Zygomatic and Short Implants: Southern Implants Libraries
Zygomatic implants (zygoma implants) are a solution for severe maxillary atrophy, when there is no longer standard support in the alveolar ridge. The correct zygomatic implant library in exoplan directly determines whether the guided template will match the anatomy of the zygomatic bone. In the DentalLibs catalog, the go-to manufacturer for such clinical situations is Southern Implants: its product lines cover both the zygoma and short implants for distal regions.
Let's break down how zygomatic implants differ from short ones, which Southern Implants libraries are available for exoplan and RealGUIDE, and how to avoid choosing the wrong connection during planning.
What zygomatic implants (zygoma) are
A zygomatic implant is an elongated fixture that passes through the body of the maxilla and anchors into the zygomatic bone (os zygomaticum). This implant is used in full maxillary edentulism with severe resorption, when sinus lift and bone grafting are undesirable or impossible.
Clinically, zygomatic implants are placed under immediate-loading protocols: two zygomatic implants together with anterior implants, or four zygomatic implants (Quad Zygoma) in total atrophy. The placement angle is dictated by the anatomy of the cheekbone, so guided surgery and a correct CAD library are critical.
Short implants: an alternative to sinus lift
Short implants are reduced-length implants placed in distal regions with limited bone height. They make it possible to avoid a sinus lift or bone augmentation and to shorten treatment time.
Unlike zygomatic implants, short implants stay within the alveolar bone but require careful load distribution — they are often splinted as part of a bridge. In the catalog, Southern Implants lines are available in various lengths, including options for distal support.
Southern Implants libraries for exoplan: which lines are available
Southern Implants is a South African manufacturer known for solutions for complex clinical cases, including zygomatic and tilted implants. In exoplan (the catalog holds 1,271 planning libraries), more than 20 lines and variants of the brand are represented.
- External Hex — the classic external hexagon in cylindrical and tapered designs, including MAX versions for immediate molar replacement
- Deep Conical — a deep conical connection: Deep Conical Tapered and a cylindrical variant
- Tri-Nex — an internal tri-lobe with platform switching, including the Tri-Nex MAX line
- Inverta — the Body-Shift concept with reverse implant body geometry
- Provata and IT (Internal Octagon) — tissue-level implants and an internal octagon for different protocols
What connection do Southern Implants zygomatic implants use
Southern Implants zygomatic implants are built on the External Hex (external hexagon) connection, so in exoplan they are planned in the corresponding External Hex libraries — for example, External Hex Cylindrical. This same connection has historically been used in All-on-4 and tilted-placement protocols.
The external hexagon provides compatibility with a wide range of Multi-Unit abutments and angled components, which is convenient given the pronounced axis divergence of zygomatic implants. If you are unsure about the connection type of a specific kit, check the manufacturer's IFU before selecting a library.
Southern Implants surgical templates and sleeves
For guided surgery, the catalog includes a Southern Implants surgical kit and a sleeve library — these define the template geometry for the brand's instruments. For planning in RealGUIDE, Southern Implants components for RealGUIDE are available.
Template accuracy is especially important for zygomatic placements: angular deviation is amplified along the long axis of the implant. That is why the sleeve library and drill kit must match the actual Southern Implants surgical protocol.
How to choose a library for zygoma and short implants
First determine the clinical protocol and connection type, then the specific line and platform. For zygomatic cases this is usually External Hex; for distal support without bone augmentation, short implants of the required length from the available lines.
- Confirm the connection per the IFU: External Hex, Deep Conical, Tri-Nex or Internal Octagon
- Check the FDA marking in the library name if you work under a market's regulatory requirements
- Match the implant library with the sleeve and drill kit for the template
- For the zygoma, allow room for angled Multi-Unit abutments
FAQ about zygomatic implants and libraries
Is there a separate zygoma implant library in the catalog?
There is no separate "zygoma" library: Southern Implants zygomatic implants are planned in External Hex libraries, since they use that connection. Confirm the platform via the IFU.
How do zygomatic implants differ from short ones?
Zygomatic implants anchor into the zygomatic bone and bypass maxillary atrophy, while short implants stay within the alveolar bone and replace the sinus lift in distal regions.
Do Southern Implants libraries work in RealGUIDE?
Yes, separate Southern Implants components exist for RealGUIDE; the RealGUIDE catalog has 187 libraries, with the exoplan versions listed separately.
What does FDA mean in the name of a Southern Implants library?
The FDA marking indicates that the geometry matches data labeled per FDA requirements. It is a reference for the corresponding markets, but always check the current IFU.
