Zygomatic Implants: A Solution for Patients With Severe Bone Loss
Are you missing upper teeth and you’ve been told implants aren’t possible? At Jolie Smiles Denture & Implant Studio, we place zygomatic implants to give patients with severe bone loss a secure, fixed smile, often without the long delays of bone grafting or sinus lift surgery.
Some of our patients arrive after struggling with loose dentures, failed implant attempts, or the inability to chew and speak comfortably. Dr.Truong, prosthodontist and implant specialist, uses advanced training and technology to restore function, stability, and confidence even in the most complex cases.
What Are Zygomatic Implants?
Unlike standard dental implants, which anchor into the upper jawbone (maxilla), zygomatic implants are placed in the dense bone of the cheekbone (zygoma). This bone offers exceptional strength and stability, allowing us to support a full-arch restoration even when the upper jawbone has deteriorated. By bypassing areas of bone loss entirely, this approach provides a dependable foundation for patients with little to no remaining bone in the upper jaw.
Who Is a Candidate for Zygomatic Implants?
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
- Been told you cannot get traditional implants.
- Experienced multiple failed implant attempts.
- Worn upper dentures for many years and want a permanent solution.
At Jolie Smiles, we often see patients from Odessa, Palm Harbor, Lutz, Citrus Park, and Trinity who have been told implants aren’t possible. We design a treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and goals using advanced imaging and in-house technology.
Why Choose Zygomatic Implants Over Traditional Options?
In a traditional dental implant case, the upper jawbone must be strong enough to hold the implants. If the bone is thin or recessed, bone grafting or a sinus lift is often required, adding months to the treatment timeline. For some patients, these procedures still may not create enough support.
Zygomatic implants solve this problem by securing the restoration directly to the cheekbone, avoiding the need for bone grafting altogether. This offers several advantages:
- Faster Results – No waiting months for grafts to heal before placing implants.
- Fewer Surgeries – A single procedure can replace the need for multiple preparatory surgeries.
- High Success Rates – Studies show comparable or even higher long-term success in challenging cases.
- Restored Confidence – A secure, fixed restoration that feels and functions like natural teeth.
- Preserved Facial Structure – Helps maintain natural contours despite bone loss.
- Long-Term Function – Patients can enjoy a full range of foods without worrying about slipping or shifting dentures.
The Zygomatic Implant Procedure
Placing zygomatic implants requires advanced surgical skill and precise planning. Dr. Truong’s process includes:
- Comprehensive Evaluation – A 3D CT scan assesses bone quality and determines the best implant positions.
- Treatment Planning – Digital tools help map each implant's angle and depth.
- Surgical Placement – Under sedation, implants are inserted into the cheekbone through a small incision inside the mouth. If any areas of the jaw still have adequate bone, standard implants may be placed simultaneously.
- Temporary Restoration – A custom temporary prosthesis is often attached the same day so that patients can leave with a functional, natural-looking smile.
- Final Prosthesis – After 3–6 months of healing, the final restoration is placed for a precise fit and lasting results.
Recovery and Healing
Most patients experience mild swelling or discomfort for a few days, easily managed with over-the-counter medication. Many return to regular activities within a week. Because the cheekbone offers such dense, stable support, healing is typically predictable, and implant stability remains strong throughout recovery.
Why Patients Choose Jolie Smiles for Zygomatic Implants
We understand the frustration of being told there’s no solution for your missing teeth. We can restore smiles securely and efficiently with Dr. Truong’s expertise in complex implant cases, our in-house dental lab, and digital planning workflow. For many patients, zygomatic implants mean skipping bone grafting entirely and returning to eating, speaking, and smiling confidently faster than they imagined.
Restore Your Smile Without Bone Grafting
Bone loss doesn’t have to end your hopes for a secure, fixed smile. Using your cheekbone's strength, zygomatic implants offer a proven, long-term solution for even the most challenging cases. If other providers have advised you that traditional implants aren’t an option, we can help you achieve lasting results with advanced implant dentistry.
Contact us today at Jolie Smiles Denture & Implant Studio in Odessa, FL to take the next step toward a confident, comfortable smile.