ORAL SURGERY

Dental and zygomatic implants

A dental implant is an excellent way to replace a missing tooth or teeth. They are generally titanium screws which are inserted into the jaw bone to replace teeth that are missing or lost, and can be attached to a ceramic crown or bridge to replace an individual tooth, a group of teeth or a denture-like device.

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Dental and zygomatic implants — clinical close-up

Quick answer about this procedure

QUICK ANSWER

Placement of titanium dental implants to replace missing teeth. Zygomatic implants, which anchor into the cheekbone, may be considered in appropriately selected cases where there is insufficient upper jaw bone for conventional implants.

Procedure
Dental / zygomatic implant placement
Anaesthesia
Local · Sedation · GA
Duration
60–120 min
Stay
Day-stay (dental) · Hospital (zygomatic)
Osseointegration
3–6 months

IS THIS FOR YOU?

Implants may be considered when:

  • A single tooth, group of teeth, or all teeth in an arch need replacement
  • Dentures are uncomfortable or unstable and a fixed alternative is preferred
  • Conventional implants are not possible due to insufficient upper jaw bone (zygomatic option)
  • Combined bone grafting and implant placement is required
  • A multi-disciplinary workup with your dentist or prosthodontist is appropriate
WHO PERFORMS THIS

The surgeons who perform this procedure

Both surgeons listed below perform this procedure at OMS Specialists. Each carries dual qualifications in medicine and dentistry plus Fellowship from the Royal Australasian or English College.

Mr Richard Cobb, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Richard Cobb

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBBS · MFDS(Eng) · MRCS(Eng) · DHMSA · FRCS(OMFS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
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Mr Ryan Smit, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Ryan Smit

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBChB · MRACDS(PDS) · FRACDS(OMS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
View full profile

RECOVERY TIMELINE

Recovery timeline

  • 0–2 days

    First 48 hours

    Day-stay procedure for most dental implants; hospital admission for zygomatic cases. Rest with the head elevated, soft diet, ice to the cheek and prescribed pain medication.

    Red flags · Heavy bleeding, fever over 38.5°C, or severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication.

  • 3–14 days

    Week 1–2

    Soft diet continues. Most patients return to desk-based work within 5 to 10 days after dental implant placement.

  • 3–6 months

    Month 3–6

    Osseointegration with the bone continues over this period. A final follow-up confirms the implant has integrated, after which your dentist or prosthodontist places the crown or prosthesis.

RISKS & HONESTY

Risks we discuss before consent

  • Implant failure

    Most implants integrate successfully, but a small percentage do not osseointegrate and may need to be removed and re-placed. Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes and chronic infection increase this risk.

  • Nerve injury (lower jaw)

    Lower jaw implants are planned around the inferior alveolar nerve using CBCT imaging. The small risk of altered sensation to the lip or chin is minimised by careful planning and technique.

  • Sinus involvement (upper jaw)

    Upper jaw implants close to the maxillary sinus may need sinus lift grafting. Zygomatic implants are designed to bypass an atrophic maxilla by anchoring in the cheekbone.

  • Infection or peri-implantitis

    Infection of the implant site can occur and is managed with antibiotics and meticulous oral hygiene. Long-term, peri- implantitis (gum disease around the implant) is the main risk to implant survival and is prevented by ongoing dental care.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Common questions about dental implants

When is OMFS preferred over a periodontist or general dentist for implants?

Specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon involvement is particularly appropriate when there is insufficient bone for conventional implants (atrophic maxilla, zygomatic cases), combined bone grafting or sinus lift is required, full-arch rehabilitation is planned, or the case involves complex anatomic considerations near the inferior alveolar nerve or maxillary sinus. Our surgeons are highly trained in the use of dental and zygomatic implants and work closely with the very best implant manufacturers.

What are zygomatic implants?

A zygomatic implant is a longer implant that is inserted deeper into the top jaw bone and extends into the bone of the cheek. These are useful for patients that have lost some of the bone in their top jaw where there is inadequate bone to support traditional dental implants. They allow a fixed prosthesis to be placed in patients who would otherwise need extensive bone grafting.

How long does the whole implant process take?

From implant placement to final crown or prosthesis the process typically takes 3 to 6 months, allowing time for osseointegration with the bone. Where bone grafting is required first this extends the timeline by a further 3 to 6 months. Some cases allow immediate-load protocols where a temporary prosthesis is fitted at placement.

What does a dental implant cost?

A single dental implant typically ranges NZ$5,000 to $7,500 including the surgical placement, with the final crown or prosthesis costed separately by your dentist or prosthodontist. Zygomatic implants and full-arch rehabilitation are quoted individually after consultation. Southern Cross and Nib commonly cover most procedures under their surgical plans.

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