Guided Pterygoid Implant

Launched by FAYOUM UNIVERSITY · Jun 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new method for placing pterygoid implants in patients who have experienced significant bone loss in the back of their upper jaw (posterior maxilla). Traditional methods to prepare the area for implants often require bone grafts and long healing times, but pterygoid implants can be placed directly in dense bone without grafting. The trial will compare two techniques: one using advanced 3D computer guides to help accurately place the implants and another using a freehand method based on visible landmarks. The goal is to see if the computer-guided method improves the accuracy of implant placement.

To participate, individuals must be between 21 and 75 years old and have severe bone loss in the back of their upper jaw, with less than 4mm of bone height. They should also have enough space in their mouth for the procedure. Participants can expect to have the implant placed either using the computer-guided method or the freehand technique, followed by standard postoperative care. This trial is important because it may lead to more precise implant placements, potentially reducing complications and improving patient outcomes. The trial is not yet recruiting participants.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients with severe posterior maxillary atrophy (Class V-VI Cawood \& Howell classification) requiring pterygoid implant placement.
• • 2. Patients with severe alveolar bone atrophy in posterior maxilla (Residual alveolar bone height \<4mm in posterior maxilla precluding conventional implant placement).
• • 3. Adequate interarch space ≥7mm for prosthetic rehabilitation.
• • 4. Presence of pneumatized maxillary sinus with insufficient bone for sinus augmentation.
• • 5. Patients aged 21-75 years with completed craniofacial growth.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients with systemic conditions contra-indicating general anesthesia.
• 2. Patients with conditions contraindicating implant placement (e.g.:
• • radiation to the head and neck, intra-venous bisphosphonates, uncontrolled Diabetes mellitus).
• • 3. Patients with acute maxillary sinus infection or maxillary sinus cyst.
• • 4. Restricted mouth opening (less than 3cm inter-arch distance anteriorly).