Have you been struggling with tooth loss and told that you don’t have enough bone for dental implants? As specialists, we understand how discouraging it can feel to think you might never regain the health, function, and balance of your smile.
Fortunately, there is an option for patients with severe bone loss—whether it’s due to aging, periodontal disease, or trauma: zygomatic dental implants.
🦷What Are Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic dental implants are a specialized type of implant designed specifically for patients with severe upper-jaw bone loss who are not candidates for traditional implants.
Instead of anchoring into the maxillary bone, these longer implants attach to the zygomatic bone (cheekbone), one of the densest and most stable bones in the human body.
💡 Did you know?
Because the zygomatic bone is one of the densest bones in the human body, these implants actually integrate faster and more securely than many traditional implants — even when there’s almost no bone left in the upper jaw!
They are often the ideal alternative for patients who have been told they lack sufficient bone for regular implants or for those who want to avoid bone grafting and sinus lift procedures.
👤 Who Is a Candidate for Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic implants are usually recommended for patients who:
- Present severe bone resorption in the upper jaw due to long-term tooth loss, periodontal disease, trauma, or age-related bone loss.
- Have had previous dental implant or bone grafting procedures fail.
- Want a full-arch fixed solution, often referred to as zygomatic All-on-4 or All-on-6 systems.
- Prefer to avoid complex bone grafting surgeries and want faster restoration of function and aesthetics.
🩺 How Is the Procedure Performed?
Placing zygomatic implants is a carefully planned, minimally invasive process focused on patient comfort and long-term success:
- 3D Diagnostic Imaging. A cone-beam CT scan (CBCT) is used to evaluate bone density and sinus structure and to plan implant placement with maximum precision.
- Surgical Placement. The implants are gently inserted through the gum and anchored into the zygomatic bone at a precise angle. This procedure is performed under sedation with a certified anesthesiology team included in the treatment cost.
- Temporary Teeth. In many cases, a temporary bridge or prosthesis is placed within a few days, allowing patients to smile and eat soft foods during healing.
- Final Restoration. After a few months of healing, the permanent fixed teeth are placed, fully restoring appearance and function.
⭐Benefits of Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants offer life-changing advantages for patients with low bone density:
✅ No bone grafting required, even in cases of severe bone loss or maxillary atrophy.
✅ Immediate function, with many patients receiving fixed temporary teeth in just a few days.
✅ High success rate: studies show 96–98% long-term survival due to the strength of the zygomatic bone, making this a stable, long-lasting investment in health and aesthetics.
✅ Shorter treatment time, since patients avoid multiple grafting surgeries and lengthy healing periods.
✅ Natural look and feel, restoring both function and confidence with long-lasting, natural-looking results.
To enjoy these benefits safely, it’s essential to understand the surgical considerations and the importance of choosing an experienced surgeon.
⚠️ Risks and Considerations
As with any oral surgery, zygomatic implant placement carries some risks, including:
- Mild sinus complications or sinusitis. Because the implant passes near the sinus cavity, temporary irritation or inflammation can occur. With precise 3D planning and advanced surgical techniques, this risk is minimized and manageable with medication.
- Post-surgical swelling, discomfort, or temporary numbness. Swelling and mild numbness of the lips or cheeks can occur during healing but typically resolve with proper post-operative care.
- Implant mobility or rare failure of osseointegration. Although success rates are high, an implant may occasionally fail to fuse to the bone—most often associated with factors such as smoking, poor hygiene, or uncontrolled systemic conditions like diabetes.
Because this is a technically demanding procedure, it must be performed only by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon with specialized training in zygomatic implants.
Careful case selection, precise planning, and thorough post-operative care significantly reduce risks.
🧠 Did You Know? Nutrition and Mindset Can Boost Implant Success
Healing doesn’t end in the operating room. A significant part of recovery depends on your lifestyle and aftercare.
Recent studies show that balanced nutrition and emotional well-being play a key role in how the body heals after implant surgery.
- During recovery, nutrition becomes a powerful ally. Foods rich in vitamins C and D and protein—such as salmon, eggs, leafy greens, and berries—promote bone formation and tissue repair, improving implant integration.
- Stress, however, can slow healing. High cortisol levels (the stress hormone) reduce blood flow and delay tissue repair.
That’s why we encourage our patients to maintain a healthy diet and a calm mindset before and after surgery.
Taking time to rest, breathe, and sleep well doesn’t just help your mood—it genuinely supports your body in healing more efficiently.
🛌 Recovery and Aftercare
Mild discomfort and swelling are normal after zygomatic implant surgery. We prescribe appropriate medication and recommend patients rest and avoid physical activity for several days.
At Shtern Dental Clinic, we also offer nearby accommodations—a hotel just one minute away—so patients traveling from other cities or countries can recover comfortably under our supervision.
🛡️ Why Choose Shtern Dental Clinic?
At Shtern Dental Clinic in Cancún, zygomatic implant procedures are performed by a head and neck surgeon specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery, with extensive experience treating complex implant cases.
We provide:
- Personalized treatment planning with advanced 3D imaging
- Sedation with a certified anesthesiology team (included in the cost)
- Complete post-operative guidance and follow-ups
- Safe, effective, and aesthetically natural results
Zygomatic implants open the door for patients who were once told that “nothing could be done.”
With the right surgeon, advanced planning, and comprehensive care, you can regain a secure, functional smile again—without bone grafting, without long waiting periods, and without compromise.
Schedule your consultation today and…
Restore your smile—even when bone loss seems imposible!
Sources
Based on studies from the Journal of Oral Implantology, 2021; Clinical Nutrition, 2022; Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2020
