What are Pterygoid Implants?

Conventional dental implants may not be an option for those with substantial bone loss in their upper jaw. This is where Pterygoid implants come in. These implants, which are typically longer than traditional ones, measuring between 15 and 20 millimetres, are deliberately put in the pterygoid plate—a bone that is usually unaffected by bone loss that limits other locations for implant placement. Their greater length improves stability and helps them to benefit from the dense pterygomaxillary area.

Unlike traditional implants, which require a considerable bone basis and may require complex operations like as bone grafts or sinus lifts, Pterygoid implants make use of the natural strengths of your jaw's deep bone structure. This careful placement not only prevents repeated surgeries, but it also drastically reduces the treatment timeframe.

Behind every smile is a unique story. At Nuffield Dental, our team has successfully improved countless lives with Pterygoid implants, ensuring that each patient has a restoration that is not only functional but also looks natural. With our expert care, you can regain the comfort and confidence that comes with having a full, healthy smile.

All On 4 Dental Implants And Pterygoid Implants

The All On 4 dental implant is a comprehensive approach for replacing a whole arch of teeth with only four carefully placed implants. However, for individuals with substantial bone loss in the upper jaw, more support may be required, particularly in the back of the mouth where bone density can be low.

This is where Pterygoid implants come in. Pterygoid implants function in synergy with the All On 4 method, leveraging the denser bone in the pterygoid plate to hold implants even in cases of substantial bone loss. This approach allows patients who are not suitable for standard All On 4 implants to have stable and effective prosthetic teeth without the need for invasive bone grafting treatments.

Key Benefits of Combining All-On-4 with Pterygoid Implants:

• Cantilevers are eliminated: Traditional All-On-4 designs frequently include cantilevers, which stretch the rear teeth beyond the posterior-most implants, potentially putting too much force on the front implants during chewing. Pterygoid implants provide direct support for these rear teeth, avoiding the need for a cantilever. This results in a more equal distribution of chewing forces, improved prosthesis stability and strength, and a lower chance of implant failure.
 
• Immediate Loading: Both procedures are intended for immediate functionality, providing patients with a full set of teeth immediately following implant implantation.
 
• Streamlined Procedure: By omitting bone grafts, the surgery becomes less complex, with a shorter recovery period and lower overall expenditures.

Pterygoid Implants Complications

• Nerve Damage & Numbness: There is a slight risk of injuring adjacent nerves during implant insertion, which may cause temporary or, in rare circumstances, permanent numbness or tingling in the area. Accurate imaging and careful surgical techniques help prevent this complication from happening.
 
• Chronic discomfort: In rare situations, individuals may develop persistent discomfort at the implant site. This could be due to tissue irritation or faulty implant-bone integration. Your dentist should analyse any persistent discomfort to identify the best course of action.
 
• Prolonged Numbness or Tingling: If neighbouring nerves are damaged during the surgery, some patients may feel persistent numbness or tingling in their jaw, lips, or cheeks. While this is usually brief, in rare circumstances it may persist and necessitate additional medical attention.
 
• Sinus Issues: Because the pterygoid plate is so close to the sinus cavities, the implant has the potential to induce sinus problems such as chronic sinusitis (long-lasting inflammation of the sinuses, causing symptoms like nasal congestion, pain, and difficulty breathing) or sinus perforation (a small hole between your sinus and mouth that can lead to discomfort, damage, or sinus drainage). This may demand extra treatment to maintain sinus health.
 
• Implant Fracture or Loosening: Over time, and especially without proper care, the implant may fracture or loosen, jeopardising its stability and function. Regular dental check-ups are necessary to ensure the implant's stability.

To prevent these complications from happening, it’s important to choose a skilled dentist. At Nuffield Dental, our dentists have more than 10 years of experience on average, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.