Advanced Implant Treatments

Pterygoid and Zygomatic Implants

Pterygoid implants:

• Location: These implants are placed in the pterygoid bone, located towards the back of the upper jaw, near the posterior (back) region.
• Purpose: Pterygoid implants are used when there is insufficient bone in the posterior maxilla (upper jaw) to support traditional implants, often in patients who have experienced significant bone loss in this area.
• Benefits: They help to secure dentures or prosthetics without the need for bone grafting. This technique is often considered less invasive compared to some other procedures.

Zygomatic implants:

• Location: Zygomatic implants are placed in the zygomatic bone, which forms the prominence of the cheek, located higher and towards the side of the face compared to the pterygoid bone.
• Purpose: Zygomatic implants are used in patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw, who may not be candidates for traditional implants. This often arises from the loss of bone structure due to disease, trauma, or long-term tooth loss.
• Benefits: Zygomatic implants offer a solution for securing prosthetics when there is not enough bone in the upper jaw for standard implants. They can be an alternative to bone grafting for patients with extreme bone loss.

Both pterygoid and zygomatic implants require skilled oral surgeons, as the placement involves navigating bones that are not typically targeted for dental implants. These implants are beneficial for patients with significant bone loss who might otherwise struggle to receive traditional implants.