Zygomatic Implant
Zygomatic implant treatment in Istanbul. Same-day fixed teeth for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss, without bone grafting. Safe application with JD Dental Implants and Z-GO Guide guided surgery.
What Is a Zygomatic Implant?
A zygomatic implant is a specialized implant designed for patients who have experienced severe bone loss in the upper jaw (maxilla). While conventional dental implants are 8-16 mm in length, zygomatic implants range from 30 to 52.5 mm and anchor into the cheekbone (os zygomaticum). This allows fixed dental prostheses to be made even for patients who lack sufficient bone in the upper jaw.
The most significant advantage of this technique is that it eliminates the need for bone grafting surgery and the months-long healing wait. In many cases, a temporary fixed prosthesis is placed on the same day, allowing the patient to leave the clinic with functional teeth.
Zygomatic Implant vs. Conventional Implant
|-----------|---------------------|-------------------|
| Criterion | Conventional Implant | Zygomatic Implant |
|---|---|---|
| Bone requirement | Sufficient alveolar bone required | Uses the cheekbone |
| Grafting need | Grafting required if bone is insufficient | No grafting needed |
| Implant length | 8-16 mm | 30-52.5 mm |
| Treatment duration | 9-18 months including grafting | 1 day (including temporary prosthesis) |
| Temporary prosthesis | After graft heals | Same day |
| Surgical expertise | General implantologist | Oral surgery specialist required |
Types of Zygomatic Implants
Bilateral (Two-Sided) Zygomatic Implant
One zygomatic implant is placed in each cheekbone, and 2-4 conventional implants are placed in the anterior region. This is the most commonly applied technique.
Quad-Zygoma (Four Zygomatic Implants)
Two zygomatic implants are placed on each side, totaling 4 zygomatic implants. When there is insufficient bone even in the anterior region, conventional implants are not needed.
Hybrid Approach
A zygomatic implant is used on one side while a conventional implant is placed on the other side where sufficient bone exists. The surgeon determines the most suitable combination based on the patient's anatomy.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, zygomatic implant treatment carries potential risks:
- Sinusitis: Since the implant passes through the sinus cavity, there is a risk of sinus infection. This risk is minimized with proper surgical technique and antibiotic prophylaxis.
- Soft tissue infection: Infection may develop at the operation site; it is prevented with regular follow-up and hygiene.
- Paresthesia (numbness): Temporary facial numbness may rarely occur due to working near the infraorbital nerve. Guided surgery with nerve mapping reduces this risk.
- Implant failure: Clinical studies report a 10-year survival rate of 95-98% for zygomatic implants (Aparicio et al., 2014; Chrcanovic & Albrektsson, 2016).
Success Rates and Clinical Evidence
Zygomatic implant treatment has been applied since 1998 and is supported by clinical research:
- 10-year survival rate: 95.21% (Chrcanovic & Albrektsson, 2016 -- meta-analysis of 68 studies)
- Patient satisfaction: More than 90% of patients in the literature report satisfaction with the treatment outcome
- Bone graft comparison: Total duration with grafting is 12-18 months, while zygomatic implants deliver functional teeth within 1-2 days
Zygomatic Implants at Our Clinic
Our clinic uses JD Dental Implants brand zygomatic implants. During the surgical phase, implants are placed with millimeter precision using the Z-GO Guide guided surgery system. Digital case planning makes the treatment predictable and safe.
Zygomatic implant treatment requires Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery specialization. All surgical procedures at our clinic are performed by a specialist surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is zygomatic implant surgery painful?
The operation is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation; no pain is felt during the procedure. Mild to moderate pain and swelling, manageable with pain relievers, may occur for 3-5 days after surgery.
How long do zygomatic implants last?
Clinical studies report a 10-year success rate above 95%. With good care and regular follow-ups, zygomatic implants can be used for a lifetime.
Should I choose bone grafting or zygomatic implants?
Each method has different advantages. Bone grafting takes longer (6-12 months) but results in standard implants. Zygomatic implants deliver same-day results but require more specialized surgical experience. The decision depends on the patient's bone condition, general health, and expectations.
Can everyone get zygomatic implants?
Most patients in good general health who have severe bone loss in the upper jaw are candidates. However, uncontrolled diabetes, severe heart disease, or active cancer treatment may constitute contraindications.
What is the recovery process after zygomatic implant surgery?
Swelling and edema in the first 48 hours are normal and controlled with ice application. Sutures are removed within 7-10 days and daily life is resumed. Attention should be paid to soft food consumption during the first week using the temporary prosthesis.
How much do zygomatic implants cost?
Pricing varies based on the number of implants used, the surgical method, and the prosthesis type. Contact our clinic for personalized pricing information tailored to your case.
Treatment Steps
Clinical Examination and 3D Imaging
The patient undergoes a detailed clinical examination and CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scan. Using the tomography data, bone volume, sinus anatomy, and cheekbone structure are evaluated. This data is transferred to digital planning software to determine the number, angle, and position of implants.
Digital Planning and Surgical Guide Production
After three-dimensional positioning of the implants in the planning software, a custom surgical guide is produced for the patient. The Z-GO Guide system provides the surgery with millimeter precision and shortens the operative time.
Surgical Operation
The operation is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Zygomatic implants are placed into the cheekbone. They can be applied unilaterally or bilaterally. The total number of implants in the upper jaw may be 2-4 zygomatic + 2-4 conventional implants (Quad-Zygoma or hybrid concept), depending on the case.
Same-Day Temporary Fixed Prosthesis
When the initial stability of the implants is sufficient, a temporary fixed prosthesis is mounted on the day of surgery. The patient leaves the clinic with teeth the same day. The temporary prosthesis provides function and aesthetics while the soft tissue heals.
Permanent Prosthesis
After the healing process is completed (3-6 months), an impression is taken and a permanent zirconia or metal-supported porcelain prosthesis is fabricated. The permanent prosthesis offers a long-lasting solution that is both aesthetic and functional.
Clinical Examination and 3D Imaging
The patient undergoes a detailed clinical examination and CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scan. Using the tomography data, bone volume, sinus anatomy, and cheekbone structure are evaluated. This data is transferred to digital planning software to determine the number, angle, and position of implants.
Digital Planning and Surgical Guide Production
After three-dimensional positioning of the implants in the planning software, a custom surgical guide is produced for the patient. The Z-GO Guide system provides the surgery with millimeter precision and shortens the operative time.
Surgical Operation
The operation is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Zygomatic implants are placed into the cheekbone. They can be applied unilaterally or bilaterally. The total number of implants in the upper jaw may be 2-4 zygomatic + 2-4 conventional implants (Quad-Zygoma or hybrid concept), depending on the case.
Same-Day Temporary Fixed Prosthesis
When the initial stability of the implants is sufficient, a temporary fixed prosthesis is mounted on the day of surgery. The patient leaves the clinic with teeth the same day. The temporary prosthesis provides function and aesthetics while the soft tissue heals.
Permanent Prosthesis
After the healing process is completed (3-6 months), an impression is taken and a permanent zirconia or metal-supported porcelain prosthesis is fabricated. The permanent prosthesis offers a long-lasting solution that is both aesthetic and functional.
Who Is This For?
Severe bone loss in the upper jaw: When the alveolar bone has thinned due to long-term edentulism, osteoporosis, or periodontal disease, conventional implant placement may not be possible. Zygomatic implants offer an alternative for these patients.
Patients who cannot have bone grafting: Those unable to undergo grafting due to systemic diseases, medication use (bisphosphonates), or anatomical reasons can be treated with zygomatic implants.
Patients who do not want long waiting periods: Bone grafting typically requires 6-9 months of healing. Patients who do not accept this timeline can achieve results directly with zygomatic treatment.
Patients with previous failed implant treatment: Zygomatic implants can serve as a second chance when standard implant integration has failed.
Long-term full denture wearers: In patients who have been edentulous for years, bone resorption has advanced significantly; zygomatic implants are frequently applied in these cases.