Zygomatic dental implants offer patients a good alternative who can’t get an upper jaw dental implant (the traditional kind). It fuses to the zygomatic bone — the cheekbone — which is strong enough to support implants. However, the procedure is a bit more complex, which can leave patients wondering if recovery takes longer. Below, you’ll learn more about the zygomatic implant recovery process and a few factors that affect how long it takes.
Zygomatic implant recovery: timeline and what to expect
Zygomatic implant recovery doesn’t differ much from that of traditional implants. You’ll feel some soreness, swelling, and discomfort that increases for a few days and peaks after about half a week. After that, it should gradually fade. Medication, icing, and rest can make this period more manageable. That said, your recovery doesn’t end when the implant site heals. Your body now has to fuse the implant to the cheekbone through a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration can take several months to complete, during which the bone gradually grows around and bonds with the implants.
Factors that impact implant recovery time
Let’s look at a few things that impact the recovery time of your zygomatic implants:
Your overall health
A healthy body heals faster. If you’re healthy, avoid tobacco products, and don’t have any conditions that could slow healing, your recovery will go as fast as is physically possible. On the other hand, some health conditions, like diabetes or autoimmune disorders, could slow things down. Your dental team will keep these in mind when designing your treatment plan and guide you through recovery.
Certain medications, such as blood thinners or immunosuppressants, may also impact healing and success rates after getting dental implants in Fargo, ND. It’s important to inform your dentist about any prescriptions or supplements you’re taking so they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Maintaining a balanced diet and proper oral hygiene can further support a smooth recovery and improve the chances of successful implant integration.
Adherence to your dentist’s or surgeon’s instructions
Your dentist or surgeon will give you plenty of instructions after you finish up the zygomatic implant procedure. These are designed to prevent complications and make your recovery smooth. The more closely you follow these, the better. Here are some instructions they may give you:
- Oral health habits: Brushing, flossing, and rinsing properly to keep your mouth clean without damaging or irritating the site
- Medication:What to take (prescription, over-the-counter) and when to take it
- Icing:When and how often to apply ice packs to the area to manage soreness and swelling
- Rest and exercise:How long to wait before slowly introducing physical activity again, as well as how to rest properly (such as propping up your head and not sleeping on your side)
- Diet:What foods you can eat for ease of eating and proper nutrition to maximize healing, as well as foods to avoid
Pre-implant procedures needed
You won’t need a bone graft for zygomatic implant treatment, but you might need other procedures. For instance, the dentist might need to remove any remaining teeth or clean up infected gum tissue. One common question at this point is whether to get a root canal vs. implant. Root canals only work if the infection hasn’t dramatically weakened the tooth and the dentist can save it. Otherwise, the dentist will need to extract it and replace it with an implant. If bone loss stops a traditional upper implant from working, then the zygomatic implant can work.
In some cases, the dentist may also recommend a sinus lift or tissue regeneration procedures to ensure the best possible foundation for the implant. Additionally, addressing any existing oral health issues, such as gum disease or severe decay, is crucial before proceeding with the implant surgery. A thorough evaluation will help determine the most effective treatment plan for long-term success.
The bottom line
Zygomatic implants might be more advanced than traditional implants, but healing doesn’t take much longer. The most important part is the osseointegration process, which is crucial to turning your zygomatic bone into a solid base for your new implants. The good news is you’ll feel mostly normal again within a few weeks. You’ll be able to eat a variety of foods, speak normally, and get back to your day-to-day life.
So, if you’re comparing zygomatic implants to other options, don’t let recovery time worry you. The longer wait can be worth having a tooth replacement that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth.
