For many people, getting a new smile starts with standard dental implants. But what happens if you’re told you don’t have enough jawbone to hold them? For a long time, this was a dead end. It left people stuck with dentures that slipped, clicked, and made eating a struggle. Luckily, dental technology has come a long way. At The Ackerman Clinic, we see patients who were told elsewhere that their case was too difficult. This is where zygomatic implants help.
Unlike regular implants that go into the jawbone, these anchor into the cheekbone. It might sound like a lot, but for the right person, it’s a steady, reliable way to change your life. If you’ve been looking for a dentist in New Milton who can handle tough cases, it helps to understand this “Plan B” that often becomes the best choice.
What Exactly Are Zygomatic Implants?
To understand who needs them, we have to look at how they work. A standard implant is a small metal screw placed in the jawbone. When teeth have been missing for a long time, that bone naturally shrinks because it isn’t being used.
Zygomatic implants are much longer than the regular ones. Instead of relying on a thin jawbone, they reach higher up to anchor into the “zygoma”—the medical word for your cheekbone. This bone is very thick and doesn’t shrink away like the jaw does. This gives a rock-solid base for a full set of teeth, even when the jawbone is almost completely gone.
How the Solution Works
The cheekbone offers a different kind of support. Because the bone is so strong, a dentist in New Milton can often attach a temporary set of teeth on the very same day the implants are put in. This “teeth in a day” method is one of the main reasons people visit The Ackerman Clinic.
Why not just use bone grafting?
In some cases, a patient can have a bone graft to rebuild the jaw. However, these can take six months to a year to heal before an implant can even be placed. For patients who want to skip the long wait and extra surgeries, zygomatic implants are a faster route to a working smile.
Who Is This for?
Not everyone needs this specific type of implant. They are a special solution for certain challenges. It might be the right path for you if:
- You Have Major Bone Loss: This is the most common reason people ask us about this. If you’ve worn dentures for decades, your upper jawbone might have shrunk to the point where a regular implant has nothing to hold onto.
- Standard Implants Failed: Sometimes a regular implant doesn’t take because the bone didn’t heal right. Zygomatic implants offer a new spot to anchor that isn’t affected by old jaw issues.
- Sinus Issues: The upper jaw is right next to your sinuses. If your sinuses are very large or sit low, there may not be enough room for a standard screw. By going to the cheekbone, we avoid the sinuses entirely.
- You Want Faster Results: Because the cheekbone is so dense, we can often put teeth on right away. You don’t have to go months without teeth while waiting for everything to heal.
The Benefits of This Choice
When you choose this route at The Ackerman Clinic, you aren’t just getting new teeth. You’re getting back a way of life that dentures can’t match.
- No More Glue: You can say goodbye to messy pastes and the fear of your teeth moving when you talk or laugh.
- Better Eating: Being able to bite into an apple or eat a steak again changes your health, not just your smile.
- Better Face Shape: Without teeth or implants, the lower face can start to look “sunken,” which leads to wrinkles. Implants provide the structure needed to keep your face looking full and healthy.
- High Success Rates: These implants have a very high long-term success rate, even in cases where the bone is thin.
What to Expect
We know the idea of an implant in the cheekbone can feel a bit scary. At The Ackerman Clinic, we make sure you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.
The First Chat
Everything starts with an assessment. Your dentist in New Milton will use 3D scans to map out your bone and sinuses. This lets us plan the exact spot for the implants before we even start.
The Day of the Procedure
This is usually done with sedation or general anaesthesia. This means you’ll be totally relaxed and won’t feel a thing. While you rest, the implants are placed. In many cases, a temporary bridge is fitted before you leave, so you walk out with a smile.
Healing Up
Gums heal pretty fast, usually within a week or two. The bone takes a few months to fully fuse with the metal. During this time, you’ll eat softer foods to protect the new frame, but you’ll already be enjoying how your new smile looks.
Get Your Confidence Back
If you’ve been told you can’t get new teeth because of bone loss, don’t give up. Zygomatic implants have helped thousands of people who thought they were stuck with loose dentures forever.
At The Ackerman Clinic, we believe everyone deserves a smile that works and looks natural. We combine a kind, human approach with the latest tech to help you see your options without any pressure.
Would you like to see if zygomatic implants are right for you?
Don’t spend another year struggling with a smile that doesn’t feel like yours. Whether you have failing teeth or long-term bone loss, we’re here to help. Contact The Ackerman Clinic today to book a visit. Let us show you how we can help you enjoy a steady, healthy smile again.
Could zygomatic implants be right for you? Learn more about zygomatic implants at The Ackerman Clinic.
Related reading: Dental Implants and Is Bone Grafting Always Required for Dental Implants?.
