Bravodent Blog • Implantology
A zygomatic implant is a surgical treatment that restores fixed teeth for patients with advanced bone loss in the upper jaw who do not want a bone graft or are not suitable for grafting, using specially long implants placed in the cheekbone (zygomatic bone). Unlike conventional implants, it anchors not in the jawbone but in the denser and more durable zygomatic bone; this means that, in most cases, patients can leave with a fixed temporary prosthesis on the same day, without waiting for a bone graft.
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🩺 Medically reviewed: Dr. Ümit Sait Yavuz (DDS, PhD) — Oral Surgeon, Implantologist, Periodontologist |
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⚡ Quick Facts
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Who Is a Zygomatic Implant Suitable For?
A zygomatic implant is not a standard treatment applied to everyone. It is primarily considered in the following patient groups:
- Patients with advanced bone loss (resorption) in the upper jaw
- Patients who do not want bone graft surgery or who no longer have enough bone for a graft
- Cases not suitable for additional surgical procedures such as sinus lifting
- Patients with a fully edentulous upper jaw who are dissatisfied with long-term denture use
- Patients in whom conventional implants were tried but failed due to insufficient bone
A definitive suitability decision can only be made after detailed 3D tomography (CBCT) imaging and a clinical examination.
Differences Between Zygomatic Implants and Conventional Implants
Both methods aim for fixed teeth, but they differ clearly in placement site, bone requirements, and process:
| Criterion | Conventional Implant | Zygomatic Implant |
| Bone of placement | Upper/lower jawbone | Cheekbone (zygomatic bone) |
| Bone volume requirement | Adequate bone is required | Can also be applied in advanced bone loss |
| Need for a bone graft | May be required in most cases | Usually not required |
| Time to a fixed prosthesis | After healing | Possible on the same day in suitable cases |
| Typical patient profile | Patients with adequate bone density | Patients with advanced bone loss who do not want a graft |
Why Is the Zygomatic Bone Preferred?
The cheekbone (os zygomaticum) is one of the densest and hardest bone structures in the body. Even when the upper jawbone resorbs over time due to tooth loss, infection, or age, the zygomatic bone is largely preserved. This natural durability allows the implant to be anchored in a long, stable, and reliable way; treatment can therefore continue without waiting for a bone graft.
How Does the Zygomatic Implant Process Work?
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Detailed Imaging and PlanningThe process begins with a detailed examination of the jaw and zygomatic bone structure using 3D tomography (CBCT). These images are used to plan the implant’s angle, length, and placement point digitally. |
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Surgical PlacementThe procedure is performed under general anaesthesia or sedation by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgery team. The implants pass through the jawbone and are secured in the zygomatic bone. |
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Same-Day Fixed Temporary ProsthesisIn suitable cases, a fixed temporary prosthesis can be fitted in the same session as surgery. The patient leaves the clinic without remaining edentulous. |
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Healing and Permanent ProsthesisOnce the healing process is complete, the temporary prosthesis is replaced with a permanent fixed prosthesis. Follow-up appointments are scheduled regularly. |
Is Same-Day Fixed Teeth Possible?
In suitable cases, yes. One of the main reasons zygomatic implants are preferred is that the patient can continue daily life with a fixed temporary prosthesis on the same day as surgery, without waiting months without teeth. This approach is planned together with full-mouth rehabilitation protocols that aim to stabilize the entire upper jaw with four or six implants.
Advantages
- Additional surgical procedures such as bone grafting and sinus lifting are usually not required
- Same-day fixed temporary prosthesis option in suitable cases
- Makes fixed-teeth treatment possible even in advanced bone loss
- Shortens the overall treatment time
- Offers advantages over removable dentures in speech, chewing, and comfort
Risks and Points to Consider
As with every surgical procedure, zygomatic implants may involve risks such as infection, sinus complications, or implant failure. Minimizing these risks is directly related to correct case selection, precise imaging, and an experienced surgical team. For this reason, the decision for a zygomatic implant must be made by a specialist experienced in oral and maxillofacial surgery, after detailed imaging.
Healing Process and Timeline
Healing time varies from patient to patient; however, thanks to the dense structure of the zygomatic bone, osseointegration (fusion of the implant with the bone) generally follows a more predictable course compared with conventional implants. Soft foods are recommended in the first weeks, the oral hygiene protocol is followed carefully, and healing is monitored with regular check-ups.
Success Rate and Longevity
In the dental literature, zygomatic implant treatment is recognized as a proven method that has been used for many years and has high success rates when applied with correct case selection and an experienced surgical team. Long-term success depends on patient compliance, oral hygiene, and regular check-ups.
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The situation at Bravodent: Every patient’s bone structure and success expectation is different. A realistic forecast for your case can only be given after a tomography assessment. |
Factors That Affect Zygomatic Implant Cost
The cost of a zygomatic implant varies according to the number of implants to be placed, the need for additional support implants, the type of prosthesis, and the complexity of the case. Before giving a definite figure, a personalized treatment plan must be prepared from the tomography images.
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The situation at Bravodent: After the initial examination assessment, we share your personalized treatment plan and cost details, prepared item by item, with clarity. |
The Zygomatic Implant Experience at Bravodent
At Bravodent, we manage zygomatic implant cases with a medical team specialized in oral surgery and implantology, together with digital planning technologies. Every case is evaluated with 3D simulation before surgery, and the process is explained clearly to the patient. Our clinic in Kadıköy has experience in full-mouth rehabilitation for advanced bone-loss cases, including patients coming from Europe and Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a zygomatic implant?A zygomatic implant is a fixed-teeth treatment method used in patients with advanced bone loss in the upper jaw, in which the implant is placed in the cheekbone (zygomatic bone) instead of the jawbone and does not require a bone graft. |
Is a zygomatic implant a painful procedure?Because the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia or sedation, no pain is felt during surgery. Any sensitivity that may occur afterwards is managed with painkillers. |
How many years does a zygomatic implant last?With proper care and regular check-ups, zygomatic implants can be used trouble-free for many years, similar to standard implants. |
Can a zygomatic implant be applied to everyone?No. A zygomatic implant is primarily considered for patients with advanced bone loss in whom a graft is not a suitable option. The decision is made after detailed imaging and examination. |
Can fixed teeth be placed on the same day with a zygomatic implant?In suitable cases, a fixed temporary prosthesis can be fitted in the same session as surgery. This depends on the patient’s bone structure and the case plan. |
What is the main difference between a zygomatic implant and a conventional implant?A conventional implant is placed in the jawbone; a zygomatic implant is placed in the cheekbone. A zygomatic implant usually eliminates the need for a graft in cases of insufficient bone. |
Why Is This Content Reliable?
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Dr. Ümit Sait Yavuz (DDS, PhD) Oral Surgeon • Implantologist • Periodontologist This article has been medically reviewed and approved by Dr. Ümit Sait Yavuz, a specialist in oral surgery, implantology, and periodontology at Bravodent. Dr. Yavuz is actively involved in zygomatic implant cases. |
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Do not let insufficient bone delay your implant treatment Plan your free first examination at Bravodent Kadıköy for a detailed tomography assessment and specialist opinion. |
This content is for informational purposes. We recommend visiting our clinic for a personal assessment.