Zygomatic Implant Surgery Consent

Zygomatic implants are long implants placed through or alongside the upper jaw and anchored in the cheekbone (zygoma). They are used when the upper jaw has too little bone to hold standard implants, and they are intended to avoid or reduce extensive bone grafting.

The procedure involves incision and reflection of gum tissue, preparation of a path toward the cheekbone, placement of one or more zygomatic implants, possible placement of standard implants in the front of the jaw, and connection of a prosthesis. The approach passes near the maxillary sinus and other facial structures, and is planned from a 3D CBCT scan and carried out with surgical navigation or guides.

• Fixed teeth for patients previously told they have insufficient bone for upper implants.
• Avoidance or reduction of extensive grafting and the additional healing phases it requires.
• A shorter overall path to fixed teeth than staged grafting in suitable cases.

• All risks of implant surgery, including pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, delayed healing, wound opening, and implant failure requiring removal.
• Maxillary sinus complications, which are the most frequently reported complication of this procedure: sinus membrane perforation, acute or chronic sinusitis, nasal congestion or discharge, and an oral-sinus communication that may require further surgery.
• Injury or altered sensation involving the cheek, lip, gum, or nerves of the midface; altered sensation can be temporary or permanent.
• Injury to the eye socket, its contents, or surrounding structures, including rare reports of orbital penetration, double vision, or vision change.
• Bleeding from facial vessels, bruising extending across the cheek and around the eye, and swelling that is typically more pronounced than with standard implants.
• Soft-tissue recession around the implant path, difficulty cleaning, and inflammation of tissue along the implant body.
• Fracture, loosening, or failure of implants, abutments, screws, or the prosthesis, and the need for revision surgery.
• Rare but serious complications including spread of infection into facial spaces or the sinus requiring hospital treatment.

• No treatment, with continued bone loss and reliance on a removable denture.
• Extensive bone grafting or sinus augmentation followed by standard implants at a later stage.
• A conventional or adhesive-retained complete denture.
• A different implant approach, including short or tilted implants where anatomy allows, or referral for another opinion.

• Report promptly any nasal discharge, persistent one-sided congestion, facial pain or pressure, fever, vision change, or a bad taste, all of which may indicate a sinus complication.
• Follow all sinus precautions given after surgery, including instructions about nose blowing, sneezing, straws, and air travel.
• Complete the full course of any prescribed antibiotic and attend all follow-up and long-term maintenance visits.
• Disclose any history of sinus disease, nasal surgery, allergy, or chronic sinusitis before treatment.