Over the past 18 years, around 1,000 people who lost their upper jaws due to different causes such as mucormycosis (black fungus), cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, or trauma have regained the ability to eat, smile, and speak. This was made possible by implants fixed in the cheekbone at the Rajan Dental Institute.
However, doctors stated that unlike knee or hip implants, these cheekbone implants are not covered by health insurance. As a result, patients have to pay at least Rs2.5 lakh out of their own pockets for the surgery.
Dr Gunaseelan Rajan, the Medical Director of the Rajan Dental Institute, said that zygoma, or cheekbone, implants have transformed the lives of many patients, especially during the Covid – 19 pandemic. On Saturday, his hospital, together with the Chennai Dental Research Foundation, announced that it would provide 100 free implant surgeries. The “Zygoma Implant Charity Pledge” was launched by Swami Gautamananda, the President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. He will also refer patients through the Math. Dr Rajan said, “We want to treat people who can’t afford the surgery. And we don’t want to stop here. We want to make sure it is covered by Ayushman Bharat and the state government’s health insurance schemes. Once this happens, all private insurance companies will follow, and more people can benefit.”
During the Covid – 19 pandemic, many infected patients developed mucormycosis, a severe fungal infection that damaged and caused the loss of the jawbone. Dr Rajan explained, “Traditional dental implants weren’t an option. Implants are like screws that go into the jawbone, similar to screws in wood. But if there’s not enough wood, those screws won’t hold. So, we use the cheekbone. Zygomatic implants are like extra – long dental screws that use the cheekbone as a base for replacement teeth.” In many cases, zygomatic implants are not just a cosmetic fix. They are often essential for restoring basic functions like chewing, speaking, and swallowing. These implants enhance the quality of life by restoring oral function, improving appearance, and reducing the risk of nutritional deficiencies and related problems.
Dr Rajan added, “Insurance coverage often differentiates between dental and medical procedures. Many insurance plans consider dental implants as a cosmetic procedure, even when they have functional benefits. This has to change.”
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