Zygomatic Implant Treatment

What is a zygomatic implant?

Zygomatic implant is a special type of implant used in patients with severe bone resorption in the upper jaw, anchored into the cheekbone. Unlike classical implants, it is placed not in the jawbone but in the denser and stronger zygoma (cheek) bone. This makes it possible to perform treatment with fixed dental prosthesis even in many cases previously deemed "unsuitable for implants due to insufficient bone".

While normal implants are typically 8–15 mm in length, zygomatic implants can reach approximately 30–50 mm. This length allows them to pass through the resorbed jawbone and reach the cheekbone. Thus, the patient is provided with a permanent and fixed dental solution, both aesthetically and functionally.

In summary, zygomatic implant is a strong, fast, and long-lasting implant option for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw who do not wish to undergo additional surgeries like bone grafts or sinus lifts.

How is a zygomatic implant placed?

Zygomatic implant treatment begins with detailed planning and three-dimensional tomography. First, the patient's upper jaw and cheekbone structure are evaluated, the condition of the sinuses is examined, and the number of zygomatic implants needed is determined.

The operation is mostly performed under general anesthesia or sedation; the patient feels no pain during the procedure. The surgeon makes small incisions in the upper jaw area to prepare the tunnel through which the implant will pass. Using special, long drills, a safe path is created from the jawbone to the zygomatic bone. Then, the titanium zygomatic implant

In many centers, a temporary fixed prosthesis is also attached in the same session; thus, the patient leaves the surgery with teeth. These temporary teeth are used during the healing period, and after 3–6 months, once the implants have fused with the bone, the permanent prostheses are prepared and screwed on.

How are the prices for zygoma / zygomatic implant treatment determined?

The cost of zygomatic implant treatment is higher than standard implant treatments because both the materials used and the surgical process are more specialized. The main factor affecting the pricing is how many zygomatic implants will be placed and whether normal implants are additionally needed in the frontal region.

Other important factors determining the price are; the need for general anesthesia / sedation, the performance of the surgery in a hospital or fully equipped clinic setting, the type of temporary and permanent prostheses (porcelain, zirconia, etc.), and the brand of implant used.

Since each patient's bone condition, general health, and required prosthesis type are different, it would not be correct to state a standard figure for zygomatic implant treatment. The healthiest approach is to create a personalized treatment plan and pricing after examination, tomography, and planning. The important thing here is to choose not just the cheapest option, but the treatment that will be safe and successful in the long term.

Who is suitable for zygomatic implants, and in which situations are they preferred?

Zygomatic implants are a solution developed specifically for patients with advanced bone resorption in the upper jaw who are therefore not recommended for classical implant treatment. They are frequently preferred in individuals who have used complete dentures (palate) for many years, those who lost their teeth at a young age and developed bone resorption over time, or those who have lost bone support due to advanced periodontitis.

Additionally, patients who have lost part of their upper jaw bone due to trauma, tumor surgery, or congenital anomalies may also be candidates for zygomatic implants. In these patients, instead of lengthy and additional surgical procedures like bone grafts or sinus lifts, fixed teeth can be provided with implants that anchor directly to the cheekbone.

The most important feature of zygomatic implants is that they offer the possibility of a fixed prosthesis even in cases deemed "insufficient bone". However, zygomatic implants may not be the only solution for every case of bone deficiency; in some patients, combined solutions (normal implants in the frontal region, zygomatic implants in the posterior regions) are preferred. The final decision is made by the oral surgeon / implantologist after tomography and clinical examination.

Is zygomatic implant surgery painful?

Zygomatic implant surgery is one of the topics patients are most curious about; no pain is felt during the operation. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation; meaning all surgery is completed while the patient is asleep. This increases comfort and allows for additional procedures to be performed in the same session.

After surgery, as with any surgical intervention, mild to moderate pain and swelling may occur. However, this can mostly be controlled with prescribed painkillers and ice application. Patients often report experiencing less pain than they expected.

There may be slight fatigue, facial swelling, and bruising for the first 2–3 days; these are part of the normal healing process. Many patients can return to their daily routine within a few days. So, even though zygomatic implant surgery sounds like an "intensive procedure", it can be completed quite comfortably with proper planning and appropriate anesthesia.

What is the pain level, surgical process, and recovery period like in zygomatic implant surgery?

Zygomatic implant surgery is technically an advanced procedure, but from the patient's perspective, the pain level is manageable. Since general anesthesia or sedation is used during surgery, the patient feels no pain at all. The operation time varies depending on the case and the number of implants to be placed, but it generally takes around 2–3 hours.

In the first days after surgery, swelling, sensitivity, and mild bruising in the cheek area may be seen. These are normal and usually decrease significantly within the first week. When the painkillers and antibiotics prescribed by the doctor are used regularly, the pain is mild to moderate for most patients.

The recovery period is evaluated at two levels:

• Soft tissue healing (closure of stitches and incisions) takes approximately 1–2 weeks.

• Implant-bone fusion (osseointegration) takes an average of 3–6 months.

During this process, the patient usually uses a temporary fixed prosthesis and consumes soft and medium-consistency foods. With regular check-ups and good oral care, the recovery period progresses without issues for most patients.

What is the success rate and long-term outcome of zygomatic implants?

Scientific studies show that the long-term success rates of zygomatic implants range between 90–97%. These rates are quite close to the success of classical dental implants. Especially in cases with appropriate patient selection, correct planning, and application by experienced surgeons, zygomatic implants are a solution that can provide trouble-free service for many years.

The main factors affecting success are;