Survival outcomes of implants placed in the pterygoid region: A retrospective study of up to 9 years.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival outcomes of dental implants placed in the pterygoid region and assess the potential influence of multiple clinical variables on their survival.

Materials and methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on pterygoid implants placed over a 9-year period at the University of Connecticut Department of Prosthodontics. All pterygoid implants were placed by a single board-certified prosthodontist following a standardized surgical protocol. The implants were restored by various clinicians during the 9-year period. Data collected included implant size and type, loading protocol, surgical and prosthetic complications, patient gender, presence of parafunctional habits, and type of opposing dentition. A life table was used to calculate interval survival rates (ISR) and cumulative survival rates (CSR) of pterygoid implants.

Results: A total of 102 pterygoid implants placed in 69 patients (32 males, 37 females) were eligible for this retrospective study. The mean follow-up time was 34.35 months. A total of five implant failures were observed, resulting in a cumulative survival rate of 94.74%. All implant failures occurred within the first 4 to 5 months following implant placement and prior to any functional loading, suggesting a failure to achieve osseointegration. No intraoperative complications were noted, and only one postoperative surgical complication was observed, which was successfully managed without further issue.

Conclusions: Roughened surface implants placed in the pterygoid region offer favorable implant survival of 95% with minimal complications.