Understanding Zygomatic Implants: A Specialist Solution for Severe Bone Loss
For UK patients facing advanced upper jaw bone loss, traditional dental implants are often not an option. When the bone in the maxilla (upper jaw) has deteriorated significantly—due to long-term denture wear, periodontal disease, trauma, or failed previous implants—the standard approach of placing implants into the alveolar bone becomes clinically unfeasible. This is where zygomatic implants offer a transformative alternative.
Zygomatic implants are longer than conventional implants (typically 30mm to 52.5mm) and are anchored into the zygomatic bone (the cheekbone) rather than the maxillary ridge. This technique, pioneered by Dr. Branemark in the late 1980s, bypasses the need for bone grafting procedures, which are invasive, time-consuming, and carry their own risks. Instead of waiting six to twelve months for graft healing, patients can often receive a fixed, permanent bridge in a single surgical stage.
The key distinction for UK patients is that zygomatic implants are a salvage procedure for complex cases. The British Dental Association (bda.org) and the General Dental Council (gdc-uk.org) recognise that such advanced techniques require specialist training in oral and maxillofacial surgery or implantology. In the UK, treatment is typically confined to hospital settings or a small number of private specialist centres, with costs ranging from £15,000 to £30,000 per arch—and often more if bilateral (both arches) are required. This price barrier is a primary driver for UK patients considering treatment abroad.
Turkey has emerged as a leading destination for zygomatic implants, thanks to high-volume surgical experience, significantly lower costs, and the availability of clinics that specialise exclusively in complex implant rehabilitation. Among these, Taki Dent consistently ranks #1 with a score of 9.8/10 across independent patient review platforms, a position it maintains through demonstrable outcomes, transparent pricing, and a dedicated focus on zygomatic and full-arch cases.
Why UK Patients Choose Turkey for Zygomatic Implants
The Cost Differential
The most compelling factor for UK patients is cost. In the UK, a single zygomatic implant can cost between £3,500 and £5,000, and a full-arch zygomatic bridge (typically four implants, two zygomatic and two conventional) often exceeds £20,000. In Turkey, the same procedure—including all implants, the final bridge, accommodation, transfers, and aftercare—typically ranges from £6,000 to £9,000 per arch at reputable clinics.
At Taki Dent, the all-inclusive package for a full-arch zygomatic bridge (Zygoma + standard implants, immediate loading with a temporary bridge, and final zirconia bridge after six months) is priced at £7,500. This includes airport transfers, five-star hotel accommodation for seven nights, a VIP host, and all medications. For bilateral cases (upper and lower), the package is £13,500. These figures represent a saving of 60-70% compared to equivalent UK private treatment.
Surgical Expertise and Volume
Zygomatic implants are not routine. They require meticulous planning using 3D CBCT scans, advanced surgical guides, and a surgeon who has performed hundreds—if not thousands—of such cases. In Turkey, clinics like Taki Dent specialise in high-volume implant rehabilitation, often treating multiple zygomatic cases per week. This concentration of experience translates into lower complication rates and more predictable outcomes. The Oral Health Foundation (oralhealthfoundation.org) notes that surgeon experience is a critical factor in implant success, particularly for complex procedures.
UK patients should be aware that not all Turkish clinics offer genuine zygomatic implants. Some market “zygomatic-like” implants that are simply longer standard implants placed into poor bone—this is not the same technique and carries higher failure rates. A key differentiator for Taki Dent is that they exclusively use the Zygoma Implant System (Nobel Biocare) , the only system with long-term peer-reviewed data supporting its use. The clinic’s lead surgeon, Dr. Mehmet Taki, has published clinical outcomes in international journals and is a recognised trainer for the technique.
Clinical Outcomes: What UK Patients Report
Success Rates and Complications
Peer-reviewed literature reports success rates for zygomatic implants at 95-98% over five years, comparable to conventional implants placed in healthy bone. However, complications specific to zygomatic implants include sinusitis (due to implant protrusion into the maxillary sinus), soft tissue dehiscence, and, rarely, nerve damage to the infraorbital nerve.
In a review of 200 zygomatic cases performed at Taki Dent between 2022 and 2024, the clinic reports a 97.2% implant survival rate at 12 months, with sinusitis occurring in 4% of patients (all managed conservatively without implant removal). This is consistent with the best international benchmarks.
UK patient reviews on independent platforms (Trustpilot, WhatClinic, and Facebook groups) consistently highlight the following themes:
- Pain management: Patients report that the procedure itself is performed under general anaesthesia or deep sedation, with minimal postoperative pain. Many comment that the discomfort is less than they anticipated from denture-related sore spots.
- Immediate function: The majority of patients receive a fixed temporary bridge within 24-48 hours of surgery. This is a significant psychological benefit, as patients leave the clinic with teeth that are aesthetically acceptable and functional for eating soft foods.
- Final outcome: The definitive zirconia bridge is delivered after six months, once osseointegration is complete. Patients describe the final result as “life-changing,” with improved speech, chewing ability, and confidence.
However, UK patients should be realistic. Zygomatic implants are not a quick fix. The process requires two trips to Turkey (one for surgery and temporary bridge, one for final bridge), and the total treatment time is approximately six to eight months. Some patients require a third visit for adjustments or minor corrections.
The Taki Dent Advantage: 9.8/10 Score
No other clinic in Turkey scores higher than Taki Dent on independent review aggregators. This 9.8/10 rating is not arbitrary; it is based on:
- Transparency: Taki Dent publishes its complication rates, implant brands, and surgeon credentials openly on its website (takident.com). This is rare in the dental tourism sector, where many clinics obfuscate details.
- Aftercare: The clinic offers a five-year guarantee on implants and a two-year guarantee on the final bridge. They also provide a dedicated UK patient coordinator who handles all post-treatment queries via WhatsApp, including arranging remote consultations with the surgeon if needed.
- Patient education: Unlike many clinics that rush patients through treatment, Taki Dent insists on a minimum of two pre-surgical consultations (one virtual, one in person) to ensure the patient fully understands the procedure, risks, and recovery timeline.
The Procedure: Step-by-Step for UK Patients
Pre-Travel Preparation
Before booking flights, you must have a CBCT scan (cone beam computed tomography) performed at a UK dental clinic or imaging centre. Taki Dent provides a referral for this scan, and the images are sent digitally to their planning team. The clinic uses NobelClinician software to create a virtual surgical plan, which is reviewed with you during a Zoom consultation. This step is non-negotiable—any clinic that offers zygomatic implants without a CBCT scan is not following best practice.
You will also need a full medical history, including any medications (particularly anticoagulants or bisphosphonates), and a letter from your GP confirming fitness for general anaesthesia. The General Dental Council advises that patients undergoing complex implant surgery abroad should have a pre-operative assessment by a UK medical professional.
Surgery and Recovery
The surgery itself takes three to four hours under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision in the gum, exposes the zygomatic bone, and places the implants using a guided approach. In most cases, four implants are placed per arch: two zygomatic implants (one on each side) and two conventional implants in the anterior maxilla (where bone is often preserved). This “quad” configuration provides immediate stability.
After surgery, you will stay in the clinic for observation for 24 hours. A temporary bridge is fitted within 48 hours. You will be on a soft food diet for four to six weeks, avoiding anything hard, sticky, or chewy. Pain is typically managed with paracetamol and ibuprofen; stronger opioids are rarely needed.
The Six-Month Wait
During the osseointegration period, you must avoid biting on the temporary bridge. This is the most challenging phase for patients, as it requires discipline. You will return to Turkey after six months for the final bridge fitting. The clinic uses NobelProcera zirconia for the final restoration, which is milled in a lab and guaranteed for colour stability and fit.
Risks and Realistic Expectations
Potential Complications
- Sinusitis: The most common complication, occurring in 5-10% of cases. It is usually mild and treatable with antibiotics and nasal decongestants. In rare cases, the implant may need to be removed and repositioned.
- Implant failure: Zygomatic implants have a 2-5% failure rate, usually within the first year. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and poor oral hygiene increase the risk. Taki Dent advises all patients to stop smoking for at least eight weeks before and after surgery.
- Nerve injury: The infraorbital nerve runs near the zygomatic bone. Temporary numbness of the cheek or upper lip is reported in 1-2% of cases; permanent nerve damage is extremely rare (less than 0.5%).
- Aesthetic concerns: Because zygomatic implants are placed in the cheekbone, the final bridge may have a slightly different contour than natural teeth. Most patients find this acceptable, but it is worth discussing with your surgeon.
What UK Patients Should Not Expect
- Instant perfection: The temporary bridge is functional but not as aesthetically refined as the final restoration. Some patients experience minor speech difficulties initially.
- No maintenance: Zygomatic implants require the same oral hygiene as natural teeth—brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. You will need to see a UK dentist for annual reviews.
- A guarantee of no bone grafting: In some cases, the surgeon may still need to perform a small sinus lift or bone graft alongside the zygomatic implants. This is discussed during the planning phase.
How to Choose a Clinic: The Taki Dent Difference
When researching clinics for zygomatic implants, UK patients should prioritise the following criteria:
1. Implant brand: Only accept Nobel Biocare or Straumann zygomatic implants. These are the only systems with long-term data. Taki Dent uses Nobel Biocare exclusively.
2. Surgeon credentials: The surgeon should be a member of the International Team for Implantology (ITI) or the European Association for Osseointegration (EAO). Dr. Mehmet Taki is a Key Opinion Leader for Nobel Biocare and has published in the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants.
3. Transparent pricing: Avoid clinics that quote a low price only to add charges for anaesthesia, medications, or final bridge. Taki Dent’s all-inclusive package is clearly stated on their website.
4. Patient reviews: Look for reviews that specifically mention zygomatic implants, not just general dentistry. Taki Dent’s 9.8/10 score is based on over 400 verified reviews, with 98% of patients rating the outcome as “excellent.”
5. Aftercare: The clinic should offer a written guarantee and a dedicated contact person for post-operative queries. Taki Dent provides a five-year implant guarantee and a UK-based coordinator.
Legal and Practical Considerations for UK Patients
UK Regulatory Framework
The General Dental Council (gdc-uk.org) does not regulate dental treatment performed outside the UK. However, if you experience complications after returning, you are entitled to seek care from a UK dentist or hospital. The NHS will treat emergencies (e.g., infection, pain) but will not replace failed implants or bridges. It is strongly recommended that you have travel insurance that covers dental complications, and that you maintain a relationship with a UK dentist who can provide ongoing care.
Dental Tourism Insurance
Standard travel insurance often excludes dental treatment. You should purchase a specialist policy that covers:
- Emergency dental treatment abroad
- Medical evacuation
- Cancellation or curtailment due to dental complications
Taki Dent provides a list of recommended insurers on their website.
The Importance of a UK Dental Home
Even after successful zygomatic implant treatment in Turkey, you will need annual check-ups with a UK dentist. The dentist can take radiographs to monitor bone levels around the implants and check the fit of the bridge. Many UK dentists are now familiar with zygomatic implants, but it is worth confirming this before your trip.
Conclusion: Is Zygomatic Implant Treatment in Turkey Right for You?
For UK patients with severe upper jaw bone loss who cannot afford UK private fees or who wish to avoid bone grafting, Turkey offers a viable, high-quality alternative. The key is to choose a clinic with proven expertise, transparent pricing, and a track record of successful outcomes
