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Pterygoid implants

A pterygoid implant is anchored through the very back of the upper jaw into the pterygoid plate, a dense bone just behind it. It gives your back teeth solid support without a sinus lift or bone graft, even when the sinus has dropped and the bone above the back teeth is thin. Dr. Nabeel Al Nahhas, a consultant prosthodontist known for graftless implants, places pterygoid implants as part of his graftless approach, so your fixed bridge reaches all the way back to the molars, with teeth fixed within 24 hours.

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Dr. Nabeel Safwat Al NahhasDr. Nabeel Safwat Al NahhasConsultant Prosthodontist, ImplantologyMOHAP licence D21482

Who pterygoid implants are for

  • Missing upper back teeth where the sinus has dropped and the bone height is low.
  • Patients told they need a sinus lift before implants at the back of the upper jaw.
  • Full upper arches, where pterygoid implants carry the bridge back to the molars so you chew on your back teeth again.
  • Anyone who wants fixed teeth without a separate grafting surgery and months of waiting.

How treatment runs

  1. Free consultation and 3D scan

    Examination, digital X-ray and a CBCT scan that shows your sinus, the back of the upper jaw and the pterygoid plate. You receive your plan and its cost in writing.

  2. Digital planning

    Your new teeth are designed first. Dr. Nabeel then sets the angle of each pterygoid implant on your scan, from the back of the jaw into the pterygoid plate.

  3. Implant surgery

    The pterygoid implants are placed together with your other implants in one visit, with no sinus lift and no bone graft.

  4. Fixed teeth, back molars included

    Your fixed bridge goes onto the implants within 24 hours, with teeth all the way back to the molars.

  5. Final bridge and check-ups

    Once the pterygoid implants have fused into the pterygoid plate, your final bridge is made and fitted, and Dr. Nabeel keeps seeing you for regular check-ups.

Implant surgical motor and implant kits prepared for surgery
Implant surgical motor and implant kits prepared for surgery

Pterygoid implant or sinus lift?

Pterygoid implant

Uses the dense bone behind the sinus. No graft, one surgery and fixed teeth within 24 hours.

Sinus lift first

Raises the sinus floor and adds bone above the back teeth, then a healing period before the implants and teeth.

Why pterygoid implants work

  • The pterygoid plate is dense bone behind the sinus, so the implant has strong support at the very back of the jaw.
  • As Dr. Nabeel says: it is not only the amount of bone that matters. What matters most is how the case is planned.
  • Every angle is planned on your 3D scan before surgery, so each implant sits exactly where it was designed to go.
  • You receive clear written aftercare and regular reviews to keep your new teeth healthy for years.

Dr. Nabeel explains

Told your jaw is too weak for implants? That's outdated

Dr. Nabeel on implants without bone grafting: implants placed in specific positions and angles, with teeth fixed within 24 hours.

Read what he says

No, no, no, no, no. Who told you that you're not suitable for dental implants? Dental implants are possible using certain techniques. If they told you that you can't have dental implants because your jaw is weak, that's old talk. Using modern techniques, namely dental implants without bone grafting, by trained dentists experienced in dental implants and prosthodontics, implants can be placed in specific positions, specialised implants at specific angles, and the teeth fixed onto them within 24 hours. This is a modern technique, and all you need to do is turn to specialised, experienced dentists. This is Dr. Nabeel Safwat Al Nahhas, consultant in prosthodontics and dental implants, with more than twenty-eight years of experience in the United Arab Emirates.

Over 40 with bone loss? Implants are still for you

Bone loss is natural and doesn't rule out implants. Dr. Nabeel places implants even with bone loss, using a 3D scan and angled implants.

Read what he says

Are you over forty and have bone loss? Don't rush to judge. Bone loss at this age is normal, it doesn't mean you can't have implants. The truth is, the amount of bone isn't the only thing that matters. What matters most is how we plan the case. And now, thanks to modern techniques and specialised angled implants, we can place implants even with bone loss, and sometimes without a bone graft, without patching, without a long wait. But before any step, I have to do a 3D scan and a thorough examination, so we can choose the best solution for you. This is Dr. Nabeel Safwat Al Nahhas, consultant in prosthodontics and dental implants. Book your consultations at Adamah Center, and don't think it's too late. You're still young at forty!

Technology he uses

NewTom GiANO HR 3D CBCT
A low-dose 3D scan of your bone, nerves and sinus, so every implant is planned on real measurements.
X-GRAM iGrapher
Full-arch records without impressions: a camera reads the exact position of every implant in seconds, so your fixed bridge fits precisely.
ClaroNav Navident EVO
Real-time navigation: the implant goes exactly where it was planned on your 3D scan.
COXO C-Sailor Pro implant motor
Precise control of drilling speed, torque and cooling while each implant is placed.

The published references behind this technique

All his technology

Common questions

Can a pterygoid implant replace a sinus lift?

Yes. The pterygoid implant goes behind the sinus into dense bone, so the sinus is left as it is. No sinus lift, no graft and no long wait.

Are pterygoid and zygomatic implants the same?

No. A pterygoid implant anchors at the back of the upper jaw, in the pterygoid plate. A zygomatic implant anchors in the cheekbone, for more severe bone loss. Dr. Nabeel places both and chooses the right one on your 3D scan.

Will I chew on my back teeth again?

Yes. Pterygoid implants carry your fixed bridge back to the molars, so you chew on your back teeth again.

How much do pterygoid implants cost?

The consultation is free and includes a digital X-ray, and Dr. Nabeel gives you your plan and its cost in writing.

Can I send my scan first?

Yes. Send your panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan on WhatsApp and Dr. Nabeel will give you his opinion.

Related treatments

Told you need a sinus lift? Talk to Dr. Nabeel first.

Send your panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan on WhatsApp. The consultation and digital X-ray are free.

Message on WhatsAppCall: +971 56 355 3326