Pterygoid Implants
The solution for missing bone in the back of the upper jaw
The back of the upper jaw is one of the hardest places to put dental implants.
That’s where most people don’t have enough bone.
That’s also where most implant treatments fail — or require grafting.
Pterygoid implants change that completely.
What Are Pterygoid Implants?
Pterygoid implants are placed in a dense area of bone behind the upper jaw, near the base of the skull.
This bone is:
- Strong
- Stable
- Resistant to bone loss
And most importantly…
It gives us a solid anchor where traditional implants can’t work.
Why This Matters
When patients lose bone in the upper jaw, most dentists recommend:
- Bone grafting
- Sinus lifts
- Multiple surgeries over months or years
Pterygoid implants allow us to bypass all of that.
Because instead of rebuilding bone…
We anchor into better bone.
The Advantage of Pterygoid Implants
With this technique, patients can often:
- Avoid sinus lifts completely
- Avoid bone grafting
- Get stronger posterior support
- Reduce cantilevers (better long-term function)
- Achieve more stable full-arch restorations
This isn’t just about placing implants.
It’s about engineering a better bite that lasts.
How They Work
Unlike traditional implants placed straight down…
Pterygoid implants are:
- Longer
- Angled
- Positioned into dense posterior bone
This allows them to handle both vertical and lateral forces effectively, creating a more stable foundation.
Who Needs Pterygoid Implants?
This is ideal for patients who:
- Have bone loss in the back of the upper jaw
- Have been told they need sinus lifts
- Have failing All-on-X restorations
- Want a more stable, long-term solution
Why Most Offices Don’t Offer This
Because it’s technically demanding.
It requires:
- Advanced training
- Surgical precision
- Experience with complex anatomy
That’s why you’ll often only see oral surgeons offering it.
Not general dentists.
Our Approach
At Flathead Dental Implant Arts, we integrate pterygoid implants into a complete full-arch system — not as a standalone procedure.
That means:
- Better planning
- Better distribution of forces
- Better long-term outcomes
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’ve been told you need bone grafting or aren’t a candidate for implants…
You may not have been shown this option.
Let’s take a closer look.