Zygomatic vs Pterygoid: Dental Implants for Severe Bone Loss

For patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw, being told they are “not suitable for dental implants” can be discouraging. In the past, the only option was often bone grafting or sinus lift surgery—procedures that add complexity, increase recovery time, and can take many months before teeth can be placed.

At SameDay Dental Clinic in Dubai, we focus on advanced implant solutions that avoid these long delays. As the first and only certified ZAGA Center in the UAE and a recognized Brånemark Osseointegration Centre, we use zygomatic and pterygoid implants to restore a full, fixed set of teeth—often in just one day.

Both implant types are designed for patients who do not have enough jawbone for standard implants. The key difference lies in where the implants are anchored and how they support the final teeth.

Zygomatic implants are longer than traditional dental implants and are used when the upper jawbone is too weak or thin to hold regular implants. Instead of being placed into the jawbone, these implants are anchored into the cheekbone (zygomatic bone). This bone is naturally dense and strong and usually remains healthy even after years of tooth loss or denture use.

At SameDay Dental Clinic, we use the ZAGA (Zygoma Zygomatic Anchorage) Method. This approach is designed around the patient’s individual anatomy, rather than forcing the bone to fit a standard implant position. The result is:

Zygomatic implants are typically used when there is severe bone loss across most of the upper jaw, both at the front and the back.

Pterygoid implants are another advanced option that allows patients to avoid bone grafting. These implants are placed in the very back of the upper jaw, anchoring into a dense area of bone near the base of the skull (called the pterygoid process). This bone is naturally strong and does not shrink the way jawbone does after tooth loss.

The main purpose of pterygoid implants is to support the back teeth (molar area). By placing implants this far back:

Like zygomatic implants, pterygoid implants usually eliminate the need for sinus lift surgery.

Placing zygomatic and pterygoid implants requires advanced training, planning, and surgical precision. At SameDay Dental Clinic, treatments are led by Dr. Costa Nicolopoulos and Dr. Petros Yuvanoglu, internationally recognized for their expertise in complex implant cases.

Our designation as a Brånemark Osseointegration Centre—one of only 23 worldwide—reflects our commitment to the highest standards of care. Thanks to our SameDay approach, many patients leave the clinic with fixed teeth on the same day as surgery, avoiding temporary dentures and long waiting periods.

The main difference between zygomatic and pterygoid implants is where they are placed and how they support your new teeth. What they share is a common goal: to help patients who were once told implants were not possible.

Whether you need the cheekbone support of zygomatic implants, the back-of-the-jaw stability of pterygoid implants, or a combination of both, our team has the experience and technology to restore your smile—often in a single day.

If you have severe bone loss or failing dental work, we invite you to book a complimentary dental implant consultation and explore whether these advanced solutions are right for you.