Pterygoid implants are for moderate bone loss, Zygomatic for severe loss.
Key Differences Between Pterygoid and Zygomatic Implants
If the upper jaw of the patients is pretty resorbed, the two main options for the implants are the Pterygoid and Zygomatic bones. Pterygoid implants are simply anchored in the pterygoid bone behind the upper jaw, which is a very stable location for dental prosthetics in patients with moderate bone loss. On the other hand, Zygomatic implants are attached to the zygomatic bone (cheekbone), hence, they are the perfect solution for those with severe bone loss, who would anyway have to go through bone grafts for dental restoration.
Generally, the implantation of Pterygoid implants is a less traumatic process than that of Zygomatic implants as the operation is usually easier and less time-consuming. Nevertheless, Zygomatic implants are intended for such cases where it is not possible to use normal, traditional implants because of a more significant loss of bone. Both implants have high success rates and therefore the choice between the two is based on the degree of bone loss and the patient’s jaw anatomy.
Advantages of Pterygoid Implants
- Less Invasive: The surgery is less complicated than other implant types.
- Faster Recovery: The Healing period is shorter as there is less bone trauma.
- No Bone Grafting Needed: Can be a treatment option for patients with moderate bone loss.
- High Stability: The buttressing bone behind the maxilla provides stability for the implant.
- Cost-effective: Typically, the price of Zygomatic implants is higher than for
Advantages of Zygomatic Implants
- Great for Patients with Extensive Bone Loss: The Zygomatic implant system is the solution for those who have lost a large amount of bone and hence cannot undergo traditional implants.
- Skip the Bone Grafting: It makes use of the cheekbone, eliminating the need for a graft.
- Full Mouth Restoration: Can carry a full prosthesis and thus can restore the patient’s appearance and masticatory functions.
- Durability: Zygomatic bone is a very dense bone and thus able to provide support for the implants for a long-lasting result.
- Quick Fix: Usually is an immediate restoration of function and esthetics.
When Should You Opt for Pterygoid Implants?
Pterygoid implants are considered the best option amongst other implants for moderate maxillary bone resorption cases. Such a dental implant is appropriate for a patient who possesses enough bone to get a dental restoration but is not able to wear prosthetics because of insufficient stability. Such a person may require Pterygoid implants to get enhanced stability. Besides, Pterygoid implants represent an excellent alternative for those who want to have a less invasive operation with a shorter healing time. Besides that, since Pterygoid implants usually do not entail bone grafting, they are time-saving and more comfortable for many patients of LEMA Dental Clinic.
A professional consultation might be very helpful to you before deciding to get a Pterygoid implant. Dentist Polen Akkılıç can make the necessary scans and analyses of your jaw to determine if you are a candidate for this implant. Pterygoid implants enable you to regain your smile and get your mouth functioning to the minimum degree of invasiveness possible, which is also less downtime and faster healing. Thus, Pterygoid implants are reasonable decisions for the majority of patients.
When Should You Choose Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic implants are the ideal treatment when the upper jaw is so severely resorbed that a patient cannot receive traditional implants anymore. Besides, they are very good for patients who have been refused implant treatments because of extensive bone loss. This technique was developed for zygomatic implants to eradicate the need for bone grafting entirely. Besides, if carried out by a surgeon like Coskun Yildiz, Professor Doctor, the success rate is very high.
Zygomatic implants are a great choice for patients who have significant bone loss and require the full restoration of the upper jaw. Not only do zygomatic implants provide immediate results, but they are also very successful in the long term. This option not only restores the function of the teeth but also improves the facial appearance to a great extent which results in a big increase in aesthetics and self-confidence. Zygomatic implants under the care of LEMA Dental Clinic experts can be a miracle cure for the qualified candidates.
Success Rates: Pterygoid vs. Zygomatic Implants
| Implant Type | Success Rate | Description |
| Pterygoid Implants | 95%+ | Highly successful in patients with moderate bone loss, offering a stable foundation without the need for bone grafts. |
| Zygomatic Implants | 90%-95% | Slightly more complex, but highly reliable, especially for patients with severe bone loss, bypassing the need for bone grafts. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Pterygoid and Zygomatic Implants
Pterygoid implants are placed at the rear of the upper jaw (maxilla) whereas Zygomatic implants are based on the use of cheekbones (zygoma) as anchor points for the implants, hence they are considered to be the most advanced solution for severely resorbed maxillae.
Basically, Pterygoid implant surgery results in less tissue damage and thus it is a straightforward operation, on the other hand, Zygomatic implant insertion is quite a tough task as the implants are anchored in the cheekbone.
Yes, Zygomatic implants are a perfect solution for a really thin upper jawbone. The main advantage of these implants is that they are very stable since the majority of the support comes from the cheekbone (zygoma), and at the same time, they allow the patient to avoid bone grafts.
Zygomatic implants can definitely be used to provide support for a complete set of teeth and the treatment would be even feasible in case of a very severe bone loss. Patients who receive treatment with these implants gain the benefits of a wide range of functions such as both esthetic and functional restoration.
The success rate of Pterygoid implants is more than 95%, while Zygomatic implants have a success rate of above 90%. In fact, both options can give excellent and reliable results, especially if the professionals who carry out the surgery are highly skilled and experienced like the ones at LEMA Dental Clinic.
- Akkılıç, P. (2025). Pterygoid implants for dental restoration: A less invasive approach. LEMA Dental Clinic.
- Yıldız, C. (2025). Zygomatic implants in cases of severe bone loss: A comprehensive solution. LEMA Dental Clinic.
- Mazzocco, M. (2025). Advancements in implantology: A comparison of Pterygoid and Zygomatic implants. International Journal of Dental Research, 45(3), 56-63.
