Advanced treatment · Severe upper-jaw bone loss
An advanced option for patients with severe upper-jaw bone loss. Have you been told you do not have enough bone for dental implants? For some patients, anchoring longer implants in the strong bone of the cheekbone offers another potential path to fixed teeth.
Start here
For some patients with advanced bone loss in the upper jaw, traditional dental implants may not be possible without extensive bone grafting. Zygomatic dental implants offer another potential path to fixed teeth by anchoring longer implants in the strong bone of the cheekbone, known as the zygoma.
Zygomatic implants are designed for complex cases and are not routinely needed by most dental implant patients. However, for the right candidate, they can provide a stable foundation for a full arch of replacement teeth — even when there is very little usable bone remaining in the upper jaw.
At Aria Dental Implant Center, your evaluation begins with a complimentary 3D CT scan and consultation. This allows our clinical team to examine your upper-jaw bone, sinuses, cheekbones, dental history and overall health before recommending the safest and most appropriate treatment option.
The basics
Traditional dental implants are placed into the jawbone. Zygomatic implants are significantly longer and are positioned so they engage the dense bone of the cheekbone.
Because the cheekbone can provide strong implant support, zygomatic implants may be used when severe bone loss prevents conventional implants from being placed in the back portion of the upper jaw. Depending on your anatomy, they may be combined with traditional implants in the front of the upper jaw.
In extremely advanced cases where there is inadequate bone throughout the upper jaw, a surgeon may consider a “quad zygoma” approach using two zygomatic implants on each side. The exact number and position of implants must be determined through careful 3D planning.
Candidacy
You may be considered for zygomatic implant treatment if you:
Having upper-jaw bone loss does not automatically mean you need zygomatic implants. Advances in implant positioning, angled implants, shorter implants and other graftless techniques allow many patients to receive fixed teeth without them. Zygomatic implants are generally reserved for patients whose anatomy does not provide enough support for a more conventional approach — such as All-on-4® or full-mouth implant treatment.
Potential benefits
Zygomatic implants can make implant-supported teeth possible for certain patients who have very little remaining bone in the upper jaw.
By using the cheekbone for support, treatment may reduce or eliminate the need for major bone grafting in properly selected cases — and the additional healing periods that staged grafting involves.
The zygomatic bone is dense and can provide strong support for a full-arch dental prosthesis when implants are properly planned, placed and connected.
Some qualifying patients may receive a fixed provisional set of teeth shortly after implant placement. Immediate teeth are not guaranteed and depend on implant stability, bone quality and health.
Another treatment path for patients who have experienced failed bone grafts, failed implants or unsuccessful previous full-mouth implant treatment.
When treatment is successful, implant-supported teeth can improve chewing, speech, appearance and confidence compared with an unstable removable denture.
Safety & risks
Clinical studies report high implant survival rates when zygomatic implants are placed in carefully selected patients by clinicians with the appropriate training and experience. An ITI consensus report published in 2023 reported a mean zygomatic implant survival of 96.2% over a mean follow-up of 6.3 years.
However, this is an advanced surgical procedure involving the upper jaw, maxillary sinus and nearby anatomical structures. Potential risks can include sinus inflammation or infection, implant failure, soft-tissue complications, numbness or altered sensation, communication between the mouth and sinus, and mechanical complications involving the implants or replacement teeth. Sinusitis is the most frequently reported biological complication.
Careful 3D imaging, detailed surgical planning, evaluation of sinus health and appropriate long-term maintenance are essential. Some patients may need additional medical or sinus evaluation before treatment.
Experience matters
Zygomatic implant treatment is considerably more complex than routine dental implant surgery. The surgeon must understand your individual facial anatomy and carefully plan the implant path around the sinus, eye socket, nerves and other important structures.
At Aria, we use 3D CT imaging and digital treatment planning to evaluate the available bone and determine which approach offers the best balance of safety, stability and long-term function. Our goal is not simply to place implants — it is to develop the right plan for your anatomy. Treatment is led by Dr. Joe Mehranfar, DMD, Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry.
If zygomatic implants are not necessary, or are not the best option for you, we will explain the alternatives available.
Questions, answered
Zygomatic implants are significantly longer than traditional dental implants and are positioned so they engage the dense bone of the cheekbone, known as the zygoma, rather than relying on the upper jawbone alone. They are used in selected cases where severe bone loss prevents conventional implants from being placed in the back of the upper jaw.
Not necessarily. Having upper-jaw bone loss does not automatically mean you need zygomatic implants. Advances in implant positioning, angled implants, shorter implants and other graftless techniques allow many patients to receive fixed teeth without them. Zygomatic implants are generally reserved for patients whose anatomy does not provide enough support for a more conventional approach. A 3D CT scan is what settles it.
Clinical studies report high implant survival rates when zygomatic implants are placed in carefully selected patients by clinicians with appropriate training and experience. An ITI consensus report published in 2023 found a mean zygomatic implant survival of 96.2% over a mean follow-up of 6.3 years. It is still an advanced surgical procedure involving the upper jaw, maxillary sinus and nearby structures, and it carries real risks that should be discussed in detail before treatment.
Potential risks can include sinus inflammation or infection, implant failure, soft-tissue complications, numbness or altered sensation, communication between the mouth and sinus, and mechanical complications involving the implants or replacement teeth. Sinusitis is the most frequently reported biological complication. Careful 3D imaging, detailed surgical planning, evaluation of sinus health and appropriate long-term maintenance are essential.
In extremely advanced cases where there is inadequate bone throughout the upper jaw, a surgeon may consider a quad zygoma approach using two zygomatic implants on each side. The exact number and position of implants must be determined through careful 3D planning of your individual anatomy.
Some qualifying patients may be able to receive a fixed provisional set of teeth shortly after implant placement. Immediate teeth are not guaranteed and depend on implant stability, bone quality, health and other clinical findings.
They may. Zygomatic implants can provide another treatment path for patients who have experienced failed bone grafts, failed implants or unsuccessful previous full-mouth implant treatment. A second opinion at Aria is complimentary — bring any treatment plans and imaging you have.
Yes, and it is complimentary. Your evaluation begins with a complimentary 3D CT scan and consultation so our clinical team can examine your upper-jaw bone, sinuses, cheekbones, dental history and overall health before recommending the safest and most appropriate option. If zygomatic implants are not necessary or not the best option, we will explain the alternatives.
More questions? See our full FAQ →
Being told that you do not have enough bone for dental implants does not always mean fixed teeth are impossible. A detailed 3D evaluation may reveal options that were not previously considered. Schedule a complimentary 3D CT scan and consultation at our Phoenix or Sun City office — you will receive a personalized assessment of your bone, health and treatment options.
Schedule your consultation Call or text 602-877-0429