Remote Anchorage · Pterygoid Implants
Pterygoid Implants
A secret blessing — a natural anatomical gift in the back of the oral cavity that provides exceptional anchorage for full-arch implant cases. Not every surgeon knows how to use it. Dr. Chris does.
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A trusted dental implants provider in Scottsdale, Arizona
What Is a Pterygoid Implant?
A gift hiding in the anatomy.
The pterygomaxillary region — located at the very back of the upper jaw — contains dense, cortical bone that remains intact even when extensive bone loss has occurred elsewhere.
A pterygoid implant takes advantage of this naturally strong area to provide a powerful additional anchor point for full-arch restorations. Pterygoid implants are a specialized technique that requires both a specifically designed implant and a surgeon trained in its precise placement.
Dr. Chris Winterholler is one of the few practitioners in Arizona with the expertise to reliably utilize this advanced approach.
"A secret blessing left in the back of the oral cavity — ideal for adding a reinforcing anchor to your full arch case."
- Anchored in the dense pterygomaxillary region at the back of the upper jaw
- Requires a specialized implant design and a trained surgeon for precise placement
- Adds significant stability and reinforcement to full-arch restorations
- Eliminates the need for bone grafting in the posterior upper jaw
- Available bone in this region is often preserved even with extensive bone loss elsewhere
Pterygoid Implant Anatomy
The Pterygoid Implant
All-on-6 Full Arch Case
The All-on-6 Advantage
More implants. More stability. Longer lasting.
In most cases, a pterygoid implant will facilitate an All-on-6 case rather than a standard All-on-4. Six implants distribute load more evenly across the arch — reducing stress on individual implants and the restoration itself, improving long-term stability, and ensuring the longevity of your case.
When the anatomy allows for it, Dr. Winterholler utilizes pterygoid implants routinely — because more reinforcement means a better, longer-lasting outcome for our patients.
- Pterygoid implants typically enable All-on-6 rather than All-on-4
- Six-implant cases distribute occlusal load more evenly across the arch
- Significantly reduces stress on the restoration over time
- Improves the long-term prognosis and durability of the full arch case
- Utilized whenever anatomy permits — because stability matters
Ask About Pterygoid Implants
The strongest case starts with the right surgeon.
Not all implant surgeons are trained in pterygoid placement — and not all full-arch cases take advantage of this powerful anchorage option. At Winterholler Dental, we evaluate every patient for this opportunity and utilize it whenever possible to give you the most stable, longest-lasting result available.
Scottsdale
13825 N Northsight Blvd, Suite 120
Mon–Thu 8–5 · Tue 7–5 · Fri 8–1
(480) 767-8400
Payson
315 E State Highway 260
Mon–Thu 8am – 5pm
(928) 474-2200
