Healing Abutment Placement
Healing Abutment Placement is a specialized dental service provided by the board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Extra-long implants anchored in the cheekbone for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss.
When the Jaw Has No Bone Left, the Cheekbone Steps In
Zygomatic implants are specialized, extra-long titanium implants (30 to 55 millimeters) that anchor into the zygomatic bone — the cheekbone — rather than the maxillary alveolar ridge. They are designed specifically for patients who have severe upper jaw bone loss and have been told they cannot receive conventional implants. Where the jawbone has resorbed to the point where even a sinus lift cannot create enough volume, the zygoma provides a dense, reliable anchor that never resorbs.
The procedure was pioneered by Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark (son of the father of osseointegrated implants) in the 1990s and has over 25 years of published clinical data. At our Beaverton office, Dr. Ostovar places zygomatic implants as part of full-arch reconstructions for patients who would otherwise face extensive bone grafting — often requiring multiple surgeries over 9 to 12 months before implants could even be considered. Zygomatic implants skip the grafting phase entirely. Two zygomatic implants in the posterior and two conventional implants in the anterior can support a full upper arch, often with teeth delivered the same day.
This is not a routine procedure. Zygomatic implant placement requires intimate knowledge of the anatomy of the maxillary sinus, orbital floor, infratemporal fossa, and zygomatic buttress. The implant path traverses the sinus and embeds in a bone that most general dentists never surgically approach. Dr. Ostovar's advanced training and experience with these complex cases makes this option available locally — without referring you to a hospital-based oral surgery program.
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite A, in Beaverton, Or 97003egon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
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Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
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Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
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Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to Dr. Ostovar for his fellowship-trained expertise and predictable results.
We handle the complex surgical phases and coordinate closely with your general dentist for seamless continuity of care from start to finish.
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
Recovery & Healing Timeline
Understanding the healing process helps you plan ahead and follow post-operative instructions for the best possible outcome.
First 48 Hours
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals and take prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing.
Days 3 to 7
Swelling peaks around day three and then improves. The tissue begins closing over the surgical site. Continue with soft foods and use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse. Most patients return to normal activities during this phase.
Long-Term Healing
Surface tissue heals within two to three weeks. Bone integration and deep healing continue for three to six months. Avoid smoking, follow up as scheduled, and maintain good oral hygiene throughout recovery.
Questions during recovery? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for post-operative concerns.
Zygomatic Bone Density: Why the Cheekbone Is an Ideal Implant Anchor
The zygomatic bone is composed of dense cortical bone with minimal trabecular content, giving it a Hounsfield unit density typically in the 800 to 1,200 range — significantly denser than the posterior maxillary alveolar bone it replaces (often 150 to 350 HU). This density provides exceptional primary stability at implant placement, with insertion torque values routinely exceeding 45 Ncm. Unlike alveolar bone, the zygoma does not resorb after tooth loss because it is not dependent on dental stimulation for maintenance. It serves as a permanent, unchanging foundation. Published survival rates for zygomatic implants exceed 96 percent at 10 years, comparable to conventional implants placed in adequate bone.
Why Choose a Specialist?
Zygomatic implant placement is one of the most advanced procedures in implant dentistry and is not taught in most dental school or residency programs. It requires specialized cadaver training, detailed knowledge of the paranasal sinus anatomy, and the confidence to manage an implant path that runs through the maxillary sinus and into the zygomatic buttress. Dr. Ostovar has completed dedicated training in zygomatic implant protocols and has placed zygomatic fixtures for patients who were turned away by other implant providers. If you have been told you have "no bone" in your upper jaw, a zygomatic evaluation is worth the consultation.
Your Healing Abutment Placement Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive healing abutment placement evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Board-certified specialist discusses your healing abutment placement options, timeline, and costs. Our procedures maintain a 95%+ success rate, backed by advanced 3D imaging and evidence-based protocols.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination for optimal healing.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call (503) 822-0096 Office hours: Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM. or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
A Note from Your Dental Team
In my experience, the patients who get the best results from healing abutment placement are those who come in with realistic expectations and follow their post-treatment instructions carefully. I’d rather spend extra time explaining what to expect than have a patient be surprised later.
“Every patient I see has a different story, a different set of concerns, and a different definition of what ‘success’ looks like. That’s why I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans. When you come in for a consultation, I’ll listen first, examine second, and recommend third.
I also won’t recommend a procedure you don’t need. If your tooth can be saved with a filling instead of a crown, I’ll tell you that. If watchful waiting is appropriate, I’ll explain why. My job isn’t to sell treatment — it’s to give you my honest clinical judgment so you can make an informed decision.
If you have questions about whether this treatment is right for you, or if you’ve been told you need this procedure by another dentist and want a second opinion, call us at (503) 822-0096. We’re happy to take the time to explain everything — no rush, no pressure.”
— Dr. Merat Ostovar & Dr. Jovan Gvozden | Aloha Dental Specialty Center, Beaverton, OR
I know many patients feel anxious about dental procedures — you’re not alone in that. What I hear most often after treatment is: “That was so much easier than I expected.” We’re here to make this as comfortable as possible for you.
Typical Healing Timeline:
Days 1-3: Initial healing, mild swelling managed with ice and medication. Days 4-7: Swelling subsides, gradual return to normal diet. Weeks 2-4: Soft tissue heals completely. Months 2-6: Bone remodeling and full integration (for surgical procedures). Individual recovery varies — we provide detailed post-op instructions specific to your procedure.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Last reviewed by our dental specialists: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
Related Dental Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What are zygomatic implants?
Zygomatic implants are extra-long titanium implants (30 to 55 mm) that anchor into the cheekbone (zygomatic bone) rather than the jawbone. They are used when the upper jawbone has resorbed too much for conventional implants. The implant passes through the maxillary sinus and engages the dense zygomatic bone for a secure anchor.
Who needs zygomatic implants?
Patients with severe upper jaw bone loss who have been told they are not candidates for conventional implants or who want to avoid extensive bone grafting procedures. This includes long-term denture wearers with significant ridge resorption, patients who have had failed sinus lifts, and those with congenital maxillary deficiencies.
How are zygomatic implants different from regular implants?
Standard implants are 8 to 16 mm long and anchor in the jawbone. Zygomatic implants are 30 to 55 mm long and anchor in the cheekbone. The surgical technique is entirely different — the implant path traverses the maxillary sinus and requires specialized anatomy knowledge. The prosthetic connection and restorative process are similar once the implants are in place.
Is zygomatic implant surgery painful?
The surgery is performed under IV sedation, so you will not feel or remember the procedure. Post-operative discomfort is moderate — comparable to a sinus lift or multiple conventional implant placement. Swelling around the cheek area may be more noticeable. Prescription pain medication is typically needed for three to five days.
Can I get teeth the same day with zygomatic implants?
Yes. Zygomatic implants typically achieve high primary stability, which allows immediate loading with a provisional prosthesis on the same day as surgery. A common configuration is two zygomatic implants posteriorly and two conventional implants anteriorly, with a full-arch provisional attached before you leave the office.
What is the success rate of zygomatic implants?
Published literature reports survival rates of 96 to 98 percent at 10 years and beyond. This is comparable to conventional implants placed in adequate bone. The dense cortical structure of the zygomatic bone provides excellent osseointegration conditions. Complications, when they occur, are typically sinus-related and manageable.
How long do zygomatic implants last?
Zygomatic implants are designed to last a lifetime. The zygomatic bone does not resorb like alveolar bone, so the anchor point remains stable indefinitely. The prosthesis mounted on the implants may need refurbishment or replacement after 15 to 20 years, but the implants themselves are permanent.
Do zygomatic implants go through the sinus?
In the classic technique, yes — the implant passes through the maxillary sinus. Newer "extra-maxillary" techniques route the implant along the external surface of the maxilla, avoiding sinus penetration. Dr. Ostovar selects the technique based on your specific anatomy. Both approaches have excellent documented success rates.
Are there risks specific to zygomatic implants?
Potential risks include sinusitis (sinus infection or inflammation), oroantral fistula (a communication between the mouth and sinus), and soft-tissue complications around the implant head. These complications occur in approximately 3 to 5 percent of cases and are typically manageable with medication or minor revision procedures.
How much do zygomatic implants cost?
A full upper arch reconstruction using two zygomatic and two conventional implants typically ranges from $25,000 to $40,000, including the provisional and final prosthesis. While the implants themselves are more expensive than standard fixtures, the total case cost is often lower than the alternative of extensive bone grafting plus conventional implants.
Can zygomatic implants replace a sinus lift?
Yes, that is one of their primary indications. Patients who need bilateral sinus lifts with bone grafting (which adds 6 to 9 months of treatment time) can bypass the grafting entirely with zygomatic implants. This can reduce total treatment time by half a year or more while achieving comparable or better outcomes.
How long is the recovery after zygomatic implant surgery?
Expect moderate swelling and bruising around the cheek area for 7 to 14 days. The first week is the most uncomfortable, with prescription pain management typically needed for 3 to 5 days. Most patients return to work within one week. Full healing and prosthetic completion follow the same 4-to-6-month timeline as standard full-arch cases.
Is there an age limit for zygomatic implants?
No strict age limit exists. Zygomatic implants are often placed in older patients because they are the population most likely to have severe bone loss. Overall health and ability to undergo IV sedation are the key considerations. Dr. Ostovar evaluates each patient's medical fitness individually.
Can zygomatic implants fail?
Failure rates are low (2 to 4 percent) but possible. Causes include infection, inadequate initial stability, or unresolved sinus complications. If a zygomatic implant fails, the site can often be retreated with a wider or longer implant. The prosthesis is supported by multiple implants, so single-implant failure does not necessarily mean total prosthesis failure.
Do you place zygomatic implants at your Beaverton office?
Yes. Dr. Ostovar places zygomatic implants in our fully equipped surgical suite with IV sedation. You do not need to be referred to a hospital or surgical center. Having this capability in-office means lower costs, more convenient scheduling, and continuity of care from consultation through final prosthesis delivery.
Told You Cannot Have Implants? Zygomatic Implants May Change That
Call our Beaverton office or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you.
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine | Implant & Specialty Dentistry | 15+ Years Experience
Aloha Dental Specialty Center — Serving Aloha, Beaverton, Hillsboro & Greater Portland
Last updated: March 19, 2026