Subperiosteal implants sit on the jawbone; zygomatic implants anchor in the cheekbone.
Your jawbone is not going to just be idle if you lose teeth. It gets resorbed or, as we call it, the bone loss that accompanies the loss of teeth. Patients frequently tell us that when the bone starts to disappear, they feel like they’ve lost the very base for smiling.
This is precisely what we observe on a daily basis at Lema Dental Clinic in Turkey. Several patients come to us after some other clinics told them that the bone loss situation was “too difficult” and nothing could be done.
So, the question remains – how can we reconstruct a base when it’s the earth that has disappeared?
Typically, in our dental operations, we identify two methods that could be considered quite widely: subperiosteal implants and zygomatic implants. However, they are two completely different things. Knowing the truth behind each one of them is essential for your well-being.
The Foundation Problem: A Building Analogy
Your jawbone can be compared to the foundation of a house. The thicker the concrete is, the more solid the construction will be. If the concrete deteriorates, then one can’t build on loose ground.
Normal dental implants require a certain amount of bone to ensure they are stable. When this bone is completely missing, only then can we look for alternative options. At this point, we change our surgical perspective.
What Are Subperiosteal Implants?
That was the technique developed a long time ago. In the place of the traditional method of drilling a screw into the jaw, a subperiosteal implant framework is fabricated that is made only of metal. This system rests on top of the bone and is covered by your gums.
The truth is that this was the first successful method at the time it was introduced. However, we hardly ever make that our initial solution nowadays.
We come to learn that these implants often cause gum problems. Also, their probabilities of lasting for a long time are less than those of the other alternatives. Hence, we keep them for the oddest, very specific instances only.
Why Zygomatic Implants Are the Modern Standard
This is what happens at our clinic when we submit the cases of ultra-severe upper jaw bone loss: Zygomatic implants bring a complete change in the entire approach to the problem.
It is said that in place of looking for bone in the jaw only, the cheekbone (the zygoma) is used. This particular bone is naturally very hard and strong. It forms a very suitable anchor.
Professor Doctor Coşkun Yıldız frequently emphasizes that by using the zygoma, it becomes possible to go around the upper jaw totally. That way, one has almost immediate stability for a fixed bridge.
Quick Comparison: Subperiosteal vs. Zygomatic
Making a choice depends upon a thorough examination of facts. Here is a comparative review of these two techniques:
| Feature | Subperiosteal Implants | Zygomatic Implants |
| Placement | On the bone (under gums) | Anchored in the cheekbone |
| Primary Use | Rare / Historical | Severe upper jaw bone loss |
| Stability | Variable | Extremely High |
| Surgery | Multi-stage | Single-stage / Immediate |
| Success Rates | Historically lower | Highly predictable |
The Lema Difference
Walking into our dental practice in Turkey, you will be more than a mere number to us. You will be offered a personalized program giving Professor Doctor Coşkun Yıldız and Dentist Polen Akkılıç, along with their staff,f as your directing figures.
There is no such thing as a “one size fits all” remedy, in our opinion.
- At first, we carry out an analysis: that means, we thoroughly examine your CT scans.
- After that, we make a decision: if we can implant the standard type of implants, we go ahead.
- At last, we change our direction: If the chance of failure is very high for traditional methods, Zygomatic implants are the answer.
Such a strategy relies on safety and duration of effect. Your smile is our desire not only to be good-looking, but also to remain fully functional for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your comfort is what our team values most. These processes occur with sedation or general anesthesia. You won’t feel the operation. Our care members also help you every step of the way during the recovery.
Actually, Zygomatic implants have shown very high levels of success. They are comparable to common implants. With proper oral care and frequent visits to our clinic, they can serve you for a long time.
Bone grafts are very reliable; however, the healing process can take months. If you hope to minimize the waiting time for bone regeneration, Zygomatic implants are the solution for you, providing almost instant results.
Absolutely. That is precisely why we turn to Zygomatic implants. They do not rely on your jawbone and instead use the zygoma. This bone is almost always there for support.
Implantology at its most advanced levels requires expert hands. Our team has committed years to gaining deep knowledge of these intricate surgeries. By coming to us, you will be assured of receiving care that meets European standards, with in-depth knowledge of complex cases.
- Bedrossian, E., et al. (2002). The zygomatic implant: preliminary data on treatment of severely resorbed maxillae. The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 17(6), 861-865.
- Chrcanovic, B. R., et al. (2016). Success and survival of zygomatic implants: A systematic review. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 45(4), 447-458.
- Brånemark, P. I., et al. (2004). Zygoma fixation in the management of advanced atrophy of the maxilla. Scandinavian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 38(2), 70-85.
- Esposito, M., & Worthington, H. V. (2013). Interventions for replacing missing teeth: dental implants in the zygomatic bone. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9).
- Aparicio, C., et al. (2014). The zygomatic implants rescue procedure: a five-year retrospective study. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, 16(1), 45-56.
