What are Pterygoid Implants?
Pterygoid implants are usually the restoration treatment solution if you have been diagnosed with atrophic maxilla, which is a severe shrinkage of your upper jaw. In this case, your upper jaw cannot successfully support traditional dental implants. Even if your dentist surgically placed the implant, or artificial root, into your upper jaw, the jawbone would most likely not be able to bond and fuse around the implant and the restoration would fail. While you will always have the option to be fitted with traditional dentures or a dental partial, dental implants offer the new gold standard in long-term solutions for missing teeth. Rather than positioning the dental implant vertically into the jawbone as is done with a traditional implant, the pterygoid implant is now anchored at a 45-degree angle into your medial pterygoid plate. The conclusion is a restored, healthy smile, despite your previous struggles with bone loss.
The Advantages of Pterygoid Implants
Pterygoid implants are used when there is less bone present in your upper jaw. This is also known as a case of severe bone resorption. When you need implants in your upper jaw, this is the best solution. The pterygoid implants are an advanced alternative to a bone graft or sinus lift, which are the traditional methods. Some benefits include:
- Will permanently replace missing teeth- With but a few exceptions, pterygoid implants can permanently replace missing teeth. Not only will you regain your self-confidence, but you will also be able to bite and chew food just as you would with natural teeth. Pterygoid implants can be life changing.
- Avoid the need for sinus augmentation- Sinus augmentation is sometimes necessary to regain bone mass between the sinus and oral cavity. This surgery can add months to your implant process because you must undergo sinus augmentation, then wait patiently for the area to heal before an implant can be surgically placed. Pterygoid implants do not need sinus augmentation; therefore, you can enjoy your restoration in less time.
- Avoid bone grafting- Bone grafting used to be common if you had severe bone loss. Healing from a bone graft can take some time before your jaw is ready to support implants. Since pterygoid implants bypass the upper jaw altogether, you will not need a bone graft.
- Can be used in conjunction with other implant types- If you need dental implants in your lower jaw, it is perfectly fine to use pterygoid implants in conjunction with traditional implants.
- Easy to clean and care for- Your dental implant imitates the look of a natural tooth, and you will clean them the same way. Daily brushing and flossing will ensure good gum health and protect the balance of your natural teeth.
- High success rate- Pterygoid implants have a success rate of over 95%.
If you lack sufficient bone mass for a traditional dental implant, your dentist may recommend the pterygoid implant as an alternative solution. Pterygoid implants are also called pterygo-maxillary implants and tuberosity implants. Pterygoid implants allow you to still enjoy the benefits of a dental implant even though you have upper jawbone issues.