Zygomatic implants in Turkey: who they are for
Zygomatic implants are long dental implants anchored not in the upper jawbone but in the zygomatic bone — the cheekbone — which stays dense even when the jaw has shrunk. They were developed in the late 1980s for patients who had lost upper-jaw bone after tumour surgery and are now used for people with severe bone loss in the upper jaw who would otherwise need extensive bone grafting, or who have already had grafts that failed. Zygomatic implants cost more than standard implants, but they can replace grafting and a long wait.
Typical patients have worn a full upper denture for many years, have lost teeth to advanced gum disease, or have been told that there is "not enough bone for implants". With zygomatic implants, a fixed upper bridge can often be attached within a few days of surgery, without months of waiting for a graft to heal. It is, however, a specialised operation, performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons with specific training, usually in a hospital under general anaesthesia or deep sedation.
For the full guide to ordinary implants — prices per tooth, implant brands, two trips and choosing a dentist — see dental implants in Turkey; for dental treatment abroad in general, see our dental treatment guide. This page covers only zygomatic implants.
How zygomatic implants differ from standard implants
A standard implant is about 8–13 mm long and sits in the jawbone. A zygomatic implant is about 30–50 mm long; it enters the mouth near the position of the upper premolars or molars and runs upwards, along or through the sinus, into the cheekbone. Usually two or four are placed in the upper jaw and connected to a fixed bridge. They are not used in the lower jaw, where shorter implants or grafts are the solution.
When the upper jaw lacks bone, there are three main routes to fixed teeth:
| Zygomatic implants | Bone graft or sinus lift, then standard implants | All-on-4 with tilted implants | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone needed in the upper jaw | Very little at the back; some at the front for combined designs | Graft rebuilds it | Enough at the front and between the sinuses |
| Time to fixed teeth | Often fixed temporary teeth within days | Usually 6–12 months or more | Often fixed temporary teeth within days |
| Operations | Usually one | Two or more, sometimes with bone taken from the hip | Usually one |
| Surgery | Specialised, general anaesthesia or deep sedation | Graft surgery plus implant surgery | Routine for experienced implant surgeons |
| Main specific risks | Sinusitis, soft-tissue problems, rarely injury near the eye | Graft failure, donor-site pain | Depends on bone at the front |
Zygomatic implants vs bone graft is a question to discuss with a surgeon who offers both: grafting rebuilds bone and allows standard implants, while zygomatic implants avoid grafting and shorten treatment. If there is still enough bone at the front, All-on-4 or a sinus lift may be simpler.
Zygomatic implants cost in Turkey compared with the UK, the US and Germany
The clinics on our site price zygomatic treatment after reviewing a cone beam CT scan, because the cost depends on the number of zygomatic and standard implants, the hospital and anaesthesia, and the temporary and final bridges. As an approximate guide, a complete upper arch with zygomatic implants and a fixed temporary bridge in Turkey costs about €6,000–€12,000, and more with four zygomatic implants or a zirconia final bridge. These figures are approximate and are confirmed in a written quote.
| Country | Upper arch on zygomatic implants (approximate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | about €6,000–€12,000 | Usually includes surgery, anaesthesia, hospital, temporary bridge; final bridge sometimes extra |
| United Kingdom | about £15,000–£30,000 | Private; offered by a limited number of specialist surgeons |
| United States | about $25,000–$45,000 | Surgeon, anaesthesia, hospital and prosthesis often billed separately |
| Germany | about €15,000–€30,000 | Statutory insurance pays only a subsidy towards the prosthesis |
When comparing zygomatic implants cost, check that the quote names the implant system, the number of zygomatic and standard implants, the anaesthesia and hospital stay, the temporary bridge, the final bridge and its material, and the follow-up visits.
Are you a candidate for zygomatic implants in Turkey?
- Severe bone loss in the upper jaw, confirmed on a CT scan, where standard implants are not possible without major grafting.
- Failed bone grafts or failed implants in the upper jaw.
- Bone loss after tumour surgery or trauma (often treated in specialised hospital teams).
- A healthy sinus, or sinus disease that has been treated first — an ENT check is often part of the work-up.
- General health suitable for a longer operation under general anaesthesia or deep sedation.
Heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, radiotherapy to the area and some bone medicines raise the risk and must be discussed. Zygomatic implants are not a shortcut for patients who have enough bone for ordinary implants.
Types of treatment, from two zygoma to quad zygomatic implants, and how they change the cost
- Two zygomatic implants plus standard implants at the front — one zygomatic implant on each side and two to four standard implants in the front of the upper jaw, all connected to one bridge. Used when there is some bone at the front.
- Quad zygomatic implants (quad zygoma) — two zygomatic implants on each side and no standard implants, for upper jaws with very little bone anywhere; it costs more because more zygomatic implants are used.
- Combination with pterygoid implants — long implants anchored behind the upper jaw, used by some surgeons together with zygomatic or standard implants.
The path of the implant also varies: the classic technique passes through the sinus, while newer approaches guided by the anatomy (often called extra-sinus or extra-maxillary placement) run along the outside of the jaw wall. The choice depends on the shape of your jaw on the CT scan; ask your surgeon which approach is planned and why.
Zygomatic implants procedure and the trip day by day
- Day 1 — examination: CT scan review, medical history, blood tests and an anaesthesia assessment; impressions or scans for the temporary bridge.
- Day 2 — surgery: under general anaesthesia or deep sedation, any remaining upper teeth are removed, the gum is opened, the implant paths are prepared and the implants placed. The operation usually takes about two to four hours. Many patients stay one night in hospital.
- Days 3–5 — temporary bridge: when the implants are stable enough, a fixed acrylic temporary bridge is screwed on, often within 24–72 hours.
- Days 6–10 — check-ups: wound checks, bite adjustment and instructions; stitches are removed or dissolve.
- After about 4–6 months — second trip: the implants are checked and the final bridge, often zirconia or titanium-reinforced, is made and fitted over about 5–7 days.
Plan about 7–10 days in Turkey for the first trip. How the process with us works is explained on how it works.
Zygomatic implants recovery and flying home
- First week: marked swelling and bruising of the cheeks and sometimes around the eyes, peaking on days two to three; a little nosebleed is possible. Painkillers, antibiotics and decongestants are usually prescribed.
- Weeks 1–2: most swelling settles; avoid nose-blowing, heavy exercise and smoking.
- Weeks 2–8: soft diet; the temporary bridge must not be used to bite hard food while the implants integrate.
- Months 2–6: normal life with the temporary bridge, careful cleaning and a check-up before the final bridge.
Because the implants are close to the sinus, surgeons usually want to see you a week or more after surgery before you fly. See flying after surgery for general tips.
Zygomatic implants success rate and complications
In an updated systematic review by Chrcanovic and colleagues (Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2016), the cumulative zygomatic implants success rate — survival of the implants — was about 95% after 12 years, with most failures in the first months. Complications reported in the literature include:
- Sinusitis — the most frequently reported complication, sometimes needing ENT treatment.
- Soft-tissue problems around the implant where it enters the mouth: inflammation, gum recession or an exposed implant thread.
- Numbness of the cheek or lip, usually temporary.
- Oroantral fistula — an opening between the mouth and the sinus.
- Rare serious complications such as injury near the eye socket, which is why planning on a CT scan and an experienced surgeon matter.
If a zygomatic implant fails, replacing it is more complex than replacing a standard implant, so ask at the outset what the plan and costs would be.
Choosing a surgeon for zygomatic implants in Turkey
Fewer surgeons place zygomatic implants than ordinary implants, so ask:
- Is the surgeon an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or an implant surgeon with specific zygomatic training, and how many zygomatic cases do they treat each year?
- Will the surgery be done in a hospital with an anaesthesiologist?
- Which implant system and which technique (through the sinus or outside it) are planned, and how many implants?
- When will I get fixed temporary teeth, and what is the final bridge made of?
- Who looks after me if I develop sinusitis or another problem after I fly home?
Be cautious if a clinic recommends zygomatic implants without a CT scan, or for a jaw that clearly has enough bone for standard implants. Hospitals and doctors on our site are listed under hospitals and doctors.
Living with zygomatic implants
A fixed bridge on zygomatic implants is cleaned in place with a soft brush, interdental brushes and a water flosser, and should be removed and cleaned by your surgeon or dentist about once a year. Regular check-ups catch soft-tissue inflammation early. Keep your treatment report with the implant system and sizes, so that a dentist at home can help with repairs. Send your CT scan for a free written plan with the number of implants, the technique, the trips and an itemised price.
Hospitals with Dental Treatments in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
Approximately €6,000–€12,000 for an upper arch with zygomatic implants and a fixed temporary bridge, more for quad zygoma or a zirconia final bridge. The price is confirmed in a written quote after a surgeon has reviewed your CT scan.
People with severe bone loss in the upper jaw who cannot have standard implants without major grafting, or whose earlier grafts or implants have failed. They are not needed when there is enough bone for ordinary implants or All-on-4.
Quad zygoma means four zygomatic implants, two on each side, holding a full upper bridge without any standard implants. It is used when there is very little bone in the whole upper jaw.
Neither is better for everyone. Zygomatic implants avoid grafting and give fixed teeth sooner; grafting rebuilds bone so that standard implants can be used. Ask a surgeon who performs both to explain the options for your scan.
The operation is done under general anaesthesia or deep sedation. Afterwards most patients have marked swelling and bruising for about a week, controlled with prescribed painkillers.
A 2016 systematic review reported implant survival of about 95% after 12 years. With good cleaning and regular check-ups they are a long-term solution; the bridge may need repairs or replacement over time.
Sinusitis is the most frequently reported complication; others include soft-tissue inflammation, temporary numbness, an opening into the sinus and, rarely, injury near the eye socket.
Plan about 7–10 days for the surgery and temporary bridge, and a second trip of about 5–7 days four to six months later for the final bridge.
Usually a fixed temporary bridge is attached within 24–72 hours of surgery, when the implants are stable enough. The final bridge is made after healing.
No. The zygomatic bone is above the upper jaw, so these implants are only used for upper teeth. The lower jaw is treated with standard implants, short implants or grafting.