Zygomatic Dental Implants Sioux Falls SD | River Ridge
Advanced full-arch tooth replacement for severe upper jawbone loss without the need for extensive bone grafting.
Specialist Solution for Severe Upper Jawbone Loss
When upper teeth have been missing for years, or after decades of wearing traditional dentures, the upper jawbone naturally resorbs and thins. In severe cases, patients are told they do not have enough jawbone left to support standard dental implants, even with bone grafting or sinus lift procedures.
At River Ridge Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Center, our board-certified oral surgeons, Dr. Brent J. Henriksen, Dr. Trevor B. Holleman, and Dr. Abtin Etezadi, perform specialized zygomatic dental implant surgery. Zygomatic implants offer a direct solution for severe upper jaw bone loss by anchoring into the dense zygomatic bone (cheekbone) rather than the diminished upper jaw.
How Zygomatic Implants Work
Standard dental implants anchor directly into the alveolar bone of the upper or lower jaw. When significant bone resorption occurs, standard implants lack the necessary foundation to remain stable.
Zygomatic implants feature longer titanium posts that bypass the upper jawbone entirely. The implant anchors securely into the cheekbone, which maintains high density throughout adulthood and never resorbs due to tooth loss. Because the zygoma provides immediate structural stability, our surgeons can attach a complete, fixed full-arch set of temporary teeth on the day of surgery, avoiding months of waiting for complex bone grafts or sinus elevations to heal.
Candidates for Zygomatic Implant Surgery
Zygomatic implants are designed specifically for patients facing complex upper jaw challenges that prevent standard implant placement.
You may be a candidate for zygomatic implants if you have experienced severe upper jawbone loss from long-term denture wear, periodontal disease, or previous surgical procedures. They are also ideal for patients who have experienced failed traditional bone grafts or sinus lifts, or those who want to avoid the long healing timeline associated with extensive bone augmentation.
Precision Surgical Execution & Anesthesia Care
Zygomatic implant placement is a highly specialized maxillofacial procedure requiring advanced surgical training and precise anatomical mapping. Using 3D Cone-Beam CT imaging, our surgeons digitally plan the trajectory of each implant to navigate surrounding anatomical structures safely.
For maximum patient comfort, zygomatic implant surgery is performed in our accredited surgical center under full IV sedation or general anesthesia. We utilize long-acting, non-opioid pain management like EXPAREL® to provide up to 72 hours of post-operative numbing, ensuring a smooth and comfortable initial recovery at home.
Collaboration & Treatment Investment
Our team works in close partnership with your referring dentist, who attaches your final, custom-designed permanent full-arch bridge once the surgical site has fully integrated.
We maintain full fee transparency and provide an itemized out-of-pocket estimate during your consultation. Your initial consultation fee is credited directly toward your procedure upon treatment completion. River Ridge is in-network with major dental plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Aetna, Cigna PPO, Ameritas, and ADDP United Concordia. Flexible monthly payment plans are also available through CareCredit and Cherry patient financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a standard dental implant and a zygomatic implant?
Standard dental implants are placed vertically into the jawbone. Zygomatic implants are longer posts placed at an angle into the cheekbone (zygoma), providing a secure anchor when the upper jawbone has severely resorbed.
Do I need a sinus lift or bone graft before getting zygomatic implants?
In most cases, no. Because zygomatic implants anchor into the dense cheekbone above the sinus cavity, they bypass thin jawbone entirely, eliminating the need for preliminary sinus lift surgery or extensive bone grafts.
Can I get teeth on the same day as my zygomatic implant surgery?
Yes. Due to the high stability provided by the zygomatic bone, our surgeons can anchor a functional, temporary full-arch bridge on the same day as your surgery.
What is the recovery like after zygomatic implant placement?
While zygomatic placement is a more complex surgical procedure, post-operative discomfort is manageable with prescribed protocols and long-acting numbing like EXPAREL®. Mild facial swelling and bruising around the cheeks are normal and typically subside within one to two weeks.
How long do zygomatic dental implants last?
Zygomatic implants have a verified long-term clinical success rate comparable to traditional implants, over 95%, and are designed to provide a permanent foundation for a lifetime with proper hygiene and checkups.