Benefits of Pterygoid Implants
A pterygoid implant is an alternative dental implant that can be the ideal solution if you have suffered significant shrinkage of bone mass across your upper jaw. When you lose either a tooth or teeth, the jawbone in the immediate area loses the pressures and vibration from biting and chewing that stimulates the jawbone regeneration. With this lack of constant daily stimulation, the bone gradually decreases in density; literally shrinking. This shrinkage can make it quite difficult for a standard dental implant to properly integrate into that diminished jawbone. There simply just is not enough strong bone tissue to fuse and bond to the implant post.
The pterygoid implant is a terrific alternative to the traditional implant. This longer post is now inserted at a 45-degree angle into the medial pterygoid plate, a bone which is situated above the upper mandible. This type of insertion offers a variety of advantages if you indeed lack sufficient bone structure for a vertical implant.
What are the Benefits of Pterygoid Implants?
Pterygoid dental implants can offer several significant advantages in the event of poor bone structure in the upper jaw. These benefits include:
- Eliminating the Need for Sinus Augmentation- When the only option was to use a traditional dental implant treatment if you had insufficient upper jawbone density you may have needed a sinus augmentation procedure as a preparatory step for your dental implant. Because the pterygoid implant is inserted into a different bone, this step is no longer necessary.
- Avoiding Bone Grafting- Bone grafting is also a quite common procedure that is done to enhance bone structure when atrophy has occurred. This process can easily add several months to your treatment before the dental implant can be placed. This addition can also be avoided because the pterygoid implant is once again not inserted into the jawbone.
- Combining Implants- They can be combined with other types of dental implants. Being a viable candidate for one or more pterygoid implants does not mean that is all you qualify for. If your restoration goals include several tooth replacements, your dentist might recommend combining pterygoid implants with traditional implants in areas of the jaw where sufficient bone is present for their support.
- Success Rate- Pterygoid implants have a success rate higher than 95 percent.
Are Pterygoid Implants Permanent?
Dental implants are designed and intended to become permanent fixtures in your jawbone. The pterygoid implant is no different. The key to achieving permanence is that the implant becomes integrated in the bone where it is placed. Whether that is in your jawbone or the pterygoid plate it is irrelevant. If you simply exercise good daily oral hygiene of your teeth and gums and general health, you can expect your dental implants to last your lifetime.
Are You a Candidate for Pterygoid Implants?
Losing a tooth used to have a measurable impact on your smile, your facial appearance, and your chewing function. Losing multiple teeth could mean losing self-confidence, self-esteem, and some of your natural speaking ability. Dental technology continues to advance providing more improved solutions for tooth loss. Visit your dentist to evaluate how you can restore your healthy smile.