What are Pterygoid Implants?
If you do not have sufficient bone mass for a standard dental implant, your dentist may recommend an alternative solution called pterygoid implants. Pterygoid implants are also called pterygoid-maxillary implants and tuberosity implants. Pterygoid implants will allow you, if you have severe upper jawbone loss, to still enjoy the benefits of a dental implant restoration.
What are Pterygoid Implants?
Pterygoid implants are usually performed if you are diagnosed with atrophic maxilla, which is a severe shrinkage of your upper jaw. In this situation your upper jaw cannot successfully support traditional dental implants. Even if your dentist placed the implant artificial root into your upper jaw, the bone most likely will not be able to fuse and bond around the root and the implant would therefore fail. You still have the option to be fitted with dentures or a partial dental, even though dental implants offer the best long-term solution for missing teeth. This innovative option is, instead of anchoring the dental implant vertically into your 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 solution provides the restoration of a healthy smile despite past struggles with bone loss.
Benefits and Advantages of Pterygoid Implants
- Permanently replace missing teeth- With some minor exceptions, pterygoid implants will permanently replace your missing teeth. It will restore your self-confidence and self-esteem, and you will be able to chew food just as you would with natural teeth. Pterygoid implants are life changing.
- Avoid the need for sinus augmentation- Sinus augmentation is sometimes necessary to establish more bone mass between your sinus and the 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 placed. Pterygoid implants do not need sinus augmentation; therefore, you can enjoy your new smile in less time.
- Avoid bone grafting- Bone grafting was quite common if you had severe bone loss. Healing from a bone graft can take quite some time before the jaw is ready to successfully support implants. Since pterygoid implants bypass the upper jaw completely, you do not need a bone graft.
- Can be used in conjunction with other implant types- If you also require dental implants placed in your lower jaw, it is totally safe to use pterygoid implants in conjunction with any traditional implants.
- Easy to clean and care for- Your dental implants mimic the exact look of your natural teeth, and you will clean them the same way.
- Daily brushing and flossing will ensure good gum health and protect your remaining natural teeth.
- High success rate: Pterygoid implants have an incredible success rate of more than 95%.
Pterygoid Dental Implants Will Make your Jaw Stronger
Dental implants strengthen your jawbone and prevent further bone atrophy and deterioration. Dental implants keep your gums from receding and shrinking, and as bone density and mass is restored, it has an absolute positive impact on your facial features. Dental implants help restore and maintain your natural shape face and youthful appearance.