Have you been advised against having dental implant treatment? If so, don’t give up hope just yet! With zygomatic implants, we may be able to offer you a brilliant alternative.

What Are Zygomatic Implants?

Zygomatic implants are implants, which are placed inside openings in the zygoma (the cheekbones) rather than the jaw. These implants are often recommended for patients who are not suitable candidates for conventional implants due to a lack of strong, dense bone tissue in the jaw. Zygomatic implants are easier to tolerate than traditional implants, and they can often be a solution for patients who are hoping to replace missing teeth in the upper arch.

The Benefits of Zygomatic Implants

Dental implants offer a wide range of benefits for patients who have lost their natural teeth, but they’re not always suitable for everyone. If you don’t have a strong jaw and plenty of dense tissue available to support a new implant, your dentist may advise you against dental implants or urge you to consider treatment after bone grafting. With zygomatic implants, it’s possible to enjoy the benefits of implant treatment without the need for grafting. These include:

• Brilliant, natural-looking aesthetics
• Long-term treatment
• Superior levels of functionality
• Easy maintenance
• Peace of mind provided by increased stability and security
• Less invasive procedure and results in just one session: unlike traditional implants, zygomatic implants can be attached to new teeth on the same day

With zygomatic implants, you can talk, eat and smile without any anxiety at all and you can feel confident every time your smile is on show for many years to come.

Understanding Why Traditional Implants Aren’t Always Possible

For many patients seeking dental implants in London, the journey begins with disappointment. Perhaps you’ve been told that your jawbone lacks the necessary density or volume to support conventional implants. This situation commonly arises after long-term tooth loss, where the absence of natural tooth roots has led to bone resorption—a natural process where the jawbone gradually deteriorates without stimulation. Other factors contributing to insufficient bone include gum disease, trauma, or the long-term wearing of dentures.

Traditionally, patients facing this challenge would be offered bone grafting procedures, which involve taking bone from another part of the body or using synthetic materials to build up the jaw. Whilst effective, bone grafting requires additional surgery, extends the overall treatment timeline by several months, and adds considerable cost to the procedure. For some patients, medical conditions or personal circumstances make bone grafting unsuitable or undesirable.

This is precisely where zygomatic implants represent a revolutionary alternative. By anchoring into the dense cheekbone rather than the upper jaw, these specialized implants bypass the problem of insufficient jawbone entirely. At Harley Street Dental Studio, we’ve witnessed countless patients who thought implant treatment was beyond their reach discover that zygomatic implants offer them a second chance at a permanent, natural-looking smile.

The Science Behind Zygomatic Implants

The zygomatic bone, commonly known as the cheekbone, is one of the strongest and most stable bones in the facial structure. Unlike the maxillary bone (upper jaw), which can deteriorate significantly following tooth loss, the zygomatic bone maintains its density and strength throughout life. This makes it an ideal anchor point for dental implants.

Zygomatic implants are longer than conventional implants, typically measuring between 30 to 52.5 millimetres in length, compared to the 10 to 15 millimetres of standard implants. This additional length allows them to be securely anchored in the cheekbone whilst still supporting replacement teeth positioned naturally in the mouth. The procedure requires exceptional skill and precision, as the implants must be placed at specific angles to avoid sensitive structures such as the sinuses and nerves.

The technique was originally developed in the 1990s for patients who had undergone cancer treatment or suffered severe facial trauma, but it has since become a proven solution for anyone with insufficient upper jawbone. Today, success rates for zygomatic implants rival those of conventional implants, with studies showing long-term success rates exceeding 95% when performed by experienced practitioners.

Why Choose Harley Street Dental Studio for Zygomatic Implants in London

If you like the sound of zygomatic implants, you have missing upper teeth, and you’ve been told that you’re not a suitable candidate for conventional dental implants, why not get in touch? We can arrange a consultation, tell you all about zygomatic implants and see if you’re a good match for this type of implant.

At Harley Street Dental Studio, we provide comprehensive care in complex dental implant procedures, including zygomatic implants and teeth-in-a-day solutions. Our practice was founded in 2004 with a clear vision: to offer patients the most advanced treatments combined with five-star customer service. This commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as Best Dental Team at the Private Dentistry Awards and multiple accolades for our clinical work.

Dr Mark Hughes, our co-founder and senior partner, has deliberately focused his practice for over two decades on complex and restorative dentistry. With a philosophy that dentistry exists at “the meeting point of art and science,” Dr Hughes approaches each case with meticulous attention to both the functional and aesthetic aspects of treatment. His extensive postgraduate training, which includes over 3,000 hours of advanced study, has equipped him with the expertise necessary to handle even the most challenging dental cases. Patients often come to our practice as a last resort, having been unable to find suitable solutions elsewhere, and Dr Hughes’s reputation for transforming seemingly impossible situations into successful outcomes makes him ideally placed to assess and deliver zygomatic implant treatment.

The Patient Journey: What to Expect

Your journey towards zygomatic implants at Harley Street Dental Studio begins with a comprehensive consultation. Unlike a standard dental appointment, this detailed assessment involves advanced diagnostic imaging, including 3D CT scans that provide a complete picture of your facial bone structure, sinuses, and remaining teeth. This technology allows our team to plan your treatment with absolute precision, ensuring the implants can be placed safely and effectively.

During your consultation, we’ll discuss your medical history, previous dental experiences, and your goals for treatment. Dr Adam Thorne, our CEO and Clinical Director, champions a philosophy that “no two people or mouths are the same,” which means your treatment plan will be completely bespoke, designed around your unique circumstances. If you feel anxious about dental procedures—a common concern for patients who have faced disappointment with previous treatment attempts—you’ll find reassurance in Dr Thorne’s certified expertise in treating dental phobia. His commitment to providing “pain-free and stress-free dental care in a calm and relaxing environment” ensures that even complex procedures like zygomatic implant placement feel manageable.

Once we’ve confirmed that zygomatic implants are suitable for you, we’ll schedule your treatment. One of the most remarkable advantages of this approach is that it typically allows for immediate loading, meaning you can leave our practice on the same day with a full set of functional, natural-looking teeth. This teeth-in-a-day approach eliminates the extended waiting periods associated with traditional implants and bone grafting, allowing you to resume your normal life almost immediately.

Life After Zygomatic Implants: Long-Term Success

The true measure of any dental treatment lies in its longevity and the quality of life it provides. Patients who receive zygomatic implants consistently report transformative improvements not just in their ability to eat and speak, but in their confidence and overall wellbeing. The stability provided by anchoring into the dense cheekbone means you can enjoy foods that may have been off-limits for years, speak clearly without worrying about movement or clicking, and smile freely without self-consciousness.

Maintenance of zygomatic implants follows the same principles as conventional implants. Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, is essential. At Harley Street Dental Studio, we provide comprehensive aftercare support, with our team available to monitor your progress and address any concerns. Our practice’s philosophy of “relationship-based, patient-centred care” means we’re committed to supporting you not just through the treatment process, but throughout the lifetime of your implants.

The longevity of zygomatic implants is excellent when properly maintained. Many patients enjoy their implant-supported teeth for decades, with the implants themselves potentially lasting a lifetime. The prosthetic teeth attached to the implants may need replacement over time due to normal wear, but the foundation provided by the zygomatic implants remains stable and secure.

Addressing Common Concerns About Zygomatic Implants

It’s natural to have questions about any advanced dental procedure, particularly one as specialized as zygomatic implants. Many patients wonder whether the procedure is painful, given the complexity of placing implants into the cheekbone. The reality is that patients are typically very comfortable throughout the treatment, thanks to advanced anaesthesia techniques and, when appropriate, sedation options. Post-operative discomfort is generally manageable with prescribed medication and typically resolves within a week to ten days.

Another common concern relates to the appearance of the face after treatment. Will having implants in the cheekbones change facial structure or cause visible alterations? The answer is no—zygomatic implants are positioned internally and have no visible impact on facial aesthetics. In fact, the restoration of missing teeth often improves facial appearance by providing proper support to the lips and cheeks, reversing the sunken appearance that can develop following tooth loss.

Cost is understandably a consideration for any complex dental treatment. Whilst zygomatic implants represent a significant investment, they should be viewed in the context of what they replace: a lifetime of temporary solutions, the cost of bone grafting procedures, and the immeasurable value of restored confidence and quality of life. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of costs and discuss your options, ensuring complete transparency.

Why Advanced Training and Experience Matter

Zygomatic implant placement is not a procedure that every dentist can offer. It requires specialized training, extensive experience, and access to advanced diagnostic and surgical technology. The Harley Street Dental Group was formed with the express purpose of assembling “only the very best dental professionals in the world” to address the most complex and challenging dental needs. This commitment ensures that when you choose Harley Street Dental Studio for zygomatic implants in London, you’re receiving treatment from practitioners who possess the highest levels of expertise.

Our team’s dedication to continuing education and staying at the forefront of dental innovation means we’re familiar with the latest techniques and technologies in implant dentistry. From computer-guided implant placement that enhances precision to the most current protocols for immediate loading, we employ evidence-based approaches that maximize your chances of a successful outcome.

Take the Next Step Towards Your New Smile

If you’ve been told that dental implants aren’t possible for you, or if you’re facing the prospect of lengthy bone grafting procedures, zygomatic implants may offer the solution you’ve been seeking. At Harley Street Dental Studio, we’ve helped countless patients overcome complex dental challenges, restoring not just their smiles but their confidence and quality of life.

We understand that considering advanced implant treatment is a significant decision, which is why we’re committed to providing all the information and support you need to make the choice that’s right for you. Our award-winning team combines world-class clinical expertise with genuine empathy and a commitment to patient-centred care, ensuring you feel supported throughout your journey.

Contact Harley Street Dental Studio today at 52 Harley Street, London, W1G 9PY, or call us on 020 7636 5981 to arrange your comprehensive consultation.

Don’t let bone loss stand between you and the smile you deserve—discover what zygomatic implants could do for you.