South Jersey oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons help patients with severe upper jaw bone loss understand whether zygomatic implants may be an option. Tooth loss, gum disease, trauma, infection, aging, or years of wearing dentures can reduce bone volume in the upper jaw. When there is not enough bone to support traditional implants, patients may be told they need extensive grafting or that implants are not possible.
Zygomatic implants are designed for select patients with significant bone loss in the upper jaw. Instead of relying only on the maxillary bone, they are longer implants that anchor into the zygomatic bone, commonly called the cheekbone. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons explains that zygomatic dental implants may help patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
What Makes Zygomatic Implants Different?
Traditional dental implants are placed into the jawbone. They need enough healthy bone to support the implant as it heals and integrates. When the upper jaw has severe bone loss, traditional implants may not have enough support without bone grafting.
Zygomatic implants use a different approach. Because the cheekbone is dense and strong, it may provide support when the upper jaw cannot. This can sometimes reduce the need for major grafting procedures, shorten the overall treatment path, or give patients another option after being told they have too little bone.
Who May Be a Candidate?
Zygomatic implants may be considered for patients missing many or all upper teeth, patients with severe maxillary bone loss, or patients who have struggled with loose dentures. They may also be discussed when previous grafting or implant treatment has failed.
Candidacy depends on more than bone loss. Oral surgeons evaluate medical history, oral health, sinus anatomy, bite, gum condition, medications, smoking history, and treatment goals. Advanced imaging helps the surgical team study the jaw, cheekbone, nerves, sinuses, and available bone before recommending a plan.
Why an Oral Surgeon’s Evaluation Matters
Zygomatic implant treatment is more complex than routine implant placement. It involves the upper jaw, cheekbone, sinus area, facial anatomy, and restorative planning. That is why evaluation by experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons matters.
Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons discusses the importance of an implant consultation, including reviewing whether the mouth can support implants, on its initial consultation for dental implants page. A consultation gives patients a chance to ask about options, timeline, anesthesia, recovery, risks, and coordination with a restorative dentist.
What Are the Benefits and Limitations?
For the right patient, zygomatic implants may improve chewing, speech, confidence, and denture stability. They may also help patients avoid months of uncertainty after being told they lack enough upper jawbone for conventional implants.
However, they are not right for everyone. Like any surgical procedure, zygomatic implants involve risks, healing time, and the need for careful planning. Patients should understand the difference between temporary teeth, final teeth, follow-up visits, hygiene needs, and long-term maintenance.
South Jersey Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Help Patients Explore Advanced Implant Options
Severe bone loss does not always mean dental implants are impossible. The South Jersey oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can evaluate whether zygomatic implants, traditional implants, grafting, or another treatment approach may fit your needs. Call 856-582-4222 or complete the online form for an initial consultation. With convenient office locations in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, we serve patients throughout South Jersey.