USE OF PTERYGOID IMPLANTS IN THE REHABILITATION OF THE ATROPHIC MAXILLA: A CRITICAL STRUCTURED REVIEW FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Abstract

Rehabilitation of the posterior maxilla remains one of the most demanding tasks in implant dentistry because loss of teeth in this region is commonly followed by progressive alveolar resorption, sinus pneumatization, and reduced bone density. As a result, treatment planning often shifts toward sinus floor elevation, grafting procedures, short implants, tilted implants, zygomatic anchorage, or other complex alternatives. Pterygoid implants represent a graftless option that aims to move distal support posteriorly and to expand the prosthetic base without sinus augmentation in selected patients.