Dental Implants · Oral Surgery
Zygomatic Implants in London: Who Are They For and What to Expect
Zygomatic implants are among the most advanced solutions in implant dentistry — designed specifically for patients who cannot have conventional implants due to severe bone loss in the upper jaw. For many of these patients, zygomatic implants offer a fixed, permanent tooth replacement without the need for the extensive bone grafting procedures that would otherwise be required.
This guide explains what zygomatic implants are, who they are most suitable for, how they differ from conventional implants and All-on-4, what the procedure involves and what patients should realistically expect from treatment and recovery.
Zygomatic implants are longer-than-standard implants — typically 30 to 52 mm — that anchor into the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) rather than the upper jawbone. Because the cheekbone is dense and well-preserved even when the upper jaw has significant bone loss, zygomatic implants can support a full-arch prosthesis in cases where conventional implants would not be possible without major grafting surgery.
What Are Zygomatic Implants?
Conventional dental implants are placed into the jawbone — the maxilla in the upper jaw or the mandible in the lower jaw. They typically measure 10 to 15 mm in length. When the upper jawbone has atrophied significantly — through long-term tooth loss, advanced gum disease, failed previous implants or a naturally large sinus cavity — there may not be enough bone volume to anchor conventional implants securely. Zygomatic implants bypass this problem by using a different anchor point: the zygomatic bone, or cheekbone, which remains dense and strong even when the upper jaw has resorbed significantly. The implants pass through the upper jaw and into the cheekbone, providing a stable foundation for a fixed full-arch bridge. The technique was originally developed by Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark — the pioneer of modern implant dentistry — specifically for patients with severe upper jaw atrophy.Who Are Zygomatic Implants For?
Zygomatic implants are not a first-line treatment — they are a specialist solution for a specific clinical situation. They are most suitable for:- Patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw who cannot support conventional implants or All-on-4 without extensive bone grafting
- Patients who have had previous bone grafting that failed or was unsuccessful
- Patients with a large maxillary sinus that encroaches significantly on the available bone
- Patients who have lost upper teeth over many years and have experienced significant bone resorption as a result
- Patients who want to avoid multiple-stage bone grafting procedures and the extended treatment timeline this involves
- Patients who have been told they are not candidates for conventional implants due to bone volume
Zygomatic Implants vs Conventional Implants
The fundamental difference between zygomatic and conventional implants is the anchor point — and everything else follows from that. Conventional implants rely on the quantity and quality of jawbone at the implant site. Zygomatic implants bypass the jawbone and anchor into the cheekbone, which is unaffected by the bone resorption that occurs after tooth loss.- Conventional implants: 10–15 mm, placed in jawbone, require adequate bone volume, suitable for most patients
- All-on-4: uses angled rear implants to maximise available bone, avoids grafting in many cases, suitable for moderate bone loss
- Zygomatic implants: 30–52 mm, anchor in cheekbone, designed for severe upper jaw atrophy, bypasses jawbone volume requirement
Zygomatic Implants vs Bone Grafting
For patients with severe upper jaw bone loss, the two main pathways are zygomatic implants or bone grafting followed by conventional implants. Each has advantages and limitations that should be weighed carefully: Bone grafting rebuilds the jaw with donor or synthetic bone material, then waits for it to integrate before placing conventional implants. The process can take 12 to 18 months or more in complex cases. Zygomatic implants bypass this by using the cheekbone — typically allowing a fixed prosthesis to be placed sooner and without the additional grafting surgery. However, zygomatic implants involve a more complex surgical procedure with their own risks, and are not the right choice in every case. The decision should be made by an experienced oral surgeon after full assessment.The Zygomatic Implant Procedure
Assessment and Planning
Zygomatic implant planning requires a detailed CBCT (3D) scan to map the anatomy of the upper jaw, sinus cavities and zygomatic bone. Digital planning software is used to identify the safest and most effective implant trajectory before surgery. A full medical history review is also essential — general anaesthesia is typically used for zygomatic implant procedures, and anaesthetic fitness should be assessed in advance.Surgery
Zygomatic implant surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in most cases. The procedure involves placing one or two zygomatic implants per side, often alongside conventional implants at the front of the upper jaw to provide additional support. A temporary prosthesis is typically fitted on or shortly after the day of surgery. The surgical time varies depending on the complexity of the case.Temporary Prosthesis
A temporary bridge is usually placed on the zygomatic implants on the day of surgery or shortly after. This allows patients to have functional teeth during the healing period. The temporary prosthesis is replaced with a final permanent bridge once healing is confirmed — typically after three to six months.Zygomatic Implant Cost in London
Zygomatic implant treatment in London typically starts from around £12,000, depending on the number of zygomatic implants required, whether conventional implants are placed alongside them, the type and material of the final prosthesis, and the anaesthetic arrangements. Finance options are available for treatments over £500. A written treatment plan with itemised costs is provided at the consultation before any commitment is made. The cost of zygomatic implant treatment reflects the complexity of the procedure, the specialist training required to perform it safely and the advanced planning technology involved. Comparing only price between providers for a procedure of this complexity is not advisable — the surgeon’s experience and the quality of assessment are equally important considerations.Recovery After Zygomatic Implant Surgery
Recovery after zygomatic implant surgery is more significant than after conventional implant placement. Swelling around the cheeks and under the eyes is expected in the first week, due to the proximity of the surgery to the zygomatic bone. Bruising is also common. Most patients feel substantially better within two to three weeks, though swelling can persist for longer in some cases. A soft diet is required during the healing period. Follow-up appointments are scheduled at regular intervals to monitor healing, implant stability and the fit of the temporary prosthesis. Long-term maintenance — including regular hygienist appointments and implant check-ups — is essential for the lifetime of the zygomatic implants.Risks and Considerations
Zygomatic implants carry risks that should be discussed openly before treatment. These include sinusitis or sinus complications due to the proximity of the implant to the maxillary sinus, infection, implant failure, soft tissue problems and, in rare cases, damage to adjacent structures. The risk profile is higher than for conventional implants, reflecting the greater surgical complexity. In experienced hands, complication rates are acceptably low — but the experience and training of the surgeon are directly relevant to outcomes.Zygomatic implant surgery should only be performed by an oral or maxillofacial surgeon with specific training and experience in this technique. It is a significantly more complex procedure than conventional implant placement, and the risks are higher when performed by clinicians without adequate specialist experience. Patients should ask specifically about the surgeon’s zygomatic implant case volume and training before agreeing to treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are zygomatic implants?
Zygomatic implants are 30 to 52 mm implants that anchor into the cheekbone rather than the upper jawbone. They are used when there is severe bone loss in the upper jaw that prevents conventional implant placement without extensive bone grafting.Who needs zygomatic implants?
Patients with severe upper jaw bone loss who cannot support conventional implants or All-on-4 without major grafting may be candidates. Suitability is confirmed after a 3D CBCT scan and full clinical assessment by a specialist oral surgeon.How much do zygomatic implants cost in London?
Treatment typically starts from around £12,000 in London, depending on the number of implants, whether conventional implants are placed alongside them, the prosthesis type and anaesthetic requirements. A written itemised cost plan is provided at the consultation.What is the difference between zygomatic and conventional implants?
Conventional implants anchor into the jawbone (10–15 mm). Zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbone (30–52 mm), bypassing the need for jawbone volume. They are used specifically when the upper jaw lacks sufficient bone for conventional implants.Are zygomatic implants better than bone grafting?
For patients with severe upper jaw bone loss, zygomatic implants can avoid the need for extensive grafting and reduce total treatment time. However, they involve a more complex procedure with their own risks. The right choice depends on the individual clinical situation.How long does zygomatic implant surgery take?
Surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and can take two to several hours depending on the number of implants and complexity of the case. Patients usually stay for a short observation period before discharge.What is recovery like after zygomatic implants?
Significant swelling and bruising around the cheeks and eyes are expected for the first one to two weeks. Most patients feel substantially better within two to three weeks. A soft diet is required during the healing period, which lasts three to six months before the final prosthesis is placed.Can zygomatic implants fail?
Zygomatic implants can fail, though failure rates in experienced hands are low. Risk factors include smoking, infection, systemic conditions and poor oral hygiene. All risks should be discussed before treatment.Do zygomatic implants need bone grafting?
One key advantage is that zygomatic implants can often avoid the need for bone grafting. Some cases may still require a combination of zygomatic and conventional implants with localised grafting — this depends on the individual anatomy.What is the first step for zygomatic implants at DentAkademi London?
Book a consultation with Mr Baha Bagdadi, Oral Surgeon and Implantologist. This includes a clinical examination, 3D CBCT scan review and a written treatment plan with costs — with no obligation to proceed.