Quick answer
What are zygomatic implants?
Zygomatic implants are extra-long dental implants, typically 30–52.5 mm, that anchor in the zygomatic (cheek) bone instead of the upper jawbone. They are used for patients with severe upper-jaw bone loss, often avoid the need for bone grafts or a sinus lift, and usually allow a fixed temporary bridge within 24–72 hours. In Turkey, they are placed by experienced maxillofacial surgeons.
Zygomatic Implants at a glance
- Procedure time
- 2–4 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General or deep sedation
- Hospital stay
- 0–1 night
- Time in Istanbul
- 7–10 days + 5–7 days
- Back to work
- 7–10 days
- Price
- Written quote after review
Zygomatic Implants in Istanbul: overview
Zygomatic implants are designed for people whose upper jaw has lost so much bone that conventional implants would first need extensive bone grafting or a sinus lift, adding months to treatment. Instead of relying on the thin bone above the teeth, these long implants run along the side of the maxillary sinus and anchor in the dense zygomatic bone of the cheek. Through Med World Türkiye, zygomatic cases are handled only by oral and maxillofacial surgeons with specific experience of this technique at accredited partner hospitals in Istanbul.
Treatment is for the upper jaw only. Using CBCT 3D scans, the surgeon chooses between two zygomatic implants combined with two to four standard implants, a Quad Zygoma approach with four zygomatic implants, or pterygoid implants as an alternative or addition. In most cases a fixed temporary bridge is fitted within 24–72 hours, so you leave Istanbul with fixed teeth. A second trip of about 5–7 days follows 4–6 months later to fit the final bridge. Your plan and price are confirmed after the surgeon has reviewed your scan.
Which Zygomatic Implants techniques are available?
Zygoma plus conventional implants
Two zygomatic implants are placed at the back of the upper jaw and combined with two to four standard implants at the front, where some bone usually remains. It suits patients whose bone loss is concentrated in the back of the upper jaw.
Quad Zygoma
Four zygomatic implants, two on each side, support the full upper bridge without relying on the front jawbone. It is used when bone loss is severe across the whole upper jaw and usually costs more than combining zygomatic with conventional implants.
Pterygoid implants
Angled implants anchor in the dense pterygomaxillary region behind the upper jaw. They can be an alternative to zygomatic implants in selected cases or be added to give extra support at the back of the arch.
Immediate-load fixed bridge
A screw-retained temporary bridge is fitted within 24–72 hours of surgery, followed by a final bridge after 4–6 months of healing. It suits patients who want fixed teeth throughout treatment rather than a removable denture.
Why choose Med World Türkiye for Zygomatic Implants?
Often avoids bone grafts
Anchoring in the cheekbone can remove the need for a sinus lift or block grafts, which would otherwise add several months of healing before teeth are fitted.
Fixed teeth within 72 hours
Immediate loading usually allows a fixed temporary bridge within 24–72 hours of surgery, so you are not left without teeth.
Option after failed implants
Patients whose conventional implants or grafts have failed may still be suitable, as the implants rely on the cheekbone rather than the jawbone.
Specialist surgeons in hospital
Cases are placed only by experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons under general anaesthesia or deep sedation in a hospital setting.
Who is a good candidate for Zygomatic Implants?
- Adults who have been told they do not have enough upper-jaw bone for conventional implants.
- Long-term upper denture wearers whose jawbone has shrunk significantly over the years.
- Patients whose previous upper implants or bone grafts have failed.
- People who want to avoid a sinus lift or extensive bone grafting and the extra healing time involved.
- Patients in good general health who are fit for general anaesthesia or deep sedation.
What does a Zygomatic Implants trip to Istanbul look like?
- 1
Day 1 – Arrival & CBCT planning
VIP transfer to your hotel, followed by a CBCT scan, medical checks and a consultation with the maxillofacial surgeon to confirm the implant configuration.
- 2
Day 2 – Surgery
Zygomatic and any supporting implants are placed over 2–4 hours under general anaesthesia or deep sedation, sometimes with one night in hospital.
- 3
Days 3–5 – Fixed temporary bridge
Within 24–72 hours a fixed temporary bridge is fitted and adjusted for comfort, bite and speech.
- 4
Days 6–10 – Review & flight home
The surgeon reviews healing before you fly home, and after 4–6 months you return for 5–7 days to have the final bridge fitted.
What is recovery like after Zygomatic Implants?
In the first week, swelling and bruising around the cheeks and under the eyes are common and usually peak at 48–72 hours; a soft diet, prescribed medication and saline rinses support healing, and some patients notice mild nasal congestion or nosebleeds. By one month most swelling has settled and you can eat soft to moderately firm foods on the temporary bridge. At around 3 months the implants continue to integrate with the cheekbone and chewing feels more natural. The final bridge is fitted after 4–6 months. Results vary, and regular hygiene reviews are essential for long-term success.
How much does Zygomatic Implants cost in Turkey?
The price of zygomatic implants in Istanbul depends mainly on the configuration – how many zygomatic, pterygoid and standard implants are needed – as well as general anaesthesia or deep sedation, any hospital night, the fixed temporary bridge and the material chosen for the final bridge. Surgical planning and the partner hospital also play a role. With Med World Türkiye, a partner maxillofacial surgeon first reviews your photos, CBCT scan and dental records. You then receive a written, itemised quote from the partner hospital before you book anything.
What your written quote itemises
- Zygomatic & supporting implants
- Maxillofacial surgeon & anaesthesia fees
- CBCT scan & surgical planning
- Fixed temporary bridge
- Hotel & VIP airport transfers
- Interpreter & aftercare follow-up
Med World Türkiye does not publish a price list. Every price comes from a written, itemised quote issued by the partner hospital after a surgeon has reviewed your photos, scans or medical records.
Zygomatic Implants: frequently asked questions
How much do zygomatic implants cost in Turkey?
The cost of zygomatic implants in Turkey depends on the number of zygomatic and supporting implants, the type of anaesthesia, any hospital stay and the fixed temporary bridge at the partner hospital in Istanbul. Quad Zygoma with four zygomatic implants usually costs more than combined approaches. The final bridge may be priced separately depending on its material. Your initial consultation is free, and you receive a written, itemised quote once the maxillofacial surgeon has reviewed your CBCT scan, before you book anything.
Are zygomatic implants safe?
Zygomatic implants are an established technique with good reported outcomes when placed by experienced surgeons, but they are more complex than standard implants and carry specific risks. These include sinusitis, soft-tissue irritation, numbness and, rarely, injury near the eye socket. For this reason, in Istanbul we coordinate only with maxillofacial surgeons who regularly perform zygomatic implant surgery in hospital settings.
How long will I stay in Istanbul for zygomatic implants?
Most patients stay in Istanbul for 7–10 days on the first trip, which covers scans, surgery, the fixed temporary bridge and an early review. After 4–6 months of healing at home, a second trip of about 5–7 days is needed to fit the final bridge. Some patients stay one night in hospital after surgery, depending on the anaesthesia and extent of treatment.
Is recovery from zygomatic implant surgery painful?
Zygomatic implant surgery is done under general anaesthesia or deep sedation, so you do not feel the procedure, and pain afterwards is usually managed with prescribed medication. Swelling and bruising of the cheeks and under the eyes are common for 1–2 weeks. Most patients find the first 3–4 days the most uncomfortable and return to light daily activities within about a week.
How long do zygomatic implants last?
Zygomatic implants are designed as a long-term solution, and published studies report high long-term survival rates when they are placed by experienced surgeons, although results vary between individuals. The fixed bridge on top may need maintenance or replacement over time. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, professional cleaning, not smoking and attending regular reviews with your dentist.
Who is a good candidate for zygomatic implants?
Good candidates are adults with severe upper-jaw bone loss who have been told they cannot have conventional implants without major bone grafting. This often includes long-term denture wearers and people whose previous implants or grafts have failed. You need to be healthy enough for general anaesthesia or deep sedation, and any active sinus disease is treated first. There is no strict upper age limit.
Can zygomatic implants be used in the lower jaw?
No, zygomatic implants are used only in the upper jaw, because they anchor in the cheekbones above it. For severe lower-jaw bone loss, alternatives include short or narrow implants, bone grafting or All-on-4 with angled implants, as the front of the lower jaw usually retains more usable bone. Your surgeon recommends the right option after reviewing your scan.
Related procedures
Part of our specialty: Dental & Oral Health
This page provides general information and is not medical advice. Whether a procedure is right for you, which technique is used and what results to expect can only be decided after a consultation with a qualified specialist. All surgery carries risks, which your surgeon will explain before you consent.