For patients with severe maxillary bone loss, traditional dental implants may not be an option due to insufficient bone volume. This is where zygomatic and pterygoid implants come into play—advanced techniques that anchor implants into the zygoma (cheekbone) or pterygoid plates (near the skull base), providing a stable foundation for full arch restorations without the need for bone grafting.

Zygomatic implants are much longer than conventional implants and are anchored directly into the dense zygomatic bone, bypassing areas of bone deficiency in the upper jaw. This technique is especially beneficial for patients with severe bone resorption due to conditions like long-term edentulism, periodontal disease, or failed bone grafts.

Pterygoid implants, on the other hand, are inserted at an angle into the pterygoid plates, which provide high primary stability and eliminate the need for sinus lifts. These implants allow for immediate loading, meaning patients can often receive a fixed prosthesis on the same day as surgery.

By utilizing these innovative techniques, oral surgeons can restore full function, aesthetics, and confidence to patients who were previously told they weren’t candidates for dental implants. Zygomatic and pterygoid implants represent the pinnacle of modern reconstructive dentistry, offering life-changing solutions to even the most complex cases.