Zygomatic Implant Treatment Turkey | Advanced Solution for Severe Bone Loss

Perhaps you have been using upper dentures for years, but you complain about them moving, your palate not closing completely, and not being able to enjoy your food. Or perhaps you have been told that normal dental implant treatment is not possible for you due to bone loss in your upper jaw. Don't worry, a new method (Zygomatic Implant Treatment) has been developed to solve this problem.

In this article, we will explain this special treatment method, referred to in medical literature as ‘Zygomatic Implant,' in great detail. How is the surgery performed, who is it suitable for, are there any risks, and what is the cost? All the answers to your questions are in this article.

8 Sections

01 What is Zygomatic Implant Treatment?

Zygomatic implant treatment is a surgical method used in cases where there is insufficient bone tissue to place traditional implants due to advanced bone resorption or large sinus cavities in the upper jaw (maxilla). This treatment has been developed as an effective alternative to traditional bone grafting (bone powder/transplantation) procedures.

What is the structure of zygomatic implants?

Size and length:

While standard implants are typically 8–12 mm in length, zygomatic implants are much longer, as they need to extend to the cheekbone. Their length usually ranges from 30 mm to 52.5 mm (up to 60 mm in some systems).

Material:

They are made of titanium, a material that is perfectly compatible with the body and can integrate with bone.

Body structure:

Tip (Threaded): The tip that enters the zygomatic bone has deep, sharp screw threads (grooves) to ensure a firm hold on the bone.

Middle section (smooth): The middle body of the implant, which passes through the mouth and is close to the sinus area, is sometimes designed to be smooth and toothless to prevent bacterial accumulation.

Angled head design:

The cheekbone and the dental arch inside the mouth are not aligned. Therefore, to ensure prosthetic teeth fit properly, the head of the implant is typically manufactured at special angles such as 45° or 55°.

Surface characteristics:

To enable faster and stronger fusion of the bone to the implant, the parts that come into contact with the bone in particular have a surface that has been roughened or oxidized using special methods.

Thickness:

The body of the implant is usually around 4 mm at the tip and around 4.5 mm at the neck, which is close to the jawbone.

Why a Zygomatic Implant? Why is a zygomatic implant so different from normal implants?

When we hear the term "dental implant," we usually think of a small titanium screw. This screw is considered to be like the root of the tooth we have lost and is placed into our jawbone. However, the upper back jaw is generally thinner due to the sinuses (air cavities in the cheek area of our face). Being toothless for many years, long-term denture use, gum disease, or certain systemic disorders can cause this bone structure to dissolve (resorption).

This makes conventional implant treatment difficult in such cases. This is because there is insufficient bone for the implant to anchor. The traditional solution is usually to graft bone, i.e., add bone, to the upper jaw using bone taken from the patient's hip or artificial bone powder. Although this method is successful, it requires additional surgery and long waiting times (between 6 months and 1 year).

Zygoma implants completely change this challenging situation. Named after the bone they are placed in, these implants attach to our cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the resorbing upper jawbone.

Zygomatic implants are much longer than normal implants. They enter through the gum tissue of the upper jaw, pass through or along the edge of the sinus cavity, and reach the solid, dense zygomatic bone. This allows them to be anchored like a nail into one of the strongest bone structures in our face, providing support for all the teeth above.

Even if the bone in your upper jaw is completely gone, your zygomatic bones are still in place and quite sturdy. The zygoma implant uses this sturdiness to give you the chance to have fixed teeth.

Suitable candidates for zygoma implants

Not every edentulous patient is a suitable candidate for zygoma implants. This method is generally designed for more complex and challenging cases. So, who exactly is a suitable candidate for this treatment?

Those with advanced bone loss in the upper jaw:

This is the most fundamental and common situation. If measurements reveal insufficient bone thickness in patients whose upper jawbone is too thin and short to hold a conventional implant (typically 10-15 mm), a zygoma implant may be considered.

Those who have experienced bone graft failure:

This offers a second chance for patients who have previously attempted implant treatment with bone graft material but failed to retain the graft or lost it due to infection. Repeating the graft in the same area is now more difficult and risky; the zygoma implant bypasses this issue.

Long-term denture wearers:

In patients who have been using removable dentures for years, bone resorption accelerates due to the pressure of the denture. These patients often dream of a ‘denture-free’ solution. The zygoma implant offers them a denture-free, fixed, and comfortable solution.

Cases of excessively large sinuses:

Sinuses (pneumatization) may expand after tooth extraction, reducing the bone area available for implant placement. In such cases, a sinus lift operation is required. The zygoma implant eliminates the need for this operation by passing through the sinus or alongside it.

Significant bone loss due to cancer or trauma:

This is a promising method for patients who have had part of their jaw removed due to oral cancer or who have lost jawbone as a result of a major accident.

02 How is zygomatic implant treatment performed? (Step-by-step process)

This treatment is one of the most complex surgical procedures in dentistry. Therefore, it is very important that it is performed by a trained and experienced team. Stages of the process:

Detailed planning and imaging

A Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan is always taken for every patient scheduled for a zygomatic implant. This tomography allows:

A 3D image of the cheekbone to be obtained.
The thickness, density, and angle of the bone to be measured.
The condition of the sinuses and any pathologies are identified.
The location of vital structures such as the eye socket (orbit) is determined.

This data is transferred to specialized computer software. The surgeon uses this software to virtually plan the route of the implant from the entry point to the exit point with millimeter precision.

Surgery

Although this procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, general anesthesia or advanced sedation is usually preferred for the patient's comfort and to allow the surgeon to work comfortably. The patient feels nothing and waits for the surgery to finish in a sleeping position. The duration of the surgery can vary between 1 and 3 hours, depending on how many implants will be placed.

Where will the implants be placed?

Surgeons may use different techniques depending on the patient's anatomy. These include:

Intrasinus: The implant is inserted through the gum, passes through the sinus cavity, and reaches the cheekbone. This is the most classic method.
Extrasinus: The implant is placed in contact with the outer wall of the sinus, without entering the sinus cavity or entering it minimally. This may reduce the risk of sinus problems.
Quad zygoma: If there is no bone in the front region either, a total of four zygoma implants are placed, two in each cheekbone.
Hybrid: If there is a small amount of bone in the front region, two normal implants are placed in the front and two zygoma implants in the back. This reduces the cost and strengthens the treatment.

Immediate loading

One of the best things about zygomatic implants is that they let you have "immediate loading," or "same-day teeth," in most circumstances.

After the implants are put in, a temporary set of teeth (typically an acrylic bridge) is made during or just after the procedure and fitted onto the implants. The patient leaves the operation room with teeth that are in place.This makes it much easier for the patient to follow the treatment plan. You should be careful when eating with these temporary teeth, and you should only eat soft things.

The timeline for recovery

Compared to standard bone grafting methods, zygomatic implants heal and recover significantly faster. This is because bone grafting treatments may need an extra waiting period of many months before the implant can be placed.

The recovery process for zygomatic implant treatment varies depending on the protocol used (immediate loading or two-stage surgery) but generally spans a period of 4 to 6 months.

The first 1 to 10 days after surgery

Medication: After surgery, patients are routinely given antibiotics for 7 days and painkillers for 3 days.
Limitations: For the first ten days, patients should not blow their noses or wash their mouths too hard.
Fitting of temporary teeth (immediate loading): Because zygomatic implants make the cheekbone very stable, most of the time, fixed temporary teeth (temporary prosthesis) can be put in on the day of surgery or the next day.

The process of healing and osseointegration (1–4 months)

Soft diet: For the first 3 to 4 months, patients must maintain a soft diet to stop little movements during the osseointegration phase.
Bone fusion: During this time, you should avoid putting too much stress on the bone tissue around the implants so that it can stabilize.

Getting better and getting permanent teeth (6 months)

Control of osseointegration: The standard period for implants to fully integrate with the bone is usually six months, according to original procedures and typical clinical practice.
Permanent prosthesis stage: After the temporary prosthesis is taken off, the gums and implants are assessed, and the permanent (final) prostheses are made. This happens after the 6-month healing phase is over.

Appointments for follow-up

Patients commonly come in for check-ups at the following times during their recovery:

Two weeks later,
Four months and one month later.

03 What are the benefits of zygoma implants?

The strong benefits that make this strategy so popular are:

No requirement for bone grafting:

This is the best thing about it. There is no need for grafts from the hip or artificial bone powder, and you don't have to wait 6 to 9 months for these grafts to heal. This cuts down on the time it takes to treat the problem by a lot.

Short treatment duration:

Patients usually regain their fixed teeth within a few days. Zygoma can cut down on the time it takes to treat something that normally takes 1 to 1.5 years to 3 to 4 months.

Fixed teeth without a palate:

This fixes the problem of the palate closing, which is the main problem for people who wear removable dentures. The patient feels that their teeth are real, their perception of taste gets better, and their speech gets better.

Keeping the face looking good:

Losing bone makes the lower portion of the face shorter and the lips droop, making the person look older. Zygomatic implants give the facial skeleton strong support, which stops it from drooping and gives the face a younger look.

04 Risks and Safety Measures

Like any other surgery, zygoma implants come with some risks and possible problems. Knowing about these dangers and working with a skilled surgeon can help keep complications to a minimum.

Sinusitis is the most common biological problem since the implant is close to the sinus. But most of the time, medicine or easy treatments can help with this disease.
Peri-implantitis (inflammation of the gums around the implant) or a fistula (an abscess channel) may form. Also, if the head of the implant is too close to the cheek, it could cause friction-related sores (decubitus).
There is a small chance (around 3–4%) that the implant won't fuse with the bone (osseointegration) and will be lost. In this situation, the implant is often taken out, the healing process is allowed to take place, and a new strategy is developed.
There is a 6.5% chance that technical problems will happen, including porcelain teeth on implants breaking or screws coming free. In this case, the prosthesis needs to be remade, or the screw needs to be tightened.

05 Recovery process and subsequent considerations:

The first week after surgery is the most intensive period of recovery. During this time, you may experience the following and should do the following:

Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising in the operated area (cheeks) is perfectly normal. Applying ice compresses for the first 48 hours reduces swelling. Swelling usually peaks on the 3rd or 4th day and then begins to subside.
Pain: Taking the painkillers prescribed by your doctor regularly will help you get through the process comfortably.
Nutrition: To allow the implants to fuse with the bone, you must avoid very hard foods for the first 8-12 weeks. Soft foods such as soup, purée, pasta, and fish should be consumed.
Oral hygiene: Keeping the area around the implant clean is vital. Your dentist will show you how to clean around the implant using special brushes and interdental brushes. As zygomatic implants are longer and at a different angle than normal implants, cleaning them may require a little more care.
Smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol should be avoided, as they negatively affect the healing process.

06 Is zygomatic implant treatment safe in Turkey?

Yes, it is safe when the right clinic and experienced surgeon are chosen. Many clinics in Turkey have technological infrastructure that exceeds European standards. However, before making a decision, be sure to check the clinic's Ministry of Health Health Tourism Authorization Certificate, the brand of implants used (premium brands), and the surgeon's experience.

By contacting Işın Dental Clinic, which adopts a patient-centered approach, has experience in dental tourism, and offers services in many areas such as implants, veneers, and whitening, with decades of experience, you can obtain detailed information about solutions that allow you to combine both your holiday and treatment in Antalya.

07 What is the cost of a zygomatic implant?

Prices vary significantly depending on the country, city, implant brand, additional procedures (such as tooth extractions or temporary prostheses), and the number of implants required. The table below provides a general idea of average costs for zygomatic implant treatment:

Country	Single Implant Price (EUR)	Full Arch (4 Implants) Price (EUR)
USA	€14.000 - €24.000	€47.000 - €76.000
United Kingdom	€11.500 - €21.000	€43.000 - €71.000
Canada	€9.500 - €19.000	€38.000 - €66.500
Turkey	€4.750 - €9.500	€14.000 - €24.000

08 F.A.Q:

What is a zygomatic implant?

Zygomatic implants are high-tech screws that, thanks to their very long length and angled heads, enable even patients with no remaining bone in their upper jaw to achieve fixed teeth by supporting them from the cheekbone.

Is zygoma implant treatment a painful procedure?

As the surgery is performed under general anesthesia or advanced sedation, no pain is felt during the procedure. In the postoperative period, there may be swelling and discomfort, as with any normal surgical intervention. This process can be easily managed with the painkillers prescribed by your doctor.

Is there an age limit for zygoma implant treatment?

There is no specific age limit. The important factor is the patient's general health. There are many patients in their 70s and 80s who have been successfully treated. Patients of any age who do not have general health problems and whose conditions, such as controlled diabetes or hypertension, are kept stable with medication may be suitable for this treatment.

Who should not receive zygomatic implants?

They are not recommended for patients with active sinus infections, uncontrolled systemic diseases, limited mouth opening, or pathology in the cheekbone.

How many implants need to be placed?

Depending on the case, one zygomatic implant is usually placed on each side, and normal implants are placed in the front region; however, if there is no bone at all, a total of 4 zygomatic implants (Quad Zygoma) are used to perform a full jaw restoration.

What is the lifespan of zygomatic implants?

With regular oral care and dental check-ups, these implants can be used for life; follow-up studies exceeding 10 years have shown that they maintain high success rates.

The porcelain teeth on top can be replaced after an average of 10-15 years in case of wear or breakage.

Zygomatic Implants