Pterygoid Structures

Pterygoid implants are one of the most effective solutions for professionals treating cases of severe bone atrophy in the upper jaw.

Thanks to a specialized surgical technique, they make it possible to avoid invasive procedures such as sinus lifts or bone grafts, reducing treatment time and patient morbidity.
HTD Medical is the exclusive distributor in Italy of Adin pterygoid implants, a comprehensive line designed to address every clinical scenario: from moderate atrophy to complete rehabilitation of the upper arch with immediate loading.

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What Are Pterygoid Implants?

Pterygoid implants are dental implants that are longer than traditional implants. They are designed to be placed in the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, a high-density bony structure at the base of the skull. They provide a solid and stable anchorage even in cases where residual alveolar bone is insufficient or completely absent.

The clinical rationale is simple: when the posterior maxilla has undergone significant resorption, it is not possible to place conventional implants in the premolar and molar regions without resorting to complex regenerative procedures. Pterygoid implants, on the other hand, take advantage of the natural bone quality of the palato-pterygo-tuberosity ( PPT) region , bypassing the maxillary sinus and reaching dense cortical bone that provides excellent primary stability.

When are they recommended?

Pterygoid implants are the ideal solution in the following cases:

Severe bone atrophy of the posterior maxilla;
Patients who need rehabilitation of the molar regions or the entire upper arch;
Cases in which maxillary sinus elevation is to be avoided or cannot be performed;
Immediate-load restorations in clinically suitable cases;
Combined approaches using zygomatic implants for completely edentulous arches.

The Adin line for pterygoid and long implants

Adin offers a complete line of implants designed for upper jaw rehabilitation in cases of advanced bone atrophy or when bicortical anchorage is required. A common feature of the entire range is the tapered apex and smooth coronal portion, which facilitate insertion into dense cortical bone and reduce surgical trauma.

All products in this line are made of Grade 23 titanium and feature the Osseofix surface, a bioactive treatment enriched with high-purity calcium phosphate that optimizes osteoconductive properties and promotes rapid and stable osseointegration.

Discover the available solutions:

Touareg OS Pterygo Gold Neck
Touareg OS Long
CloseFit Long

Touareg OS™ Pterygo Gold Neck

The Touareg OS Pterygo Gold Neck is Adin’s solution specifically designed for pterygoid implantology. Designed for the rehabilitation of the upper arch in patients with severe bone atrophy, it combines a reliable hexagonal connection with a geometry optimized for placement in the pterygoid process.

The most distinctive feature is the 3-mm smooth, gold-anodized collar, which visually marks the transmucosal portion of the implant and facilitates the management of peri-implant soft tissues. The tapered apex, available in diameters of 2.0 mm (for the 3.75 mm diameter) and 2.5 mm (for the 4.2 mm diameter), allows for precise placement in the pterygoid region even in confined anatomical spaces.

The implant is available in two diameters and three lengths, offering the flexibility needed to adapt to different clinical situations. The Osseofix surface ensures high osteoconductive properties for rapid and long-lasting integration.

Features and Benefits

Hexagonal connection (Ø 3.75 mm and Ø 4.2 mm)
Integrated platform switching
3-mm gold-anodized smooth collar for immediate visual identification of the transmucosal portion
Double-pitch trapezoidal thread (2×1.2 mm) for high primary stability
Active rounded tip, narrow (2.0 mm for Ø 3.75 mm / 2.5 mm for Ø 4.2 mm), ideal for pterygoid insertion
Self-curing and osteocondensing, suitable for dense cortical bone
Can be reoriented during insertion with an angular correction margin during positioning
Osseofix Surface, Grade 23 Titanium
Recommended for immediate loading under appropriate clinical conditions

Download the Touareg OS brochure

Touareg OS™ Long

The Touareg OS Long is the extended-length version of the Touareg line, designed for bicortical anchorage in the posterior regions of the maxilla. Its geometry—featuring a smooth 5-mm collar and a tapered 2.5-mm narrow apex—makes it particularly suitable for situations where it is necessary to reach a cortical bone layer distant from the residual alveolar ridge.

The double-pitch trapezoidal thread design ensures high primary stability even in low-density bone, and the self-tapping design facilitates insertion while reducing surgical trauma. Available in a single diameter of 4.2 mm with a hexagonal connection, it integrates seamlessly into the Touareg line’s surgical protocol.

Features and Benefits

Hexagonal connection (Ø 4.2 mm)
Integrated platform switching
5-mm smooth collar, reduces crestal compression and facilitates tissue management
Double-pitch trapezoidal thread (2×1.2 mm) for high primary stability
Active narrow rounded tip (2.5 mm) for precise penetration into dense cortical bone
Self-curing and osteocondensing, it ensures smooth insertion with minimal trauma
Can be reoriented during insertion, with the option to make minor directional adjustments
Osseofix Surface, Grade 23 Titanium
Compatible with the TMA™ surgical kit and prosthetic system from the Touareg line

Download the Touareg OS brochure

CloseFit™ WP Long

The CloseFit WP Long offers the benefits of the CloseFit conometric connection in situations that require a longer implant for bicortical anchorage. With a diameter of 4.3 mm and a 5-mm smooth collar, it is indicated for cases where immediate loading is anticipated in all bone types, in both the maxilla and mandible.

The CloseFit conometric connection utilizes a precise conical fit between the implant and the abutment, reducing micromovements at the interface and maximizing mechanical stability—a particularly significant advantage in immediate loading protocols. The Osseofix surface, treated with high-purity calcium phosphate, rounds out the profile of this implant, promoting reliable and predictable osseointegration.

Features and Benefits

Conometric connection (Ø 4.3 mm), to reduce micro-movements at the implant-abutment interface
Integrated platform switching
5-mm smooth collar for optimal management of peri-implant soft tissues
Double-pitch trapezoidal thread (2×1.2 mm) with high primary stability
Active flat tip, effective in dense cortical bone
Self-curing and osteocondensing
Can be redirected during entry
Osseofix Surface, Grade 23 Titanium
Suitable for immediate loading in all types of bone, including the maxilla and mandible

HTD Medical: Your Partner for Advanced Implantology

HTD Medical is the exclusive distributor in Italy of Adin implants, a brand with over 30 years of experience in the design and manufacture of implant systems. Our mission is to support Italian dental professionals with high-quality products, specialized training, and a nationwide sales network.

For those new to pterygoid implantology or looking to expand their clinical offerings with solutions for cases of advanced bone atrophy, we offer:

Dedicated Technical Support

to select the product best suited to the clinical case;

Training Program

with theoretical and practical courses on advanced surgical techniques, including pterygoid implantology;

Complete set of surgical instruments

Adin kits provide professionals with all the tools they need for safe and predictable procedures;

Integrated Prosthetic System

A wide range of TMA™ abutments, both straight and angled, for precise planning from single-tooth to full-arch restorations.

We are available to present our products, provide technical and scientific materials, and support every stage of the clinical adoption process.

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FAQs on Pterygoid Implants

What are the risks associated with pterygoid implants?

Like any advanced implant procedure, pterygoid implants carry specific risks related to their proximity to delicate anatomical structures. The main risk is potential injury to the pterygoid canal (containing blood vessels and nerves) during osteotomy, which can cause intraoperative bleeding or transient neurosensory disturbances. Careful preoperative planning using CBCT, the use of specialized instruments, and specific training for the surgeon are the key factors that reduce the incidence of complications. The scientific literature reports success rates exceeding 94%, comparable to those of traditional endosseous implants.

What are the exclusion criteria for pterygoid implants?

The main exclusion criteria include severe uncontrolled systemic diseases (uncontrolled diabetes, severe osteoporosis, immunodeficiencies), treatment with bisphosphonates associated with a high risk of osteoradionecrosis, ongoing radiation therapy in the craniofacial region, and chemotherapy. A case-by-case evaluation by a specialist is always necessary.

What is the surgical technique for pterygoid implants?

The technique involves a completely intraoral approach: the surgeon inserts the implant through the mouth, without any extraoral incisions, using an angled trajectory that passes through the maxillary tuberosity until the apex is anchored in the pterygoid process. Pre-surgical planning using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is essential for analyzing the local anatomy and determining the correct insertion angle.

This is an advanced implantology technique that requires specialized training and in-depth knowledge of the anatomy of the posterior region of the upper jaw. Careful patient selection and extensive surgical experience are essential requirements for ensuring predictable results and a high success rate, which is confirmed by the scientific literature with success rates exceeding 94%.

Who can perform pterygoid implant surgery?

Not all dentists are qualified to perform this type of procedure. Pterygoid implantology requires specific specialization in advanced implant surgery, a solid understanding of the anatomy of the palate-pterygoid-tuberosity region, and dedicated postgraduate training (master’s degree, specialized courses, or supervision by an experienced mentor). The appropriate professional is a Specialist in Odontostomatology or a Maxillofacial Surgeon with documented experience in this technique.

How long does treatment with pterygoid implants take?

The timeline varies depending on the treatment plan agreed upon with the specialist. In cases of immediate loading, the patient receives a fixed temporary prosthesis within the first 24–48 hours after surgery. The period of complete osseointegration typically lasts between 3 and 6 months, after which the permanent prosthesis is fabricated. Careful planning by the team of professionals is crucial for meeting these timelines and ensuring the quality of the final result.