"No Bone?" No Problem. Advanced Solutions for Complex Cases
Have you been told you don't have enough bone in your upper jaw for traditional dental implants? Or that a sinus lift is your only option? If so, then you might be interested in Pterygoid dental implants.
At Axis Dental, our expert team at our Sydney CBD clinic plans and performs this complex dental procedure for patients with advanced bone loss. Please contact us today to learn more.
Pterygoid implants are specialised dental implants designed for patients with significant bone loss in the back part of their upper jaw. Unlike conventional implants (which rely on the remaining maxillary bone), pterygoid implants are angled to anchor into the dense pterygoid bone.
This is located behind the maxillary sinus, in an area of the mouth that is prone to bone shrinkage, particularly after tooth loss. As the bone reduces over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to place conventional implants. That is why many patients are advised to undergo bone grafting or a sinus lift to ensure there is sufficient support for implant placement.
In most cases, pterygoid dental implants are typically combined with conventional implants, zygomatic implants, or both as part of a full-arch restoration.
For many patients, their two main options are a sinus lift or a pterygoid implant. The main difference between them is that a sinus lift involves placing graft material beneath the sinus membrane to increase available bone height. Pterygoid implants bypass the sinus entirely.
After the sinus lift graft heals, implants can be placed and allowed to integrate. While it can be a highly effective course of action in suitable cases, the process often adds several months to the treatment-planning timeline. It also requires additional surgery.
By contrast, pterygoid implants are placed directly into the pterygoid bone during a single surgical procedure. Often alongside any other implants. As no grafting is needed, patients may receive fixed provisional teeth within 24–48 hours.
The patients who may benefit most from pterygoid implants include those:
With severe bone loss in the posterior upper jaw
Who have been previously advised that standard implants are not possible
That have been recommended for a sinus lift but want to explore alternatives
Who have previously experienced failed grafting procedures or sinus lifts
With long-term denture wear caused by significant jawbone resorption
As mentioned, pterygoid implants are often included as part of an All-on-X treatment plan.
In many patients, the front section of the upper jaw retains enough bone to support conventional implants. But the back portion, where bone loss is typically most severe, usually doesn't.
Pterygoid implants solve this problem by providing stable posterior anchorage and working together with anterior implants to create the support needed for a fixed full-arch bridge.
This approach can often deliver a stable, long-term, permanent teeth solution. One that eliminates the need for dental bone grafting across the entire upper jaw.
At Axis Dental, we have many years of experience in recommending and performing pterygoid implant treatment. Here is the process we follow to ensure our patients benefit from long-term success.
We offer all our patients a free consultation, during which time they will have a CBCT scan. This allows our experts to properly assess their pterygoid bone, sinus anatomy and overall jaw structure to formulate a detailed digital treatment plan before the surgery.
The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia or deep sedation by a highly trained maxillofacial surgeon, dentist, or expert oral surgery team. During these advanced procedures, pterygoid implants and any additional implants will be placed in your mouth.
If deemed clinically appropriate, patients will receive their fixed provisional teeth within 24 to 48 hours. This means they leave with a functional smile, rather than removable dentures.
Over the next three to six months, the implants integrate with the surrounding bone. Patients will continue to function normally with their provisional teeth before they receive their final restoration.
Probably the most attractive benefit of pterygoid implants is that they avoid the need for bone grafting and sinus surgery. At the same time, it reduces the complexity of treatment, shortens the overall timeline, and allows many patients to receive fixed teeth much sooner.
Another advantage is due to their positioning at the back of the mouth, it removes cantilever forces on bridges which can transmit excessive forces onto the implant resulting in overloading which can negatively impact implant healing and osseointegration.
They also provide excellent primary stability, even in complex cases where conventional implant placement would not be possible. Additionally, by restoring support at the back of the jaw, they help you restore function, enhance your chewing ability and improve your long-term oral health.
Like any oral surgery, pterygoid implant treatment does carry an element of risk. Even if performed by professionals with extensive surgical expertise.
After surgery, temporary swelling, bruising, and pain can all occur. There is also a small risk of implant failure if osseointegration does not occur as expected.
Additionally, although sinus-related complications are less common than with a sinus lift, any surgery involving the upper jaw can impact your sinus structures.
At Axis Dental, pterygoid implant treatment is generally included within our All-on-X pricing structure. As a ballpark figure, treatment starts from approximately $21,000 per arch for Tier 2 cases and from $30,000 per arch for Tier 3 cases.
To make it more accessible, we offer flexible payment solutions. They include Total Lifestyle Credit and eligible Access My Super arrangements.
Do pterygoid implants require a sinus lift or bone grafting?
In most cases, no. Their design allows for implant placement without the need for a sinus lift or grafting procedure.
What is the difference between pterygoid implants and zygomatic implants?
The main difference between the two is that Pterygoid implants anchor behind the sinus. Zygomatic implants engage the cheekbone.
How long does pterygoid implant surgery take?
Pterygoid implant surgery is normally performed together with an upper full arch surgery, and can typically take between 1 to 3 hours to complete.
