Pterygoid extension

endosteal blades

Gradually several pterygoid extension implant design features were modified. In this early case, particulary note-worthy for the damaged soft tissues (I) and amount of sealer needed to secure the denture (2), the buccal strut (4, arrow) has an extensive anterior reach. It passes well onto the thin buccal face of the sinus, a potentially dangerous situation if the implant were to loosen. Also the modified Dolder or Andrews' bar, although it provides a secure base for restoring near-normal occlusion (5 and 8 through 10), is directly in the path of potentially strong tongue thrusts. Despite its faults, the restoration was a vast improvement over the patient's previous situation.

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