Dental implants can transform your smile. When you’re missing teeth, it’s often more difficult to carry out daily activities like eating and speaking. Sadly, remaining teeth may be compromised as well. You may feel self-conscious smiling, taking photos or speaking to people.
Unfortunately, not everyone’s jaws can support traditional dental implants. Bone loss and shrinkage can impede implantation and osseointegration. Pterygoid implants are designed to help patients whose upper jaw cannot support traditional implants.
Are pterygoid implants right for you? Read on to learn more, then call Dr. Mike for a consultation.
Who needs pterygoid implants?
Pterygoid implants are also referred to as “pterygo-maxillary implants” and “tuberosity implants.” Patients with atrophic maxilla suffer from severe upper jaw shrinkage. This makes it impossible to anchor dental implants into the upper jaw because there is not enough bone to support the implant. Alternatively, the bone quality itself may not be sufficient to anchor an implant.
In less severe cases, Dr. Mike may recommend a bone graft. Bone grafts meld pieces of bone to your existing jawbone. This builds strength and density. When the graft heals, the jaw can support a traditional implant.
Sometimes the upper jaw has deteriorated too much for a bone graft. The patient may be fitted for partial or full dentures. Other options, such as pterygoid implants, provide a long-term solution for tooth replacement.
What is a pterygoid implant?
Pterygoid implants circumvent the bone loss problem by anchoring the implants into the pterygoid plate. This is located on the sides of the upper jaw.
Traditional dental implants are anchored at a 90-degree angle into the upper or lower jaw. Pterygoid implants use much longer “roots.” They’re anchored at a 45-degree angle into the pterygoid plate.
Even if you’ve suffered upper jawbone shrinkage, your pterygoid plate should have the strength and density to support your permanent implants. Dr. Mike can use pterygoid implants to replace one or more missing teeth in your upper jaw.
Why choose pterygoid implants?
Dentures have come a long way in the past decades, but they’re not an ideal solution for tooth loss. They can be uncomfortable, and must be removed and cleaned each night. Dental implants are an ideal solution. They have an extremely high success rate, look and function just like natural teeth and are far more comfortable than dentures.
Caring for implants is easy: brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash help to maintain your oral health. Follow-up appointments will ensure your implants heal properly. Don’t forget to visit your regular dentist for checkups and cleanings too, to maintain your overall oral health!
Ultimately, pterygoid implants can restore your smile even when you suffer from upper jaw bone loss. You’ll be able to eat, speak and smile with confidence, just as if you had your full set of natural teeth.
Are you a good candidate for pterygoid or other dental implants? Call Dr. Mike at the Cleveland Implant Institute today. We’ll look forward to discussing the implant solution that is best for your specific needs.