Pterygoid Implants in Tega Cay, SC

Reviewed by Dr. Riddhi Patel, DMD, MD, FACS
Last updated August 2026

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Pterygoid implants make it possible to place a full implant restoration in the upper jaw without bone grafting or sinus surgery, even when the back of the jaw has lost significant bone. This approach anchors implants into the dense pterygoid bone at the rear of the skull, a region that stays strong long after the surrounding jaw bone has thinned. For patients who have been told they are not candidates for traditional implants, this technique opens a path forward that many did not know existed.

At Harmony Dental Implants and Oral Surgery in Tega Cay, SC, pterygoid implants are part of the advanced surgical care we offer patients with complex upper-jaw bone loss. Dr. Riddhi Patel is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with the training and technology needed to plan and place these implants with precision. If your general dentist has told you you don’t have enough bone for implants, we encourage you to explore what is possible with a surgical consultation. Our full range of dental implants in Tega Cay gives patients with varying levels of bone loss a solution that fits their specific anatomy and goals.

What Are Pterygoid Implants?

Pterygoid implants are longer implants placed at a deliberate angle into the pterygoid process, a dense region of bone at the back of the upper jaw near the base of the skull. Unlike standard implants, which depend on bone height and volume in the upper jaw itself, pterygoid implants bypass compromised areas entirely and anchor into bone that remains intact.

This matters most for patients with bone loss in the back of the upper jaw, which is common after long-term tooth loss and is often worsened when the sinus cavity expands into the jaw after teeth are removed. Research published on PubMed Central confirms pterygoid implants are a clinically sound option for these patients, allowing surgeons to avoid sinus augmentation procedures altogether.

	Pterygoid Implants	Standard Implants
Anchor Point	Pterygoid bone (rear of skull) — dense and stable	Jawbone — requires adequate volume and height
Bone Grafting Required	Typically not required	Often required when bone is thin or resorbed
Sinus Lift Needed	No — bypasses sinus region entirely	Sometimes — depends on sinus proximity
Ideal For	Severe upper jaw bone loss; failed prior implants; sinus too close	Patients with sufficient bone volume in the upper jaw
Surgical Complexity	Advanced — requires board-certified oral surgeon with CBCT planning	Standard — widely available at general dental offices

Who Is a Candidate?

Pterygoid implants are most often recommended for patients who have lost back teeth in the upper jaw and do not have enough bone in that area for standard implants. A CBCT scan during your consultation gives Dr. Patel a full picture of your anatomy before creating a treatment plan. Several conditions commonly make patients good candidates:

Long-Term Tooth Loss

Bone in the upper jaw shrinks naturally when back teeth are missing for an extended period, often leaving too little height for standard implant anchoring.

Sinus Proximity

When the sinus cavity has expanded too close to the implant site for standard placement to work safely, pterygoid placement bypasses the sinus entirely.

Gum Disease History

Advanced periodontal disease can significantly reduce bone volume in the upper jaw, making conventional implant placement unreliable or impossible.

Previous Implant Failure

Patients whose prior implants failed due to inadequate bone may find pterygoid placement provides the stable anchor that standard implants could not achieve.

Patients who qualify often can move forward with a full-mouth restoration without the extended healing timeline that bone grafting requires.

How the Procedure Works

Every pterygoid implant case begins with careful planning, and knowing what to expect at each stage can make the process feel much more manageable.

Surgical Planning

Dr. Patel uses CBCT imaging to map your jaw anatomy in 3D before surgery begins. This scan identifies the ideal angle, depth, and position for each implant and avoids the critical anatomical structures in the pterygoid region.

Implant Placement

The implant is directed at an angle through the upper jaw and into the pterygoid bone, giving it strong primary stability. Surgery is performed under sedation to keep you comfortable throughout. When needed, pterygoid implants can be combined with zygomatic implants for a complete arch.

Recovery & Restoration

Most patients are back to normal routines within a week. The final restoration is placed after osseointegration is complete, delivering a stable, permanent result.

Why Choose Harmony Dental Implants and Oral Surgery?

Pterygoid implants require a level of surgical precision and planning that is not available at every practice. Knowing your surgeon’s background matters, and at Harmony Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, that background is well-established.

Training and Credentials

Dr. Patel earned her DMD from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in the top ten of her class, and completed her oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. She is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. She is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the South Carolina Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and both the North Carolina and South Carolina Dental Societies. Read more about Dr. Patel’s background and approach to understand what sets her apart.

Insurance and Financing

We accept Delta Dental, Ameritas, Aetna, Guardian, Principal, MetLife, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Concordia, United Healthcare, and HSA/FSA funds. Financing is also available through Cherry at 0% for 24 months for qualified patients, making it easier to move forward without delay.

Harmony Dental Implants and Oral Surgery Has a Path Forward for You

Being told you don’t have enough bone for dental implants isn’t always the final word. Dr. Patel brings board-certified surgical training, advanced CBCT imaging technology, and a detail-oriented approach to every case she takes on. We also accept Delta Dental, Ameritas, Aetna, Guardian, Principal, MetLife, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Concordia, United Healthcare, and HSA/FSA funds, with Cherry financing available at 0% for 24 months for qualified patients.

When you are ready to take the next step, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We will review your imaging, walk you through your options, and give you an honest assessment of what is possible for your specific situation.