DentalZygomatic implants
Zygomatic implants anchor in the cheekbone instead of the upper jaw, letting people with severe bone loss have a fixed full arch without extensive grafting. Here is how they work, who they suit, and their risks.
Last reviewed: 20 July 2026
What zygomatic implants are
In the upper back jaw, bone is often thin — especially after long-term tooth loss, gum disease, or when the sinus has expanded downward. Standard implants need adequate bone height, so severe loss traditionally meant extensive grafting and long waits. Zygomatic implants offer an alternative: they are much longer implants (typically 30–52 mm versus about 8–15 mm for standard implants) that pass through or beside the sinus and anchor into the dense zygomatic (cheek) bone above. This gives immediate solid support for a full fixed upper bridge without rebuilding the jawbone.
They are usually used to restore an entire upper arch, often combined with a couple of standard implants at the front — a configuration sometimes described as a "quad zygoma" (four zygomatic) or a hybrid. Because the anchorage is immediate and strong, a fixed bridge is frequently attached quickly, sometimes the same day.
Who it suits — and who it may not
Considered mainly for people who: have severe upper-jaw bone loss (atrophy), have been told they need major grafting or "cannot have implants", have failed previous grafts, or want to avoid the long timeline of extensive sinus grafting. Not appropriate if you: have active sinus infection or sinus disease that must be treated first, certain systemic conditions, or a case that standard implants or grafting can handle more simply. This is advanced surgery and should only be done by an experienced maxillofacial or implant surgeon after careful CBCT planning.
Step by step
- 1. Detailed CBCT planning Mapping the zygomatic bone, sinus anatomy and implant trajectory — planning is critical.
- 2. Surgery Usually under sedation or general anaesthetic given the length and angle of placement; the long implants are anchored into the cheekbone.
- 3. Immediate or early loading A fixed temporary bridge is often fitted quickly because the cheekbone gives strong initial stability.
- 4. Healing Recovery involves more swelling than standard implants; sinus precautions are advised.
- 5. Final bridge The definitive fixed bridge is fitted after healing.
Materials and systems
Zygomatic implants are titanium, made in specific long designs by systems such as Nobel Biocare (Zygoma), Straumann/Southern Implants, and others. Because of the specialised hardware and surgical skill involved, they are offered by fewer clinics than routine implants. The final restoration is a full-arch fixed bridge, using the same materials as other full-arch work.
Healing, risks and timeline
Zygomatic surgery is more invasive than standard implant placement, so expect more swelling and a more involved recovery. Specific risks include sinus complications (sinusitis, oro-antral communication), infection along the longer implant, injury to nearby structures, and — rarely — orbital or facial complications, which is why surgeon experience is paramount. Long-term maintenance and hygiene around the bridge remain important. Timelines are often shorter overall than the graft-and-wait alternative because grafting is avoided.
Typical approach in Turkey and indicative price
A number of Turkish implant and maxillofacial centres offer zygomatic implants for severe upper-jaw atrophy, often as a fixed full-arch package with sedation. Given the surgical complexity, prioritise the surgeon's specific zygomatic experience and case volume over price. This is a case where "cheapest" is the wrong filter.
Indicative bands only (GBP; rates fluctuate) and highly case-dependent. Verify with the clinic and weigh surgeon experience above cost. See the implant cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs zygomatic implants?
They are mainly for people with severe upper-jaw bone loss who have been told they need major grafting or cannot have standard implants. By anchoring in the cheekbone, they can support a fixed upper bridge without rebuilding the jaw. A specialist assesses whether they are appropriate.
Are zygomatic implants safe?
In experienced hands they are an established option, but they are more invasive than standard implants and carry specific risks such as sinus complications, so surgeon experience and careful CBCT planning matter greatly. Discuss risks and the surgeon's case volume directly before proceeding.
Do zygomatic implants avoid bone grafting?
That is their main purpose — they use the dense cheekbone rather than the deficient jawbone, so extensive sinus grafting and the long wait it requires can often be avoided. Whether they are right for you depends on your anatomy shown on a 3D scan.
Can I get teeth the same day with zygomatic implants?
Often yes — the cheekbone provides strong initial stability, so a fixed temporary bridge is frequently attached quickly, sometimes the same day. The final bridge follows after healing. This is decided by the surgeon based on stability at placement.
Is the recovery harder than normal implants?
Generally yes — because the surgery is more extensive, expect more swelling and a more involved recovery, and follow sinus precautions. Most people manage with prescribed medication, but it is more significant than a routine single implant.
How much do zygomatic implants cost in Turkey?
As an indicative guide, zygomatic full-arch cases are commonly quoted from several thousand pounds upward and vary widely with complexity. Because skill is decisive here, choose on surgeon experience first and confirm an itemised written quote.
Request general information
Tell us what you are considering and we can share general guide information. We are an independent guide, not a clinic. With your explicit consent, we can pass your enquiry to verified clinics so they can send you a quote.