Question 1

I was told I am not a candidate for implants. Is that wrong?

Accepted Answer

Often it means the office you asked does not perform this operation, which is a different thing from it being impossible. Zygomatic implants do not rely on your upper jaw at all, so the amount of ridge you have left is not the deciding factor. What matters is your cheekbone, which is almost always intact. A scan settles it.

Question 2

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

In experienced hands, published survival rates are high and comparable to conventional implants. It is still a bigger operation than anything else on this site. The most commonly reported complication is sinus inflammation, since the implant passes close to or through the sinus. It is usually treatable and occasionally needs an ENT specialist. Temporary numbness of the cheek or lip can occur. The path also runs near the eye socket, which is why 3D planning and the surgeon's training matter more here than anywhere else.

Question 3

Do I get teeth the same day?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes. Because the cheekbone is dense, the implants normally grip firmly enough to carry a fixed bridge immediately. That is one of the strongest arguments for this route. The grafting alternative typically means a year or more in a denture before you get fixed teeth.

Question 4

Am I asleep for it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is done under general anesthesia rather than sedation, and it is given in this office rather than referred out to a hospital. Surgery takes three to five hours. You go home the same day, and you will need someone to drive you and ideally stay with you that evening.

Question 5

How is recovery different from a normal implant?

Accepted Answer

Considerably more swelling and bruising, including under the eyes and across the cheeks, peaking around day three. It looks worse than it feels. Plan a week away from anything public and about two weeks before you feel like yourself. You will also be asked not to blow your nose for a period, because of the sinus. Soft food runs about three months, the same as any immediately loaded full arch.

Question 6

Is it done in a hospital?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. General anesthesia is administered in this office, which is possible because oral and maxillofacial surgery training includes anesthesia. Some patients or medical histories are better suited to a hospital setting, and that is assessed before surgery rather than assumed either way.

Question 7

How many zygomatic implants will I need?

Accepted Answer

Usually two, one on each side. Four are used when there is nothing usable at the front of the jaw either, two per side. A common arrangement is two zygomatic implants at the back combined with two standard implants at the front, where a little bone often remains.

Question 8

My bone graft failed. Does that rule me out?

Accepted Answer

No, and it is one of the most common reasons patients end up here. A failed graft does not affect your cheekbone. Any remaining graft material sometimes needs removing first, which is done in the same operation. Bring the records from the previous attempt if you have them.

Question 9

How long do zygomatic implants last?

Accepted Answer

They are designed as a long-term solution and reported survival at ten years is comparable to conventional implants placed in good bone. The bridge on top is the wearing part and may need replacing across that time. Maintenance matters: cleaning underneath daily, checkups twice a year, and having the sinuses reviewed as part of those visits.

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