Pterygoid implants: anatomical considerations and surgical placement

Aim Loss of bone in the posterior maxilla through resorption due to atrophy, periodontal disease or enlargement of the maxillary sinus create challenges to implant placement. Frequently, osseous augmentation has been utilized to create adequate bone volume to house traditional implants. In recent years, utilization of specialized implants placed into the pterygoid area have allowed circumvention of the lack of adequate bone in the molar region, while avoiding sinus augmentation to utilize bone on the tuberosity area to either connect with traditional implants in the premolar zone, angled pterygoid implants avoiding the anterior wall of the sinus or in severe resorption cases to zygomatic implants.

Materials and methods This article will discuss the utilization of pterygoid implants from planning to surgical placement and the initial restorative phase of treatment.

Results Pterygoid implants allow restoration of the resorbed posterior maxilla in less time by avoiding the healing period required when osseous grafting would be required to place implants in the deficient ridge below the enlarged sinus. Treatment costs for the patient are also shortened by elimination of maxillary sinus augmentation procedures.

Conclusion Pterygoid implants should be considered when inadequate bone is present in the posterior maxilla as an alternative to osseous augmentation to permit implant placement.