Zygomatic Implants in Turkey — Istanbul
Zygomatic Implants in Turkey: Fixed Teeth Without Bone Grafting
Told you don't have enough bone for dental implants? Zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbone instead of the jaw, making fixed same-day teeth possible even with severe bone loss. In Turkey, this advanced procedure is performed at a fraction of UK and EU prices — at our Istanbul clinic, by Dr. Aykut Gürel, an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, using fully guided digital surgery.
In short
Zygomatic implants replace bone grafting for patients with severe upper-jaw bone loss, and in Turkey a full zygomatic arch typically costs 50–70% less than in the UK. Because the implants anchor near the sinus and orbit, this is maxillofacial surgery, not routine implantology— at Dr. Gürel's clinic in Istanbul it is planned on a 3D CBCT scan and performed with guided surgery, with fixed temporary teeth the same day.
What Is a Zygomatic Implant?
A zygomatic implant is a specialized dental implant that anchors into the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the upper jaw bone. While standard implants are 8–16 mm long, zygomatic implants range from 30–55 mm, bypassing the deteriorated jaw bone entirely.
This technique eliminates the need for bone grafting procedures such as sinus lifting, which typically require 6–12 months of healing before implants can be placed. With zygomatic implants, patients can receive fixed teeth on the same day as surgery. For the clinical details of the procedure itself, see our zygomatic implant treatment page.
How Much Do Zygomatic Implants Cost in Turkey? (2026)
Zygomatic implant treatment in Turkey typically costs 50–70% less than the same procedure in the UK, Germany or the US. The ranges below are indicative and intended for comparison with private UK fees — your exact quote depends on the number of implants, the prosthesis and case complexity, and is confirmed after a CBCT scan.
| Treatment | Turkey (indicative) | UK private (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Zygomatic implants — one arch (severe bone loss) | £6,000 – £9,000 | £18,000 – £25,000 |
| All-on-4 — one full arch (sufficient bone) | £3,500 – £6,000 | £10,000 – £17,000 |
Indicative ranges for comparison only; currency and exact fees vary by case and exchange rate. Priced per implant, a zygomatic implant is around €2,500 (≈£2,100).
The difference comes from lower clinic overheads and the exchange rate — not from different implant systems or a compressed protocol. For a full breakdown of what determines the price, see our zygomatic implant cost guide.
Why Patients Travel to Turkey for This Procedure
- Specialist scarcity at home. Zygomatic implant placement is a maxillofacial surgery procedure, not routine implantology. In many countries only a handful of clinics offer it, with long waiting lists and referral chains.
- Surgeon-led treatment. In Istanbul your case is planned and operated by the surgeon himself — not coordinated by a sales team and delegated on the day.
- One trip, teeth the same day. High primary stability in the zygoma allows fixed temporary teeth before you fly home.
- Transparent savings. The 50–70% difference holds even after flights and accommodation.
Who Needs Zygomatic Implants?
- Patients with severe upper jaw bone loss where standard implants cannot be placed
- Patients who have been wearing removable dentures for many years and have significant bone resorption
- Those who have had failed bone grafting or sinus lifting procedures
- Patients who cannot or do not want to wait for lengthy bone grafting recovery (6–12 months)
- Cancer or trauma patients who have lost part of their upper jaw
Success Rates — What the Evidence Shows
According to PubMed, an updated systematic review of 68 studies covering 4,556 zygomatic implants in 2,161 patients reported a 12-year cumulative survival rate of 95.2%, with most failures occurring in the first six months after surgery (Chrcanovic et al., J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2016 DOI). Long-term clinical series and reviews report survival between 94% and 98% over 5–10 years (Aparicio et al., Periodontol 2000, 2014 DOI; Bedrossian, Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants, 2010 PubMed). This is comparable to conventional implants placed in healthy bone. No ethical surgeon offers an outcome guarantee — what these figures show is that, correctly planned and placed, zygomatic implants are a predictable long-term solution.
The Zygoma All-on-4 Protocol
The most common approach combines zygomatic and conventional implants:
- 2 zygomatic implants placed in the posterior region (one on each side)
- 2–4 standard implants placed in the anterior region (front of the jaw)
- A full-arch fixed bridge is attached to all implants
- Immediate loading — temporary fixed teeth on the same day
For patients with sufficient bone who need a full arch, conventional All-on-4 treatment or full-mouth implants may be the simpler route — the CBCT scan determines which protocol fits your anatomy.
Treatment Process
1. 3D Assessment and Digital Planning
A cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan provides a detailed 3D view of the jaw, cheekbone, and sinus anatomy. Using specialized planning software, the exact position, angle, and length of each implant is determined before surgery.
2. Guided Surgery with Z-GO Guide
A patient-specific surgical guide is 3D-printed based on the digital plan. This guide ensures millimetric precision during implant placement, reducing surgical time and complications. Our clinic uses the Z-GO Guide system for maximum accuracy.
3. Surgery Day
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Zygomatic implants are placed into the cheekbone, and standard implants are placed anteriorly. Surgery typically takes 2–3 hours. Same-day temporary fixed teeth are attached before the patient leaves.
4. Final Prosthesis
After 3–6 months of healing (osseointegration), the temporary prosthesis is replaced with the final, permanent zirconia or porcelain prosthesis.
Treatment Timeline for International Patients
- Visit 1 — 5 to 7 days in Istanbul: consultation and CBCT (day 1), guided zygomatic surgery with same-day fixed temporary teeth (day 2–3), review and suture check before you fly home.
- At home — 3 to 6 months: osseointegration period with your temporary fixed teeth in function; we stay reachable and can coordinate with your local dentist.
- Visit 2 — 4 to 5 days: final zirconia or porcelain prosthesis fitted and adjusted.
Before you travel home you receive your full treatment record, imaging and care plan — every case is documented and traceable.
Choosing Where to Have Zygomatic Surgery: 4 Questions to Ask
- Who actually operates?Ask for the surgeon's name and specialty. Zygomatic placement is maxillofacial surgery — "our implant team" is not an answer.
- Is the surgery guided? Freehand zygomatic placement leaves less margin for error near the sinus and orbit. Ask whether CBCT-based guided surgery is used.
- Which implant system — and is it designed for the zygoma? See our guide to zygomatic implant brand selection.
- What happens if something goes wrong after you fly home? Ask how follow-up and records are handled before you book.
Why Choose Dr. Gürel in Istanbul?
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist — not a general dentist
- Digital guided surgery with Z-GO Guide system for precision
- JD Dental Implants — specialized zygomatic implant system
- 3D CBCT planning for every case
- Located in Ataşehir, Istanbul — easily accessible, modern facility
- Full documentation for international patients — written treatment record, imaging and care plan to take home
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do zygomatic implants cost in Turkey?
Indicative ranges put a full zygomatic arch in Turkey at roughly £6,000–£9,000, versus £18,000–£25,000 privately in the UK. Priced per implant, a zygomatic implant is around €2,500 (≈£2,100). The difference comes from lower clinic overheads and the exchange rate, not from a different implant system or a compressed protocol. Your exact figure depends on the number of implants, the prosthesis and case complexity, and is confirmed only after a CBCT scan.
Is it safe to have zygomatic implant surgery abroad?
Safety depends far more on who operates than on the country. Zygomatic implant placement is a maxillofacial surgery procedure performed close to the sinus and orbit, so surgical training and guided planning matter more than location. At our Istanbul clinic the surgery is planned and performed by Dr. Aykut Gürel, an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, using CBCT-based guided surgery. According to PubMed, a systematic review of 4,556 zygomatic implants reported a 12-year cumulative survival rate of 95.2%. We do not make outcome guarantees — no ethical surgeon can — but every case is documented and traceable.
How many trips to Istanbul do I need?
Two. The first visit takes 5–7 days: consultation and CBCT, guided surgery with same-day fixed temporary teeth, then a review before you fly home. After 3–6 months of healing at home, a second visit of 4–5 days is needed to fit the final zirconia or porcelain prosthesis. Before each trip home you receive your full treatment record, imaging and care plan.
Is zygomatic implant surgery painful?
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation, so you feel nothing during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort is managed with prescribed pain medication and typically subsides within 3–5 days.
How long do zygomatic implants last?
With proper care and regular check-ups, zygomatic implants are designed as a permanent solution — long-term studies report survival rates above 95% at 10–12 years. The prosthetic teeth may need replacement after 15–25 years, but the implants themselves remain integrated in the cheekbone.
Do I need to bring my X-rays or CT scan?
If you have a recent CBCT scan (less than 6 months old), you can share it for a free preliminary evaluation before you travel. Otherwise, we take a new scan at our clinic as part of the initial consultation on day one.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Send us your panoramic X-ray or CT scan for a free preliminary evaluation. We will review your case and reply with a personalized treatment plan and indicative cost — before you book any travel.