Pterygoid Implants
What is a Pterygoid Implant?
A pterygoid implant is a specialized basal dental implant that is anchored in the pterygoid region of the maxilla (upper jaw). This implant is used in cases where the posterior upper jaw lacks sufficient bone to support traditional dental implants, eliminating the need for bone grafting or sinus lift surgeries.
Applications of Pterygoid Implants
- Suitable for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
- Used in full-mouth rehabilitation without the need for sinus lift or bone grafting.
- Ideal for replacing missing molars where conventional implants cannot be placed.
- Enables immediate loading of implants, allowing for faster treatment.
Technique of Pterygoid Implant Placement
- A longer implant (15-20mm) is placed at an angle of 45-55 degrees to engage the pterygoid bone, which is dense and offers excellent stability.
- The implant bypasses the sinus cavity, ensuring strong anchorage even in cases of severe bone loss.
- The procedure is minimally invasive and does not require bone grafts.
- Immediate prosthetic teeth can be fixed, allowing patients to regain full function within three days.
Advantages of Pterygoid Implants
- No bone grafting needed, making it ideal for patients with bone loss.
- Immediate loading allows for permanent teeth in just three days.
- Provides strong and stable support by engaging the dense pterygoid bone.
- Restores full chewing function by replacing missing molars and premolars.
- Minimally invasive technique avoids complex sinus lift procedures.
Pterygoid Implant vs. Zygomatic Implant
| Feature | Pterygoid Implant | Zygomatic Implant |
|---|---|---|
|
Placement Area |
Pterygoid pillar: Found near the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, supports the posterior maxilla, and helps distribute forces from the back molars. |
Zygomatic pillar: Situated near the zygomatic bone (cheekbone), this pillar helps transmit forces from the back teeth towards the lateral side of the face. |
|
Type of Implants |
Single piece implants, no screw loosening, no crestal bone loss |
Screw-based implants, prone to screw loosening |
|
Cantilevers |
None |
Molars may be placed as cantilevers, impacting bridge longevity |
|
Number of Teeth |
Provides a full arch with 14 teeth |
Provides an arch with 10 or 12 teeth |
|
2nd Molar |
Includes replacement up to the second molar |
Does not typically include the second molar |
Functionality and Aesthetic Benefits
- Ensures strong support for molars and premolars, restoring full chewing function.
- Avoids aesthetic issues associated with metal-based prosthetics by using monolithic zirconia crowns.
- In our "Smile in 3 Days" technique, we use single-piece implants for long-term stability, reducing the need for future adjustments or replacements.
No Need for Bone Grafting or Sinus Lifts
- Conventional dental implant techniques often require additional procedures like sinus lifts and bone grafting, which can extend the treatment timeline and increase costs.
- Pterygoid implants eliminate these additional steps, making the process faster and more efficient.
Immediate vs. Delayed Loading of Implants
Traditional implants require several months for osseointegration before the final prosthetic teeth can be placed.
With the pterygoid implant technique, permanent teeth can be placed immediately, reducing treatment time significantly.
Functionality and Aesthetic Benefits
- Ensures strong support for molars and premolars, restoring full chewing function.
- Avoids aesthetic issues associated with metal-based prosthetics by using monolithic zirconia crowns.
- Long-term stability reduces the need for future adjustments or replacements.
In-House Lab for Custom Prosthetics:
- Unlike conventional clinics that rely on commercial labs, Dr. Motiwala’s clinic has an in-house lab for designing and manufacturing prosthetic crowns.
- This allows for faster adjustments, repairs, and custom designs, ensuring a perfect fit.
Why Choose Dr. Motiwala for Pterygoid Implants?
- Extensive experience in advanced implantology with over 20 years of expertise.
- No need for bone grafts or sinus lifts, making the procedure faster and more comfortable.
- Permanent teeth in just three days with high-quality zirconia crowns.
- Minimally invasive and painless approach with superior long-term results.
