Pterygoid Implants — Posterior 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.

Standard dimensions: length 18–20mm, angulation 45–55° from the occlusal plane, providing optimal posterior mechanical advantage for full-arch support.

They function as posterior extension implants, bypassing the need for sinus lifting while providing reliable posterior implant support.

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

Pterygoid Implants vs Alternatives

Approach	Pterygoid Implant	Sinus Lift	Bone Graft
Cost	Included in full-arch	Extra CAD $1,500–$5,000	Extra CAD $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

Cost and Positioning

Pterygoid implants are typically incorporated into your full-arch protocol (All-on-4/All-on-6) at no additional implant cost.

Full-mouth treatment including pterygoid implants: CAD $12,000–$16,000 at Stunning Dentistry, all-inclusive.

Equivalent treatment in Canada (sinus lifting + conventional implants): CAD $50,000–$80,000+ depending on complexity.

3D CBCT analysis determines whether pterygoid implants are indicated in your case — Dr. Sethi assesses at consultation.

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.