Pterygoid extension — blade combinations

terygoid xtension left nd right ndosteal blade nterior

The bladevent-supported pterygoid extension implant was the forerunner of the new designs. Older designs were an outgrowth of the toroplant—extended posteriorly to include the pterygoid extension. The modifications were gradual. The less complicated model developed gradually, through simplifying various features in older de-signs. Initially bladevents were inserted (1), and an impression taken of almost the entire hard palate, as well as of the anterior portion of the arch from canine to canine and the buccal face of the ridge near the tuberosities. The resulting implant spread struts over almost the entire palate (2), passing back into the hamular notch and then redirected forward as a thin strut over the buccal surface of the ridge. Anteriorly segments passed over the bladevents as modified copings (3), and up onto the labial face of the ridge. From each coping a bar arose to pass backward into the hamular notch (4,5). When the tissues healed (6,7) this bar would be used to secure a pros-thesis with internal clip-on attachments (8 through 11).

161