Pterygoid extension

endosteal blade

J

Another totally edentulous case (I) is fitted with a bladevent-supported pterygoid extension implant (2). The patient is dismissed with his old denture hollowed out and fitted over the bladevents. The palatal portion of the denture helps hold the soft tissues against the hard palate and prevent hematoma formation. This is an important step when fully revealing the palate, and is necessary for an implant with a large palatal portion (3). The tissues usually heal nicely (4) with few complications. To assure a good fit (5 through 7), impressions for the final prosthesis are delayed until the soft tissues have healed to a firm, healthy state tightly bound to the bone.

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