Being told you do not have enough bone for standard dental implants can feel like the end of the road. For many years, bone grafting, a procedure to rebuild lost jawbone before implant placement, was the only route forward. Today, however, a growing number of patients are choosing a different path: Zygomatic Implants®. At Fusion Dentistry, we believe every patient deserves to understand all available options, so here is an honest overview of what Zygomatic Implants® involve and why some patients find them a more suitable choice.
Zygomatic Implants® are longer-than-standard implants that anchor into the zygomatic bone, more commonly known as the cheekbone rather than the upper jaw. Because the cheekbone is denser and less affected by the bone loss that follows tooth extraction or prolonged denture wear, it provides a firm, reliable foundation for a fixed prosthesis even when the upper jawbone is significantly resorbed.
Originally developed for patients who had experienced bone loss due to trauma or tumour removal, Zygomatic Implants® are now widely used in implant dentistry as an alternative to complex bone grafting procedures for patients with severe maxillary atrophy, that is, significant loss of bone in the upper jaw.
Bone augmentation, including sinus lift surgery and block bone grafts, can be an effective solution, but it does involve a separate surgical stage followed by a healing period of several months before implants can be placed. For some patients, the prospect of multiple procedures spread over a year or more is a significant concern, whether due to personal circumstances, overall health, or simply the wish to restore their smile with Smile makeovers.
Zygomatic Implants® can often allow placement and a fixed temporary prosthesis to be provided in a single surgical procedure. This streamlined approach appeals to patients who want to avoid the extended timeline that bone grafting typically involves, and to those whose medical history makes additional grafting surgery less advisable.
Zygomatic Implants® are not suitable for everyone, and a thorough clinical assessment is always required before any treatment recommendation can be made. That said, patients who may be considered for this approach include those who:
✔ Have been told they have insufficient upper jawbone for conventional implants
✔ Have previously undergone failed bone grafting procedures
✔ Wish to avoid sinus lift surgery or block bone grafting
✔ Are looking to reduce the overall number of surgical stages in their treatment
✔ Have experienced significant bone resorption following long-term denture wear
A detailed 3D CBCT scan of the facial skeleton is an essential part of the planning process for Zygomatic Implants®, enabling the clinical team to assess cheekbone anatomy and plan implant positioning with precision.
When deemed clinically appropriate, Zygomatic Implants® have demonstrated strong long-term outcomes in published clinical research, with high reported success rates over 10-year follow-up periods. Patients typically receive a fixed full-arch prosthesis with teeth that are securely anchored and do not need to be removed, which restores both function and facial aesthetics.
As with all implant procedures, recovery involves an initial healing period, a soft food diet in the weeks following surgery, and careful oral hygiene maintenance. Your care team at Fusion Dentistry will provide a personalised aftercare plan and remain on hand throughout your recovery.
At Fusion Dentistry, our experienced clinical team takes a thorough, patient-centred approach to every implant assessment. We will take the time to review your dental and medical history, carry out advanced 3D imaging, and discuss all available options including Zygomatic Implants®, bone augmentation, and conventional implant pathways so that together we can identify the most clinically appropriate route for your individual circumstances.
If you have previously been told that dental implants are not possible for you due to bone loss, we would encourage you to come in for a consultation. Advances in implant dentistry mean that more patients than ever now have viable, long-lasting options available to them.
📞 Book your consultation on +44 29 2021 4304 at Fusion Dentistry today — and take the first step towards understanding your options for a fixed, confident smile.
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