), in combination with 2 to 4 traditional implants located in the anterior region (above the canines and incisors). If deterioration of the anterior maxilla is too severe, then two additional zygomatic implants can be placed in the Zygomas for additional anchorage (Quad Zygomas).

A 3D CT scan is imperative to plan and place these implants in a safe and prosthetically driven position to allow proper restoration . As part of your workup and treatment planning, we will go over your case planning and discuss the pertinent risks and benefits of these implants. The teeth that are placed on the implants are done by your Restorative Dentist or Prosthodontist.

For a more comfortable experience, this sort of procedure requires in-office intravenous sedation. After surgery, the zygomatic implants will often be loaded with a temporary fixed bridge.

After giving the implants approximately 3 months to integrate to your facial bones, a final restoration is made by your Dentist, giving you a beautiful and functional smile.

All of our Doctors have taken additional hands-on CE courses and are trained in the placement of Zygomatic implants.

Contact Us Today About Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants offer a better alternative for those who have experienced extreme bone deterioration in the maxilla. They can be used in the event of a failed implants, failed bone grafts, and as a means of rehabilitation after trauma or cancer/tumor ablation.

If you are interested in learning more about zygomatic implants or have any questions, contact us today at (610) 435-6161 and we will be happy to schedule your appointment!