Zygomatic Implants in Turkey for Severe Upper-Jaw Bone Loss

What Are Zygomatic Implants?

Zygomatic implants are longer dental implants developed for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw. Instead of relying mainly on the reduced maxillary bone, they gain support from the zygomatic bone, commonly known as the cheekbone.

These implants are used to support a fixed upper-arch dental restoration. Depending on the patient’s anatomy, zygomatic implants may be combined with conventional implants placed in the front region of the upper jaw. In more advanced cases, four zygomatic implants may be considered in a treatment known as Quad Zygoma.

The objective is not to replace every missing tooth with a separate implant. A carefully planned number of implants supports a complete fixed bridge, restoring the visible teeth and helping the patient regain oral function.

Zygomatic implants are an advanced surgical treatment. The upper jaw, cheekbone, sinuses, bite and planned fixed teeth must therefore be evaluated together using detailed three-dimensional imaging.

Who Is Suitable for Zygomatic Implants?

Zygomatic implants may be considered for patients who have lost most or all of their upper teeth and have insufficient upper-jaw bone for a conventional dental implant treatment.

You may be suitable if you:

• Have severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
• Have been told that conventional implants cannot be placed without extensive bone grafting.
• Have experienced previous bone-graft or implant failure.
• Have an uncomfortable or unstable removable upper denture.
• Have severely damaged upper teeth that cannot be predictably maintained.
• Want to explore a fixed alternative to removable dentures.
• Are medically suitable for advanced implant surgery.

Insufficient bone does not automatically mean that zygomatic implants are the only option. Conventional implants, bone grafting, short implants or removable restorations may also be considered. The most appropriate approach depends on your anatomy, oral health and personal preferences.

Your sinus health, medical conditions, medications, smoking habits and ability to maintain oral hygiene must also be evaluated. These factors do not always prevent treatment, but they may influence the surgical plan and healing process.

Zygomatic implants are primarily used for the upper jaw. If your lower jaw also requires treatment, it is assessed separately and may be restored with conventional implants or another full-arch solution.

Zygomatic Implants vs Conventional Implants

Conventional and zygomatic implants can both support fixed teeth, but they use different areas of bone and are intended for different clinical situations.

CONVENTIONAL DENTAL IMPLANTS

Conventional implants are placed within the jawbone where teeth are missing. They require sufficient bone volume and quality to provide suitable support.

When significant upper-jaw bone loss is present, bone grafting or sinus augmentation may be required before or during conventional implant placement. Depending on the procedure, additional surgery and healing time may be necessary.

ZYGOMATIC IMPLANTS

Zygomatic implants follow a longer pathway and gain support from the cheekbone. They are designed for selected patients whose upper-jaw bone cannot adequately support a conventional full-arch implant treatment.

In suitable cases, this approach may avoid a separate extensive bone-grafting stage. It can therefore reduce the number of surgical stages and shorten the overall journey towards fixed upper teeth.

However, zygomatic implant placement is a more advanced surgical procedure. It requires careful assessment of the sinuses and surrounding structures, three-dimensional planning and close coordination between the surgical and restorative teams.

The decision between conventional implants, bone grafting and zygomatic implants is made after a detailed clinical and radiographic examination.

Treatment Process and Timeline

REMOTE CONSULTATION

Before travelling, you can share dental photographs, available panoramic X-rays, CBCT scans and reports from previous implant or bone-grafting treatments.

The clinical team reviews these records to prepare a preliminary assessment, treatment outline and itemised quotation. Final suitability cannot be confirmed without an in-clinic examination and three-dimensional imaging.

CLINICAL EXAMINATION AND 3D IMAGING

At the clinic, your teeth, gums, bite and existing restorations are examined. Three-dimensional imaging is used to assess the upper jaw, cheekbone, maxillary sinuses and other important anatomical structures.

Your medical history, medications and previous surgical treatments are also reviewed before the treatment plan is confirmed.

SURGICAL AND PROSTHETIC PLANNING

The implant positions are planned together with the temporary and final fixed teeth.

This combined approach allows the team to consider implant stability, appearance, speech, bite, comfort and cleaning access before surgery begins.

IMPLANT PLACEMENT

Teeth that cannot be maintained are removed when required. The zygomatic implants are then placed into their planned positions and may be combined with conventional implants.

The anaesthesia or sedation approach is selected according to the complexity of the treatment, medical assessment and individual needs of the patient.

TEMPORARY FIXED RESTORATION

When the implants achieve sufficient initial stability and the clinical conditions are suitable, a temporary fixed upper-arch restoration can be attached during the initial treatment stage.

This temporary bridge supports appearance, speech and basic function while the implants and surrounding tissues heal.

HEALING PERIOD

The implants are given time to integrate with the supporting bone. The healing phase commonly lasts several months and varies according to implant stability, bone conditions and individual healing.

International patients return home during this period. Follow-up reviews and communication with the clinic continue according to the personalised treatment plan.

FINAL FIXED TEETH

After healing and implant stability have been evaluated, new scans or impressions are taken for the final fixed bridge.

The tooth shape, shade, bite and cleaning access are personalised before the final restoration is fitted and checked.

OVERALL TREATMENT TIMELINE

The complete zygomatic implant treatment in Turkey commonly takes approximately four to five months, including the healing period between the temporary and final restorations.

This does not mean that you need to remain in Turkey for several months. Treatment is divided into planned visits, and you return home during the biological healing phase.

Temporary Fixed Teeth for Zygomatic Implants

One of the greatest concerns for patients with severe upper-jaw bone loss is whether they will need to remain without teeth during the healing period.

In suitable cases, zygomatic implants can provide enough initial stability to support a temporary fixed upper-arch restoration. This may allow patients to leave the initial treatment stage with fixed temporary teeth rather than returning to a removable denture.

Immediate temporary teeth depend on:

• Implant stability achieved during surgery.
• The number and position of the implants.
• Bone and soft-tissue conditions.
• Bite and chewing forces.
• Additional procedures performed.
• The patient’s ability to follow dietary instructions.

Immediate fixed teeth cannot be guaranteed before surgery. The final decision is made after implant stability and the overall clinical condition have been evaluated.

The temporary restoration is designed specifically for the healing period. Patients must follow a soft-food diet and avoid applying excessive pressure to the implants while integration is taking place.

Temporary teeth should not be confused with the final bridge. The final restoration is produced after healing has been assessed and is designed for longer-term function, appearance, speech and cleaning access.

Zygomatic Implants Cost in Turkey

The cost of zygomatic implants in Turkey is planned individually because patients with severe upper-jaw bone loss can have very different surgical and restorative requirements.

At DIS Levent International, zygomatic implant treatment package average price is €11,000. A preliminary quotation is prepared after the clinical team reviews your dental imaging, medical information and previous treatment history.

Factors that may affect the final cost include:

• The number of zygomatic implants required.
• Whether conventional implants are also included.
• Tooth extractions and preparatory treatment.
• The selected anaesthesia or sedation approach.
• The temporary fixed restoration.
• The material and design of the final bridge.
• The number of treatment visits.
• Additional clinical requirements identified during examination.

Patients comparing zygomatic implant prices in Turkey should check whether an advertised amount refers to one implant, the surgical stage or a complete upper-arch treatment. The temporary teeth, final bridge, diagnostic imaging and travel services included in the quotation should also be confirmed.

TRANSPARENT TREATMENT PLAN

Before travelling, you receive a preliminary treatment plan and itemised quotation. The planned implants, temporary teeth, final restoration and possible additional procedures are explained in advance.

After your examination and three-dimensional imaging in Istanbul, the clinical team confirms the final treatment and cost. If a change is required, the reason, alternatives and price are discussed before treatment begins. Nothing is added without your knowledge and approval.

Recovery, Benefits and Considerations

RECOVERY AFTER ZYGOMATIC IMPLANT SURGERY

Swelling, bruising, tenderness and temporary discomfort can occur during the first days after zygomatic implant surgery. The extent of these effects depends on the number of implants, tooth extractions and complexity of the procedure.

Patients receive personalised instructions concerning medication, oral hygiene, diet and physical activity. A soft-food diet is particularly important while the implants and temporary bridge are healing.

You should contact the clinical team if you experience unexpected or worsening symptoms, including persistent swelling, fever, continuing bleeding, unusual sinus symptoms or any change affecting the eye or vision.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS

For suitable patients, zygomatic implants may provide:

• A fixed option despite severe upper-jaw bone loss.
• An alternative to a separate extensive bone-grafting stage.
• Fewer surgical and healing stages.
• Fixed temporary teeth when implant stability allows.
• Greater stability than an uncomfortable removable denture.
• Personalised upper teeth designed for appearance and function.

Zygomatic implants can be particularly meaningful for patients who have previously been told that fixed implant treatment is not possible because of insufficient bone.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Zygomatic implants have documented long-term clinical use, but no implant treatment can be guaranteed to last for life.

Because the implants are positioned close to the maxillary sinus and other important anatomical structures, detailed three-dimensional planning and advanced surgical experience are essential.

Possible complications include sinus inflammation, infection, soft-tissue problems, altered sensation, implant failure and complications affecting the temporary or final restoration. These are possible considerations rather than expected outcomes.

Careful patient selection, controlled surgery, effective oral hygiene and regular follow-up help reduce risk and support the long-term health of the implants.

LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE

Fixed implant teeth must be cleaned every day, including the areas beneath and around the bridge. Special brushes, interdental aids or a water flosser may be recommended according to the restoration design.

Regular professional examinations and radiographic reviews remain important. Although the implant and bridge cannot develop natural tooth decay, the gums and bone surrounding the implants can still be affected by inflammation.

Why Choose DIS Levent International?

MULTIDISCIPLINARY PLANNING UNDER ONE ROOF

Zygomatic implant treatment involves more than implant placement. The final result also depends on prosthetic design, bite planning, gum health, speech and long-term cleaning access.

At DIS Levent International, oral and maxillofacial surgery, implant dentistry, restorative dentistry, periodontology and other relevant dental fields are available within the same clinic. This allows the surgical and restorative stages to be coordinated without sending international patients between unrelated treatment centres.

DETAILED THREE-DIMENSIONAL ASSESSMENT

Every case begins with a detailed evaluation of the upper jaw, cheekbone, sinuses and surrounding anatomical structures. Three-dimensional imaging supports the planning of the implant pathway and its relationship with the planned fixed teeth.

The number and position of the implants are selected according to the patient’s anatomy, available bone and restorative requirements. We do not apply one standard zygomatic implant configuration to every patient.

TEMPORARY AND FINAL TEETH PLANNED TOGETHER

When the clinical conditions allow, fixed temporary teeth can be prepared for the initial healing stage. Their design considers appearance, speech, bite and the need to protect the implants during healing.

The final bridge is prepared after integration has been evaluated. Tooth shape, shade and proportions are personalised according to your face, lips and preferences rather than applying one standard smile design.

TRANSPARENT TREATMENT AND COST

Before travelling, you receive a preliminary treatment plan and itemised quotation. The proposed zygomatic and conventional implants, temporary restoration, final bridge and possible additional procedures are discussed in advance.

Following your clinical examination and three-dimensional imaging, the final plan is confirmed. If a change is necessary, the reason, alternatives and cost are explained before treatment begins.

INTERNATIONAL PATIENT SUPPORT

Throughout your treatment journey, a member of our international patient team who speaks your language is available to support you. Our English-speaking doctors can communicate with you directly, while professional interpreters assist patients who prefer other languages.

Your coordinator helps organise appointments and practical information and remains available after you return home. Follow-up questions are directed to the relevant clinician when required.

COORDINATED VISITS AND AFTERCARE

Although the complete treatment journey lasts several months, you do not need to remain in Turkey throughout the healing period. Your surgical and restorative appointments are divided into planned visits, allowing you to return home between stages.

Before leaving the clinic, you receive instructions for caring for your temporary or final teeth. Continued communication and scheduled clinical reviews help the team monitor healing and support the long-term maintenance of your implants.

Zygomatic Implant FAQs