Zygomatic implants in Turkey: Procedure, aftercare and costs

What are zygomatic implants?

Zygomatic implants are extra-long titanium implants (30-55 mm, versus 8-16 mm for conventional implants) designed for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss. Instead of relying on the atrophied maxilla, they are anchored into the zygomatic bone, bypassing the sinus cavity and eliminating the need for bone grafting. They support a fixed full-arch bridge and can often be loaded with a temporary prosthesis on the same day as surgery, a technique known as immediate loading.

Multicenter clinical studies published in peer-reviewed implant dentistry journals report long-term survival rates ranging from roughly 95% to 100%, depending on technique and follow-up period, comparable to, or better than, conventional implants placed in adequate bone.

Request your free online consultation today and find out if you qualify for zygomatic implants with one of our expert maxillofacial surgeons in Turkey.

Who needs zygomatic implants?

Zygomatic implants are a solution for patients who have typically already been turned away from conventional implants. You may be a candidate if you have:

• Severe maxillary bone loss (atrophy) that makes standard implants structurally impossible.
• Total edentulism in the upper jaw, with or without a history of failed implants.
• Contraindication or refusal of bone grafting, whether for medical, time, or comfort reasons.
• Intolerance to removable dentures: instability, discomfort, gum irritation, or loss of confidence.
• A need for immediate loading: you want fixed teeth without spending months without a functional smile.

Zygomatic implants are not the first-line option for everyone. If you have only moderate bone loss, a sinus lift combined with standard implants is usually simpler and less invasive. Your surgeon will confirm eligibility with a 3D CT scan before any treatment plan is finalized.

Not sure which category you fall into? Request a free online case assessment with one of our implantologists.

ZAGA and Quad Zygoma: The techniques behind the procedure

Not all zygomatic implant cases are the same, which is why modern implantology relies on anatomy-guided protocols rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

• ZAGA (Zygoma Anatomy-Guided Approach): the surgeon classifies each patient's zygoma and sinus anatomy before choosing the exact implant trajectory, minimizing intrusion into the sinus and improving long-term soft-tissue stability. Studies using the ZAGA protocol have reported implant survival rates at or near 100% over multi-year follow-up.
• Quad Zygoma: for patients with extremely resorbed maxillae (Cawood-Howell class V-VI),four zygomatic implants are placed instead of two, removing the need for any standard anterior implants. Long-term data, including a 17-year follow-up study, report survival rates above 97%.

Knowing which protocol applies to your case, and why, is one of the clearest signs you're working with a surgeon who treats zygomatic cases regularly rather than occasionally.

Zygoma implant process in Turkey

Highly qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Turkey perform zygomatic implant procedures using cutting-edge technology. Here's how it works:

Who should perform your surgery? Surgeon qualifications to look for

Zygomatic implant placement is maxillofacial surgery, not routine dentistry. The zygoma sits close to the orbital floor, the maxillary sinus, and several nerve pathways, so precision and specific training matter more here than for a standard implant.

Before booking treatment, confirm your surgeon:

• Holds a specialization in oral and maxillofacial surgery (not general dentistry alone).
• Has documented experience specifically in zygomatic and quad-zygoma cases; ask for case volume, not just years in practice.
• Uses 3D-guided surgical planning (CBCT-based) rather than freehand placement.
• Works alongside a prosthodontist for the digital bridge design, since the surgical and prosthetic plans need to be coordinated from day one.

At Turquie Santé, every zygomatic implant case is matched with a maxillofacial surgeon and reviewed by our in-house dental team before you receive a quote, so you're never matched with a general practitioner for a procedure that requires specialist training.

Which implant option is right for you?

When choosing between conventional implants, bone graft + implants, or zygomatic implants in Turkey, patients often wonder about healing time, cost, success rates, and long-term comfort. The table below summarizes the key differences to help you understand which solution may suit your case best:

Still not sure which treatment is right for you? Request your free assessment with Turquie Santé and compare your treatment options with guidance from expert implantologists in Istanbul.

Recovery and aftercare: What to expect

Recovery from zygomatic implant surgery happens in two phases: the initial surgical recovery you experience in Turkey, and the longer biological healing process at home.

First 7-10 days (in Turkey):

• Swelling, bruising, and mild-to-moderate discomfort are normal and managed with prescribed pain relief and anti-inflammatories.
• A liquid-to-soft diet is required immediately after surgery.
• Cold compresses in the first 48 hours help reduce swelling.

Weeks 2-12 (at home):

• A soft-food diet is typically required for 8-12 weeks to avoid stressing the healing implants.
• Strict oral hygiene is essential: antiseptic mouthwash initially, followed by a water flosser once your surgeon confirms healing is progressing well.
• Smoking should be avoided entirely; it significantly increases the risk of implant failure.
• Follow-up contact with your surgical team (video calls, photos) is arranged as part of your Turquie Santé care package.

Months 4-6:

• Osseointegration completes, and you return to Turkey for impressions and fitting of your final, permanent bridge.

Risks & contraindications of zygomatic implants

While zygomatic implants are an advanced and effective solution for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss, there are certain contraindications to consider:

• Oral or dental infections: Any active infection must be treated before implant placement, as infections can interfere with healing and may lead to implant failure.
• Insufficient cheekbone volume: Zygomatic implants require adequate bone in the zygomatic region. If the bone is insufficient, a bone graft may be necessary before proceeding.
• Bone diseases: Conditions such as osteoporosis or Paget's disease can reduce bone density, potentially affecting the success of the implant.
• Radiation therapy: Patients who have received radiation in the maxillofacial area may have altered bone quality, which could compromise implant integration.

Every patient should discuss their full medical history with their implant surgeon to ensure that zygomatic implants are a safe and suitable option.

Book a consultation with our specialists at Turquie Santé to assess your eligibility and get personalized guidance.