When patients lose their teeth in their upper jaw and there is not enough jawbone for traditional implants, our dental professionals use the most advanced techniques such as zygomatic implants, pterygoid implants and nasal implants.
These options were created to avoid bone grafting procedures and offer high stability even in the most severe cases. However, each implant has its own placement, structure, and specific application.
This blog post aims to discuss the main differences between these techniques, to help patients and dental professionals understand better when and where each is suitable.
What Are Nasal Implants?
Nasal implants are an advanced technique of dental implantology, created to help patients who have severe missing bone in the front surface of the upper jaw.
In these cases, the traditional implant technique is impossible without additional procedures such as bone grafting. Nasal implants eliminate the need for this procedure by being placed in the strong bone structures of the nose, specifically in the “processus nasalis maxillae”.
These implants are longer than the standard ones and are placed at a specific angle to benefit from the high density of the nasal bone. They will pass through the weak areas of the bone to reach a more stable and stronger one, offering a strong base for a fixed prosthesis.
Placing nasal implants requires high surgical expertise, and it uses highly advanced technologies to avoid damage to other sensitive structures located nearby.
This technique is highly advised for patients who are not suitable candidates for the placement of traditional implants due to missing bone or failure of previous treatments.
One of the biggest advantages of this modern technique is the possibility of immediate placements, meaning the patient will have fixed teeth in a short period without having to wait for months.
Nasal implants are an effective, fast, and non-surgical alternative to reconstructing the jaw and restoring a full set of teeth.
What Are Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic implants are an advanced alternative to dental implants used in cases when the patient has lost a considerable amount of bone volume in the upper jaw and is not suitable for traditional implants.
Instead of being placed in the alveolar jawbone, these implants will be placed in the zygomatic bone- a strong bone located on the cheekbone area, which offers a strong base for prosthetic teeth.
Due to their length, which is usually 30-35 mm, zygomatic implants are placed at an angled position and require high surgical expertise. They are the ideal choice for patients who do not want to go through with bone grafting and are looking for faster results.
This method offers immediate stability, and in most cases, the new fixed teeth will be placed on the same day or after a short amount of time. They are also used in All-on-4 or All-on-6 systems when bone loss is severe on the back part of the upper jaw.
Zygomatic implants are especially useful for patients who have lost their teeth for a long time, have used removable prosthetics or have had unsuccessful treatments with traditional implants.
They are an effective alternative for restoring full mouth function and aesthetics without the need for complex procedures like sinus lifts or bone grafting.
What Are Pterygoid Implants?
Pterygoid implants are an advanced technique for reconstructing the upper jawbone in cases when the bone is missing in the molar and premolar area. These implants are placed in the back of the upper jaw, being fixed to the pterygoid bone and the back of the palatine bone.
Instead of resting on the alveolar bone like traditional implants, pterygoid implants are placed at a steep angle and pass through the back of the jaw to be fixed in the hard bone of the pterygoid region.
This technique offers high durability for patients who don’t have enough jawbone in the back area of the jaw and don’t want to go through with a sinus lift or bone grafting.
Pterygoid implants also provide high stability and are resistant, allowing the patients to get their teeth back in a shorter time. They are also used as a part of All-on-4, All-on-6 or even more complex treatments, compensating for the missing bone on the back of the jaw.
This procedure requires high surgical expertise since the pterygoid area is near the important structures of the face, and it requires maximum precision.
However, if performed the right way, pterygoid implants offer a durable restoration, eliminate the need for several procedures, and restore both function and appearance of missing teeth.
The Main Difference Between These Implants
Placement Of The Implants
Nasal, zygomatic and pterygoid implants are all placed in different areas of the face to replace missing teeth in the upper jaw, based on the patient’s specific needs and bone condition.
Nasal implants are placed on the front area of the jaw and pass through it in a vertical direction in the nasal bone, providing stability for the front teeth.
Zygomatic implants, on the other hand, are placed at an angled position and are fixed in the zygomatic bone, a stable structure which is located on the cheek area.
Last but not least, we have pterygoid implants, which are placed on the back of the upper jaw at a special angle to reach the pterygoid bone that is located behind the maxillary tuberosity.
Anatomical Structure
Each type of dental implant uses different anatomical structures to compensate for the loss of bone. Nasal implants are implanted into the nasal bone, specifically the nasal process of the maxilla, which provides high density and a stable base in the anterior part.
Zygomatic implants are supported by the zygoma bone, one of the strongest bone structures of the skull, offering high stability for a full upper arch dental restoration.
Pterygoid dental implants, on the other hand, are placed in a combination of the pterygoid and palatine bones, using the back part of the jaw to support the molars.
Direction And Angle Of Implantation
Nasal implants are usually placed at a right or slightly angled position to get full use of the natural direction of the nasal bone.
Zygomatic implants are placed at a more specific angle, starting from the side of the mouth and ending in the zygomatic area. This placement is necessary to avoid the sinus area and to offer a deeper placement.
Pterygoid implants are placed at an oblique angle behind the maxillary tuberosity and extend towards the back of the skull, penetrating several layers of bone to achieve maximum stability.
Cases When Each Type Is Preferred
Choosing the right type of implants depends on the location of the missing bone and the general health of the patient. Nasal implants are more suitable in cases when the missing bone is located in the front area of the upper jaw and the patient needs a full mouth reconstruction.
Zygomatic implants are used when the missing jaw bone is located in the middle and back area of the upper jaw, offering a strong, suitable method for patients who don’t want to go through with a sinus lift procedure.
Pterygoid implants are the ideal choice for reconstructions in the posterior part of the jaw, especially when the bone in that region is insufficient and the patient wants a long-lasting solution without additional procedures such as bone grafts.
Level Of Surgical Complexity
Nasal implants are an advanced technique, but less invasive when compared to zygomatic or pterygoid implants. They require high precision in placement and detailed planning, but the area that requires intervention is easier to reach.
Zygomatic implants are more complex, require high surgical expertise and are only performed in specific dental clinics such as Implantus by Dr. Roland Zhuka. Their placement involves the use of deep facial structures and must be done very carefully to avoid complications.
Pterygoid implants also require high surgical expertise because they need to be placed near the sensitive structures of the face in an area where access is limited.
Longevity And Recovery
The recovery process depends on the complexity of the procedure and the technique used. Nasal implants, due to their direct placement that protects the sinus, have a faster recovery and fewer complications.
Zygomatic implants can require more time for adaptation after the placement, especially in cases when a full mouth reconstruction is performed.
Pterygoid implants, on the other hand, require more recovery time due to their deep location and the complexity of the placement. However, they offer a safe alternative without the need for additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifts.
Stability And Immediate Loading
These three types of implants are known for the stability they offer, but their function is different once the procedure is over.
Nasal and zygomatic implants are capable of supporting immediate implant placement, meaning the patient will have new fixed teeth in a matter of hours or a few days after the procedure.
Pterygoid implants will also offer this possibility in many cases, but they will often be combined with other implants to provide equal pressure distribution while eating.
Which Type Of Implant Is Used In Which Cases?
Choosing the right type of dental implant is an individual decision that will take into account the location of missing teeth, the condition of the jawbone and the treatment goals. Each type of implant has its own placement, and it is used to address different areas of missing upper jawbone, specifically in cases when the jawbone is not sufficient for traditional dental implants.
Nasal implants are mostly used in cases when missing bone is prominent in the front area of the upper jawbone. They are the ideal choice for patients who have lost their front teeth but lack bone density for supporting traditional dental implants. Due to their positioning in the nasal bone, these implants offer a strong base for an aesthetic reconstruction of their smile without the need for additional procedures such as bone grafting.
Zygomatic implants are the preferred choice when the upper jawbone includes wider areas, especially in the middle or back part. Patients who have had removable dentures for years or those who are dealing with or have undergone deep bone resorption are the most common candidates for this technique. Zygomatic implants allow for complete reconstruction of the dental arch without the need for sinus lift or bone grafting.
Pterygoid implants are used in cases when bone loss is more prominent in the back area of the upper jaw, which includes the molars. This technique is especially effective when the patient wants to avoid a sinus lift or when jawbone density is minimal. They are mostly combined with other implant techniques, such as All-on-4 or All-on-6, to offer maximum support for a full-mouth arch.
This being said, each type of dental implant is suitable in specific situations. The choice will be made after a thorough and detailed examination, including 3d scans and oral health condition, focusing on the safety, stability and long-lasting functionality of the implant.
In Conclusion
Nasal, zygomatic and pterygoid implants represent a new modern area in the implantology field, offering full mouth reconstructions even in the most complex cases when traditional implants are not suitable.
Each of these implants has its placement and specific goal, determined by the area of missing teeth, the jawbone condition and the functional and aesthetic needs of the patient.
Nasal implants treat issues related to the front area of the jawbone, zygomatic implants include wider areas of the upper jawbone, while pterygoid implants strengthen the back area of the mouth without the need for additional treatments.
Besides the surgical complexity of these procedures, these techniques have revolutionised the way cases with severe bone loss are treated, offering full support and quicker results.
Choosing the right type of dental implant depends on the personalised treatment plan and the expertise of the dental professional. Consulting a specialised dental surgeon is the most important step in restoring full mouth function and aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Nasal, Zygomatic And Pterygoid Implants Safe?
Yes, all these implants are safe when placed by specialised dental surgeons who have the right experience in advanced implantology. They require careful planning and usage of imaging 3d technologies that will guarantee precision and prevent complications.
Are These Implants Effective Even Without Bone Grafting?
Yes, and this is one of their main advantages. These techniques are specifically designed for patients who don’t have enough jawbone and don’t want to go through with complex procedures such as bone grafting and sinus lifts.
Can Permanent Teeth Be Placed Directly After The Implants?
In most cases, yes. These implants offer high stability and allow immediate loading, meaning that the patient will have a new set of teeth on the same day or a few days after the procedure.
Will Age And Health Conditions Affect The Implant Procedure?
Age is not an issue, but general health is. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or osteoporosis, or those who smoke regularly, may affect the success of the procedure. That is why a thorough medical evaluation is necessary before the procedure.
English 
Italiano 
Shqip 
Français 