Pterygoid implant: Option for rehabilitation of the atrophic posterior maxilla

Background: The anatomy of the atrophic posterior maxilla presents many limitations to implant placement. Factors affecting implant placements include poor bone quality and quantity, location of maxillary sinus. Posterior cantilevers on implant prostheses produce complications, such as prosthesis fracture, screw loosening, loss of osseointegration, and crestal bone loss. Pterygoid implants are an alternative to grafting solutions for posterior maxillary rehabilitation. Aim: This systematic review describes various implant treatment options for posterior maxillary rehabilitation. It highlights the use of pterygoid implants as a graftless solution with its anatomy, technique of placement, and advantages. Conclusion: Pterygoid implants have high success rates, less bone loss, and good acceptance by patients thus being an excellent alternative to treat patients with severely atrophic maxilla. Clinical Significance: Pterygoid implants avoid the need for sinus lifts and grafting procedures. They allow anchorage in the posterior atrophied/resorbed maxilla, achieving proper stability, and high rates of long-term succ