Dentist № 2 (57) – 2025, pp. 42-46                                                                                                                        SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATION

Pterygoid Implantation. Types of pterygoid region

V.L. Shelega, A.P. Dabrytskiа, D.P. Cherkasа, P.S. Alexandrovа

aclinic SHEDO, Minsk, Belarus

ABSTRACT
Pterygoid implantation is one of the alternative methods for rehabilitating edentulous posterior maxillary regions, even in cases with severe alveolar ridge atrophy. This technique provides highly reliable distal support for a maxillary prosthesis and, importantly, achieves high primary implant stability, enabling immediate or very rapid restoration of masticatory function with a provisional prosthesis.
The aim of the study. To determine the radiographic characteristics of different types of pterygoid regions and identify the clinical features of each type.
Objects and methods. CBCT scans of 180 patients were analyzed between January 2019 and January 2022 with indications for total rehabilitation of the upper jaw with severe atrophy of the alveolar process using implants and the need for pterygoid implants on both sides.
Results and discussion. Based on the types of radiographic picture of the pterygoid region, a clinical classification was compiled. It is based on the following signs identified on the patient’s CBCT – the height of the maxillary tubercle and the relationship of the position of the pterygoid process to the level of the bottom of the maxillary sinus.
Conclusion.  The selection of implant size, technique, and method for pterygoid implantation is directly dictated by the anatomical structure of the pterygoid region on the operated side in each patient. The proposed classification of the pterygoid region into types can significantly assist clinicians in choosing the appropriate technique and selecting the optimal implant for a given clinical case. This, in turn, reduces the risk of complications, shortens the patient’s rehabilitation time, simplifies and speeds up the procedure for the surgeon, and ultimately lowers costs while increasing the clinic’s profitability.

Keywords: dental implantation, pterygoid implantation

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Correspondence to:  Е-mail: anton@megagen.by