Pterygoid ImplantsPosterior Maxillary Reconstruction
- Pterygoid implants anchor in the pterygoid bone at the back of the upper jaw - providing posterior support without sinus lifting or bone grafting.
Used in cases with posterior maxillary atrophy where conventional posterior implants are not feasible.
What Are Pterygoid Implants?
Pterygoid implants (also called tuberosity implants) engage the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone - dense, reliable cortical bone that remains intact even in severe maxillary atrophy.
They function as posterior extension implants, bypassing the need for sinus lifting while providing reliable posterior implant support.
Questions about this procedure?
Clinical Indications
- Posterior maxillary bone loss preventing conventional implant placement
- Patients who wish to avoid sinus lift procedures and their associated costs/healing time
- Combined with anterior implants for full-arch restoration (All-on-4/All-on-6 + pterygoid)
- Cases where posterior cantilever length needs structural support
- Patients with <4mm posterior sub-sinus bone height unsuitable for standard implants
Ready to discuss your options?
Pterygoid Implants vs Alternatives
| Approach | Pterygoid Implant | Sinus Lift | Bone Graft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Included in full-arch | Extra NZD $1,500–$5,000 | Extra NZD $1,500–$5,000 |
| Healing time | 3–6 months osseointegration | 6–9 months + implant wait | 6–12 months |
| Surgical complexity | Moderate | Moderate–High | Moderate |
| Bone requirement | Adequate pterygoid bone only | Requires graft material | Requires graft material |
| Success rate | 95–98% | 90–95% | 85–95% variable |
Curious about costs and timelines?
Cost and Positioning
Pterygoid implants are typically incorporated into your full-arch protocol (All-on-4/All-on-6) at no additional implant cost.
3D CBCT analysis determines whether pterygoid implants are indicated in your case - Dr. Sethi assesses at consultation.
Want a personalised treatment plan?
Specialist-only treatment planning
- Remote file review before travel
- Evidence-led treatment checkpoints
No waiting list for eligible cases
- Remote file review before travel
- Evidence-led treatment checkpoints
Trip coordinated with care timeline
- Remote file review before travel
- Evidence-led treatment checkpoints
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are pterygoid implants safe?
Yes - they anchor in dense cortical bone and avoid vital structures (sinuses, nerves). Proper 3D CBCT planning and guided surgery ensure safe placement. When planned correctly, pterygoid implants have 95–98% success rates comparable to standard implants.
Will pterygoid implants cause sinus problems?
No. Pterygoid implants do not enter the sinus - they anchor behind the sinus cavity in pterygoid bone. They completely avoid sinus complications, which is a key advantage over sinus lifting procedures.
Can pterygoid implants be combined with zygomatic implants?
Yes. In severe combined anterior and posterior bone loss, zygomatic implants (anterior) and pterygoid implants (posterior) can be combined for full-arch support. This is a more advanced case requiring specialist expertise.
How are pterygoid implants different from tilted All-on-4 implants?
All-on-4 uses posterior tilting within the maxillary bone. Pterygoid implants engage the pterygoid process behind the maxilla entirely. They serve different anatomical niches - pterygoid implants are useful when posterior maxillary bone is insufficient for tilted placement.
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