Zygomatic Implants: The Solution for Patients Told They Can’t Have Dental Implants
For patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw, the conventional path to dental implants often hits a wall. Traditional implants require sufficient bone density to anchor the titanium posts — and when that bone is no longer there, many practices simply turn patients away. But there is an alternative that is changing outcomes for some of the most challenging cases in implant dentistry: zygomatic implants.
At Golpa NexGen Smiles in Las Vegas, Dr. Mike Golpa has extensive experience with zygomatic implants as part of the GX Implant Procedure, offering a path to permanent teeth for patients who have been told by other providers that they are not candidates for conventional implants.
What Are Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic implants are longer than conventional dental implants and are anchored in the zygomatic bone — the cheekbone — rather than the jawbone. This approach bypasses the need for adequate jawbone density, making it possible to place implants in patients who have experienced significant bone resorption due to long-term tooth loss, failed prior implants, or other conditions.
The procedure is more complex than conventional implant placement and requires a surgeon with specialized training and experience. Not all implant practices offer zygomatic implants, and outcomes vary significantly based on the skill of the surgeon and the quality of the planning process.
Who Is a Candidate for Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic implants are typically considered for patients who have severe bone loss in the upper jaw and are not candidates for conventional implants without extensive bone grafting. They may also be appropriate for patients who have undergone prior bone grafting that did not achieve sufficient results, or for patients who want to avoid the extended timeline associated with grafting procedures.
At Golpa NexGen Smiles, the evaluation process begins with comprehensive CT imaging to assess the patient’s anatomy and determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Dr. Golpa’s experience with complex cases means that patients who have been turned away elsewhere often find a viable path to permanent teeth at his practice.
The GX Implant Procedure and Zygomatic Implants
When zygomatic implants are incorporated into the GX Implant Procedure, the same principles of precision engineering and same-day delivery apply. The goal is to provide the patient with a full arch of permanent teeth in as little as 24 hours, regardless of the complexity of the underlying anatomy.
Prosthetics are designed, milled, and delivered in-house using advanced materials, including the NexGen Ultra Bridge — a premium zirconia arch reinforced with a precision-milled titanium framework. This in-house fabrication model gives Dr. Golpa direct control over the quality and fit of every restoration, which is particularly important in complex cases where precision is critical.
Safety and Accreditation
Zygomatic implant procedures are more involved than conventional implant placements, which makes the safety standards of the practice even more important. Golpa NexGen Smiles is AAAHC accredited, meeting rigorous standards for surgical safety, anesthesia protocols, and patient care quality. This accreditation provides patients with independent verification that the practice operates at the highest available standards.
Dr. Golpa’s commitment to safety extends to every aspect of the patient experience, from the initial consultation through long-term follow-up care. Warranties on the practice’s work reflect a confidence in outcomes that is backed by decades of clinical experience.
What Patients Are Saying
The reputation of Golpa NexGen Smiles extends beyond the dental community. Diamond Dallas Page, the WWE Hall of Famer and creator of DDP Yoga, chose Dr. Golpa for his full arch restoration and has spoken publicly about the transformative impact of the procedure. Joe Gannascoli, known for his role as Vito Spatafore on The Sopranos, also traveled to Las Vegas to work with Dr. Golpa. Their experiences reflect the level of trust that patients — including those with complex cases — place in Dr. Golpa’s expertise and the standards of his practice.
Taking the Next Step
For patients who have been told they are not candidates for dental implants due to bone loss, zygomatic implants may represent the path forward that they have been looking for. The first step is a virtual consultation with Dr. Golpa’s team at Golpa NexGen Smiles, where your records can be reviewed and a preliminary assessment of your options can be provided.
The technology exists. The expertise exists. And for patients who have been living with the limitations of severe bone loss, the possibility of permanent teeth is closer than they may realize.
