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Zygomatic Implant: Graft-Free Dental Solution and Application Details

Aykut Gürel, DDS, PhD
Aykut Gürel, DDS, PhD

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

7 min read
Updated: March 18, 2026
Image of a zygomatic implant-supported fixed prosthesis anchored in the cheekbone in the upper jaw

Did You Know?

If your upper jawbones have completely resorbed over the years and the dentists you have visited told you "Standard implants cannot be placed here, too much bone powder is needed, and it may not even work", you have probably felt hopeless. ...

01

What Is a Zygomatic Implant? Advantages of Cheekbone Implants

Zygomatic Implants (Cheekbone Implants), developed for patients with advanced bone resorption, completely eliminate the long and arduous bone grafting wait period. This innovative treatment method is one of the most advanced applications of dental implant technology.

Zygomatic implant patient reviews and success stories demonstrate just how effective this treatment is.


02

Who Is a Candidate for Zygomatic Implants?

Zygomatic implants are a specialized solution developed for patients with advanced bone loss where standard implants cannot be placed. The following patient groups in particular can benefit from this treatment:

  • Patients who have been using dentures for 10-15 years: Individuals who have used an acrylic prosthesis on the upper palate and whose upper jaw has become completely flat
  • Patients who have experienced implant loss: Those who previously had implants but lost them due to inflammation (peri-implantitis)
  • Young patients with bone loss: Patients who have lost all their bone due to aggressive periodontal disease
  • Trauma and cancer patients: Patients who have lost part of their upper jaw due to accidents or oral cancer surgery

Important Note: This treatment is truly a lifesaver for individuals who have been resigned to being toothless, and it provides promising results.


03

Unique Advantages of Zygomatic Implants

Eliminates the Ordeal of Bone Grafting

For standard implants, your resorbed upper jaw would require bone harvesting from the hip or sinus lifting with synthetic bone powder and a 1-year bone formation period. Zygomatic implants completely eliminate these processes:

  • No 1-year waiting period
  • No hip bone harvesting surgery
  • No "Will the bone graft take?" risk
  • No additional surgical intervention needed

Same-Day Fixed Teeth

The cheekbone is an extremely dense, hard, and strong structure. Therefore:

  • A long implant anchored there immediately supports tremendous chewing forces
  • Temporary screw-retained teeth are placed as soon as the patient wakes up from surgery
  • The patient leaves the clinic smiling that same evening
  • Soft foods can be eaten right away

Perfect Compatibility with the All-On-4 Concept

The Zygoma All-On-4 system works as follows:

  1. 2 zygomatic implants placed on each cheek side
  2. 2-4 standard implants placed in the front (below the nose)
  3. Single bridge system connecting all teeth
  4. Immediate loading with same-day chewing capability

04

Application Process: Step by Step

1. Detailed Planning Phase

2. Surgery Day

ProcessDescriptionDuration
AnesthesiaGeneral anesthesia or deep sedation30 min
Implant PlacementFixation of zygomatic implants into the cheekbones2-3 hours
Temporary ProsthesisSame-day temporary dental prosthesis placement1 hour
Check-upFinal check and patient briefing30 min

3. Healing and Follow-up

  1. First week: Swelling and bruising management
  2. Week 2: Suture removal
  3. Month 3: Interim check-up and adjustment
  4. Month 6: Permanent prosthesis preparation

Healing Period: The recovery process after zygomatic implants is generally fast, and the patient can return to normal life within a short time.


05

Healing Process and Patient Care

First Days (1-7 days)

  • Swelling and bruising: A normal process, lasting 7-10 days
  • Pain management: Prescribed painkillers should be taken regularly
  • Antibiotics: Full course to prevent infection
  • Diet: Soft, non-hot foods

Healing Period (1-3 months)

  • Regular check-ups: Appointments scheduled by the clinician
  • Oral hygiene: Cleaning with special brushes and mouthwash
  • Prosthesis adjustments: Minor corrections as needed
  • Chewing habits: Gradual transition to a normal diet

Clinician's Advice: Being patient during the healing process and strictly following the clinician's recommendations is critical for success.


06

Risks and Complication Management

Potential Risks

  • Nerve or vascular damage: 1-2% incidence, minimized with detailed planning
  • Infection risk: Controlled with appropriate antibiotics and hygiene
  • Prosthesis fit issues: Normal in the first months, resolved with adjustments
  • Sinus complications: Rarely seen with an experienced surgeon

Risk Reduction Strategies

  • 3D planning to preserve anatomical structures
  • Sterile surgical conditions for infection prevention
  • Experienced surgical team for complication minimization
  • Regular follow-up for early intervention

07

Cost Analysis and Investment Evaluation

Zygomatic Implant Price Factors

Zygomatic implants are advanced technology products requiring custom fabrication. Cost factors include:

  • Specialized titanium implants: 3-4 times more expensive than standard implants
  • General anesthesia: Additional anesthesia cost
  • Surgical guide: Custom-designed
  • Experienced surgeon: Expertise premium

Learn more about Zygomatic Implant Pricing Details.

Long-Term Economic Advantage

Zygomatic ImplantConventional Method
One-time costMultiple surgery costs
No bone powderHip bone harvesting + sinus lifting
1 day hospitalTotal 1-2 weeks hospital
Immediate teeth1-year waiting
95%+ success70-80% success (bone powder)

Economic Assessment: Although the initial cost appears higher, it is a more economical solution in the long term compared to standard implant prices.


08

Get Information from Our Specialist Dentists

As Derya Dental Clinic, we provide you with the best service with our expert team in zygomatic implants. For more information or to Schedule an Appointment, contact us. You can also read about our patients' experiences on our Google Reviews page.

Related Treatment Pages

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a specialist for decisions about your oral and dental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

Does zygomatic implant surgery hurt?
You feel no pain during the surgery performed under general anesthesia. Moderate pain may occur for 2-3 days afterward but is easily controlled with prescribed painkillers. There is no need to worry about implant pain.
What is the difference between a normal implant and a zygomatic implant?
Normal implants are placed in the jawbone, while zygomatic implants are placed in the cheekbone. Zygomatic implants are 4-5 cm long and are used in patients with bone loss. They also do not require bone grafting and allow same-day teeth placement.
How soon can I return to normal life after zygomatic implants?
3-5 days of rest is recommended. You can return to light work after 1 week and normal activities after 2 weeks. Sports and heavy physical activities require waiting 1 month. Your chewing function begins immediately.
What is the success rate of zygomatic implants?
In experienced hands, the success rate of zygomatic implants is between 95-98%. This rate is higher than normal implants because the cheekbone is very hard and has good blood circulation. Since bone grafting is not required, the risk of failure is very low.
Are zygomatic implants suitable for everyone?
No, they are only suitable for patients with advanced bone loss in the upper jaw. Suitability is determined after detailed tomography and examination. Ideal results are achieved for patients in good general health who do not smoke. ---
Aykut Gürel, DDS, PhD

Author

Aykut Gürel, DDS, PhD

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr. Aykut Gürel is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon who graduated from Istanbul University and completed his residency at Marmara University. He specializes in dental implantology, zygomatic implant surgery, and digitally guided surgical planning.

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