Zygomatic Implants in Chilliwack, British Columbia
Dr. Singh has placed over 2,000 dental implants in his career and is considered one of the top implant dentists in the province.
Being told that you don’t have enough bone for dental implants can be discouraging—but it doesn’t always mean fixed teeth are out of reach.
At Chilliwack Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery, Dr. Prabhjot Singh and prosthodontist Dr. Ahmed Ballo provide advanced full arch implant reconstruction for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss, including many who have previously been told they are not candidates for conventional dental implants.
For carefully selected patients, zygomatic implants can provide secure support for a full arch of fixed teeth while avoiding or significantly reducing the need for extensive bone grafting.
Whether you have worn dentures for many years, experienced bone loss after tooth loss, undergone failed bone grafting, or suffered previous implant failure, our team will evaluate all available treatment options and recommend the solution that offers the best long-term outcome.
Have You Been Told You Don’t Have Enough Bone for Dental Implants?
One of the most common reasons patients are told they are not candidates for conventional dental implants is severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
Bone loss may occur because of:
- Long-term missing teeth
- Wearing dentures for many years
- Advanced gum disease
- Trauma
- Previous dental infections
- Failed dental implants
- Failed bone grafting
- Natural enlargement of the maxillary sinuses over time
Traditionally, these patients often required extensive sinus grafting or major bone graft procedures before implants could be placed.
Today, advances in implant surgery have created additional options.
For many patients, zygomatic implants can provide fixed teeth without prolonged grafting procedures.
What Are Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic implants are specialized dental implants that anchor into the zygoma (cheekbone) rather than relying solely on the upper jawbone.
The cheekbone provides dense, stable bone capable of supporting a full arch of replacement teeth even when the upper jaw has experienced significant bone loss.
Unlike conventional implants, zygomatic implants are longer and require advanced surgical planning and specialized training.
They are commonly used as part of a comprehensive full arch implant reconstruction for patients with severe maxillary bone loss.
Who Is a Candidate for Zygomatic Implants?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have severe upper jaw bone loss
- Wear loose upper dentures
- Have been told you need major bone grafting
- Have been told implants are not possible
- Have experienced failed sinus grafting
- Have experienced failed dental implants
- Have multiple failing upper teeth with significant bone loss
- Wish to avoid multiple reconstructive surgeries when appropriate
Every patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation using 3D CBCT imaging to determine the safest and most predictable treatment approach.
Can Zygomatic Implants Help Me Avoid Bone Grafting?
For many patients, yes.
Rather than rebuilding large amounts of missing upper jaw bone through extensive grafting procedures, zygomatic implants utilize the natural strength of the cheekbone for implant support.
Depending on your anatomy, this may allow:
- Fewer surgical procedures
- Shorter overall treatment time
- Earlier restoration of function
- Immediate fixed temporary teeth in many cases
- Reduced healing time compared with staged grafting procedures
However, every patient is different.
During your consultation, we will discuss all available options—including conventional implants, bone grafting, sinus augmentation, pterygoid implants, and zygomatic implants—to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Why Experience Matters
Zygomatic implant surgery is among the most technically demanding procedures in implant dentistry.
Successful treatment requires careful planning, an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy, advanced surgical techniques, and close coordination between the surgical and restorative teams.
At Chilliwack Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery, every complex implant case is digitally planned before surgery using advanced three-dimensional imaging.
This detailed planning allows us to evaluate:
- Bone quality
- Sinus anatomy
- Facial support
- Implant trajectory
- Bite relationships
- Final tooth position
- Long-term function
Our goal is not simply to place implants—but to create a stable foundation for a healthy, functional, and long-lasting smile.
A Collaborative Approach: Surgery and Prosthetics Working Together
One of the unique advantages of our practice is the collaboration between our Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon and our Prosthodontist.
Dr. Prabhjot Singh – Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Singh performs the surgical phase of treatment, including:
- Comprehensive treatment planning
- Removal of failing teeth
- Conventional implant placement
- Pterygoid implants
- Zygomatic implants
- Immediate full arch reconstruction
- Bone grafting when indicated
- IV sedation and general anesthesia
His focus is creating a precise, stable surgical foundation for long-term implant success.
Dr. Ahmed Ballo – Prosthodontist
Once the implants have been placed, Dr. Ballo designs the prosthetic restoration that patients will wear every day.
His responsibilities include:
- Smile design
- Bite analysis
- Speech optimization
- Facial aesthetics
- Digital prosthetic planning
- Long-term implant restoration
- Final fixed bridge fabrication
Every restoration is individually designed to provide natural appearance, comfort, chewing efficiency, and long-term durability.
Working together from the beginning of treatment allows the surgical and restorative phases to complement one another, creating a comprehensive approach focused on the final outcome.
Advanced Digital Treatment Planning
Every zygomatic implant case begins with extensive digital planning.
Your assessment may include:
- 3D CBCT imaging
- Digital photography
- Facial analysis
- Smile evaluation
- Bite assessment
- Virtual implant planning
- Surgical guide fabrication when appropriate
Digital planning improves accuracy, predictability, and communication between the surgical and restorative teams.
Immediate Teeth for Many Patients
Many patients undergoing zygomatic implant treatment are candidates to receive a fixed temporary bridge immediately or within the first day after surgery.
Rather than wearing a removable denture during healing, patients often leave with fixed teeth that allow them to smile with confidence while the implants integrate.
After healing is complete, the temporary bridge is replaced with a carefully designed final prosthesis fabricated by Dr. Ballo.
Have You Experienced Failed Implants or Bone Grafts?
Many of our patients seek treatment after unsuccessful implant procedures performed elsewhere.
These situations may include:
- Failed dental implants
- Failed sinus grafting
- Failed bone grafts
- Loose implant bridges
- Chronic infections
- Progressive bone loss
- Broken implant prostheses
Revision treatment begins with identifying the underlying cause before developing a customized treatment plan focused on long-term success.
Benefits of Zygomatic Implants
Depending on your individual situation, treatment may provide:
- Fixed teeth despite severe bone loss
- Reduced need for extensive bone grafting
- Immediate fixed teeth in many cases
- Improved chewing ability
- Improved speech
- Greater confidence
- Enhanced facial support
- Better quality of life
- Long-term implant stability
Why Patients Travel Across British Columbia
Patients from throughout British Columbia seek treatment at our practice because of our comprehensive approach to advanced implant reconstruction.
Many have been referred after being told they:
- Do not have enough bone for implants
- Require extensive bone grafting
- Are not candidates for fixed teeth
- Have experienced failed implants
- Have experienced failed bone grafting
Our team welcomes patients seeking a second opinion and will explain all available treatment options so you can make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are zygomatic implants safe?
When performed by an appropriately trained surgeon using careful planning and modern imaging, zygomatic implants have demonstrated predictable long-term success in appropriately selected patients.
Will I still need bone grafting?
Many patients can avoid extensive grafting, although treatment recommendations depend entirely on your anatomy.
Can I receive teeth the same day?
Many patients are candidates for immediate fixed temporary teeth following surgery.
Are zygomatic implants painful?
Most patients report that recovery is more comfortable than they anticipated. Detailed postoperative instructions and pain management are provided to help ensure a smooth recovery.
How long do zygomatic implants last?
With appropriate planning, excellent oral hygiene, and regular maintenance, zygomatic implants are designed to provide long-term support for fixed implant restorations.
Will I be asleep during surgery?
Most zygomatic implant procedures are performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia, allowing patients to remain comfortable throughout treatment.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been told you are not a candidate for dental implants because of severe bone loss, we encourage you to seek a comprehensive evaluation before giving up on the possibility of fixed teeth.
Dr. Prabhjot Singh and Dr. Ahmed Ballo work together to provide advanced full arch implant reconstruction using the latest surgical and restorative techniques.
Whether you require conventional implants, pterygoid implants, zygomatic implants, or another treatment approach, our goal is to help you regain a healthy, confident smile with a solution designed for long-term success.
