The pterygoid plate implant: a solution for restoring the posterior maxilla
Restoring the dentition in the posterior maxilla can be very challenging because of the poor quality of bone or pneumatization of sinus. Placement of cantilevered restoration or augmentation with a sinus lift has become the conventional treatment for maxilla. This paper describes an alternative procedure, placement of a pterygoid plate fixture which can be used with predictable success. In this paper the procedure is documented on 49 patients, with 64 implants placed and 43 implants still in function. The author describes the technique and a typical case is illustrated. [E.L.H.]
Graves, S.L., Int J Periodont Restor Dent, 14:513, 1994