Zygomatic Implants and the ZAGA Concept
Welcome to an informative guide on zygomatic implants, a groundbreaking treatment option for individuals suffering from severe maxillary atrophy. In this comprehensive piece, we will explore the remarkable benefits of zygomatic implants in addressing severe maxillary atrophy and restoring oral health. Backed by scientific publications and insights from zygomaticimplants.org, we aim to provide valuable information on the ZAGA Technique and how it can transform the lives of dental patients seeking a reliable solution.
Understanding Severe Maxillary Atrophy
Severe maxillary atrophy refers to a condition characterized by significant bone loss in the upper jaw (maxilla). It can occur due to factors such as advanced gum disease, tooth loss, trauma, or natural aging. Severe maxillary atrophy can pose challenges for traditional dental implants, as there may be insufficient bone structure to support them effectively.
Introducing Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants have revolutionized the field of dentistry by offering a breakthrough solution for patients with severe maxillary atrophy. Unlike conventional implants, which rely on the jawbone for support, zygomatic implants are anchored in the zygomatic bone, also known as the cheekbone. This technique provides a stable foundation for dental prosthetics, ensuring optimal functionality and aesthetics.
The Benefits of Zygomatic Implants
- Immediate Results: One of the key advantages of zygomatic implants is their ability to provide immediate functionality. Unlike traditional implants that may require several months of healing before the final prosthetics can be placed, zygomatic implants allow for restoring your smile in just one surgical procedure (1).
- Avoidance of Bone Grafting: Severe maxillary atrophy often necessitates extensive bone grafting procedures to augment the jawbone. However, zygomatic implants can eliminate the need for such interventions (2). This reduces treatment time and avoids additional surgical procedures, making the process more convenient and less invasive.
- Restored Chewing Function: Severe maxillary atrophy can significantly impact an individual’s ability to chew and enjoy a wide range of foods. Zygomatic implants provide exceptional stability, allowing patients to regain their chewing function and enjoy a varied and balanced diet once again (3).
- Enhanced Aesthetics and Confidence: Severe maxillary atrophy can lead to facial structure collapse, resulting in a sunken appearance and diminished self-confidence. By restoring the smile and providing structural support to the face, zygomatic implants can rejuvenate facial contours and boost self-esteem (4).
The ZAGA Technique: A Pioneering Approach
The ZAGA Technique is a pioneering approach in zygomatic implantology. It stands for “Zygoma Anatomy-Guided Approach,” and it ensures optimal results by tailoring the treatment to each patient’s unique anatomical characteristics. The technique involves meticulous planning and precise implant placement based on the individual’s zygomatic bone structure (5).
By utilizing the ZAGA Technique, dental professionals can achieve the following benefits:
- Patient-Centric Treatment: The ZAGA Technique prioritizes the patient’s specific needs and anatomical considerations, resulting in a highly personalized treatment plan that maximizes success rates.
- Predictable Outcomes: The ZAGA Technique’s meticulous planning and precise placement of zygomatic implants lead to predictable outcomes and long-term stability, providing patients with peace of mind.
- Reduced Surgical Complexity: The ZAGA Technique’s focus on patient-specific anatomy reduces the complexity of the surgical procedure, resulting in improved surgical efficiency and reduced surgical time.
- Minimized Risk of Complications: By considering individual bone characteristics and anatomical factors, the ZAGA Technique minimizes the risk of potential complications associated with zygomatic implant placement (6).
Conclusion
For dental patients suffering from severe maxillary atrophy, zygomatic implants offer a revolutionary solution that can restore oral health, functionality, and self-confidence. With their immediate functionality, avoidance of bone grafting restored chewing function, and enhanced aesthetics, zygomatic implants can significantly improve the quality of life. The ZAGA Technique, with its patient-centric approach and predictable outcomes, further enhances the success of zygomatic implant treatments. Consult with a skilled dental professional trained in the ZAGA Technique to explore the possibilities and embark on a journey towards a renewed smile.
References:
Aparicio, C., Dawood, A., Ucer, C. (2023). Zygomatic Implants. The ZAGA Concept. In: Rinaldi, M. (eds) Implants and Oral Rehabilitation of the Atrophic Maxilla. Springer, Cham.
Solà Pérez A, Pastorino D, Aparicio C, Pegueroles Neyra M, Khan RS, Wright S, Ucer C. Success Rates of Zygomatic Implants for the Rehabilitation of Severely Atrophic Maxilla: A Systematic Review. Dent J (Basel). 2022 Aug 12;10(8):151.
Aparicio, C., Polido, W.D., Chow, J. et al. Round and flat zygomatic implants: effectiveness after a 1-year follow-up non-interventional study. Int J Implant Dent 8, 13 (2022).
Aparicio, C., Olivo, A., de Paz, V. et al. The zygoma anatomy-guided approach (ZAGA) for rehabilitation of the atrophic maxilla. Clin Dent Rev 6, 2 (2022).
Aparicio C, López-Píriz R, Peñarrocha M. Preoperative Evaluation and Treatment Planning. Zygomatic Implant Critical Zone (ZICZ) Location. Atlas Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2021 Sep;29(2):185-202.
Aparicio C, Polido WD, Zarrinkelk HM. The Zygoma Anatomy-Guided Approach for Placement of Zygomatic Implants. Atlas Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2021 Sep;29(2):203-231.
Aparicio C, Polido WD, Chow J, David L, Davo R, De Moraes EJ, Fibishenko A, Ando M, Mclellan G, Nicolopoulos C, Pikos MA, Zarrinkelk H, Balshi TJ, Peñarrocha M. Identification of the Pathway and Appropriate Use of Four Zygomatic Implants in the Atrophic Maxilla: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2021 Jul-Aug;36(4):807-817.
Clarós, P. & Końska, N. & Clarós-Pujol, P. & Sentís, J. & Clarós, Pedro & Penarrocha, Miguel & Aparicio, Carlos. (2021). Prevalence of maxillary sinus alterations after zygomatic surgery. A comparative study between intra-sinus and ZAGA approaches. Dentistry and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery.
Aparicio C, López-Piriz R, Albrektsson T. ORIS Criteria of Success for the Zygoma-Related Rehabilitation: The (Revisited) Zygoma Success Code. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2020 Mar/Apr;35(2):366-378.
Aparicio C, Antonio S. Zygoma Anatomy-Guided Approach “Scarf Graft” for Prevention of Soft Tissue Dehiscence Around Zygomatic Implants: Technical Note. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2020 Mar/Apr;35(2):e21-e26
M PD, Jc BM, A FR, C A, D PO. Bone Regeneration and Soft Tissue Enhancement Around Zygomatic Implants: Retrospective Case Series. Materials (Basel). 2020 Mar 29;13(7):1577
Aparicio C, Manresa C, Francisco K, Claros P, Alández J, González-Martín O, Albrektsson T. Zygomatic implants: indications, techniques and outcomes, and the zygomatic success code. Periodontol 2000. 2014 Oct;66(1):41-58.
Aparicio C, Manresa C, Francisco K, Aparicio A, Nunes J, Claros P, Potau JM. Zygomatic implants placed using the zygomatic anatomy-guided approach versus the classical technique: a proposed system to report rhinosinusitis diagnosis. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2014 Oct;16(5):627-42.
Aparicio C, Manresa C, Francisco K, Ouazzani W, Claros P, Potau JM, Aparicio A. The long-term use of zygomatic implants: a 10-year clinical and radiographic report. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2014 Jun;16(3):447-59.
Aparicio, Carlos. (2011). A proposed classification for zygomatic implant patient based on the zygoma anatomy guided approach (ZAGA): a cross-sectional survey. European journal of oral implantology. 4. 269-75.
Aparicio C, Ouazzani W, Aparicio A, Fortes V, Muela R, Pascual A, Codesal M, Barluenga N, Franch M. Immediate/Early loading of zygomatic implants: clinical experiences after 2 to 5 years of follow-up. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2010 May;12 Suppl 1:e77-82.
Aparicio C, Ouazzani W, Aparicio A, Fortes V, Muela R, Pascual A, Codesal M, Barluenga N, Manresa C, Franch M. Extrasinus zygomatic implants: three year experience from a new surgical approach for patients with pronounced buccal concavities in the edentulous maxilla. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2010 Mar;12(1):55-61.
Aparicio C, Ouazzani W, Hatano N. The use of zygomatic implants for prosthetic rehabilitation of the severely resorbed maxilla. Periodontol 2000. 2008;47:162-71.
Aparicio C, Rangert B, Sennerby L. Immediate/early loading of dental implants: a report from the Sociedad Española de Implantes World Congress consensus meeting in Barcelona, Spain, 2002. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2003;5(1):57-60.
Aparicio C, Ouazzani W, Garcia R, Arevalo X, Muela R, Fortes V. A prospective clinical study on titanium implants in the zygomatic arch for prosthetic rehabilitation of the atrophic edentulous maxilla with a follow-up of 6 months to 5 years. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2006;8(3):114-22.
Carlos Aparicio, MD, DDS, DLT, MS/Per-lngvar Brånemark, MD, PhD/Eugene E. Keller, DDS, MSD/Jordi Olivé, MD, DDS, DUPMF. Reconstruction of the Premaxilla With Autogenous lliac Bone in Combination With Osseointegrated Implants. International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants. Volume 8 , Issue 1. January/February 1993. Pages 61-67
