Fixed teeth with All-on-X and zygomatic implants

Who are All-on-X and zygomatic implants suitable for?

Both procedures are an option for patients with toothless jaws or when the remaining teeth can no longer be saved. Often the reason is a denture that does not hold well, causes pressure sores or gets in the way when eating and speaking. Whether a fixed restoration is suitable for you depends mainly on the available jawbone, your general health and good oral hygiene. With pre-existing conditions such as untreated diabetes or with heavy smoking, the risk is higher; I discuss this with you in detail beforehand.

All-on-X: fixed teeth on a few implants

With the All-on-X concept, a complete fixed set of teeth is carried by usually four to six implants per jaw – depending on the number, this is also called All-on-4 or All-on-6. The rear implants are often placed at an angle to make the best possible use of the available bone; this often avoids extensive bone grafting. If the starting situation is suitable, a temporary fixed restoration is often possible shortly after the procedure. Once the implants have healed, the final set of teeth is made – usually in cooperation with your dentist.

I offer All-on-X restorations in my practices in St. Andrä-Wördern and Frankenfels in Lower Austria and in Thörl in Styria.

Zygomatic implants for severe bone loss in the upper jaw

After many years of tooth loss or of wearing a denture, the bone of the upper jaw may have receded so much that conventional implants can no longer find secure hold there. Zygomatic implants are then an option: particularly long implants that are anchored not only in the upper jaw but in the much more stable cheekbone (zygomatic bone). In many cases this avoids lengthy bone grafting such as a sinus lift. Zygomatic implants are often combined with conventional implants in the front of the jaw and together carry a fixed bridge.

I perform this procedure at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of University Hospital St. Pölten.

What does the treatment involve?

It begins with a detailed conversation, an examination and a three-dimensional X-ray (cone beam computed tomography, CBCT). With this, I plan the restoration starting from the desired result, known as backward planning: where the teeth should later be determines the position, angle and number of implants. I discuss the type of anaesthesia and the exact course of the procedure with you in detail beforehand. Until the implants have fused firmly with the bone, you wear temporary teeth – fixed ones if the starting situation is suitable. The final bridge is then made and fitted.

All-on-X and zygomatic implants in Lower Austria and Styria

You can receive All-on-X restorations in St. Andrä-Wördern (Tulln district) and in Frankenfels in the Pielach valley in Lower Austria, and in Thörl in Styria; I place zygomatic implants at University Hospital St. Pölten. A consultation is possible at all my locations. You will find addresses and directions under Oral surgeon in Lower Austria and Oral surgeon in Styria, and further information on both procedures (in German) at festezaehne.at ↗.

Costs & reimbursement

The costs depend on the number of implants, any necessary bone grafting and the type of final restoration. For All-on-X treatment in my practices in St. Andrä‑Wördern, Frankenfels and Thörl you receive an invoice (Honorarnote) that you can submit to your health insurer; the insurer decides on reimbursement. An existing supplementary dental insurance policy may also cover part of the costs. I will be happy to explain the procedure and costs – including for zygomatic implants – in a personal consultation.

Frequently asked questions

What does the “X” in All-on-X mean?

The X stands for the number of implants that carry the fixed set of teeth in one jaw – usually four to six. How many implants make sense in your case depends on the available bone and the planned restoration.

Is bone grafting needed beforehand?

Not always. Because the rear implants are placed at an angle, extensive bone grafting can often be avoided with All-on-X; with severe bone loss in the upper jaw, zygomatic implants can be an alternative. Whether bone grafting is needed is shown by the three-dimensional X-ray.

Where are zygomatic implants placed?

I place zygomatic implants at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of University Hospital St. Pölten. You can receive All-on-X restorations in my practices in St. Andrä-Wördern, Frankenfels and Thörl.

Personal consultation before every treatment

Before every treatment I take time for a detailed personal consultation: together we go through your medical history, discuss realistic expectations and answer all open questions before you decide on an appointment. Only with a complete medical history and a careful examination can I assess whether a treatment is suitable for you and which approach makes sense in your case.