Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are an advanced option for patients who have significant bone loss in the upper jaw and may not have enough bone to support traditional dental implants. Instead of relying only on the upper jawbone, these longer implants use the cheekbone, or zygomatic bone, for support.
At Center for Oral Surgery, Dr. Christopher Duplaga evaluates complex implant cases to determine whether zygomatic implants may provide a path toward stable tooth replacement. This approach may be considered for patients who have experienced extensive bone loss, long-term tooth loss, or previous difficulty qualifying for conventional implants.
Because zygomatic implant treatment involves specialized surgical planning, each case is carefully evaluated before a recommendation is made.
Who May Benefit
Zygomatic implants are generally considered for patients with substantial bone loss in the upper jaw who need a more advanced approach to implant-supported tooth replacement.
They may be considered for patients who:
- Have severe upper jaw bone loss
- Have been told they lack enough bone for traditional implants
- Are missing most or all upper teeth
- Have experienced long-term tooth loss
- Want to explore alternatives to extensive bone grafting
- Need support for a full-arch restoration
- Have anatomy appropriate for advanced implant placement
Dr. Duplaga will review your health, imaging, bone structure, and restorative goals to determine whether this approach is appropriate or whether another implant solution may be better suited to your needs.
How Treatment Is Designed
Zygomatic implant treatment begins with comprehensive imaging and evaluation of the upper jaw, cheekbone, sinuses, remaining teeth, and surrounding anatomy.
Because these implants engage a different area of bone than conventional implants, precise planning is especially important. Dr. Duplaga determines the number and position of implants based on the patient’s anatomy and the restoration they are intended to support.
Zygomatic implants may be used as part of a broader full-arch treatment plan and can sometimes be combined with other implant types to create the needed support. Sedation options are discussed before surgery when appropriate.
Moving Toward Full-Arch Restoration
Healing after zygomatic implant placement is monitored carefully to ensure the surgical sites are progressing as expected and the implants are providing appropriate stability.
The restorative timeline depends on the individual treatment plan. Some patients may receive a temporary restoration during the process, while the final prosthesis is completed after the surgical foundation has reached the appropriate stage.
Coordination with the restorative dental provider helps connect the surgical and prosthetic portions of treatment so the final restoration is planned around function, stability, and long-term use.
Complex Implant Care Close to Home
Center for Oral Surgery provides zygomatic implant evaluations and advanced surgical treatment from our Wheeling office for patients throughout the Ohio Valley.
We welcome patients from:
- Moundsville, WV
- New Martinsville, WV
- Weirton, WV
- St. Clairsville, OH
- Steubenville, OH
- Washington, PA
If significant upper jaw bone loss has limited your previous implant options, Dr. Duplaga can evaluate your anatomy and discuss whether zygomatic implants or another advanced approach may be appropriate.
Explore Advanced Implant Options
If you have been told that traditional dental implants may not be possible because of upper jaw bone loss, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Christopher Duplaga at Center for Oral Surgery.
Our team can review your condition, discuss available treatment approaches, and help you understand whether zygomatic implants may provide an option for restoring your smile.