Dr. Carlos Aparicio, MD, DDS, MSc, MSc, DLT, PhD

Dr. Carlos Aparicio is a well-known global expert in the complex technique of zygomatic implants, which consists of oral rehabilitation in the face of dental loss by means of prostheses fixed to the jawbone. He is indeed the creator of the ZAGA method and philosophy, an innovative systemic approach in the treatment of patients who present a lack of maxillary bone necessary for the fixation of an implant.
It consists of a series of techniques, materials, and action protocols used by the various professionals which allow tailoring the surgeons’ activity to the patients’ specific needs and anatomy. Additionally, he is the creator of the ZAGA classification, a cross-sectional survey aimed to study and classify zygomatic implant cases.
Dr. Carlos Aparicio’s Achievements
- Graduated in Medicine and Surgery by U. de Navarra with outstanding cum laude in 1978.
- In 1978 obtained position of Medical Doctor in the Social Security practicing as family doctor until 1981.
- Stomatologist by U. of Barcelona in 1983.
- Dental Lab Technician in 1983.
- In 1984, he was certified in Osteointegrated implants at Gothemburg University (Prof. P.I. Brånemark tutor).
- His training in implants, prostheses and dental aesthetics is completed in the USA (Mayo Clinic, University South California, University of California Los Angeles), Canada (Toronto University), Switzerland (Geneva University), Sweden (Gothemburg University, Salgrenska Hospital, County Council Clinic – Stokholm and Malmo University).
- Master in Materials Science by U. of Barcelona in 1990.
- In 1997, he received a Diploma in Periodontics from Gothemburg University (Prof. Jan Lindhe tutor).
- Master in Biomedical Research by the University of Barcelona in 2010.
- In 2013 he defended his doctoral thesis, with an international PhD, titled “Zygomatic implant based rehabilitation. The state of the art and proposed criteria for success “with outstanding Cum Laude.
- He has been visiting professor of the U. of Barcelona, the U. of Oviedo and the U. Internacional de Catalunya.
- Appointed in 1997 Honorary Professor of the Center for Perfectionement at Odonto-Stomatologie, Provence-Côte d’Azur.
- Author of numerous scientific articles in indexed international journals and several book chapters.
- In 2005 he described for the first time the extra-sinsusal technique to place zygomatic implants.
- In 2011, he described the evolution of his extra-maxillary technique to his new ZAGA (Zygoma Anatomy – Guided Approach) technique for placing zygomatic implants.
- Editor of the book Zygomatic Implants: The Anatomy-Guided Approach Ed. Quintessence2012.
- Teacher of numerous national and international courses.
- He has received the Fonseca prize, the highest award of the Spanish Society of Periodontics, three times; the annual prize Simo Virgili, of the Societat Catalana de Odontoestomatología, twice; the Soproden Foundation award; as well as the Award for the Best Course awarded by the College of Dentists of Córdoba and other prizes in different congresses.
- He is a Fellow researcher at the Handicap Research Group, Department of Biomaterials, University of Gothemburg (Prof. Tomas Albrektsson tutor).
- Consultant of the Biomaterials Group of the U. Polytechnic of Barcelona.
- Past-editor of the Spanish version of the European Journal of Implant Dentistry, he is also a scientific consultant (referee) of the journals European Journal of
- Oral Implantology and Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research.
- Past-President of the Osseointegration Foundation of the American Academy of Osseointegration (AO).
- Between 2003 and 2005, he served as Board member of the European Academy of Osseointegration (EAO).
- In 2007, he was president of the annual meeting of the EAO.
- He is the Honorary President and Founder of the Spanish Society of Minimally Invasive Dentistry.
- Director in conjunction with the U. of Barcelona and the U. of Gothenburg of the programs in Zygomatic Implants.
- Responsible, along with the Vicente Ferrer Foundation, among other works, housing construction and the Neonatos center of Bathadapali Hospital, India.
- Appointed Academic Correspondent of the Royal European Academy of Doctors in 2016.
- Dr. Aparicio directs the website www.apariciozygomatic.com dedicated to the consultation and diagnosis of problems related to severe maxillary atrophy.
- President of the International Network of ZYGOMA ZAGA CENTERS and the International Zygoma Team of Surgeons. www.zagacenters.com
Dr. Carlos Aparicio’s Publications








- Reconstruction of the premaxilla with autogenous iliac bone in combination with osseointegrated implants. Aparicio C, Brånemark PI, Keller EE, Olive J. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 1993;8:61–67.
- A prospective clinical study on titanium implants in the zygomatic arch for prosthetic rehabilitation of the atrophic edentulous maxilla with a follow-up of 6 months to 5 years. Aparicio C, Ouazzani W, Garcia R, Arevalo X, Muela R, Fortes V. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2006;8(3):114-22.
- Zygomatic implants: indications, techniques and outcomes, and the zygomatic success code. Aparicio C, Manresa C, Francisco K, Claros P, Alández J, González-Martín O, Albrektsson T. Periodontol 2000. 2014 Oct;66(1):41-58. doi: 10.1111/prd.12038. Review.
- The use of zygomatic implants for prosthetic rehabilitation of the severely resorbed maxilla. Aparicio C, Hatano N, Ouazzani W. Periodontol 2000, 2008;47:162–171.
- Zygomatic implants placed using the zygomatic anatomy-guided approach versus the classical technique: a proposed system to report rhinosinusitis diagnosis. Aparicio C, Manresa C, Francisco K, Aparicio A, Nunes J, Claros P, Potau JM. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2014 Oct;16(5):627-42. doi: 10.1111/cid.12047. Epub 2013 Mar 6.
- The long-term use of zygomatic implants: a 10-year clinical and radiographic report. Aparicio C, Manresa C, Francisco K, Ouazzani W, Claros P, Potau JM, Aparicio A. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2014 Jun;16(3):447-59. doi: 10.1111/cid.12007. Epub 2012 Oct 18.
- A proposed classification for zygomatic implant patient based on the zygoma anatomy guided approach (ZAGA): a cross-sectional survey. Aparicio C. Eur J Oral Implantol. 2011 Autumn;4(3):269-75.
- Zygomatic Implants. The Anatomy-Guided Approach. Carlos Aparicio (Ed.) Quintessence Publishing Co Ltd, UK, 2012 , ISBN 978-1-85097-225-9
- On the Zygoma related rehabilitation. State of the art and proposed criteria for success. Carlos Aparicio. PhD Thesis, University of Barcelona 2013.
- Extrasinus zygomatic implants: three year experience from a new surgical approach for patients with pronounced buccal concavities in the edentulous maxilla. Aparicio C, Ouazzani W, Aparicio A, Fortes V, Muela R, Pascual A, Codesal M, Barluenga N, Manresa C, Franch M. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2010 Mar;12(1):55-61. doi: 10.1111/j.1708-8208.2008.00130.x. Epub 2008 Dec 3.
- Immediate/Early loading of zygomatic implants: clinical experiences after 2 to 5 years of follow-up. Aparicio C, Ouazzani W, Aparicio A, Fortes V, Muela R, Pascual A, Codesal M, Barluenga N, Franch M. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2010 May;12 Suppl 1:e77-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1708-8208.2008.00134.x. Epub 2008 Dec 3.
- Validity and clinical significance of biomechanical testing of implant/bone interface. Aparicio C, Lang NP, Rangert B. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2006 Oct;17 Suppl 2:2-7. Review.
- Immediate/early loading of dental implants: a report from the Sociedad Española de Implantes World Congress consensus meeting in Barcelona, Spain, 2002. Aparicio C, Rangert B, Sennerby L. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2003;5(1):57-60. Review.
- ORIS Criteria of success for the zygoma related rehabilitation: the (revisited) zygoma success code. Aparicio C, López-Piriz R, Albrektsson T. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 2020;35:366-378.
- Zygoma anatomy-guided approach “scarf graft” for prevention of soft tissue dehiscence around zygomatic implants: technical note. Aparicio C, Antonio S. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 2020;35:e21-e26.
- Bone Regeneration and Soft Tissue Enhancement Around Zygomatic Implants: Retrospective Case Series. M PD, Jc BM, A FR, C A, D PO. Materials (Basel). 2020 Mar 29;13(7):1577. doi: 10.3390/ma13071577. PMID: 32235372; PMCID: PMC7178084.
- Preoperative Evaluation and Treatment Planning. Zygomatic Implant Critical Zone (ZICZ) Location, C. Aparicio, R. López-Píriz, M. Peñarrocha, Atlas of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics, 2021, ISSN 1061-3315
- The Zygoma Anatomy-Guided Approach for Placement of Zygomatic Implants, Carlos Aparicio, Waldemar D. Polido, Hooman M. Zarrinkelk, Atlas of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics, 2021, ISSN 1061-3315












Professionals
- Dr Corrado CazacuDr Corrado Cazacu is the leading zygomatic implant expert at the new ZAGA Center in Bucharest. To begin with, he graduated from the Faculty…
- Dr Miljan MicunovicDr Miljan Micunovic is a specialist in stomatology, an oral surgeon, and a zygomatic implant expert. Moreover, Dr Micunovic is the owner and one of the leading surgeons…
- Dr Sergey ZhzhonovDr Sergey Zhzhonov is the leading zygomatic implant surgeon at ZAGA Center Tallinn. Most notably, Dr Sergey Zhzhonov was lucky enough to make his childhood dream…
- Prof. Dr. Waldemar Daudt PolidoProf Miguel Peñarrocha is an oral surgeon and zygomatic implant expert. To begin with, he graduated in Medicine and Surgery…
- Dr Eduardo MoraesDr Eduardo Moraes is a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery and a zygomatic implant expert. Notably, Dr Moraes is the clinical director at…
- Dr Julio Alvarez AmézagaDr Julio Alvarez Amézaga is a zygomatic implant expert and the leading surgeon at ZAGA Center Bilbao, Clinica IMQ Virgen Blanca. Most notably, Dr Alvarez Amézaga…
- Dr Wieslaw FrankowskiDr Wieslaw Frankowski is the founder of Frankowski Dental the first ZAGA Center in Gdańsk. In particular, Dr Frankowski is a specialist in prosthetic dentistry and …
- Dr Madalina SimonSince 1995, Dr Madalina Simon has been working professionally in the field of periodontology, zygomatic implants, and aesthetic-reconstructive dentistry. In particular, Dr Simon received intensive…
- Dr Víctor de Paz HermosoDr Vìctor de Paz Hermoso is among the most qualified zygomatic implant experts in Madrid and Spain. In particular, he is the leading zygomatic implant…
- Dr Amit MistryDr Amit Mistry is an accomplished dental surgeon and a zygomatic implant expert. In particular, he works at Ascent Dental Care, a certified ZAGA Center in the UK…
- Dr Rubén DavóDr Rubén Davó is undoubtedly one of the most renowned zygomatic implant experts in Spain. In particular, he is an international reference specialist in complex oral implantology…
- Dr Jan Peter IlgDr Jan Peter Ilg is a zygomatic implant expert and one of the leading surgeons at CA.SA Odontologia. Specifically, the clinic is the first certified ZAGA…
- Dr Samintharaj KumarDr Samintharaj Kumar is a zygomatic implant expert and the founder of Nuffield Dental, the first ZAGA Center in Singapore…
- Dr Marc ShenoudaDr. Marc Shenouda is one of the well-known specialists in the zygomatic implants field in Montreal. Firstly, he received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Université de Montréal in 2004.
- Dr Antoine ChehadeDr Antoine Chehade is not only a skilled zygomatic implant expert but also an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. In particular, he is the co-founder and…
- Dr Jay NeugartenDr Jay Neugarten is a surgeon at The New York Center for Orthognathic and Maxillofacial Surgery, which is one of the first certified ZAGA Center…
- Dr Lesley DavidDr Lesley David is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and also a renowned zygomatic implant expert. Specifically, she is the leading oral and….
- Prof Dr Johnson Raja JamesProf Dr Johnson Raja James is undoubtedly one of the best zygomatic implant experts in India. First of all, Dr James has a post-graduate degree…
- Dr Adi LoreanDr Adi Lorean is a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery, as well as a zygomatic implant expert. He works at ZAGA Center Tel Aviv…
- Dr Andrew DawoodDr Andrew Dawood is a specialist in periodontics, prosthodontics. Moreover, he is a dental implant surgeon and an expert in zygomatic implants.
- Dr Richard BrookshawDr Richard Brookshaw is a renowned dentist and zygomatic implant expert. In particular, he is the head of zygomatic implants at the ZAGA Centers in Cambridge…
- Dr Masami AndoDr Masami Ando is one of the key opinion leaders in implantology. Also, he is one of the most recognized zygomatic implants experts globally.
- Guy McLellanDr Guy McLellan is one of our high zygomatic implants experts in Cardiff. More than that he embraced the ZAGA philosophy for the treatment of patients with maxillary atrophy.
- Dr André Sakima SerranoDr André Sakima Serrano is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, the first ZAGA Center in São Paulo…
- Dr Petros YuvangluDr Petros Yuvanglu is a zygomatic implant expert and, additionally, one of the leading surgeons working at SameDay Dental Implants, the first ZAGA Center…
- Prof Miguel PeñarrochaProf Miguel Peñarrocha is an oral surgeon and zygomatic implant expert. To begin with, he graduated in Medicine and Surgery…
- Dr Reed GibbinsDr Reed Gibbins is a skilled specialist and a zygomatic implant expert. In specific, he graduated from Trinity Valley Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center in 2013…
- Dr Thomas DraperDr. Tom Draper’s successful career in oral surgery influenced him to co-found ARCHPOINT. After earning his dental degree in 2003 from Temple University…
- Dr. José FerreiraUnder the supervision of Dr. José Ferreira, patients suffering from severe maxillary atrophy can receive safe treatment with zygomatic implants following…
- Dr Pedro GuitiánPedro Guitián is a Doctor of Medicine and Surgery, Dentist and University Specialist in Oral Surgery at the University of Santiago de Compostela…
- Prof. Tomas AlbrektssonProf. Tomas Albrektsson started working with osseointegrated implants together with professor PI Brånemark in 1967. He has since published numerous papers…
- Prof. Dr. James ChowProf Dr James Chow belongs to the first group of locally trained specialists in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) in Hong Kong.
- Dr. Alberto FernándezDr Alberto Fernández is a zygomatic implant expert and the leading surgeon, and coordinator of the treatments at Clínica Fernández, one of…
- Dr. Arturo Bilbao AlonsoDr. Arturo Bilbao Alonso coordinates the treatment of severe maxillary atrophy with zygomatic implants following the ZAGA philosophy in AB Maxillofacial…
- Dr. Hooman ZarrinkelkDr Hooman Zarrinkelk is a zygomatic implant expert who earned his undergraduate degree and dental degree from Loma Linda University…
- Dr Roberto López PírizDr. López Píriz is specialized in zygomatic implants, oral surgery and aesthetic medicine. He combines his position as Medical Director of the Institute of…
- Dr Miguel Moura GoncalvesProfessor Dr Miguel Moura Gonçalves is not only a professional dentist and orthodontist: he is also a zygomatic implant expert. In particular, he is the medical director…
- Dr Sergio DuarteUnder the supervision of Dr. Sergio Duarte, patients suffering from severe maxillary atrophy can receive safe treatment with zygomatic implants following…
- Dr João Carlos RamosProfessor Dr Joao Carlos Ramos is the leading dentist at the Instituto Português de Medicina Dentária, the exclusive ZAGA Center in the district of Aveiro, Portugal…
- Dr Richard Peter SimonDr Peter Simon is the founder of the dental practice Dres. Simon in Stuttgart, one of the first ZAGA Centers in Germany. The ZAGA Center Stuttgart is…
- Dr Leonard F. AnglisDr. Leonard F. Anglis coordinates the treatment of severe maxillary atrophy with zygomatic implants following the ZAGA philosophy in Dr. Leonard F. Anglis…
- Dr Eduardo CrookeDr Eduardo Crooke is an expert in implantology and oral surgery. Significantly, he is the Medical Director at Crooke and Laguna Clinic Group…
- Dr. Mikhael ToderDr Mikhael Toder was trained in new methods of implantology and advanced technologies of tooth microsurgery with recognized specialists of international…
- Dr Antonio OlivoDr Antonio Olivo graduated in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Padua. In 1994 he specialized in Maxillo Facial Surgery at the University of Verona….
- Dr Ludovic DenglosDr Ludovic Denglos got a degree in periodontology in 1997. Afterward, he graduated in Dental Surgery in 1988 from the University of Lille…
- Dr. Carlos AparicioDr. Aparicio is an expert in the complex technique of zygomatic implants, which consists of oral rehabilitation in the face of dental loss by means of…
- Prof Chantal MalevezProf Chantal Malevez is a specialist in Maxillofacial Surgery and an Honorary Professor at the Faculty of Medicine (ULB). Currently, Prof Chantal Malevez is…
- Dr Manuel Martín LuqueWith a trained team, Dr. Manuel Martín Luque is the surgeon and coordinator of zygomatic implant treatments in IOC Clínica. The patient’s well-being from…
- Prof Cemal UcerDr. Cemal Ucer graduated from Manchester Dental School in 1982. After postgraduate training as an oral surgeon, he established a private hospital referral…
- Dr Johann StygerIn June 1987, Dr Johann Styger graduated from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Afterward, he got a degree in Implantology at the University of Lille…
Pingback: Zygomatic Implants- Can The Procedure Be Done On Everyone? – Site Title