Zygomatic dental implants in Turkey — the solution for severe upper jaw bone loss
Zygomatic implants are longer dental implants anchored into the cheekbone (the zygoma) rather than the upper jaw. For UK and Irish patients who have been told they need bone grafting or a sinus lift before implants are possible, zygomatics offer an alternative route that often avoids graft surgery entirely, and delivers fixed teeth in a single surgical visit.
When zygomatic implants are the right answer
The upper jaw needs a certain amount of vertical bone for a standard implant to anchor into. After years of upper tooth loss, long-term dentures or significant bone resorption, that bone often disappears. Standard implants then become impossible without extensive grafting or sinus lifting. Zygomatic implants bypass the problem: the implant is longer and anchors directly into the dense cheekbone, which is not affected by tooth loss. A skilled specialist can place a full upper arch of fixed teeth on four zygomatic implants in a single surgery.
Who benefits most from zygomatic implants
UK and Irish patients who travel for zygomatic treatment typically fall into one of three groups: long-term denture wearers whose upper jaw has resorbed significantly, patients who have already been quoted multiple bone graft surgeries in the UK and want to avoid them, and patients where a previous upper implant case has failed due to insufficient bone. For these cases a zygomatic plan is often the fastest route to fixed teeth.
UK vs Turkey — zygomatic implant costs (2026)
| Plan | Typical UK private cost | Amazing Smile Turkey guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Full upper zygomatic arch (4 zygomatic implants) | £20,000–£35,000 | Typically 50–70% less |
| Hybrid plan (2 standard + 2 zygomatic) | £16,000–£25,000 | A fraction of the UK figure |
| Bone grafting avoided | Saves £3,000–£8,000 | Included in zygomatic plan |
How the procedure works
Zygomatic implant surgery is a specialist procedure, always carried out by a surgeon trained specifically in the zygomatic technique. After a detailed CBCT 3D scan, the implants are placed in one surgical session under local anaesthesia with sedation. Unlike standard implants, zygomatics can often be immediately loaded — meaning a fixed temporary bridge is fitted the same day or within 48 hours. You leave Antalya with fixed teeth, not dentures.
Treatment timeline and trip length
Most zygomatic cases follow a single-trip or abbreviated two-trip protocol. A single-trip plan is 7–10 days in Antalya: surgery, immediate temporary bridge, healing monitoring, final bridge fitting if clinically safe. A two-trip plan is 7 days for surgery and temporary, then 5–7 days 3–6 months later for the final permanent bridge. Your specific timeline is confirmed on your written plan before you travel.
Why zygomatic is done abroad more often than in the UK
Zygomatic implantology is a specialist sub-field with limited NHS provision and a smaller pool of trained private surgeons in the UK. Turkey, and specifically Antalya, has built up significant zygomatic experience because of the volume of international patients who need the technique. Amazing Smile Turkey’s zygomatic cases are always placed by a surgeon with dedicated training and a substantial case record in this specific technique.
Related treatments
- Dental implants — full guide and pricing
- All-on-4 dental implants
- Sinus lifting (alternative for moderate bone loss)
- Full mouth dental implants
Frequently asked questions
- Are zygomatic implants safe?
- When placed by a trained specialist, zygomatic implants have a high long-term success rate comparable to standard implants. Safety depends heavily on the surgeon’s experience, which is why the procedure is always performed by a dedicated specialist at Amazing Smile Turkey.
- Do I definitely need zygomatic implants?
- Only a CBCT 3D scan can tell for certain. Many patients who assume they need zygomatic treatment can actually be restored with All-on-4 and a small bone graft or sinus lift. Your specialist reviews the options honestly.
- How long does zygomatic surgery take?
- The surgery itself typically takes 2–3 hours. You are at the clinic for the better part of a day including preparation and recovery monitoring.
- Will I get fixed teeth the same day?
- Yes, in most cases. Zygomatic implants are designed for immediate loading — a fixed temporary bridge is placed on the implants the same day or within 48 hours.
- How much does zygomatic treatment cost in Turkey?
- A full upper zygomatic arch privately in the UK is typically £20,000–£35,000. At Amazing Smile Turkey the same treatment is usually 50–70% less, with your exact figure fixed in your written plan.
- Is zygomatic more painful than standard implants?
- The recovery is similar. Surgery is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation. Post-operative swelling is a little more pronounced than standard implants but subsides within a week.
- How long do zygomatic implants last?
- Published studies show high long-term survival rates, with many zygomatic implants in function 10–20 years after placement. Lifespan is broadly comparable to standard implants.
- Can zygomatic implants fail?
- Like any surgical treatment, failure is possible but uncommon in experienced hands. If failure occurs under the written guarantee, corrective treatment is provided in Antalya at our cost.
- Do I need a second trip?
- Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Single-trip zygomatic cases are possible when immediate loading is clinically safe; otherwise a second trip for the final bridge is booked 3–6 months later.
- Does Amazing Smile Turkey place zygomatic implants regularly?
- Yes. Zygomatic implants are a regular part of our full-arch caseload, always performed by a surgeon with specific zygomatic training and experience.
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