Pterygoid Implants: Everything You Need to Know 

Digital dental implant placements have revolutionized the field of dentistry these days, providing a long-lasting, durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing missing teeth. While traditional dental implants or maxillary implants are commonly used, there are cases where advanced alternative approaches are necessary.

Two alternative implant options are zygomatic and pterygoid implants which are similarly longer than traditional implants allowing them to be placed into the upper jawbone and cheekbone if the jawbone is no longer an option. 

Here, we are learning about Pterygoid implants and the details you need to know. 

What is a Pterygoid Implant?

Pterygoid Dental Implants are a specific type of dental implants that are used for full-mouth rehabilitation in patients with insufficient bone volume in the upper jaw. These implants are placed in the pterygoid plate, which is part of the sphenoid bone at the back of the upper jaw.

Pterygoid Implants are longer than conventional implants, typically measuring between 15 to 20 millimetres. Their increased length provides added stability and allows them to harness support from the dense pterygomaxillary region, eliminating the need for bone grafting and provides sinus lift procedures alternative, which are often required with other types of implants. 

Thus, they offer a viable and effective solution for patients who have been told they are not suitable candidates for traditional implants due to lack of bone mass. As Pterygoid Dental Implants are anchored in the pterygoid plates, they provide a firm and stable foundation for prosthetic teeth, ensuring optimal functionality and appearance. It is useful in conditions like:

• In cases with limited bone quantity (atrophic maxilla)
• When the maxillary sinus lining is close to the alveolar bone
• As an alternative to bone augmentation

Indications for Pterygoid Implants

In the edentulous upper jaw, the placement of implants can be challenging due to limited bone quantity and the presence of the maxillary sinus. Pterygoid implants present an alternative option to use residual bone for implant anchorage and to overcome the need for augmentation procedures. Who is the ideal candidate for this kind of implants, given below:

Edentulous patient

Dental implants serve as artificial roots that can act as supports for the replacements of missing teeth. For a patient who has lost all his teeth and uses false teeth, this procedure will be helpful in restoring his functionalities with implant-supported bridges and crowns.  

Partially edentulous patients

For patients who have a few teeth (partially edentulous) and do not want to wear a prosthesis with hooks, Pterygoid implants will be helpful for him.

Free from Periodontal Disease

For implants the mouth must be healthy, that is, without plaque or tartar, with no cavities, without infectious foci, and without a possible periodontal disease (pyorrhea). 

Procedure for Pterygoid Implant Placement

Pterygoid implant placement is an oral surgery procedure typically performed by a skilled dentist or oral surgeon under local or general anaesthesia. It involves precise digital planning of the procedure using advanced imaging tools and software used by the implantologist and the concerned lab. 

After assembling the images of the patient’s dental environment the lab provides the roadmap of the procedure. For optimal results, the dentist plans the precise implant placement as per the guide provided by the lab in advance.

Through a minimally invasive approach, the surgeon inserts the pterygoid implant into the planned location. The implant fuses with the bone over several months. Once the implant is securely anchored, a temporary or permanent prosthetic tooth, bridge or denture can be attached, restoring the smile and function of the patient.

Benefits of Pterygoid Implants

1. No Additional Procedures are needed

Pterygoid implants eliminate the need for sinus lift procedures or bone grafts which are often required with traditional implants. This makes the treatment less invasive and also shortens the overall treatment time.

2. Immediate Functionality

Unlike other implants that require a healing period before they can bear a full chewing load, Pterygoid implants can be loaded immediately after surgery, allowing patients to enjoy a fully functional set of teeth on the same day as their procedure.

3. High Success Rates & Stability

Pterygoid implants have a high success rate due to their secure anchorage in the dense pterygo-maxillary region, ensuring long-term stability and durability of prosthetic teeth.

4. Less Invasive Surgical Procedure

Pterygoid implants eliminate the need for sinus lift procedures or bone grafts, which are often required with traditional implants. This makes the treatment less invasive and reduces the overall treatment time.

5. Improved Quality of life

By restoring the functionality and appearance of natural teeth, Pterygoid implants significantly improve patient’s quality of life. After a successful implant, the patients can eat, speak, and smile with confidence, enhancing their social interactions and overall well-being.

Potential Risks and Complications

Risks of Infection

The surgical procedure involves the risk of infection in Pterygoid implants due to not having enough space. If left untreated, it may cause several other concerns like a bacterial infection.

Bleeding and Discomfort

Some patients may experience minor bleeding or discomfort post-surgery, which usually resolves within a few days.

Sinus Cavity Complications

Similar to zygomatic bones pterygoid implants also place close to the sinus cavity, incorrect placement of Pterygoid implants can lead to sinus complications. The risks can be reduced by an experienced dentist who can carefully plan and precise the placement.

Nerve Damage

Though extremely rare, there is a small risk of nerve damage involved during the procedure can be minimized by an expert dental professional.

Alternatives to Pterygoid Implants

Both zygomatic and pterygoid implants are very similar and offer solutions for severe bone loss in the upper jaw which can be termed as alternatives to each other. Like Pterygoid implants, Zygomatic implants also eliminate the need for bone grafting or sinus lift procedures, reducing the complexity and duration of the treatment.

They offer immediate functionality, allowing patients to enjoy a fully functional set of teeth promptly after surgery. While the procedure requires a high level of expertise, when performed correctly, Zygomatic implants provide a highly successful and long-term solution for full-mouth rehabilitation. 

However, these approaches differ in their location, anchorage, and surgical approach. 

While both options have their unique benefits, consulting with an experienced dentist to determine the most suitable choice based on your specific needs and circumstances is essential.

Both Pterygoid and Zygomatic procedures are minimally invasive dental implants and provide bone grafting alternatives. With their expertise and guidance, you can make an informed decision and achieve a beautiful, functional smile that positively impacts your oral health and quality of life.

Also Read: What is Guided Implant Surgery

FAQs

References

1. Clinical Oral Implants Research : Clinical Outcomes of Pterygoid Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
2. Bedrossian E., Aparicio C., et al. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants : Pterygoid Implants as an Alternative to Bone Augmentation in Implant Dentistry
3. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery : Pterygoid Implants for the Immediate Rehabilitation of the Atrophic Maxilla
4. Dr. Dan Holtzclaw Pterygoid Dental Implant Book : Pterygoid Dental Implant Book
5. Dr. Dan Holtzclaw Dentistry Today : Textbook to Focus on Pterygoid Implants