Pterygoid Implants in Turkey

Pterygoid implants in Turkey in 2026: prices in Istanbul compared with the UK, indications for severe bone loss in the upper jaw without a bone graft, how placement works, recovery, implant survival in clinical studies and the risks to know about.

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Written by Kevin, founder of bestclinic.co.uk, an information site on medical tourism since 2021. Sourced, general and non-medical content: it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. Our editorial policy

How much do pterygoid implants cost in Turkey?

In Turkey, a pterygoid implant costs on average between £950 and £1,400, considerably less than in Western Europe. The procedure takes 1 to 2 hours and you should plan a stay of around 6 days in Istanbul. In the UK, the same implant costs between £1,500 and £2,800.

Ideal for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw, this type of implant avoids the need for a bone graft. Many clinics offer an all-inclusive package covering consultations, aftercare and accommodation for international patients.

Pterygoid implant in Turkey£950 - £1,400
Pterygoid implant in the UK£1,500 - £2,800

Definition

Good teeth mean good health. They help you avoid digestive trouble and the pain caused by oral and dental disease, which can be a genuine source of suffering. But attractive teeth are also a real beauty asset.

Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to have a handsome smile. Sometimes a simple visit to the dentist is enough to deal with dental problems. That is true of decay, gum disease or an abscess. But missing or damaged teeth call for far more complex solutions, such as implant dentistry. The idea is to replace them with dental implants.

3D model of an upper dental arch supported by zygomatic implants
Zygomatic implants anchor in the cheekbone, higher up in the face.

This kind of treatment is very expensive in the UK. What is more, the NHS does not cover the cost. If you want this treatment, you will need to consider medical tourism. Many international patients have already chosen to have pterygoid dental implants in Turkey. That choice brings a great many advantages. 

What is a pterygoid dental implant ?

It is a special type of dental implant. Long and angled, the device replaces the root of a natural tooth. It is inserted into the pterygomaxillary region, at the back of the upper jaw. This procedure gives artificial teeth a stable foundation.

The pterygoid dental implant serves as an alternative or a complement to the zygomatic implant, and the two can be combined in the same rehabilitation[1]. The zygomatic implant is considered fairly invasive. That said, implant placement is one of the most delicate dental procedures. Remember that the implant has to be anchored deep within the skull, in the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone.

The process of placing a pterygoid dental implant in Turkey is expert work. There is no room for error. It therefore calls for experienced, highly qualified oral surgeons. They are best placed to choose the most suitable technique and to achieve a firm anchorage for the implant. The skills of these specialists are a clear advantage for your teeth!

Read our guide to zygomatic implants in Turkey.

Who is a pterygoid dental implant in Turkey suitable for ?

A pterygoid dental implant in Turkey is one of the treatments available to men and women with missing teeth. It is the ideal solution when several teeth are missing. It is recommended if the patient:

  • Has severe bone loss in the upper jaw,
  • Has bone resorption in the jaw,
  • Does not want major, costly procedures such as a bone graft,
  • Wants the benefit of a single surgical procedure.

Is there a minimum or maximum age for this type of dental implantation ? There is no maximum age. Anyone aged 18 or over, man or woman, is eligible for treatment.

What about people aged 80 or 90 ? They can undergo the procedure if they are in good health. Naturally, the doctor must also assess their ability to cope with the operation.

Ferry off the Karaköy waterfront with the Galata Tower behind
Karaköy, on the European side of Istanbul, on the shore of the Golden Horn.

Careful!  Placing pterygoid implants in young patients aged 18 to 20 demands close attention. The oral surgeon must therefore set up rigorous clinical monitoring. It is an effective way to prevent complications. 

What are the risks, complications and side effects ?  

Failures and side effects do occur, particularly in the first year[2]. The risks are closely tied to the skill of the practitioner in dental surgery.  That is why you should always go to a specialist dentist trained specifically for the procedure. Competence in conventional implantology is not enough.

Placing pterygoid implants demands an extremely precise technical gesture. It requires special technical expertise. A meta-analysis recommends guided or navigated surgery to reduce dependence on the operator[3].

The practitioner must hold a qualification in basal implantology and understand the bone structure of the area. An effective treatment also requires experience and rigour. Note that poorly placed implants can cause :

  • Bleeding,
  • Pain,
  • Lack of implant stability,
  • Problems caused by the anaesthetic,
  • Failure of the procedure.

The success of the operation also depends on the choice of dental practice. You should choose a facility that specialises in pterygoid dental implants in Turkey.

Diagram of an angled pterygoid implant in the bone at the back of the upper jaw
The implant, long and angled, runs from the back of the arch towards the pterygoid process.

Read our guide to dental implants in Istanbul.

How does the operation work ?

A pterygoid dental implant in Turkey is a fairly quick procedure. As a reminder, a bone graft is not required. Here are the various stages. 

Consultation and preparation

An initial consultation is arranged with your dentist in Istanbul, in Turkey. A full examination of the jaw, mouth and existing natural teeth takes place at that appointment. The practitioner has to assess the state of your bone tissue. Imaging techniques are used, such as :

  • Panoramic X-ray,
  • Computed tomography (CT). 

The dentist then checks your oral health. Infections and disease must be treated before the implants are placed. The practitioner must also review your medical history. This allows any contraindications to be identified. All of these steps help the practitioner reduce the risk of complications.

Using the examination results, the practitioner plans the operation. They can determine the exact position and angle for each implant. The expert produces a 3D model using dedicated software.

Panoramic X-ray of a mouth restored with implants and prosthetic bars
The panoramic X-ray is used to check the position of each implant after placement.

The surgeon will then offer you a date for the procedure. They also give various tips to improve your oral hygiene. Good oral health improves the chances of treatment success.

The operation

On the day of the operation, you go to the clinic or hospital you have chosen.  The medical team settles you in. The operation is carried out under local or general anaesthetic. It is possible to request intravenous sedation, a better option for anxious patients.

The procedure takes a fair amount of time because of its complexity. The oral surgeon has to insert the pterygoid implants meticulously into the pterygoid region of the upper jaw. They must be positioned correctly so that they are stable.

Recovery and recuperation

In the 48 hours after the procedure, the wound in the operated area may bleed. However, the amount of bleeding decreases after the first hour. The dentist gives instructions to reduce pain and discomfort. They also give oral hygiene advice to prevent infection. These must be followed carefully. 

During the healing period, eating hard foods and taking part in strenuous activity are strongly discouraged. They can delay recovery. If the instructions are followed properly, you will feel less pain from the third or fourth day after the oral surgery. Full recovery is often quick. Osseointegration, on the other hand, can take months.

Annotated skull showing the distance between the maxillary tuberosity and the pterygomaxillary fissure
This distance guides the choice of implant length during planning.

What results can you expect from a pterygoid dental implant in Turkey ?

Once the wound has stopped bleeding and the pain has eased, the fitting of a temporary dental prosthesis is scheduled.

Osseointegration takes several months. The dentist can then fit the permanent crown or permanent bridge.  An artificial tooth then takes the place of each missing tooth.  Once this final stage is complete, you can show off your smile.

A pterygoid dental implant in Turkey aims at full dental rehabilitation. It also restores the natural function of the mouth and upper jaw. It is as though you had your natural teeth. On top of that, placing this kind of implant contributes to the aesthetic results of the prosthesis.

Why have a pterygoid dental implant in Turkey ?

Having a pterygoid dental implant in Turkey has become a sensible choice if you want to regain a nice smile. The country has ultra-modern clinics and dental practices.

Diagrams comparing two anteroposterior implant insertion angles
The insertion angle is planned on 3D imaging before the procedure.

The best-known facilities are based in Istanbul, the magnificent city on the Bosphorus. Large cities such as Izmir and Antalya also have renowned clinics. Care centres in Turkey can offer high-quality dental treatment to patients. They are equipped with cutting-edge technology such as :

  • 3D scanners,
  • High-performance computer-aided design (CAD) systems,
  • Modern operating theatres.

Turkey also has many experienced specialists in basal implantology.  What is more, every Turkish hospital and clinic promises patients comprehensive, personalised care. Travelling abroad for medical treatment also lets you cut your costs, because the price of care is reasonable. It is far lower than the rates charged in the UK and other Western countries. 

How much does a pterygoid dental implant cost in Turkey ?

The price of a pterygoid dental implant in Turkey is far more affordable than in the UK.  Packages depend on many factors, such as :

  • The price of the implants, which varies with the brand,
  • The quality of the materials used to make the crowns,
  • The skill and reputation of the oral surgeon,
  • The number of missing teeth,
  • The pre-operative care required, which depends on the patient’s dental health. 

As a rough guide, you should budget between £950 and £1,400 per implant placed. The quote sets out what this price covers, prosthesis included or not.


Frequently asked questions about pterygoid implants in Turkey

Is pterygoid dental implant placement painful?

No, the procedure is carried out under local or general anaesthetic, which removes the pain. That said, the anaesthetic will eventually wear off. You will therefore feel some pain. You should take the medication prescribed by your dentist to ease it.

Turkey has skilled, specialised oral surgeons. A review of 38 studies reports a cumulative survival rate of 92.5% at 10 years for pterygoid implants[2], with failures concentrated in the first year.

The treatment requires a prior medical assessment in anyone with heart conditions, high blood pressure, osteoporosis or diabetes. These conditions can indeed compromise osseointegration.

Pterygoid dental implant placement is carried out in two phases. You therefore need to make two visits to Turkey. The first stay, of around 6 days, is dedicated to placing the implants. The second, for the permanent prosthesis, takes place several months later.

The surgical procedure can take one or two hours. Its duration depends on the number of implants to be placed and the expertise of the medical team. Placing a pterygoid implant demands great precision and meticulousness.

Planning a pterygoid dental implant in Turkey ? You need to prepare and plan your stay. All-inclusive packages are available and will make things easier. They cover transport, accommodation and dental surgery. 

Their number depends on the arch being restored. Whether placed in Istanbul or elsewhere, pterygoid implants are connected to the other implants, as in an All-on-6: one review reports more failures without this splinting[2]. See also medical tourism in Turkey.


Sources & References

  1. Fan S, Davo R, Al-Nawas B, Valmaseda-Castellón E. The Rehabilitation of Partially Edentulous Maxilla With Unilateral Zygomatic Implants: A Retrospective Study up to 23 Years Follow-Up. Clinical Oral Implants Research. 2024. Read the source
  2. Raouf K, Chrcanovic BR. Clinical Outcomes of Pterygoid and Maxillary Tuberosity Implants: A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2024. Read the source
  3. D’Amario M, Orsijena A, Franco R, Chiacchia M, Jahjah A, Capogreco M. Clinical achievements of implantology in the pterygoid region: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2024. Read the source

About the author

Kevin

I'm Kevin, the founder of the site. My personal journey has made me understand how important it is to be well informed before a cosmetic, dental, hair or reproductive medicine procedure. Today I want to help those who are considering a medical trip, by offering them information on the procedures, their costs, preparation and post-operative follow-up. Although my articles are written with the greatest care, they in no way replace the personalized advice of a health professional. I invite you to discover my story to better understand my approach.



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