Zygomatic implants are long, specialist implants (typically 30–52 mm) that bypass the upper jawbone entirely and anchor in the zygomatic bone — the dense, compact cheekbone. They were developed to give patients with severe maxillary (upper jaw) bone loss a route to fixed implant-supported teeth without the lengthy process of extensive bone grafting or sinus lifts. Not every patient needs them, and not every clinic can place them. This page explains who they are genuinely for and what the treatment involves.
Who needs zygomatic implants?
Zygomatic implants are a specialised solution for a specific patient group. The main candidates are:
- Patients with severe resorption of the upper jawbone — often after years of wearing dentures, following significant tooth loss, or after conditions that have caused bone loss over time
- Patients in whom standard implants and conventional bone grafting have failed, or where the extent of bone loss makes grafting impractical
- Patients who have been told they are “not suitable” for conventional implants due to insufficient upper-jaw bone
The majority of patients told they lack sufficient bone for implants can still receive conventional implants with a bone graft or sinus lift. Zygomatic implants are for genuinely severe cases. A 3D CBCT scan is the only reliable way to assess this — your specialist will review your anatomy before recommending any route.
Zygomatic implants vs sinus lift and bone grafting — honest trade-offs
For patients with upper-jaw bone loss, there are broadly two routes to implants: the grafting route or the zygomatic route. Neither is universally better — the right choice depends on your anatomy, timeline and preferences.
| Consideration | Grafting / sinus lift route | Zygomatic route |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 6–12+ months for graft healing before implants | Implants placed without waiting for graft |
| Surgical complexity | Moderate — familiar technique | Higher — advanced specialist skill required |
| Number of surgeries | Often 2+ (graft + implant + crown) | Typically 1 surgical stage |
| Cost | Lower per procedure; multiple stages add up | Higher single-procedure cost |
| Bone donor site | May require bone from hip, chin or bank | No bone harvest needed |
| Suitable when | Moderate bone loss; patient can wait | Severe atrophy; failed grafts; time-limited |
The grafting route is well-established and appropriate for many patients with moderate bone loss. The zygomatic route is faster in terms of overall treatment timeline when it is clinically indicated, but it requires greater surgical expertise and carries considerations specific to the anatomy involved. Both options are discussed openly with your specialist, with their respective costs, before any plan is agreed.
What zygomatic implant surgery involves
Zygomatic implant placement is carried out under IV sedation or general anaesthetic in a clinical setting. The procedure for a typical upper-arch case:
Assessment & planning
A detailed CBCT scan and consultation with the implantology specialist. The scan shows the exact anatomy of the cheekbone, sinus and remaining structures — essential for precise implant trajectory planning.
Surgical placement
Zygomatic implants are placed under IV sedation or general anaesthetic. The implants pass through or adjacent to the sinus and anchor in the zygomatic arch. A provisional prosthetic may be attached the same day in suitable cases.
Recovery & healing
You recover at home while osseointegration occurs. Swelling and minor discomfort are expected and managed with prescribed medication. We provide aftercare guidance and stay in contact throughout healing.
Final prosthetic
Your definitive arch of teeth — ceramic or zirconia — is manufactured, fitted and carefully adjusted for bite and comfort.
Zygomatic implants Turkey cost
Zygomatic implant cases are priced individually, because the number of zygomatic implants needed (one or two per side), whether any conventional implants are combined in the same arch, and the type of final prosthetic all vary. As a guide:
- Indicative upper-arch treatment using zygomatic implants in Turkey typically falls in the €6,000–€12,000+ range
- This is substantially lower than equivalent specialist fees in the UK (where zygomatic implant treatment at specialist centres typically starts from £15,000–£25,000+ per arch)
- These figures do not include flights or accommodation; they cover surgical fees, the implant systems used, and the final prosthetic
Because costs depend so directly on your anatomy and treatment plan, we do not publish a single price for zygomatic cases. Your quote will be built around your 3D scan and specialist assessment. Use the enquiry form below to begin.
For reference on standard implant options, see our dental implants guide or our All-on-4 page.
