Zygomatic dental implants are a specialised solution for patients who have lost significant jawbone volume and cannot have standard implants without extensive bone grafting. Instead of anchoring into the upper jawbone, zygomatic implants fix into the cheekbone (zygoma) — a dense, stable structure unaffected by bone loss. They are one of the most technically demanding procedures in implant dentistry.
Zygomatic implants are not a routine treatment. They require a specialist maxillofacial surgeon or an implantologist with advanced training. Only a handful of clinics in the UK offer them.
Who Needs Zygomatic Dental Implants?
The main candidates are patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw — typically caused by:
- Long-term tooth loss without replacement (bone resorbs when unstimulated)
- Failed previous implants that caused bone destruction
- Severe periodontal (gum) disease
- Trauma or surgery (including tumour removal)
- Certain medical conditions affecting bone density
Before recommending zygomatic implants, a specialist will assess your bone volume using a CBCT (3D cone beam) scan. Patients with moderate bone loss may still be candidates for standard implants with a sinus lift or bone graft, which is less complex and usually cheaper.
How Much Do Zygomatic Dental Implants Cost in the UK?
| Procedure | Cost Range (UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single zygomatic implant | £5,000–£9,000 | Rare — usually done in pairs |
| Two zygomatic implants (one side) | £9,000–£16,000 | Standard for one arch side |
| Full upper arch (quad zygoma) | £18,000–£35,000 | 4 zygomatic implants + fixed bridge |
| Zygoma + standard implants combined | £14,000–£28,000 | Most common full-arch approach |
| CBCT scan and treatment planning | £200–£500 | Essential pre-surgical assessment |
These costs reflect the complexity of the surgery, the need for general anaesthetic or deep sedation in most cases, and the specialist training required. Abroad (Hungary, Poland, Turkey) costs can be 40–60% lower — but the specialist scarcity makes careful clinic vetting even more critical than with standard implants.
Zygomatic vs Bone Graft: Which Is Right for You?
| Factor | Bone Graft + Standard Implants | Zygomatic Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Bone requirement | Moderate loss manageable | Severe/total loss |
| Number of procedures | 2–3 stages over 12–18 months | 1–2 stages over 6–9 months |
| Surgery complexity | Moderate | High |
| Cost (upper arch) | £14,000–£22,000 | £18,000–£35,000 |
| Recovery | 2–4 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Long-term success rate | 95%+ at 10 years | 90–95% at 10 years |
For most patients with moderate bone loss, a sinus lift and bone graft with standard implants is the preferred route — it is less technically demanding and has a longer evidence base. Zygomatic implants are the correct choice when bone grafting is not viable or when the patient needs a faster treatment timeline.
The Zygomatic Implant Procedure
- CBCT scan and consultation: Full 3D imaging to assess bone structure and plan implant positioning
- Pre-surgical planning: Often involves surgical guides produced from digital scans
- Surgery: Typically performed under IV sedation or general anaesthetic. Takes 3–5 hours for full-arch treatment
- Immediate provisional teeth: In most cases, a temporary fixed bridge is fitted the same day
- Healing (3–6 months): Implants integrate while you wear the provisional teeth
- Final restoration: Permanent fixed bridge placed once integration is confirmed
Risks and Complications
Zygomatic implants carry a higher risk profile than standard implants due to their proximity to the sinus and orbital floor:
- Sinusitis: Most common complication — the implant passes through the sinus cavity. Rates vary 5–15% depending on technique
- Orbital penetration: Extremely rare with experienced surgeons and good planning
- Nerve sensation changes: Temporary numbness in cheek area post-surgery
- Implant failure: Lower than standard implants but still 5–10% at 10 years
- Fistula: Soft tissue complications around the implant head
Always ask your surgeon how many zygomatic implants they have placed and request to see case photos. Experience is far more important here than cost.
Finding a Zygomatic Implant Specialist in the UK
Zygomatic implants require a clinician with advanced surgical training. Look for:
- Fellowship of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI) or equivalent
- Membership of the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) for surgical cases
- Documented experience with zygomatic cases — ask for the number performed
- In-house CBCT scanning and surgical guide production
- Hospital or theatre access for complex or medically compromised patients
Frequently Asked Questions
Are zygomatic dental implants available on the NHS?
Zygomatic implants are not routinely available on the NHS. They may be considered in exceptional cases following cancer surgery or severe trauma, but the vast majority of patients fund treatment privately.
How long do zygomatic implants last?
Published data shows 90–95% survival rates at 10 years. They are considered a permanent solution, though the overlying bridge will typically need replacement every 10–15 years.
Can zygomatic implants be done abroad?
Yes — Hungary, Poland and Turkey have clinics experienced with zygomatic implants. Savings of 40–60% are realistic. Given the complexity, only use clinics with documented, verifiable experience in zygomatic procedures and ensure you have a local clinician who can manage complications.
What is quad zygoma?
Quad zygoma refers to using four zygomatic implants (two per side) to support a full upper arch, with no standard implants. It avoids sinus lifts entirely and is used when the entire upper jawbone is severely deficient.
Is zygomatic implant surgery painful?
Surgery is performed under sedation or general anaesthetic, so you will not feel anything during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort is significant — most patients need prescription pain relief for 5–10 days and full recovery takes 4–6 weeks.