Dr. Rolf Bettens

Pterygoid implant placement has the potential to provide us with additional fixtures in the posterior maxilla, eliminating distal cantilevers completely.

However, "traditional" pterygoid implant techniques are plagued by several disadvantages, such as a steep learning curve, lack of clear guidelines and standardization, suboptimal surgical and prosthodontic access and position, ...

With some modifications these limitations can be avoided.

A novel approach will be presented that demystifies pterygoid implant placement and turns it into a straightforward and minimally invasive technique that can even be used when there is no bone left in the posterior maxilla. It can make life easier for the surgeon, prosthodontist, lab technician and patient alike.