Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic Implants in Turkey — Fixed Teeth When You’ve Been Told Implants Aren’t Possible
Severe bone loss does not always mean implants are out of the question. Zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbone — not the jawbone — making fixed teeth possible for patients where conventional systems cannot be used.
You may have been told, by one dentist or by several, that your bone loss is too severe for dental implants. That you will have to manage with dentures. That there are no other options.
For many patients in that position, that is not the complete picture.
Zygomatic implants are a specialist procedure that bypasses the resorbed upper jawbone entirely — anchoring instead into the dense, stable bone of the cheekbone (the zygoma). When placed by an experienced zygomatic implant surgeon, they can provide the foundation for a complete fixed arch of teeth in cases where conventional implants — including All-on-4 — are not viable.
This page explains what zygomatic implants are, who they are for, what the procedure involves, and what an honest assessment of your specific case requires. If this treatment is not right for you, we will tell you — and we will tell you what is.
What Are Zygomatic Implants?
A specialist solution when the jawbone cannot support conventional implants
A zygomatic implant is a longer-than-standard titanium implant — typically 30–52.5mm in length — designed to bypass the upper jawbone (maxilla) and anchor instead into the dense cortical bone of the zygomatic arch, commonly known as the cheekbone.
In a patient with severe maxillary bone resorption — where the upper jawbone has deteriorated to the point where there is insufficient volume or density to support standard implants, even with bone grafting — the cheekbone remains intact and structurally sound. It has been present since birth. It does not resorb in response to tooth loss. And it is dense enough to support an implant load permanently.
The zygomatic implant travels from the oral cavity, through the sinus space, and anchors into this bone — providing a stable, long-term foundation for a fixed bridge of teeth, without requiring the resorbed jawbone to support anything.
How Does It Differ From Standard Implants and All-on-4?
| Standard Implant | All-on-4 | Zygomatic Implant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchor point | Jawbone | Jawbone (angled posteriorly) | Cheekbone (zygoma) |
| Bone required | Moderate–good | Low–moderate | Minimal — cheekbone always present |
| Suitable for severe resorption | ❌ No | ⚠️ Sometimes | ✅ Specifically designed for this |
| Bone graft required | Often | Rarely | Not required |
| Implant length | 8–16mm | 10–18mm | 30–52.5mm |
| Specialist required | General implantologist | General implantologist | Specialist maxillofacial / oral surgeon |
| Same-day provisional teeth | Selected cases | ✅ Standard | ✅ Standard |
| Applicable arch | Either | Either | Upper arch primarily |
Who Are Zygomatic Implants For?
Zygomatic implants are specifically indicated for patients who:
- Have severe upper jawbone resorption — typically following prolonged denture wear, periodontal (gum) disease, trauma or failed previous implants
- Have been assessed and told that conventional implants — including All-on-4 — are not viable due to insufficient bone
- Are unwilling or unable to undergo extensive bone grafting — which is the alternative route to implant treatment in severely resorbed cases, involving multiple surgeries, long healing periods and significant additional cost
- Are in good general health — zygomatic implant surgery is a more extensive procedure than standard implant placement and requires appropriate medical assessment
- Are missing most or all upper teeth and are seeking a fixed, non-removable solution
Zygomatic implants are used almost exclusively in the upper arch. The lower jaw resorbs differently and conventional implants — including All-on-4 or All-on-6 — are almost always viable for the lower arch even in cases of significant bone loss.
A Note on Honest Assessment
Zygomatic implants are not appropriate for every patient with bone loss. Some patients who believe they cannot have conventional implants can, in fact, have All-on-4 — the angled implant placement of which is specifically designed to work around limited posterior bone.
We assess every patient’s CT scan before recommending zygomatic implants. If All-on-4 or All-on-6 is viable for your anatomy, we will tell you — because conventional systems are less complex, less expensive and carry a shorter recovery. Zygomatic implants are recommended only when the clinical evidence supports them as necessary.
Why Have Zygomatic Implant Treatment in Turkey?
Specialist expertise. Significantly lower cost. The same outcome.
Zygomatic implant treatment in the UK is performed by a small number of specialist maxillofacial surgeons at a handful of centres. The cost reflects both the specialist nature of the procedure and the overhead of UK specialist practice:
- UK zygomatic implant treatment (upper arch): £20,000 – £30,000
- Including bone grafting alternatives where applicable: even higher
In Turkey, our partner implant centres have performed 500+ zygomatic implant procedures. The surgeons are trained in the same protocols — the Brånemark zygomatic technique — as their UK counterparts. The implants used are the same global brands.
The difference is access and cost — not clinical standard.
The numbers
| 🇬🇧 UK Estimate | Turkey Price | Saving | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zygomatic implants — upper arch (2 zygomatic + 2 standard) | £20,000 – £30,000 | From £3800 | Up to 60% |
| Quad zygomatic — upper arch (4 zygomatic implants) | £25,000 – £35,000 | From £4400 | Up to 60% |
| Zygomatic upper + All-on-4 lower | £30,000 – £45,000 | From £11200 | Up to 60% |
UK estimates are indicative — zygomatic implant pricing in the UK varies significantly by centre and case complexity. Turkey prices are starting prices, confirmed after CT scan assessment.
What’s included in your package
- ✓ Full specialist consultation and CT scan assessment on arrival
- ✓ Zygomatic implant placement by specialist oral/maxillofacial surgeon
- ✓ All standard implants included in the plan (where hybrid approach is used)
- ✓ Provisional fixed bridge — fitted same day
- ✓ Final zirconia bridge (second visit — see process section)
- ✓ 6 nights in a 4-star hotel
- ✓ VIP airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- ✓ Dedicated patient coordinator throughout
- ✓ Full post-treatment documentation in English
- ✓ Written 5-year guarantee on implant fixtures
Your Zygomatic Implant Treatment — Step by Step
Zygomatic implant treatment is more involved than standard implant or All-on-4 procedures. The process below is longer and requires more preparation — because the surgery is more complex and the stakes are higher. We do not abbreviate or simplify this to make it appear more straightforward than it is.
Before You Travel — Specialist CT Assessment (Critical)
Unlike other treatments where a photo or basic X-ray is sufficient for a preliminary assessment, zygomatic implant planning requires a 3D CT scan before a meaningful clinical opinion can be given.
If you have had a CT scan performed in the UK — by a specialist who assessed you for implants or bone grafting — please send it. Our zygomatic implant surgeon reviews it and provides:
- An assessment of whether zygomatic implants are clinically appropriate for your specific anatomy
- Whether a hybrid approach (zygomatic + standard implants) or a quad zygomatic approach is indicated
- What the alternative options are, if any, and whether they are viable
- A full treatment plan and cost breakdown
If you do not have a recent CT scan, we can arrange one on arrival in Turkey before any surgical decisions are made.
This assessment may take 2–3 working days after we receive your scan — the surgeon’s review is thorough, not rapid. Do not rush it.
Day 1 — Arrival in Turkey
Your driver meets you at the airport. You are transferred to your hotel. Your coordinator confirms your schedule — which, for zygomatic cases, begins with assessment and planning before any surgical commitment.
Day 2 — Specialist Consultation and Surgical Planning
Your first appointment is with the zygomatic implant surgeon — not a general implantologist.
CT scan (if not already reviewed): A high-resolution 3D CT scan is performed and analysed. The surgeon maps the zygomatic arch bilaterally, assesses sinus anatomy, identifies the optimal implant trajectory and determines the number and position of all implants.
Surgical plan confirmation: The surgeon reviews the plan with you directly — the implant positions, the approach, the provisional bridge design and the expected timeline. You have the opportunity to ask any remaining clinical questions before surgery is confirmed.
Medical assessment: A medical history review and, where relevant, additional tests (blood panel, blood pressure, other baseline measurements) are completed. Zygomatic implant surgery requires medical clearance — this is standard and non-negotiable.
Nothing is scheduled until this assessment is complete and you are satisfied with the plan.
Day 3 — Surgical Procedure
Zygomatic implant placement is performed under general anaesthesia or deep intravenous sedation — not local anaesthesia alone. The procedure is performed in a surgical facility equipped for the appropriate level of anaesthesia.
The surgical process:
The surgeon makes precise incisions to access both the oral cavity and the zygomatic bone. Each zygomatic implant is guided — using the pre-surgical CT planning — through the planned trajectory: entering at the upper jaw, traversing the sinus space and anchoring into the dense cortical bone of the cheekbone. In a hybrid approach, additional standard implants are placed in the anterior maxilla where residual bone allows.
Implant count — typical configurations:
- Hybrid approach: 2 zygomatic implants (posterior) + 2 standard implants (anterior) = 4 total
- Quad zygomatic: 4 zygomatic implants (2 per side) — used where anterior bone is also insufficient for standard implants
Procedure time: approximately 3–4 hours under general anaesthesia or deep sedation, depending on configuration.
Provisional bridge: Where primary stability is achieved — confirmed by the surgeon intraoperatively — a provisional fixed bridge is attached before the patient leaves the surgical facility. You wake from anaesthesia with fixed teeth in place.
In some cases, primary stability in one or more positions is not sufficient for same-day loading. The surgeon will not force immediate loading where it is not clinically safe. This is discussed as part of the pre-surgical planning and is not presented as a surprise post-procedure.
Days 4 & 5 — Hospital or Hotel Recovery
Zygomatic implant surgery requires a recovery period that differs from standard implant treatment.
Day 4: Most patients remain at the hotel or, in some cases, an overnight medical facility depending on the anaesthesia protocol used. Swelling is significant — typically peaking 2–3 days post-procedure. Facial swelling extending to the cheek area is expected and normal. Cold compresses and elevation are recommended. Prescribed medication (pain relief, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory) is taken as directed. Your coordinator checks in throughout.
Day 5: Swelling begins to reduce. Most patients are mobile and comfortable enough to leave the hotel for short periods. Soft food continues. Oral hygiene is gentle — the surgical sites are carefully managed with the prescribed rinse.
This recovery is more demanding than standard implant recovery. We tell you this because you need to plan for it — not because it is exceptional or alarming. It is simply what this surgery involves.
Day 6 — Post-Surgical Review
The surgeon reviews your healing at 3 days post-procedure. Surgical sites are assessed, sutures checked, provisional bridge fit confirmed and any adjustments made. You receive:
- Antibiotic and medication review
- Oral hygiene protocol for the healing period
- Dietary guidance — what can be eaten and when
- Warning signs to watch for and who to contact if they occur
Day 7 — Departure
You fly home with provisional fixed teeth in place. Your coordinator remains reachable post-departure. Your full post-treatment pack is provided before you leave.
Final Bridge — Second Visit
The permanent zirconia bridge is fitted during a second visit, 3–6 months post-surgery, once osseointegration is confirmed by CT scan. This visit is 4–5 days. Hotel is included. You cover your flights.
This timeline is confirmed before your first visit — it is not disclosed as an afterthought.
Zygomatic Implant Pricing — Specialist Procedure, Transparent Pricing
Zygomatic implant treatment is the most complex and most specialised procedure we facilitate. The pricing reflects the surgical expertise, the specialist anaesthesia environment and the longer clinical time involved. It is also, for the patients who need it, the only route to fixed teeth.
Treatment Configurations and Starting Prices
| Configuration | Implants Per Arch | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid approach — upper arch (2 zygomatic + 2 standard) | 4 total | From £3800 |
| Quad zygomatic — upper arch (4 zygomatic) | 4 zygomatic | From £4400 |
| Zygomatic upper + All-on-4 lower (combined) | Upper: 4 · Lower: 4 | From £11200 |
| Zygomatic upper + All-on-6 lower (combined) | Upper: 4 · Lower: 6 | From £12000 |
What’s Included
- ✓ Specialist zygomatic implant surgeon (oral/maxillofacial)
- ✓ General anaesthesia or deep IV sedation and anaesthesiologist
- ✓ Surgical facility fees
- ✓ All implant fixtures — zygomatic and standard (as per plan)
- ✓ All abutments and fixings
- ✓ Provisional fixed bridge (same day, where clinically appropriate)
- ✓ Final zirconia bridge (second visit — see process)
- ✓ 6 nights hotel accommodation (4-star)
- ✓ VIP airport transfers
- ✓ Dedicated patient coordinator
- ✓ Full post-treatment documentation in English
- ✓ Written 5-year guarantee on implant fixtures
Why Zygomatic Treatment Costs More Than All-on-4
This is a fair question — and it deserves a direct answer.
Three factors account for the higher cost:
-
Specialist surgeon: Zygomatic implants require a maxillofacial or specialist oral surgeon with specific training in the procedure. This is not a procedure performed by a general implantologist. The surgeon’s training, experience and ongoing specialisation carry a higher professional fee.
-
Anaesthesia environment: General anaesthesia or deep IV sedation — with a separate anaesthesiologist — is required. Standard implant procedures use local anaesthesia only. The anaesthesia team, the facility and the monitoring equipment represent a significant additional cost.
-
Procedure complexity and duration: A zygomatic procedure takes 3–4 hours compared to 2–3 hours for All-on-4. The operating time, the surgical facility booking and the post-operative monitoring are proportionally longer.
For patients who need this treatment, it is not optional. For patients who do not, All-on-4 produces equivalent outcomes at significantly lower cost. The assessment determines which applies to you.
The Implants and Materials Used in Zygomatic Treatment
Zygomatic Implant Fixtures — Nobel Biocare
The global benchmark for zygomatic implants is Nobel Biocare’s Nobel Zygoma system — the implant specifically designed and validated for zygomatic anchorage. Nobel Biocare developed the zygomatic implant protocol in collaboration with Professor Brånemark’s original research team, and their systems have the deepest clinical evidence base of any zygomatic implant product worldwide.
Nobel Zygoma dimensions: Length: 30mm – 52.5mm (selected based on individual CT-planned trajectory) Diameter: 4.4mm Surface: TiUnite — the same oxidised titanium surface used across Nobel Biocare’s implant range, associated with high osseointegration rates in cortical bone
Clinical evidence: Published survival rates for Nobel Zygoma implants exceed 95% at 10 years across multiple independent clinical studies. The cortical bone of the zygoma does not resorb — once integrated, zygomatic implants are inherently stable structures.
Hybrid Standard Implants — Nobel Biocare / Straumann
In the hybrid approach, the anterior standard implants are Nobel Biocare or Straumann — the same fixtures used in standard All-on-4 and All-on-6 cases. Their selection and placement follow the same protocol as in conventional full-arch cases.
Surgical Planning — 3D Virtual Implant Planning
Before a zygomatic procedure is performed, the surgical plan is mapped in detail using 3D virtual planning software. The surgeon uses the CT scan data to:
- Define the precise entry point, trajectory and depth of each zygomatic implant
- Identify critical anatomical structures — the infraorbital nerve, the sinus walls, the orbital floor — and confirm safe clearance
- Determine the optimal implant length for each position
- Plan the provisional bridge design relative to the implant emergence positions
This planning step is not optional — it is the foundation of safe zygomatic surgery. It is completed before your procedure day and reviewed with you at your Day 2 consultation.
Provisional Bridge — PMMA
The same high-quality PMMA provisional bridge used in All-on-4 cases. Functional and presentable during the osseointegration period. Worn for 3–6 months before the permanent bridge is fitted.
Final Bridge — Zirconia
The permanent bridge is fabricated from zirconia — the only material with sufficient strength for a full-arch fixed bridge spanning zygomatic implant emergence positions. Its properties are identical to those described in the All-on-4 and All-on-6 pages: metal-free, biocompatible, dimensionally stable, maintainable worldwide.
Real Zygomatic Implant Results — Real Patients
These are patients who had been told, in many cases by multiple clinicians, that fixed implant teeth were not possible for them. These are their outcomes.
Pauline A., 66 — Stoke-on-Trent, UK
Treatment: Hybrid zygomatic — upper arch (2 zygomatic + 2 standard) + All-on-4 lower arch Previous situation: Upper denture for 14 years; significant facial profile change from bone resorption; assessed by three UK specialists, all of whom quoted extensive bone grafting (£8,000+) or stated implants were not viable Duration: First visit 7 days; second visit 5 days (5 months later — final bridges) Implants: Nobel Zygoma (upper); Nobel Biocare NobelActive (lower) Saved vs. UK estimate: £15,000
“I had been told ‘no’ so many times I had stopped asking. My face had changed shape — the sunken look that comes from years in dentures. I came to Turkey as a last attempt. The surgeon reviewed my CT scan and said the zygomatic approach was viable. Six months later I have fixed teeth on both arches and my face looks like my face again. I don’t have the vocabulary to explain what that means after 14 years.”
Trevor G., 68 — Sunderland, UK
Treatment: Quad zygomatic — upper arch (4 zygomatic implants) Previous situation: Near-total upper jawbone resorption; hybrid approach not possible due to complete absence of anterior bone; two UK specialists said fixed teeth were not achievable Duration: First visit 7 days; second visit 5 days Implants: Nobel Zygoma × 4 Saved vs. UK estimate: £14,000
“The surgeon was direct with me from the first appointment — this was a complex case and the outcome could not be guaranteed with the same confidence as a standard procedure. I appreciated that honesty more than any false reassurance. The procedure went as planned. Integration was confirmed at five months. I have had my final bridge for four months. I eat normally. I smile normally. I had accepted that neither of those things would ever happen again.”
What Zygomatic Implant Patients Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Diane V., Swansea, UK
“I want to give a detailed, honest account because when I was researching this, detailed honest accounts were what I needed and could not find. I had quad zygomatic implants in Turkey — four zygomatic implants in the upper arch, no standard implants. My jawbone had resorbed completely. The UK quote I received from one specialist who was willing to attempt it was £26,000 — and came with caveats about success probability. The surgeon in Turkey was equally transparent about the complexity but had significantly more zygomatic cases in his portfolio. The procedure took four hours under general anaesthesia. Recovery was demanding — significant swelling for five days. By Day 7 I was functional and ready to fly home. My provisional teeth were in place from Day 3. Six months later I have my final zirconia bridge. My UK dentist has reviewed the X-rays and the integration. Her assessment was that it was ‘very well executed.’ The cost, including hotel for both visits, was £4400. The UK quote was more than double that — for a single specialist who had expressed doubt about the outcome.”
Treatment: Quad zygomatic — upper arch · October 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Colin R., Bradford, UK
“I specifically want to address the people who, like me, have been told ‘no’ repeatedly. Being told you cannot have implants is devastating — particularly when you understand what long-term denture wearing does to your face and your bone over time. The zygomatic assessment process in Turkey took more time and more detailed scanning than anything I’d had in the UK. The surgeon did not promise a result he couldn’t guarantee. He explained every step of the plan and what the contingencies were. That professionalism — combined with genuine expertise in a procedure most UK clinics don’t offer at all — is why I went. And why I would go again.”
Treatment: Hybrid zygomatic upper + All-on-4 lower · January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve been told I can’t have implants. Does that definitely mean I need zygomatic implants?
Not necessarily. “You can’t have implants” sometimes means standard implants are not possible — but All-on-4, with its angled posterior placement, may still be an option. In other cases it means bone grafting would be required — which is a viable but lengthy and expensive alternative to zygomatic implants. A zygomatic assessment from a specialist surgeon who reviews your actual CT scan data is the only reliable way to determine which route applies to your anatomy. We will assess your scan honestly — and recommend zygomatic implants only when the clinical evidence supports them as necessary.
Is zygomatic implant surgery safe?
Yes — when performed by a trained specialist in an appropriate surgical facility. Zygomatic implants are a well-documented, published technique with over 25 years of clinical history. The Nobel Zygoma system has independent survival rate data exceeding 95% at 10 years. As with all surgery, there are risks — including infection, sinusitis, implant failure and rare vascular or nerve proximity complications. These are discussed in full at the pre-surgical consultation. They exist — and they are manageable, particularly when the surgery is planned from detailed CT data by an experienced surgeon.
Does the procedure involve general anaesthesia?
Yes — or deep intravenous sedation, depending on your case and your preference. Zygomatic implant surgery cannot be performed comfortably or safely under local anaesthesia alone. The procedure is 3–4 hours in duration and involves surgical access to the cheekbone. General anaesthesia or deep IV sedation is standard. A separate anaesthesiologist is present throughout. This is planned and confirmed before you travel.
Will I have teeth the same day as surgery?
In most cases, yes — where the surgeon achieves sufficient primary stability at the time of implant placement. The provisional bridge is attached before you leave the surgical facility. In some cases, primary stability in one or more positions is not deemed sufficient for immediate loading — in these situations, the surgeon will defer bridge attachment to protect the implants’ integration. This possibility is discussed at the pre-surgical consultation. We do not promise same-day teeth in zygomatic cases; we say it is achieved in most cases and explain the clinical condition that must be met.
How long does recovery take?
Facial swelling peaks at 2–3 days post-surgery and reduces significantly by Day 5–6. Most patients are comfortable enough to fly home by Day 6–7. Full tissue healing takes 2–4 weeks. Osseointegration — the bonding of zygomatic implant to cheekbone — is confirmed by CT scan at 3–6 months post-surgery, at which point the final bridge is fitted. The recovery is more demanding than standard implant treatment — this is communicated clearly before you book.
What is the difference between a hybrid approach and quad zygomatic?
In the hybrid approach, two zygomatic implants anchor posteriorly into the cheekbone on each side, while two standard implants are placed in the anterior maxilla where some residual bone remains. This is the most common configuration. In the quad zygomatic approach, four zygomatic implants are used — two per side — with no standard implants. This is indicated when the anterior maxilla has also resorbed to a degree that prevents any standard implant placement. The CT scan determines which applies to your anatomy.
Can zygomatic implants be used in the lower jaw?
Zygomatic implants are designed specifically for the upper jaw. The zygomatic bone is an upper facial structure — there is no equivalent in the mandible (lower jaw). Lower jaw bone resorption, while significant in some patients, rarely reaches the severity that makes conventional implants entirely impossible — All-on-4 or All-on-6 are almost always viable in the lower arch, even with significant bone loss. If you need treatment on both arches, the typical approach is zygomatic implants on the upper arch combined with All-on-4 or All-on-6 on the lower.
What happens if a zygomatic implant fails?
Zygomatic implant failure is uncommon — the cortical bone of the cheekbone does not resorb, and integration rates are high. In the event of failure, the clinical options depend on the specific situation: replacement in the same or an adjusted position in some cases; alternative configurations in others. This is assessed individually. Our guarantee covers zygomatic implant fixture failure within 5 years of placement — full terms in our guarantee policy. We will always discuss post-failure options transparently and without additional consultation fees.
Do I need a referral from my UK dentist or specialist?
No referral is required to contact us or to request an assessment. If you have had CT scans performed by a UK specialist, those scans are the most useful starting point — send them directly. A referral letter, if you have one, provides useful clinical context but is not required.
If You’ve Been Told Fixed Teeth Aren’t Possible — Get a Second Opinion From a Specialist
Being told implants are not possible is not always the final word. For patients with severe upper jawbone resorption, zygomatic implants are a clinically validated route to fixed teeth — performed at our partner clinics by surgeons who have done this procedure hundreds of times.
The assessment starts with your CT scan. Send it to us. Our zygomatic implant surgeon reviews it personally and comes back to you with an honest, detailed clinical opinion — not a sales response.
If zygomatic implants are appropriate for your case, we will explain the plan clearly and completely. If they are not — if All-on-4 is actually viable, or if another route is more appropriate — we will tell you that too.
There is no cost for the assessment. There is no obligation to proceed. There is no pressure.