Zygomatic Implants: Indications, Advantages, and Alternatives

What are Zygomatic Implants?

Zygomatic implants are a dental implant solution for patients suffering from severe bone loss in the upper jaw. Unlike conventional implants that are anchored in the alveolar bone, zygomatic implants are fixed into the zygomatic bone (cheekbone), known for its density and strength.

With a length of 30 to 55 mm, they are much longer than standard implants and allow the placement of fixed prostheses in cases where bone grafting or sinus lift would otherwise be necessary.

Illustration showing placement of a zygomatic dental implant anchored in the cheekbone for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss.

When are Zygomatic Implants Used?

Zygomatic implants are indicated in very specific cases:

Severe bone resorption of the upper jaw.
Failure of bone graft or sinus lift procedures.
Patients unable or unwilling to undergo bone grafting.
Full-arch rehabilitation despite major bone loss.

Treatment Procedure

3D scan and diagnosis of bone structure.
Surgical placement under general anesthesia or sedation, with longer intervention than standard implants.
Prosthetic restoration either immediately or after healing, depending on the case.

Benefits of Zygomatic Implants

Avoids complex bone grafting.
Allows treatment in cases of severe bone atrophy.
Enables full-arch fixed restoration.

Limitations and Risks

Highly complex surgery requiring an experienced surgeon.
More invasive than basal implantology.
Higher risk of complications (sinusitis, pain, extended recovery).
Lower long-term success rate compared to basal implants.

Basal Implantology: A More Suitable Alternative in Most Cases

At Anveli Dental, we recommend basal implantology (BAx, BCS, Strategic Implant®) for most patients, even those with severe bone loss.

Compared to zygomatic implants:

Basal implants anchor into cortical bone, resistant to resorption.
Minimally invasive, performed in one step, without bone graft or sinus lift.
Fixed teeth delivered in 3–5 days, not several months.
Higher clinical success rate (98.9% in recent studies).

For this reason, while zygomatic implants may be an option in extreme cases, basal implantology is faster, safer, and more reliable.

Conclusion

Zygomatic implants are a treatment option for patients with severe maxillary bone loss but involve heavy surgery and higher risks.
At Anveli Dental, we believe basal implantology is the best solution in most cases: faster, less invasive, and with better long-term results.