Second opinion on bone loss
Told you lack bone for implants? A zygomatic implant consult
If you have been told there is not enough bone for dental implants, a consultation with Dr. Abtin Shahriari in Dawsonville gives you a second opinion. He reviews a 3D scan of your upper jaw, sinuses and cheekbones and explains the realistic options, from grafting or a sinus lift to zygomatic implants, which anchor in the cheekbone instead of the upper jaw.
Who it is for
Who this consultation is for.
If another office said implants were not possible, or that you would need extensive grafting first, this visit is a way to get a clear second answer before you decide anything.
- You have lost most or all of your upper teeth and the bone has receded
- Your upper denture no longer stays in place
- A previous evaluation found too little upper bone for standard implants
- You want to understand options that may avoid large bone grafts or a sinus lift
How it works
How the consultation works.
The goal of the visit is understanding. You leave knowing what your bone looks like and which paths are realistic.
Your history and goals
Dr. Abtin starts by listening: what you have tried, how your teeth or denture feel today, and what you want to be able to do.
3D imaging
A cone beam CT scan shows the height and width of your upper jaw, your sinuses and the cheekbones, which is the information this decision depends on.
Reviewing the options
Dr. Abtin walks you through the scan and compares zygomatic implants with grafting, a sinus lift or other approaches that may suit you.
Next steps
When the plan is a full-arch restoration, your care continues with ANEWU Dawsonville, in the same building, with Dr. Abtin as your surgeon.
Recovery
If zygomatic implants are your path.
Zygomatic implant surgery is more involved than placing a standard implant. Dr. Abtin explains at your consultation which anesthesia he recommends and where the surgery takes place. Swelling and bruising around the cheeks are common for the first week or so.
Recovery plans include a soft diet, careful cleaning and follow-up visits. Dr. Abtin explains the full timeline at your consultation, so you know what to expect before you decide anything.
Risks Dr. Abtin will go over
- Sinus irritation or infection, because the implant passes close to the sinus
- Infection or problems with the gum around the implant
- Like any implant, a zygomatic implant may not bond and may need more surgery
- Swelling and bruising around the cheeks, and sometimes near the eyes
Dr. Abtin goes over the risks that apply to you, and how they are lowered, before you decide on surgery.
Sedation options
Anesthesia, explained at your consult.
The consultation itself needs no sedation. If zygomatic implants become part of your plan, Dr. Abtin explains the anesthesia he recommends for the surgery, and you will need an adult to drive you home afterward.
Insurance and cost
Does insurance cover zygomatic implants?
Coverage for zygomatic implants depends heavily on your plan and is often limited. Ask the team what your plan is likely to cover for the consultation and imaging. The full-arch treatment team explains costs and financing for the restoration itself.
Related care
You may also want to read.
Single tooth implants
One missing tooth replaced with an implant, planned in 3D and placed by Dr. Abtin.
Learn more
Sinus lift
Adding bone under the sinus floor to make room for upper back implants.
Learn more
Bone grafting
Rebuilding bone where a tooth was lost so an implant has a firm base.
Learn more
Sources for patients
- Treatment option for patients with severe bone loss AAOMS (MyOMS.org)
- Sinus augmentation: preparing sinuses for dental implants AAOMS (MyOMS.org)
- Dental implant surgery AAOMS (MyOMS.org)
General information from patient education pages by the organizations above. Page updated November 6, 2026.
Ready when you are
Talk with the team today.
Ask a question, ask about your insurance or book a consultation with Dr. Abtin at the Dawsonville office.