• Dental Phobia Support

    Welcome! This is an online support group for anyone who is has a severe fear of the dentist or dental treatment. Please note that this is NOT a general dental problems or health anxiety forum! You can find a list of them here.

    Register now to access all the features of the forum.

My experience of Zygomatic implants.

Hi Jo!
I took two weeks off from work. My bruising was pretty well gone by that point.
I am almost 3 months post op, and all the numbness is gone now. Honestly, I worked myself up way too much before I decided to do this. It really was not as hard as I imagined it would be. I'm very happy so far!
 
2016-10-20 14.20.21.jpg

You are beautiful Sheila! So nice to put a face with your name. I finally figured out how to post a photo too! These are my temps, I'll get my permanent ones on February!
 
Hi everyone,
I would just like to thank everyone who has been following my journal and sent me private messages regarding this treatment, and as I live in the north of England do I know of anyone who performs this treatment in the South.
Well ,the answer is yes I do,as the person who performed my surgery of the zygomatic implants alongside Alex my dentist was Dr Richard Brookshaw,who is one of the most experienced dental surgeons in this field.

He is based in Cheshire,but travels all across the country to perform this surgery,if you contact him via his PA,I am sure he will be able to help you.
Contact [email protected].
You can also Google, Dr Richard Brookshaw to view his amazing profile.

Thanks again everyone,and I hope this helps.
Regards.

Coral

Thank you so much for your blog on this site. I will be having zygomic implants in a few weeks ( and all on 4 on the bottom). I am 48 years old and have had dental dramas forever. My teeth are of poor quality with shortened roots (poor orthodontics). I am nervous (mainly about the expense!). However I know I will end up spending a fortune in patch up jobs over the next 25 years only to end up with dentures so may as well "bite" the bullet now and enjoy a great smile. I am very self conscious about my teeth. Again, thank you (and all other forum members) I will let you know how I go :grin:
 
Last edited:
Hi,
Yes,please let us know how you get on.
Don't be nervous you will be just fine,the op itself is over and done with before you know it.
Just a week or so of healing time,that is not very pleasant, but you have had it done then.

Glad you decided to go for this rather than the dentures.
Dentures are fine if enough bone is present to give a good secure fit,and quite a cheap option compared to the price of this treatment, but some people don't have much choice,as if they can't afford it,then it has to be dentures.
I really think this treatment should be available on the NHS,or at least part of the cost.
I don't consider this to be a cosmetic procedure,as like in my case,I just didn't have the bone density,and dentures made my life miserable.

I was very lucky in the fact I have a very understanding husband, who said get it done,and have a better quality of life,you just can't go on like this, so i used our retirement fund.
I must admit,I haven't looked back since,
Good luck and I hope all goes well.

Coral
 
Cathy,
Thank you for your kind words.
To say that the teeth in your picture are only your temps,they look amazing,mine weren't as good as that,they seemed big,and a bit pertruding, but i was happy with the finished permanent ones.
Your permanent ones will be brilliant going by the picture of your temps.
Good luck with the rest of your healing,the time will fly by now.

Coral
 
Hi all, but particularly Coral/Sheila. Thank goodness I've found you all!
I'm specifically interested in All on 4, so if there's another journal please direct me to that.
I've read the whole thread through and it's now dark.
I was thinking of going abroad, but not so sure now. Am thinking of going to the Brighton clinic as their prices look competitive.
Will be going for total extraction, with top and bottom implants All-on-4.
Like you I am 66, but never had dentures or previous implants. Just have a minimal number of disintegrating teeth, and lots of gaps.
It's a huge financial commitment, but seems daft to wait any longer.
In the next 2 weeks I have consultations booked at 2 local dentists who have their implant specialists visiting.
Will be coming back here regularly for advice and info. So glad those have had the treatment are now happy with the outcomes. You have been through an awful lot.
Take care
Row
 
Hi Row,
I am pleased you found the site,and found my journal helpful,and yes, I did do another journal about the 'all on four',someone else has also asked me about this procedure,and they also went to the Brighton implant clinic for the 'all on four' procedure
He said it was by far the best price that he had been quoted,also he was very happy with his outcome,and the treatment received.

Good luck with it all, and i hope you will let us know how you get on.
Sheila (coral ) The title of my journal of the all on four is entitled

My experience of "All On Four" permanent teeth in a day
 
Last edited:
The link to my journal is...

 
Cathy,
Thank you for your kind words.
To say that the teeth in your picture are only your temps,they look amazing,mine weren't as good as that,they seemed big,and a bit pertruding, but i was happy with the finished permanent ones.
Your permanent ones will be brilliant going by the picture of your temps.
Good luck with the rest of your healing,the time will fly by now.

Coral

Hi Coral-Sheila and everyone else. I went for a consult for all on 4 implants back in March 2016 for upper jaw, in which I was told I would need the bone graft on the right side where my teeth had been missing for number of years. I underwent a sinus lift bone graft on the upper right and two implants on the upper left on May 19th. On Sept 15th I went in for the implants to be placed on the right side. When I woke from Anesthesia to find that they couldn't place the implants and also removed the implants which were placed in May. In May, I had 6 teeth removed on left side and 2 on the right in which I had wore a partial for years but my teeth were getting worse and I didn't want a denture only to find that now I am in a denture. During my post op visit 2 weeks later, my oral-max surgeon discussed Zygomatic implants as a option. Thank God I had stumbled upon this blog. I had my procedure Nov 1 and I am 2 weeks post op today. I experienced everything each of you have written and come closest to Coral's experience. Both cheeks and upper lip is still numb. A little bruising still on cheek bones. Speech still lispy. Dry mouth and lips. Little to no pain. They modified my denture to attach to my implants. I had 4 Zygomatic Implants. Just bought the water pik/flosser yesterday. I was told "absolutely NO chewing". I drink a lot of protein drinks, being very creative with soups and smashing combinations of things together. I am praying for success. I plan to do the bottom in 2017 if all goes good. Thank you to Coral and all the bloggers that shared, that is what got me through so far. I hope to continue to blog and also encourage others too. I live in Texas and highly recommend my Doctor for those who are looking into this procedure. Very expensive but worth it.
 
Hi TxLady,
Great news,that you have finally had your treatment and are now over the worst,the 1st couple of weeks are a bit of a downer,but things will start to get a lot better now,good also that you got a waterpik flosser, that will really help as time goes by and your mouth heals and shrinks back to normal,then you may find that a gap appears where the denture meets the roof of the mouth.
They used my original denture which they adapted to fit,for my temporary teeth,and I did get quite a gap.

The numbness does go eventually,but sometimes it seems like it never will,but it does in the end.
My dentist told me to have a soft food diet for at least 3 months,then said that i could eat meats that were soft like chicken,and food that doesnt need a lot of chewing,and then i could eat anything once i got my permanent teeth,but even now I am very careful what I eat.

I wish you well with the rest of your healing time,once you get your permanent teeth you won't look back.
All the best.
Coral
 
Coral, thanks for quick reply. Question, how long did your cheek bones hurt ? Mine are very tender to touch, but of course its only been two weeks. I saw your picture, your smile is so beautiful. You are really pretty. I am hoping for same and better confidence as well. I have a ways to go. Oh, By the way, I am 65 and will be 66 in March and like most of us, spent my nest egg. I hope you stay on the forum and see me through the rest of this journey. That would be something if we could all meet up some day and celebrate.

Thanking you again and wishing blessngs your way,
Diane
 
Hi TxLady,
I think at 2 weeks post op my cheeks were a bit tender,but what I had the most problems with was the incision site, that was really sore,and also the numbness,but I think I was fine after about a month,I was just left with a numb lip,which finally went after about 6 months.

Like you,and many others i had to use our retirement fund to afford to finance this treatment,it is very expensive,but something I had to do,and my husband was very understanding and sympathetic with all the prior problems,so he agreed I should get it done.
Here in the UK I paid £19000 for the treatent, that would be the equivalent of approx $24000 ,but don't know how this compares to what you paid.
I am now 69,I was just 67 a few days before I had the treatment,it will be 3 years since in March.

I think you are over the worst now,and things will only get better from here on.
Coral.
 
Hi Coral. I agree, the numbness in my upper lip and cheeks is annoying. My Doctor said it could last 6 weeks or longer. I used my waterpik for the first time and probably hit the mirror and wall with water more than I got in my mouth. Will take some getting use to. It was pretty funny. My cost for just the uppers was $22K. They were able to file $2,500 on my dental. I paid $20K. When the bone graft and first implants failed and the decision was made to go forward with the zygomatic implants, he didn't charge me anything more but did say the zygomatic implant procedure was more expensive than the all on 4 with bone graft. He never said how much more, I was just grateful that he wanted to do it without charging me any more. I will be going back to work tomorrow having been off two and half weeks. Going to bed for good nights rest.
Thanks for sharing.
Diane
 
Hi Coral-Sheila and everyone else. I went for a consult for all on 4 implants back in March 2016 for upper jaw, in which I was told I would need the bone graft on the right side where my teeth had been missing for number of years. I underwent a sinus lift bone graft on the upper right and two implants on the upper left on May 19th. On Sept 15th I went in for the implants to be placed on the right side. When I woke from Anesthesia to find that they couldn't place the implants and also removed the implants which were placed in May. In May, I had 6 teeth removed on left side and 2 on the right in which I had wore a partial for years but my teeth were getting worse and I didn't want a denture only to find that now I am in a denture. During my post op visit 2 weeks later, my oral-max surgeon discussed Zygomatic implants as a option. Thank God I had stumbled upon this blog. I had my procedure Nov 1 and I am 2 weeks post op today. I experienced everything each of you have written and come closest to Coral's experience. Both cheeks and upper lip is still numb. A little bruising still on cheek bones. Speech still lispy. Dry mouth and lips. Little to no pain. They modified my denture to attach to my implants. I had 4 Zygomatic Implants. Just bought the water pik/flosser yesterday. I was told "absolutely NO chewing". I drink a lot of protein drinks, being very creative with soups and smashing combinations of things together. I am praying for success. I plan to do the bottom in 2017 if all goes good. Thank you to Coral and all the bloggers that shared, that is what got me through so far. I hope to continue to blog and also encourage others too. I live in Texas and highly recommend my Doctor for those who are looking into this procedure. Very expensive but worth it.
.


Hi Tx Lady did you have any sinus problems before surgery or now?? I am having mine on December 5 and am concerned about sinus problems. Thanks for posting!!
 
.


Hi Tx Lady did you have any sinus problems before surgery or now?? I am having mine on December 5 and am concerned about sinus problems. Thanks for posting!!

Hi Bell. I have always had sinus and allergy problems as an adult. The sinus's have been worse this week but I am only 2 1/2 weeks post op so it may be too soon to know if it is related to the surgery. Living in Texas doesn't help either. Are you having the Zygomatic implants done ? I had 4 done in which were through my sinus. Hopefully this forum has helped you prepare for your surgery. I read everything Coral blogged and boy did it help me to know what to expect and understand what was going on. I will also be here for you should you have any questions and I am sure Coral checks in too. Im looking forward to hearing about your journey. Wishing you the best. Diane
 
Hi Tx Lady! Sorry I couldn't get logged in . I am very concerned about the sinus issues related to zygomatic implants. Dr said he won't know which way to go with mine until he gets in there to see because he said I was borderline between zygo and all on 4. I'm thinking I would like the zygo just to eliminate the possibilities of having to go back and redo it due to failure of the all on 4 , I'm so scared of the failure because of bone loss. I guess I need to look at the positive side and think it will be fine. I'm trying but the human side of me is nervous. I'm going next Monday for the temporary fitting. I have to drive 4 hours to get to my surgeon / dentist. Thank you for welcoming me. I so need this right now! I'll be traveling to California only 2 weeks after the surgery so am a bit concerned about that. I live in Tennessee.
 
Tx Lady how are you doing today? I have been reading this forum over and over! I hope you are doing wonderfully!
 
Hi Tx Lady! Sorry I couldn't get logged in . I am very concerned about the sinus issues related to zygomatic implants. Dr said he won't know which way to go with mine until he gets in there to see because he said I was borderline between zygo and all on 4. I'm thinking I would like the zygo just to eliminate the possibilities of having to go back and redo it due to failure of the all on 4 , I'm so scared of the failure because of bone loss. I guess I need to look at the positive side and think it will be fine. I'm trying but the human side of me is nervous. I'm going next Monday for the temporary fitting. I have to drive 4 hours to get to my surgeon / dentist. Thank you for welcoming me. I so need this right now! I'll be traveling to California only 2 weeks after the surgery so am a bit concerned about that. I live in Tennessee.

Hi Bell. Sorry it took me so long. I started back to work and with the holiday I was so busy and tired I didn't spend much time on the computer. I am almost at 4 weeks post op and I am not experiencing anything out of the norm with my sinuses. My Doctor put two spikes through my sinus and two through my jaw, all 4 into my zygomatic bone. I think you should be ok if your Dr has to go through you sinus. Do you use a netie pot ? I use one and it sure helps. I had implants put in back in May for the all on 4 in the left side and a bone graft on the right side. In September, the Dr was unable to place implants in the bone graft because it was too risky and probably would fail. So, he talked to me about the zygo implant process and I was concerned about the sinus and everything else I could worry about. Reading Corals posting on here REALLY helped to prepare me and know what to expect. Im sure your Doctor will make the best decision for you. Have you discussed your concerns about the sinus with your Dr. ? If you aren't driving to California, I think you should be fine. Drink fluids, take your pain meds. Continue with your postop care. I was still swollen and slightly bruised at 2 weeks. I will be thinking about you and pray that all goes well for you. Blessings to you.
Diane
 
Thank you so much for getting back to me! I'm going this Monday for the temporary impressions and next Monday is my procedure. Yes we are going to California for Christmas, but not leaving until the 21 so that will be almost 3 weeks post op. I'm mostly concerned about the torque thing! I don't want to go home without the new teeth. My second concern is the success of the whole thing. I keep thinking about the success rate being at 96% so that helps . I had to get my pain med and others already and I am very worried about the oxycodon medicine. I don't do well with pain drugs at all . I have trouble taking cough medicine with codine! So that's another worry. I'll be glad to have it behind me but not looking forward to the first week! I was thinking about you and wondering how you were getting along. Are you happy with your choice? I hope you are doing wonderful. It's been great having people to follow that have taken this journey and that have helped the ones getting ready for it. It means a lot! Thanks again to all of you here! Blessings and love to all.
 
Back
Top