Zygomatic implants
Advanced implant treatment for restoring the upper jaw in patients with severe bone atrophy. Zygomatic dental implants use the cheekbone as an anchorage site when conventional dental implants are not a predictable option.
What are zygomatic implants?
Zygomatic implants are longer dental implants designed to obtain anchorage in the zygomatic bone, or cheekbone, rather than relying only on the residual bone of the upper jaw.
They are mainly considered when there is severe bone loss in the upper jaw and the available maxillary bone does not allow conventional implants to be placed with adequate stability and predictability.
The purpose of the treatment is to support a prosthesis that replaces the teeth of the upper arch. Planning begins with the design of the future teeth and then assesses implant trajectories, the maxillary sinuses, zygomatic anatomy, gum tissue, bite and facial support.
In selected patients, zygomatic dental implants may avoid extensive bone grafting or several staged reconstructive operations. This does not mean that the procedure is simple or that it is suitable for every patient with limited bone.
Zygomatic implants are one of the advanced options considered within dental implant treatment for patients with insufficient bone, but they are a specific surgical technique for advanced atrophy of the upper jaw.
When may zygomatic implants be considered?
They are reserved for specific situations involving substantial bone loss in the upper jaw, where conventional implant treatment is not viable or would require extensive reconstructive procedures.
Advanced loss of bone height or width in the upper jaw.
Patients whose previous reconstructive or implant treatment has not provided the expected support.
Long-standing tooth loss and removable denture use may be associated with progressive maxillary resorption.
When all teeth in the upper arch need to be replaced with an implant-supported prosthesis.
In selected cases, they may reduce the need for multiple regenerative operations and long healing periods.
The patient must be able to maintain hygiene, attend reviews and follow post-operative instructions.
Suitability requires a clinical examination, 3D CBCT, assessment of the maxillary sinus and zygomatic bone, bite analysis, medical review and prior planning of the definitive prosthesis.
Possible zygomatic implant configurations
Not every patient needs the same number or distribution of implants. The configuration depends on the location of the remaining bone, the extent of the atrophy and the design of the planned prosthesis.
Zygomatic implants may be combined with conventional anterior implants or used in more extensive configurations when severe bone loss affects the entire upper jaw.
The decision should not be based only on the number of implants. Overall stability, anatomy, implant trajectories and prosthetic design must be considered together.
Two combined zygomatic implants
This may be considered when sufficient bone remains in the anterior region for conventional implants but there is substantial posterior atrophy.
Assess this configurationUnilateral zygomatic implant
In selected cases, an asymmetrical configuration may be planned when bone loss predominantly affects one side of the upper jaw.
Request a 3D assessmentFour zygomatic implants
The Quad Zygoma technique may be assessed when extreme atrophy affects the whole upper jaw and conventional anterior anchorage is not available.
View the Quad Zygoma techniquePersonalised mixed configuration
Depending on the anatomy, different implant types and anchorage sites may be combined within an integrated full-arch plan.
Assess the alternativesHow zygomatic implant treatment is performed
Treatment requires coordinated anatomical assessment, surgery and prosthetic planning. The stages and timings vary according to the degree of atrophy, the selected configuration and the patient’s clinical circumstances.
The upper jaw, cheekbone, maxillary sinuses, nearby anatomical structures, gums, bite, remaining teeth and general medical condition are assessed.
The team defines tooth position, lip support, prosthetic space, bite and force distribution before determining the implant trajectories.
The number, direction and combination of implants are planned according to the patient’s anatomy and their relationship with the sinus and orbital structures.
The procedure is performed in an appropriate surgical setting with an anaesthetic protocol selected according to case complexity and the patient’s medical requirements.
If implant stability, bite and other clinical factors are favourable, a fixed provisional prosthesis may be connected on the same day or shortly afterwards.
After the healing period, new records and try-ins are completed to produce a definitive prosthesis adapted to the implants, soft tissues and bite.
Dr Cuesta explains zygomatic implants: what they are, when they may be considered and how full-arch rehabilitation is planned in patients with severe upper-jaw atrophy.
Advantages of zygomatic implants
In appropriately selected patients, they may provide a route to fixed upper-arch rehabilitation when advanced maxillary atrophy prevents conventional implant placement.
They make it possible to assess fixed rehabilitation when there is insufficient maxillary bone for conventional implants.
They use a different area of facial bone to provide support for the upper-arch reconstruction.
Treatment is generally planned to support a fixed full-arch provisional and definitive prosthesis.
In selected cases, they may avoid extensive grafts and multiple preliminary reconstructive operations.
An early fixed provisional prosthesis may be fitted when stability and prosthetic planning permit.
Surgery, prosthetics, chewing function, bite and facial support are assessed within the same treatment plan.
Coordinated maxillofacial surgery and prosthodontics
Zygomatic implant treatment requires an integrated understanding of maxillofacial anatomy, the maxillary sinus, zygomatic bone, advanced surgery and complete implant-supported rehabilitation.
Detailed assessment of the upper jaw and cheekbone
Assessment of advanced maxillary atrophy and complex anatomy
The fixed rehabilitation is designed from the outset
Anaesthesia and resources adapted to case complexity
Surgical, sinus, prosthetic and hygiene monitoring
Zygomatic implant surgeons and specialists
Full-arch rehabilitation requires coordination between oral and maxillofacial surgery, advanced implant dentistry, oral rehabilitation, implant prosthodontics and anaesthesiology.
Dr Francisco Riba García
Founder and Medical Director of Face Clinic. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon involved in the assessment of complete oral rehabilitations, advanced implant dentistry and high-complexity surgical-dental cases.
ICOMEM 28375865
View medical profileSurgery and implant prosthodontics
Dr Eduardo Monteserín
Oral and maxillofacial surgery · Complex oral rehabilitation, immediate loading and advanced implant treatment in patients with maxillary atrophy.
View profile
Dr Matías Cuesta Gil
Oral and maxillofacial surgery · Complex implant dentistry and reconstruction of severe maxillary bone atrophy.
View profile
Dr María Ciudad Cano
Dentistry · Oral rehabilitation, implant prosthodontics and functional and aesthetic planning of the definitive prosthesis.
View medical teamZygomatic implants and rehabilitation for patients with severe bone loss
This video explains how complex implant rehabilitation is assessed, why 3D planning is important and which options may be considered when advanced bone loss is present.
The video provides general information. The specific indication must be confirmed after reviewing the anatomy, maxillary sinuses, planned prosthesis and the patient’s medical and dental history.
Advanced assessment: maxillary anatomy, 3D planning, surgical alternatives and design of the future fixed prosthesis.
How much do zygomatic implants cost in Spain?
At Face Clinic in Spain, the indicative price of a zygomatic implant is approximately €1,500–€2,000 per implant.
A complete upper-arch rehabilitation usually requires between two and four zygomatic implants, depending on the degree of bone loss, the remaining maxillary bone and the selected implant configuration.
This amount refers to the individual implant and does not represent the total cost of the complete treatment. Some patients may require a combination of zygomatic and conventional implants, while patients with extreme maxillary atrophy may require a Quad Zygoma configuration.
The final quotation also depends on the 3D diagnostic tests, surgical complexity, anaesthetic protocol, extractions, prosthetic components, provisional fixed teeth, materials used for the definitive prosthesis and subsequent clinical reviews.
For this reason, the total cost of zygomatic implants in Spain can only be confirmed after a clinical examination, review of a 3D CBCT scan and definition of the complete surgical and prosthetic treatment plan.
Indicative price: approximately €1,500–€2,000 per zygomatic implant. The personalised quotation should also specify diagnosis, surgery, anaesthesia, prosthetic components, provisional teeth, definitive prosthesis and follow-up.
Request a personalised quotationPayment options for complex full-arch rehabilitation
Face Clinic may offer finance options for patients who require complete implant-supported rehabilitation and wish to spread the cost of treatment.
Conditions depend on the treatment amount, repayment period, finance provider and approval. The available options are explained together with the definitive quotation.
Zygomatic implant recovery time and aftercare
Recovery varies according to the extent of surgery, anatomy, general health, anaesthetic protocol and any additional procedures carried out during treatment.
Swelling, bruising, tightness or discomfort may occur during the first few days and is managed with the prescribed medication and instructions.
If a provisional prosthesis is fitted, excessive loading must be avoided and a modified soft diet followed for the period specified by the team.
The prosthesis, tissues and areas beneath the restoration must be cleaned using the methods recommended by the clinical team.
Persistent congestion, discharge, sinus pain, unpleasant taste or odour should be reported for clinical review.
Healing, bite, prosthetic stability, hygiene and the response of the soft tissues are monitored.
The implants and prosthesis require regular professional maintenance and clinical reviews throughout their service life.
Questions about zygomatic implants
These answers provide general guidance. Suitability, risks, timing and cost must be confirmed after an individual clinical and radiological assessment.
What are zygomatic implants?
They are longer dental implants that use the zygomatic bone, or cheekbone, as an anchorage site. They are mainly considered for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw who cannot predictably receive conventional implants.
How much do zygomatic implants cost in Spain?
At Face Clinic in Spain, the indicative price is approximately €1,500–€2,000 per zygomatic implant. A complete upper-arch rehabilitation commonly requires between two and four zygomatic implants, although the number and configuration depend on the patient’s anatomy and remaining bone. This figure does not include the complete rehabilitation. The final quotation must also consider diagnostic tests, surgery, anaesthesia, conventional implants if required, provisional fixed teeth, the definitive prosthesis and follow-up.
What are the disadvantages of zygomatic implants?
They require highly specialised surgery, careful sinus and anatomical planning, a suitable surgical setting and long-term prosthetic maintenance. Potential complications include sinusitis, infection, soft-tissue problems, failure of integration and mechanical complications affecting the prosthesis.
Can fixed teeth be fitted on the same day?
In selected cases, a fixed provisional prosthesis may be connected on the day of surgery or shortly afterwards. This depends on implant stability, prosthetic design, bite and the patient’s clinical condition. It should not be presented as a universal guarantee.
Is a bone graft always required?
No. One reason for considering zygomatic implants is to avoid extensive grafting in selected patients. However, the need for additional procedures depends on the anatomy, soft tissues and complete rehabilitation plan.
Are zygomatic implants more painful than conventional implants?
They involve more complex surgery and may cause swelling, bruising and post-operative discomfort. Anaesthesia is used during treatment, and symptoms afterwards are managed with prescribed medication, aftercare and clinical reviews.
What is the usual recovery time after zygomatic implants?
Initial swelling and bruising often improve progressively during the first days, but functional adaptation and tissue healing take longer. Diet, activity and prosthetic loading restrictions are individualised, and the definitive prosthesis is normally planned after the required healing and review stages.
What does pain around the zygomatic bone mean after surgery?
Some post-operative discomfort may be expected, but increasing pain, persistent facial pressure, discharge, fever, unpleasant odour or worsening sinus symptoms require prompt clinical assessment. Pain should not be self-diagnosed because it may arise from different surgical, sinus, muscular or dental causes.
How long do zygomatic implants last?
There is no identical lifespan for every patient. Long-term performance depends on implant integration, oral hygiene, smoking, general health, bite, prosthetic design, maintenance and the absence or control of biological and mechanical complications.
Where to have zygomatic implants assessed
Request a specialist assessment to review your history, radiological tests and the possible options for restoring the upper jaw. Patients looking for a zygomatic implant clinic can begin with an in-person consultation or an initial online orientation.
Madrid · Salamanca District
Calle de Diego de León, 39
28006 Madrid
Madrid · Aravaca-Pozuelo
Av. del Talgo, 202, L22
28023 Madrid
You may also request an online medical video consultation for initial guidance or a second opinion. Definitive treatment indication requires an in-person examination and appropriate radiological tests.
Other options for patients with insufficient dental bone
The appropriate technique depends on the location and extent of bone loss, the surrounding anatomy and the type of prosthetic rehabilitation required.
Have you been told that you do not have enough bone for dental implants?
Request an assessment at Face Clinic to review your CBCT scan, examine the upper jaw and determine whether zygomatic implants or another treatment option may be appropriate.
Request an assessment Clinical and 3D radiological diagnosis, maxillofacial assessment, surgical and prosthetic planning and a personalised quotation. In-person consultation or online medical video consultation for initial guidance.
