The ultimate guide to Zygomatic Implants

Last fact-checked: 14 March 2022

Zygomatic dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth in patients who have suffered bone loss in the upper jaw. If you’ve wanted regular dental implants but aren’t a suitable candidate due to a lack of viable bone to work with, this specialist procedure could be for you.

Find out about the different applications and zygomatic implant systems that are available from our global providers, with specialist implantologists around the world able to replace a full row of missing or failing teeth using four or six of these non-conventional, longer titanium rods that can securely support a fixed prosthesis once properly integrated with the bone.

Are Zygomatic Implants for Me?

If you wear full dentures but would prefer something that feels more like your own teeth, then dental implants are the way to go. However, traditional dental implants are only an option if you have enough good, healthy bone in the jaw for the implants to be placed.

As an alternative, zygomatic dental implants are not placed in the jaw bone – they are placed in the zygomatic bone, which is actually part of the cheekbone. So, even if you have severe bone loss in the upper jaw, you may still be a good candidate for zygomatic implants.

This is a surgical procedure and is not something that can be carried out at your local dentist’s office. It must be performed by a specialist oral surgeon, and, consequently, the cost of the procedure can be prohibitively expensive in your home country.

Types of Zygomatic Implant Restorations

While traditional dental implants are particularly versatile, commonly being used to replace single missing teeth, several adjoining missing teeth with a partial bridge, or a whole arch of missing teeth on four placed in each jaw (such as the All-on-4 treatment concept®), zygomatic implants are typically only used for the latter purpose: to permanently restore an entire row of teeth whereby four of these longer titanium rods are inserted into the cheekbone in order to support a full-arch fixed bridge (or "hybrid denture").

And while the type of implant does differ from common All-on-4 systems, the general treatment concept and recovery times are similar.

Full-Arch Restoration with Zygomatic Implants:

This smile restoration technique involves a complete arch of teeth being permanently replaced with a custom-made fixed bridge. Denture-wearers, as well as those with multiple missing or failing teeth, will generally be good candidates for this treatment.

This bridge holds a full row (normally 14) of porcelain or ceramic crowns that are cemented to its framework before being attached to the four strategically placed titanium posts. 

Due to the unique positioning of the zygomatic implants, this method does not normally require more evaluations and planning in those patients who have suffered from bone loss, with clinics needing the capacity to take detailed digital X-rays, CT-scans and design the fixed prosthesis with advanced CBCT scan technology.

All of this said, your chosen dentist abroad should be able to provide you with an initial evaluation with respect to your suitability before you fly, and then shall need to confirm your suitability upon arrival.

Common full mouth ("All-on-X") rehabilitation systems and brands to look out for that use zygomatic implants include:

1. Straumann® Zygomatic Implant System
2. Zygomatic™ (Noris Medical)
3. NobelPro Line™

How Much Do Zygomatic Dental Implants Cost?

The average price of zygomatic dental implants is around $32,000 in the United States (or the equivalent of CAN $43,000; UK £25,000; € 30,000; AUD $42,000; NZD $45,000), which means the procedure may be out-of-reach for many people.

However, if you are prepared to travel abroad, you have more affordable options available, providing the opportunity to save tens of thousands on the procedure, even after costs of travel and accommodations are factored in.

A destination like Costa Rica offers a wealth of possibilities for a holiday; our list of fully-verified and background-checked Costa Rica dentists offer considerably lower prices:

For example, zygomatic implants at Costa Rica All on Four (that’s the clinic name) cost $20,000 (CAN $26,000; UK £15,000; €18,000; AUD $25,000; NZD $27,000).

Is it Safe to Get Zygomatic Implants Abroad? How Skilled Are the Dentists?

As mentioned previously, zygomatic implants are a specialist procedure and should only be carried out by a skilled oral surgeon trained in this particular area.

It is always important to research your dentist thoroughly for any specialist procedure, but particularly for an extensive procedure such as this.

At Dental Departures, we have verified the dentists we have listed on our website, checking registrations, qualifications and professional memberships. We also carry out personal visits to the clinics and compile real patient reviews, which you can find on the site too.

Related: Dental Departures' Global Patients' Choice (Recommended Destinations)

Global Clinics and Destinations for Zygomatic Implants

Although the procedure is not widely available, a number of other specialist dentists, particularly in Mexico also offer the procedure, including Sani Dental Group.

Some other destinations around the world providing this specialist procedure for international patients include:

> List: Clinics in Hungary for Zygomatic Implants

> List: Clinics in Turkey for Zygomatic Implants

> List: Clinics in Mexico for Zygomatic Implants

> List: Clinics in Bali for Zygomatic Implants

 Why Should I Get Zygomatic Dental Implants?

You might be weighing up whether getting zygomatic dental implants is worth it. Here are a few considerations that might help:

● The surgery and insertion of the teeth are completed on the same day

● They look, act and feel just like real teeth

● They are permanent

● They help to protect healthy bone

● You can stop worrying about your smile

How Do I Book Zygomatic Implants Today?

Browse our listed clinics above to get a better idea about each one, but do bear in mind that not all clinics list this specialist procedure or its respective costs.

The best way to find out more about affordable zygomatic implants abroad is to contact the Dental Departures’ Customer Care Team directly. We are here to assist you with any questions or concerns. There is never a charge to you for our services.

Sources:

Zygomatic Bone Anatomy. Get Body Smart. 24 July 2017. https://www.getbodysmart.com/skull-facial-bones/zygomatic-bone-anatomy

Zygomatic Implants. For.org. Website accessed: 13 March 2019. https://www.for.org/en/treat/treatment-guidelines/edentulous/treatment-procedures/surgical/surgical-protocols-maxilla/zygomatic-implants

Benefits of zygomatic implants in patients with severe dental bone loss. Nobel Biocare. 5 November 2017. https://www.nobelbiocare.com/blog/products-and-solutions/benefits-of-zygomatic-implants-in-patients-with-severe-dental-bone-loss/

Bone Graft For Dental Implants: Understanding The Possibility. Colgate. Website accessed: 12 March 2022. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/implants/bone-graft-for-dental-implants-understanding-the-possibility

Wong, N. All-on-“X”: Final Fixed Prosthetic Options for Full Arch Implant Cases. 9 November 2017. https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/all-on-x-final-fixed-prosthetic-options-for-full-arch-implant-cases/

Implant-supported Full Arch Restorations. Consumer Guide to Dentistry. Website accessed: 12 March 2022. https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/implants-full-arch/

Bone Graft For Dental Implants: Understanding The Possibility. Colgate. Website accessed: 12 March 2022. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/implants/bone-graft-for-dental-implants-understanding-the-possibility