Zygomatic and Pterygoid Implants

What are Zygomatic and Pterygoid Implants?

Zygomatic and pterygoid implants are two types of long implants that are used when the patient has insufficient quantity or quality of bone to anchor implants of regular dimensions. In these cases, bones of greater hardness are used, such as those in the area of the cheekbones, to anchor the implants, since they always maintain their hardness and density.

Characteristics of zygomatic and pterygoid implants

The main characteristic of these implants is that they are placed in two bones that are never reabsorbed, the zygomatic, in the case of zygomatic implants and the pterygoid, in the case of pterygoid implants. So they can be used even in the most severe atrophies of the maxillary bone. In addition, zygomatic and petrigoid implants are also special for their length, much longer than conventional implants. Thus, zygomatics have a length of 30 to 55 mm and pterygoids of 15 to 20 mm, a length designed to ensure a correct anchorage in the bone.

Treatment with zygomatic or pterygoid implants has three major advantages:

  • It is a good alternative to bone grafts placement fin patients suffering considerable maxillary bone resorption.
  • Shortens the treatment time safely, quickly and conveniently for the patient.
  • It guarantees improved aesthetics for every patient, regardless of the quality of their bone for dental implant placement. However, zygomatic and pterygoid implant placement is sometimes accompanied by the use of normal implants, depending on the quality and quantity of the patient’s bone.

WHO ARE CANDIDATES FOR ZIGOMATIC AND PTERIGOID IMPLANTS?

All those patients who present bone resorption in the region of the jaw or maxilla after the loss of teeth, either by general factors such as sex or age, or local injuries such as or bone metabolism. These changes in bone structure must be taken into account in the diagnosis and planning of dental implant treatment.

The Maxillofacial Institute offers a long experience in the field of Implantology, being one of the centers worldwide expert in the placement of special implants such as zygomatic or pterygoid. Thanks to this, it is now possible to return to all patients the quality of life they deserve.

Explanatory videos