
If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for traditional dental implants due to significant bone loss in the upper jaw, there’s still hope. At Lasting Smiles in Irvine, we offer a revolutionary solution known as zygomatic dental implants — a game-changer for full-arch restoration without the need for bone grafts or sinus lifts.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about zygomatic dental implants in Irvine, including who they’re for, how they work, and why Lasting Smiles is your go-to provider in Orange County.
What Are Zygomatic Dental Implants?
Zygomatic dental implants are longer-than-standard dental implants that anchor into the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) instead of the maxillary bone (upper jaw). This makes them ideal for patients who have experienced advanced bone loss and no longer have enough bone density in the upper jaw to support traditional implants.
Unlike traditional implants, zygomatic implants bypass the areas affected by resorption and sinus expansion and instead rely on the denser, more stable zygomatic bone for support.
Who Should Consider Zygomatic Dental Implants in Irvine?
You may be a candidate for zygomatic implants if you:
- Have been told you’re not eligible for conventional dental implants
- Have suffered extensive bone loss in the upper jaw
- Want to avoid complex bone grafting or sinus lift procedures
- Have failed past implant treatments or grafts
- Need full upper arch reconstruction
At Lasting Smiles Irvine, our specialists perform a full diagnostic evaluation using 3D imaging to assess your bone volume and determine the best implant treatment plan.
Benefits of Zygomatic Dental Implants
Zygomatic implants offer many benefits, especially for patients with complex dental needs:
- No bone graft required: Eliminates the need for bone augmentation, reducing surgery time and overall treatment length.
- Immediate load option: In many cases, patients can leave our office with temporary prosthetics the same day.
- Ideal for severe cases: Great for patients with full upper jaw bone loss or failed grafts.
- Long-term success: Clinical studies show success rates over 96% after 12 years.
- High strength: Anchored in the dense cheekbone, they offer reliable, lasting support.
For more information on other dental implant options we offer, visit our dental implants page.
How Zygomatic Implants Are Placed
Zygomatic implant placement is more advanced than traditional implant surgery and should only be performed by experienced professionals — like our implant specialists at Lasting Smiles Irvine. Here’s what the procedure involves:
1. Comprehensive 3D Evaluation
We start with a full CBCT scan to evaluate your bone anatomy and determine the best angle and location for implant placement. This digital scan helps plan a safe, accurate surgical approach.
2. Conscious Sedation or General Anesthesia
To ensure your comfort, the procedure is done under sedation dentistry, allowing you to relax throughout your surgery.
3. Implant Placement
Zygomatic implants are inserted through the upper jaw and anchored into the zygomatic bone. Often, they’re used alongside conventional implants in the front part of the mouth. In cases of complete bone loss, two implants may be placed on each side (a configuration known as “quad zygoma”).
4. Temporary Teeth
Depending on the case, we can place temporary prosthetic teeth the same day. Once healing is complete, we replace them with durable, customized restorations.
Traditional Implants vs. Zygomatic Implants
Feature | Traditional Implants | Zygomatic Implants |
---|---|---|
Bone Requirement | Requires adequate jawbone | Can be placed in patients with bone loss |
Bone Grafting Needed? | Often required | Rarely or never required |
Surgical Complexity | Less complex | More advanced procedure |
Typical Use | Single or multiple tooth replacement | Full upper arch restorations |
Recovery Time | Longer if grafting needed | Faster overall with immediate loading |
What Is the Recovery Process Like?
Recovery from zygomatic dental implants in Irvine varies by patient, but here’s what most people can expect:
- Initial healing: Expect 2–3 days of downtime. Mild swelling and bruising are common and manageable with medication.
- Temporary prosthetics: You’ll wear a temporary bridge while the implants integrate with your bone (3–6 months).
- Final teeth: Once healed, we’ll replace your temporary teeth with beautiful, permanent prosthetics designed for long-term use.
We provide complete post-operative care instructions and follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.
Risks and Complications
While complications are rare when placed by experienced professionals, some potential risks include:
- Sinus issues: Our use of an extra-sinus technique reduces this risk significantly.
- Nerve irritation
- Implant failure (less than 4% reported in long-term studies)
Our Irvine team uses advanced digital planning and 3D-guided surgery to minimize complications and maximize success.
How Much Do Zygomatic Implants Cost in Irvine?
Because of their complexity and customization, zygomatic dental implants are more expensive than traditional implants. Pricing depends on:
- The number of implants needed
- Whether sedation is used
- Type of prosthesis (fixed vs. removable)
- Additional procedures like extractions
To get a personalized quote, schedule a consultation at our Irvine location. We’ll provide a transparent, itemized treatment plan and discuss financing options available through our office.
Zygomatic Implants and the All-on-4 Option
Many patients ask whether zygomatic implants can be used in an All-on-4 style restoration — and the answer is yes. For patients who have no bone in the front or sides of the upper jaw, zygomatic implants can be used instead of conventional rear implants.
This approach offers:
- Faster treatment
- Fewer surgeries
- Immediate function
- High stability and patient satisfaction
To learn more about full-arch solutions, visit our New Teeth in One Day program.
Why Choose Lasting Smiles for Zygomatic Dental Implants in Irvine?
At Lasting Smiles Irvine, we are one of the few offices in Orange County with the surgical expertise and technology to offer zygomatic implants. Our implant specialists are trained in advanced implantology and use cutting-edge imaging and guided surgery for precision, safety, and long-term results.
We also provide:
- In-house CBCT scanning
- Sedation options for anxiety-free care
- Same-day smile solutions
- High-end lab-crafted prosthetics
- Compassionate, concierge-style patient support
Our mission is to restore your smile and confidence — no matter how complex your case may be.
Schedule Your Zygomatic Implant Consultation in Irvine Today
Don’t let bone loss hold you back from restoring your smile. Zygomatic dental implants in Irvine are a life-changing option for patients who thought they had no alternatives. At Lasting Smiles, we make it possible.
📍 Visit our Irvine dental implant center
📞 Call us or request your appointment online
We’ll walk you through every step, answer your questions, and design a custom solution to restore your smile permanently.
Recent Articles
Pros & Cons of Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Guide
Dental implants are widely regarded as the most advanced option for replacing missing teeth. But they aren’t always the ideal choice for every...
Gum Disease & Gum Recession: A Complete Guide to Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is a major oral health concern that affects millions worldwide. It involves inflammation and infection of the...
Can You Get an MRI with Dental Implants? What Irvine Patients Should Know
If you have dental implants—or are considering them—one of the most common questions is: “Can I safely have an MRI with dental implants?”...