What Are Pterygoid Implants and When Are They Needed?

At Jolie Smiles in Odessa, FL, we see patients who’ve heard from other dentists that they’re not candidates for traditional dental implants. Often, the cause is severe bone loss in the upper jaw, which can make restoring a confident smile seem out of reach. But thanks to advanced surgical solutions like pterygoid implants, there’s a proven way forward—even in the most complex cases.

Keep reading if you’ve struggled with loose dentures or been told implants aren’t possible. In this blog, we’ll explain what pterygoid implants are, when they’re recommended, and how they can offer lasting stability and function without needing bone grafting.

What Are Pterygoid Implants?

Pterygoid implants are specialized dental implants for patients with significant upper jawbone loss. Instead of anchoring into the maxillary bone like traditional implants, they are placed at an angle into the pterygoid plate—a dense portion of the sphenoid bone located behind the upper jaw.

This unique placement allows them to bypass areas with insufficient bone while providing strong support for full-arch restorations. Pterygoid implants are often combined with zygomatic or anterior implants to fully stabilize upper prosthetics, especially in cases where bone grafting would otherwise be necessary.

How Do Pterygoid Implants Differ from Traditional Implants?

Most dental implants are anchored into the upper or lower jawbone, requiring adequate bone volume and density. However, standard placement becomes difficult or impossible when the bone has deteriorated due to age, long-term denture wear, or failed previous implants.

Pterygoid implants solve this problem by:

• Anchoring into the dense pterygoid region behind the upper jaw
  
  
• Avoiding the need for sinus lifts or bone grafts
  
  
• Providing stable posterior support for full-arch bridges
  
  
• Reducing the number of required surgeries and shortening treatment timelines

This makes them ideal for patients who have been told they’re not candidates for traditional implants or who want to avoid lengthy, multi-step procedures.

When Are Pterygoid Implants Recommended?

At Jolie Smiles, Dr. Truong may recommend pterygoid implants if:

• You’ve lost significant bone in the upper jaw.
  
  
• You’ve worn upper dentures for many years.
  
  
• You’ve experienced failed implants due to poor bone quality.
  
  
• You want a fixed full-arch restoration without grafting.
  
  
• You’ve been turned away by other providers.

Because pterygoid implants engage a part of the skull that remains dense and stable throughout life, they offer a reliable solution when traditional upper jaw implants are not possible.

What to Expect: The Surgical Procedure, Step by Step

Placing pterygoid implants requires advanced surgical precision. Dr. Truong is trained in this technique and uses digital planning to ensure safe, effective results. Here’s what the procedure typically involves:

1. Digital Imaging and Evaluation
   Using a 3D CT scan, we map your anatomy to determine the safest and most effective placement angles.
   
   
2. Anesthesia and Sedation
   We offer local anesthesia along with sedation options to ensure you’re relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.
   
   
3. Implant Placement
   The implants are placed through the posterior maxilla and anchored into the pterygoid plate at a precise angle.
   
   
4. Temporary Restoration
   In many cases, we provide a same-day temporary prosthesis so you leave with a functional smile.
   
   
5. Final Prosthesis
   After healing and integration (usually 3–6 months), you’ll receive a custom permanent restoration built to last.

This process is typically faster and more efficient than treatments that require grafting, and it reduces overall recovery time.

Long-Term Results: Success Rates and Function

Research has documented the long-term success of pterygoid implants. When placed correctly, these implants show success rates comparable to traditional implants, often over 95%. Their high primary stability makes them ideal for supporting fixed bridges or full-arch prosthetics.

Patients benefit from:

• Strong chewing power with no dietary limitations
  
  
• Improved facial structure and lip support
  
  
• Stable results that resist movement or pressure
  
  
• Long-lasting restorations with minimal maintenance

Most patients adapt quickly and report renewed confidence in everyday activities like eating, speaking, and smiling.

Are Pterygoid Implants Right for You?

If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for dental implants, don’t give up. Pterygoid implants may offer a stable, long-lasting solution without complex grafting procedures.

Jolie Smiles uses state-of-the-art diagnostics and an in-house lab to design precise, personalized treatment plans. Because these implants are placed in anatomically demanding areas, experience matters—and we’re proud to offer this advanced care right here in Odessa, FL.

Explore What’s Possible with Pterygoid Implants

Pterygoid implants are changing the lives of patients who once thought they had no options. From bone-loss challenges to full-arch stability, these implants offer a secure foundation with a high success rate and predictable outcomes.

Want to learn if you’re a candidate? Schedule an appointment with Jolie Smiles today. 

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