Dental implants are used to permanently replace missing teeth, restoring your full, healthy smile. Unfortunately, people without sufficient jawbone tissue aren’t good candidates for traditional implants, leaving them with fewer treatment options.
Pterygoid implants are an effective treatment alternative for patients without enough jawbones for conventional implants. Read on to learn more about this type of implant and the benefits it offers.
What Are Pterygoid Implants?
Pterygoid implants are placed in the pterygoid process, a bony landmark in the back of the upper jaw. This is different from traditional dental implants, which are placed in the alveolar bone of the jaw. Pterygoid implants are often recommended for patients with atrophic maxilla, a condition involving significant upper jaw shrinkage. This means that the upper jawbone can’t support conventional dental implants.
Good Candidates for Pterygoid Implants
Candidates for pterygoid implants often have insufficient upper jawbone tissue for conventional dental implants. These individuals can benefit from pterygoid implants because they:
- Omit the need for bone grafting and sinus augmentation, which involve lengthy recovery periods and prolong the process of placing dental implants.
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- Bone grafting involves transplanting bone in the jawbone so that it’s sufficient for placing dental implants.
- Sinus augmentation involves lifting the sinus floor to re-establish sufficient bone under the upper jaw to place dental implants.
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- Permanently replace missing teeth and function like natural teeth
- Can be combined with traditional dental implants to restore multiple teeth in the mouth
- Look and feel like natural teeth, providing long-lasting convenience and comfort
- Have a high success rate, providing peace of mind for patients considering their treatment options
At Dental Implant Solutionz, we offer the latest treatment options for missing teeth, including pterygoid implants. To learn if you’re a candidate for this procedure, schedule an appointment with us today!