Disadvantages of Pterygoid Implants?
Pterygoid implants are unique dental implants that may be the solution if you have suffered significant shrinkage of your upper jawbone. When you lose a tooth or a few teeth, the jawbone in the immediate area loses the pressure and vibration sensations from chewing that stimulates jawbone regeneration. Without this constant stimulation the jawbone gradually decreases in density and integrity; it shrinks. This atrophy or shrinkage can make it quite difficult for a standard dental implant to successfully integrate into the jawbone. There just is not enough bone mass to fuse to the implant post.
The pterygoid implant is a tremendous alternative to the traditional implant. This post is surgically inserted at a 45-degree angle into the medial pterygoid plate, a bone which is situated above the upper mandible. This type of placement offers you a viable restoration solution if you lack sufficient bone structure in this area.
Pterygoid implants are sometimes used with zygomatic or other implants. They can allow you to get replacement teeth quickly and safely for your upper jaw.
These are very specialized implants. They require a dentist with an advanced skillset since they are placed with a blind technique. They are placed completely by feel between the medial and lateral pterygoid bone plates.
With pterygoid implants you can avoid needing a sinus lift or a bone graft.
Disadvantages with Pterygoid Dental Implants
Problems with pterygoid dental implants usually revolve around not having enough space to use them since they go so far back, almost in the upper wisdom tooth area. This requires a lot of interarch space to have enough room for a successful artificial crown.
The other disadvantage is usually a lack of experience with the pterygoid implant placement process, leading to possible low stability and early failure. They are also best placed while you are intravenously sedated for comfort.
Another problem could be if you have cosmetic cheekbone implants that were used to reconstruct your face after a car accident. In this rare instance your cosmetic cheekbone implants can be removed to allow placement of the pterygoid implants. Often people do not want this cosmetic implant removed, so it creates an issue regarding decision making and priorities.
Sinus lift bone grafts, for a traditional implant, are very predictable and safe. Now the issue is they extend the healing process and postpone the restoration. You may have to go without teeth for several months or wear a partial or complete upper denture during this healing period. This is because the jawbone needs to rebuild integrity and mass before the implants can be placed.
Pterygoid dental implants allow your restoration teeth to be attached to the implant right away. They are placed into a very solid bone that is called cortex.
Sometimes the pterygoid implant can be used when a sinus lift cannot be used. Usually, your qualified dentist would prefer more support in the middle of the restoration and suggest a longer span without an implant. In this situation your dentist can use the height dimension for strength. Each case is as unique as your fingerprints. A restoration solution can be designed and provided to regain your healthy and functional smile.