Zygomatic dental implants are extra-long implants anchored in the cheekbone (the zygoma) instead of the upper jawbone, used when the upper jaw has too little bone for standard implants. In the UK they are a private treatment, and the clinic prices we found start at £17,500 for a full upper arch, or from £5,000 per implant. A 2023 meta-analysis found long-term survival comparable to conventional implants, with sinusitis the most common biological complication. This guide covers who they are for, what clinics charge and what the research shows.
We checked every linked page in October 2026. Clinic pages are marketing as well as information, so use them to judge quotes.
What are zygomatic implants?
They are implants long enough to reach the cheekbone, so they do not depend on the bone of the upper jaw. Myo Dental in Weybridge describes them as extra-long implants anchored into the cheekbone, designed to provide stability when upper-jaw bone volume is limited.
According to a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis in the International Journal of Implant Dentistry, the use of the zygoma as an anchorage site was first explored by Branemark in 1988. The review describes two main set-ups: zygomatic implants splinted to conventional implants in the front of the upper jaw, or a “quad zygoma” approach. It also lists uses after cancer surgery or trauma.
Who needs zygomatic implants?
They are for people whose upper jaw is too thin or too short for standard implants, often called an atrophic maxilla. The 2023 review concludes that zygomatic implants may be a predictable option for the atrophic or resected maxilla. Yorkshire Dental Suite lists the options for bone loss as a bone graft, sinus lift, zygomatic implants or pterygoid implants.
The main alternative is to rebuild the bone first. The review notes that zygomatic implants may bring time benefits compared with implants placed in grafted sites, and reduced morbidity because no second donor site is needed. UrgentCare Dental estimates that the conventional route with major bone grafting takes 12 to 18 months. Our bone graft guide explains grafts and sinus lifts. Whether you need either is decided from a CBCT scan.
How much do zygomatic implants cost in the UK?
These are the figures named UK clinics publish:
| Clinic | What the page publishes | What to note |
|---|---|---|
| Myo Dental (Weybridge, Surrey) | From £17,500 | Includes the cheekbone implants, abutments, and the immediately loaded and final teeth. |
| London City Smiles | From £5,000 per zygomatic implant | A per-implant price, so ask how many you need and what the bridge costs. |
| UrgentCare Dental (north of England) | UK range £10,000 to £25,000 per arch | Gives £15,000 to £25,000 in London and £10,000 to £18,000 in the north of England. |
| Lincoln Dental and Implant Studio | £15,000 to £25,000 or more for a full arch | A general UK range. The page does not give its own fee. |
For comparison, UrgentCare Dental puts the bone-graft route at £12,000 to £22,000 for the implants plus £3,000 to £8,000 for the grafting. Prices vary with how many zygomatic implants you need, whether standard implants are combined with them, the anaesthetic, and the bridge material. Ask for a written quote that lists each item. See our London price guide and finance guide.
How successful are zygomatic implants?
Survival is high in the studies, close to conventional implants. The 2023 meta-analysis included 18 studies covering 1349 zygomatic implants in 623 patients, with a mean follow-up of 75.4 months.
| Outcome | Result |
|---|---|
| Implant survival | 96.2% at 6 years |
| Survival with delayed loading | 95% |
| Survival with immediate loading | 98.1% |
| Annual rate of implant failure | 0.7% |
| Prosthesis (bridge) survival | 94% |
| Sinusitis | 14.2% at 5 years |
The authors say immediate loading showed a statistically significant increase in survival over delayed loading, but that this difference may not be clinically significant. They also point out that no randomised controlled trials were included, so the evidence comes from weaker study designs.
What are the risks?
Sinusitis is the complication to ask about. The 2023 review found it was the most frequently encountered biological complication and the most commonly reported factor related to implant loss. When sinusitis was diagnosed, the studies reported successful treatment with antibiotics and/or surgery. The review also mentions reports of pain and altered sensation in the cheek and below the eye in other studies. Our complications and risks guide covers implant risks in general.
The review describes zygomatic implant placement as an advanced surgical procedure that requires appropriate technical skills and may need sedation or a general anaesthetic, which adds cost and complexity.
What does the treatment involve?
The steps are similar to other full-arch treatment: a CBCT scan and plan, surgery to place the implants, a temporary bridge, then the final bridge. At Myo Dental the price includes immediately loaded teeth as well as the final teeth, meaning a temporary bridge is fitted straight after surgery. The anaesthetic, surgery length and healing time depend on your case, so ask your surgeon for them in writing. Our same-day teeth guide explains immediate loading.
How do you find a zygomatic implant surgeon?
Ask how many zygomatic cases the surgeon has treated, how complications such as sinusitis are handled, and who looks after you if something goes wrong. The General Dental Council publishes a register that anyone can search, and it keeps specialist lists, including one for oral surgery. In England, the Care Quality Commission publishes inspection reports for dental practices. Our guide to choosing an implant clinic has more.
Are zygomatic implants available on the NHS?
Rarely. The NHS says implants are usually only available privately, and that, although it is rare, they are sometimes available on the NHS for patients who cannot wear dentures for certain reasons, such as mouth cancer or an accident. If you have lost bone after cancer surgery or an injury, ask your hospital team. See our guide to NHS dental implants.
If you have enough bone, standard full-arch options cost less: see All-on-4, All-on-6 and our full-arch comparison.
Frequently asked questions
How much do zygomatic implants cost in the UK?
Myo Dental in Weybridge starts at £17,500, including the cheekbone implants, abutments and the temporary and final teeth. London City Smiles quotes from £5,000 per zygomatic implant. UrgentCare Dental puts the UK range at £10,000 to £25,000 per arch.
How long do zygomatic implants last?
A 2023 meta-analysis of 18 studies found 96.2% implant survival at 6 years and 94% bridge survival, which the authors describe as comparable to conventional implants. None of the included studies was a randomised trial.
What is the most common problem with zygomatic implants?
Sinusitis. The 2023 meta-analysis found a sinusitis prevalence of 14.2% at 5 years, and it was the most commonly reported factor related to implant loss. Studies reported that it was treated with antibiotics and/or surgery.
What is quad zygoma?
It is one of the two main ways of using zygomatic implants. The 2023 review describes either splinting zygomatic implants to conventional implants in the front of the upper jaw, or a quad zygoma approach, where the bridge is supported by four zygomatic implants (“Quad ZIs”).
Are zygomatic implants available on the NHS?
Rarely. The NHS says implants are usually only available privately, and are sometimes available on the NHS for patients who cannot wear dentures for reasons such as mouth cancer or an accident.