When it comes to restoring a full smile with dental implants, one of the biggest challenges patients face is severe bone loss in the upper jaw. In cases where traditional implants or even All-on-4 dental implants may not have enough support, a specialized solution called pterygoid implants may be the answer.
At All On Four Dental Implant Centers, we use advanced implant techniques—including pterygoid implants—to help patients who were once told they weren’t candidates for dental implants. Let’s break down what pterygoid implants are, how they work, and when they’re used.
What Are Pterygoid Dental Implants?
Pterygoid implants are long, angled dental implants placed in the pterygoid region of the upper jaw, specifically in the pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone, which is located behind the upper jawbone near the back of the mouth.
This region offers a dense and stable bone structure, making it an ideal anchor point for patients who lack sufficient bone in the posterior maxilla, the back of the upper jaw.
How Pterygoid Implants Differ from Traditional Implants
Unlike traditional implants that are placed vertically into the jawbone, pterygoid implants are placed at an angle, extending into the stronger pterygoid bone. This unique placement:
- Avoids the need for bone grafting
- Bypasses the sinus cavity
- Provides strong posterior support for full-arch restorations
- It is often used in conjunction with All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants
This makes them an excellent option for patients with severe maxillary bone loss who still want a fixed, non-removable full-arch implant solution.
Who Needs Pterygoid Implants?
You may be a candidate for pterygoid implants if:
- You’ve experienced long-term tooth loss in the upper jaw
- You’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for traditional implants
- You’re seeking an alternative to sinus lift surgery or bone grafting
- You want a permanent solution for missing upper teeth
- You need additional stability for a full-arch restoration like All-on-4
At All On Four Dental Implant Centers, we evaluate each patient using advanced 3D imaging to determine whether pterygoid implants or another implant configuration will provide the best long-term outcome.
Benefits of Pterygoid Implants
Choosing pterygoid implants comes with several key benefits:
- Avoids sinus complications and bone grafting
- Anchors implants in dense, stable bone
- Enables full-arch restorations in patients with severe bone loss
- Improves the posterior support of All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants
- Shortens treatment time by eliminating preparatory surgeries
This advanced technique enables patients to receive immediate-load full-arch prosthetics in many cases, allowing you to walk out with a functional smile on the same day as your surgery.
Are Pterygoid Implants Safe?
Yes—when placed by experienced implant specialists, pterygoid implants are a safe and proven technique. At All On Four Dental Implant Centers, our team has extensive training in advanced implantology and uses precision-guided technology to ensure safe and accurate placement.
Pterygoid Implants and All-on-4: A Powerful Combination
While traditional All-on-4 dental implants rely on two anterior (front) and two angled posterior implants, adding pterygoid implants can provide even more stability in the back of the jaw. This is especially helpful for:
- Patients with extreme upper jaw bone loss
- Those seeking longer-lasting full-arch support
- Cases where a zygomatic implant may not be suitable
This approach is sometimes referred to as All-on-5 or All-on-6, depending on the number of implants used to maximize stability.
Restore Your Smile, Even With Severe Bone Loss
Don’t let upper jaw bone loss keep you from getting the confident, healthy smile you deserve. At All On Four Dental Implant Centers, we offer pterygoid implants, All-on-4 dental implants, and other advanced solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Ready to Find Out If You’re a Candidate?
If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for dental implants, you may still have options.
Call (877) 731-9866 to schedule a free consultation today with our implant specialists and learn whether pterygoid implants or another advanced solution is right for you. Let us help you rebuild your smile—stronger and more secure than ever.