ZAGA Zygomatic Implants
ZAGA Centers are unique in that they use protocols that guarantee optimal long-term results. Moreover, they have access to state-of-the-art technology, such as ZAGA-design zygomatic implants, specially made to fit each individual anatomy.
WHAT DOES ZAGA MEAN?
ZAGA is an acronym that stands for Zygoma Anatomy-Guided Approach. This means that instead of basing treatment on an established surgical technique, the patient’s anatomy is used to help guide it. Therefore, instead of forcing the patient’s anatomy to adapt to our tools and processes, we adapt our own tools and processes to the patient’s anatomy.
ZAGA is much more than just a method, it is a philosophy of how we work with patient well-being as one of its core principles. The individual characteristics and needs of each patient are the main elements considered when designing a treatment plan and deciding what materials or implants will be used.
92%
Success rate
WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE OF THIS PROCEDURE?
At 92%, treating tooth loss with fixed prosthesis anchored on zygomatic implants has a very high 10-year success rate. With new developments such as the ZAGA method, these implants now improve patients’ prognosis by reducing the number of related complications.
WHY ZAGA?
When your Zygoma ZAGA Center surgeon uses the ZAGA method to place your zygomatic implants, you will benefit from having fixed teeth in just one day that are more aesthetic and similar in appearance to your original teeth. In addition to providing a better long-term prognosis, this procedure is less invasive, is specifically designed to adjust to your personal anatomical characteristics and the method makes patients less likely to encounter the complications of other zygomatic implants.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Once the Zygomatic implants are placed and generally within 24 hours of the procedure, patients will receive a stable denture. The procedure of permanently screwing teeth to the implants immediately after surgery for implant placement is called “Immediate loading”. With this procedure, patients need to have an understanding of the biological process of bone tissue repair, along with the technical aspects to be taken into account for this immediate intention. The general recommendation is for patients to maintain a soft diet and not to smoke for about four months.
ZAGA Centers are unique in that they use protocols that guarantee optimal long-term results. Moreover, they have access to state-of-the-art technology, such as ZAGA-design zygomatic implants, specially made to fit each individual anatomy.
Patient information
You may have been told that you do not have sufficient bone for dental implants. However, this does not mean there is no solution to restore your dental function and improve your quality of life. You could go home with a fixed bridge and teeth in a day.
Zygomatic implants are longer than conventional dental implants and they are anchored in the zygomatic bone (cheek bone), when there is not adequate quality or quantity of maxillary (upper jaw) bone.
They are used:
- In patients who lost their upper teeth due to aging or trauma and as a result have insufficient bone height.
- In patients who have heavily bro ken down teeth or very mobile teeth due to diseases such as periodontitis.
- In patients missing part of the upper jaw resulting from cancer surgery or trauma.
These implants are placed under general or local anaesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss this with you before your surgery.
The implants are placed through the upper jaw, with the apex (tip)
of the implant anchored in the zygoma. Normally, other implants will be placed in the front of the upper jaw at the same time (your surgeon will outline the implants and their placement in the treatment plan).
Infection may occur occasionally – this will be treated with an appropriate antibiotic. Other complications are extremely rare.
During the procedure you will be very numb because your clinician will use a strong local aneasthetic.
After the procedure a large part of your face will feel numb, but this will wear off. Mild swelling around the lower eyelid might occur. The majority of patients experience only slight pain at this stage, and it can generally be controlled with analgesics (pain killers).
Zygomatic implants are now used throughout the world and patients who have been treated using this technique are generally very happy with the cosmetic and functional results.
In most cases you will go home with bridges and crowns fitted.
In some cases the implants will be left for four to five months to integrate before the crowns and bridges will be placed during a second procedure.
Most patients can be provided with a fixed bridge, (this does not have to be removed). Others will be provided with a removable denture that clicks onto the implants
Your options will be discussed with you and outlined in your treatment plan.
- With zygomatic implants you may be able to go home with your new teeth in place on the day of the procedure. In the absence of sufficient bone quality or quantity, bone grafting or sinus lift procedures may be required for conventional implants, and it could take up to 18 months with multiple procedures to finalise the treatment.
- You can often receive zygomatic implants and new teeth despite severe bone loss that would pre- clude normal implants.
- Dentures which are mounted on implants are far more stable than conventional dentures, which tend to move around when talking or eating.
- These implants normally last a lifetime, if properly cared for.
Medication
Antibiotics and analgesics for pain management will be prescribed, normally for about a week after the procedure.
Diet
Your surgeon will recommend a soft diet until your final teeth are in place. Avoid tearing any food or hard food (e.g. raw vegetables, fruits and nuts).
Oral hygiene
Medicated rinses will be prescribed for the first few weeks after your surgery. Do not blow your nose until your surgeon gives you the all clear. For any patient with implants oral hygiene becomes even more important. How to care for your bridge or denture will be explained to you in detail. Please return to your dentist or oral hygienist regularly to ensure optimal care.
In some cases where the natural teeth have been missing for a long time, the
natural bone may have shrunk to the point that implants
cannot be placed in the normal way.
A sinus lift or bone graft would be necessary to
‘create’ the necessary bone volume. Here a bone product is added to the area where the implants are to be placed, thickening the bone to provide sufficient bone support for the implants.
This procedure is common. The membrane lining the inside of the sinus is gently lifted away from the sinus floor, and bone is placed into this space, thickening the upper jaw bone.
The graft is left for about 6 months to develop its own blood supply and turn into natural bone. After this healing period, dental implants can be placed provided there are no complications.
A global network of Dental Experts: ZAGA Centers
The ZAGA method consists of a series of techniques, materials and action protocols used by the various professionals involved in treating severe maxillary bone atrophy.
Need more information?
Zygomatic implants are used as a last resource for people with bone loss in order to avoid the use of bone grafts, which are more aggressive and less predictable
