Zygomatic Implants in Tunja and Bogotá: What They Are and Who Needs Them

Were you told you don't have enough bone to get dental implants? Have you spent years with a denture that moves, hurts, or won't let you eat comfortably? Many people believe that without bone, the only options are to keep wearing dentures or undergo multiple bone grafts. Zygomatic implants are an alternative that has existed for more than 20 years, and today you can get them in Tunja and Bogotá with Dr. Sergio Enrique Peñaranda Bobrek, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

What are zygomatic implants?

They are dental implants that are longer than usual and, instead of being anchored in the upper jawbone (maxilla), are anchored in the zygomatic bone, the cheekbone. This bone is very strong and does not resorb the way the maxilla does when teeth are lost.

This creates a stable base for attaching new teeth, even when the maxilla has lost a lot of bone, and in many cases without the need for grafts.

Why is bone lost in the upper jaw?

When teeth are lost, the bone that supported them stops receiving stimulation and gradually shrinks over the years. Long-term use of removable dentures, infections, gum disease, or the expansion of the maxillary sinuses speed up this loss. This is known as maxillary atrophy.

Who needs zygomatic implants?

They are not for everyone. They are mainly indicated for people who:

• Have severe atrophy of the upper jaw and do not have enough bone for conventional implants.
• Have had implants or grafts that failed.
• Cannot or do not want to undergo extensive bone grafts or a sinus lift.
• Have lost part of the upper jaw due to tumors, trauma, or malformations such as cleft palate.

Only an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can determine whether you are a candidate, after an evaluation with a CT scan. If you have enough bone, a conventional implant is still the recommended option.

Advantages of zygomatic implants

• They avoid or reduce the need for bone grafts, which often extend treatment by several months.
• Shorter treatment: in many cases, fixed temporary teeth can be placed within a few days after surgery.
• Fixed teeth instead of a removable denture: more comfort when speaking, smiling, and chewing.
• High success rate: an international ITI consensus reported an average survival rate close to 96% over follow-up periods of more than 6 years.

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What is the procedure like?

• Evaluation and CT scan: the available bone is studied and the surgery is planned digitally.
• Surgery: performed under anesthesia, with sedation or general anesthesia depending on the case.
• Temporary teeth: when conditions allow, fixed temporary teeth are placed shortly afterward.
• Final prosthesis: after the healing period, the final prosthesis is placed.
• Follow-up: regular check-ups to care for the implants over the long term.

Like any surgery, it carries risks, such as sinusitis or discomfort in the area. That is why it is essential for it to be performed by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Zygomatic implants in Tunja and Bogotá with Dr. Sergio Peñaranda

Dr. Sergio Enrique Peñaranda Bobrek is a dentist and specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, with more than 24 years of experience. He is a maxillofacial surgeon at Hospital San Rafael in Tunja and a professor at the Universidad de Boyacá.

He sees patients at:

• Tunja: Calle 47 No. 1-44, across from the Clínica de Cancerología de Boyacá, second floor.
• Bogotá: Calle 93 No. 19B-66, office 101.

He offers treatment financing and care in Spanish and English.

Were you told you don't have enough bone for implants? Book your evaluation in Tunja or Bogotá through Dr. Sergio Peñaranda's profile on MedicosDoc.

Frequently asked questions

Does zygomatic implant surgery hurt?
It is performed under anesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure. Afterward, there may be swelling and discomfort, which are managed with medication.

How much do zygomatic implants cost in Tunja or Bogotá?
The cost depends on each case, the number of implants, and the type of prosthesis. It is determined after the evaluation. The consultation costs COP 150,000.

Can they be used in the lower jaw?
No. Zygomatic implants are used only in the upper jaw, because they are anchored in the cheekbone.

Am I too old for zygomatic implants?
Age alone is not an obstacle. What matters is your overall health, which is assessed during the evaluation.

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