As dental implant specialists, it’s always our goal to ensure that every patient walks away with a brand new smile that lasts a lifetime. However, not all patients have the bone density required for successful, standard dental implants.
In cases where we’ve discovered a weakness in a patient’s jawbone, we have the option to resort to zygomatic implants. However, the professional question persists of how many implants are necessary for this procedure.
Our personal belief is that more isn’t always better; but let’s take a closer look at the procedure, why it’s necessary, and why we have a personal stance on the number of zygomatic implants our dental implant specialists typically place.
What is a Zygomatic Implant?
If a patient suffers from severe bone loss, the chances are high that we’ll be unable to successfully place a standard dental implant that attaches to a jawbone.
Zygomatic implants are put in place to help make a patient’s dental implants a permanent solution to a tainted smile, often when alternatives such as dentures are not ideal.
During the process of zygomatic implant placement, the implants themselves are longer than the average implant and are placed in a patient’s zygomatic (cheekbone) bone. Usually, two zygomatic implants are placed with a combination of standard implants throughout the remainder of the jaw, such as single dental implants or bridge implants.
The Great Implant Debate
A weak jawbone is one of the most common reasons behind implant failure, and no dental implant specialist wants to see valued patients dissatisfied with their procedural results.
Therefore, prosthodontists industry-wide debate on the number of zygomatic implants to supplement with remaining dental implants.
Some, like us, focus on 2 zygomatic (quad) implants, while others attempt to place 3 (sextuplet) implants in the zygomatic bone.
Why Would Your Prosthodontist Attempt a Sextuplet Zygomatic Implant?
The answer is simple: the longevity of dental implants. We all want the best for our patients, and some specialists try to add a little extra strength to the placement process—particularly in full-arch cases like all-on-4 dental implants or all-on-6 dental implants.
The real question in the debate lies in the necessity of extra implants placed in the zygomatic bone. Every specialist has their preference, so let’s dig into why ours has always been successful for our patients.
Why Does FastNewSmile Choose Quad Implants Over Sextuplets?
While it’s undoubtedly possible to fit three implants in the frontal area of the zygomatic bone, our team at FastNewSmile® Dental Implant Center does not perform this practice.
We are pioneers of the industry and have always trusted the success of quad zygomatic implants. Prosthodontists may feel inclined to over-engineer a case with sextuplet placement to ensure stability.
However, extensive research into the zygomatic bone proves that this area is exceptionally dense and serves as an ideal foundation for a successful and minimalist zygomatic dental implant procedure—especially when guided by advanced diagnostics like a 3D CT scan.
Although over-engineering may feel reassuring, the additional surgical complexity, cost, and recovery time do not make six implants a significant improvement over four.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today, With FastNewSmile Dental Implant Center
At FastNewSmile® Dental Implant Center, we believe that quality patient care always comes first. Whether you require zygomatic implants or are eligible for one-day teeth replacement using modern materials such as zirconia implants or complementary cosmetic options like zirconia veneers, we plan on giving you the attention and expertise you deserve.
Contact us to learn more about our services and schedule your free consultation today. We’d love to meet you and hear your story.