How is the zygomatic implant procedure different from traditional implants?

Rather than being placed into the jawbone, zygomatic implants are anchored into the dense cheekbone. This requires specialized surgical training and is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Dr. Patel has completed advanced training in zygomatic implant placement.

Zygomatic Implants

Q: Is sedation available for zygomatic implant surgery?

Yes. We offer IV sedation and general anesthesia for zygomatic implant procedures. Given the complexity of the surgery, most patients opt for general anesthesia so they are completely unaware throughout the procedure.

Q: What is recovery like after zygomatic implants?

Recovery from zygomatic implant surgery is similar to other full-arch procedures. Swelling and discomfort are common in the first week and typically resolve within two weeks. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and are available throughout your healing process.

Reviewed by Dr. Riddhi Patel, DMD, MD, FACS
Last updated August 2026

When the quality and quantity of bone in the upper jaw is insufficient for the successful placement of conventional dental implants, zygomatic dental implants provide the required stability and support to rebuild a complete smile with implant-supported crowns, bridges, and other dental prostheses.

With zygomatic dental implants, there’s no need to perform additional surgical procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lift procedures to increase the volume of bone required for successful implant placement. What this means is that patients, who are not candidates for bone augmentation or sinus lifts, can still enjoy the benefits of an implant-based solution to reestablish their smiles.

While conventional dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone, zygomatic dental implants are placed in the zygomatic bone, which is more commonly known as the cheekbone. Located on the left and right side of the upper jaw, the cheekbones have the inherent strength and density to provide ample support for zygomatic dental implants, which once placed are immediately stable enough to support restorations.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants are longer implants anchored in the cheekbone rather than the jawbone. They are used when severe bone loss in the upper jaw makes traditional implants impossible, allowing full-arch restoration without bone grafting in many cases.

Zygomatic implants are designed for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw who do not have enough bone for conventional implants, even after grafting. They offer a solution for patients who were previously told they could not have implants due to insufficient bone volume.

Rather than being placed into the jawbone, zygomatic implants are anchored into the dense cheekbone. This requires specialized surgical training. Dr. Patel has completed advanced training in zygomatic implant placement.

Yes. We offer IV sedation and general anesthesia. Given the complexity of the surgery, most patients opt for general anesthesia so they are completely unaware throughout the procedure.

Swelling and discomfort are common in the first week and typically resolve within two weeks. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments throughout your healing.

Zygomatic Implants

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Frequently Asked Questions About Zygomatic Implants

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