No bone graft
Anchors into dense pterygoid bone, so there's no need to rebuild missing jawbone first.
Told implants
weren't possible?
Pterygoid Dental Implants in Memphis & Southaven
When severe upper-jaw bone loss rules out ordinary implants, pterygoid implants anchor into dense bone the sinus can't touch: no bone graft, no sinus lift. A fixed smile, even when others said no.
Real patients · Real results
Smiles we’ve created.
Full-arch smiles rebuilt for patients other clinics turned away.
What are pterygoid implants?
Anchored where the bone is still strong.
Long implants angled into the dense pterygoid bone, bypassing the sinus entirely.
The back of the upper jaw is often too thin, and too close to the sinus, for a standard implant to hold. Pterygoid implants are placed at an angle through the posterior upper jaw and into the pterygoid process, naturally dense, stable bone that resorption leaves alone. No sinus lift. No bone graft. Even after years of bone loss.
The difference. Instead of rebuilding missing bone over many months, we anchor into strong bone you already have: fewer surgeries, and a far shorter road to fixed teeth.
Why pterygoid
Five reasons patients choose this route.
Graft-free, faster, and possible when other options aren't.
No sinus lift
The angled placement bypasses the sinus cavity entirely, skipping a major procedure.
Works with severe bone loss
A real option when the upper jaw is too resorbed for standard implants.
Fewer surgeries
Skipping grafts and lifts means less surgery and a faster overall timeline.
Faster healing
No months of waiting for grafts to mature before your implants can go in.
Enables full-arch
Supports All-on-4 / All-on-X reconstructions in the back of the upper jaw.
Immediate function
In many cases you leave with a fixed temporary bridge the same day.
Proven longevity
Dense anchorage gives these implants exceptional long-term success rates.
A yes after every no
A path forward even if other dentists said implants weren't possible.
How they compare
Conventional, pterygoid, or zygomatic?
Your specialist chooses the anchor point that fits your remaining bone.
Conventional implants
Rely on healthy bone in the upper jaw. When that bone is thin or lost, they need grafts and sinus lifts, or aren't possible at all.
Pterygoid implants
Angle into the dense pterygoid bone at the back of the jaw. No graft, no sinus lift, ideal for posterior upper-jaw bone loss.
Zygomatic implants
Anchor into the cheekbone for total upper-jaw collapse. Often combined with pterygoid implants for full-arch support when no bone remains.
Trusted & recognized
Among the few who offer this.
The credentials behind one of the Mid-South's most advanced implant procedures.
Voted DeSoto's Best, 8 years in a row 2018 to 2025
Selected Face of Dental Implants, 9 years in a row 2018 to 2026
Voted Memphis best periodontist 2 times
Midsouth's only Board Certified Dual Specialist
Voted Top Dentist, 7 years in a row 2020 to 2026
30 Years of Clinical ExperienceThe process
From "not a candidate" to a fixed smile.
A carefully planned, sedation-comfortable path start to finish.
1
Comprehensive 3D CBCT scan
We map your bone volume and the exact anatomy around the sinus and pterygoid region to confirm this is the right approach.
2
Custom treatment planning
Digital smile design and implant simulation plan every angle in advance, including full-arch layout if needed.
3
Implant placement surgery
The pterygoid implants are placed at a precise angle under sedation for your comfort, no graft, no sinus lift.
4
Immediate temporary restoration
In many cases you leave the same day with a fixed temporary bridge; you don't go without teeth.
5
Final permanent prosthesis
Once healed, your final fixed prosthesis is fitted, built for long-term beauty and function.
Your surgeons
Specialists trained for the hardest cases.
Among the few in the Mid-South placing pterygoid and zygomatic implants.
Dr. Pradeep Adatrow
DDS, MSD · Periodontics & Prosthodontics
Board Certified Dual Specialist in periodontics and prosthodontics with 25+ years of implant surgery, Dr. Adatrow is a nationally recognized educator who handles the complex, graft-free cases many clinics can't, from planning to final prosthesis.
Learn more →
Dr. Jay Patel
DDS, MPH · Board Certified Periodontist
A board-certified periodontist trained specifically in pterygoid and zygomatic implant placement, and a graduate with distinction from USC's Ostrow School of Dentistry. Dr. Patel focuses on minimally invasive, graft-free solutions.
Learn more →Real stories, real smiles
Turned away elsewhere, welcomed here.
“This place was so warm and kind; everyone was so nice. I appreciate them for the wonderful service. Special thanks to the dentist and his assistants; they really took care of me.”
“Dr. Adatrow and his team were great! Their service was top-notch. I would definitely recommend them.”
“A great organization with excellent customer service and skills. I highly recommend them for one’s dental care.”
“Very friendly, kind, and concerned about patients. The staff put every one of my concerns at ease.”
Upper back teeth
Pterygoid implants when the upper jaw is thin.
Why the back of the upper jaw is hard to implant
After back teeth are lost, the bone there shrinks and the sinus expands into the space. Regular implants often need a sinus lift and bone graft first, which adds surgery and months of waiting.
How pterygoid implants help
Pterygoid implants are angled into the dense pterygoid bone behind the upper jaw. That anchorage can often avoid a sinus lift and let us support back teeth, either on their own or as part of a full-arch All-on-X plan.
Pterygoid or zygomatic?
Pterygoid implants use bone at the back of the upper jaw; zygomatic implants anchor in the cheekbone for the most severe bone loss. A 3D CBCT scan shows which suits you.
Advanced implant care near Memphis
Patients travel to our Southaven, MS office from Memphis, North Mississippi and Arkansas for advanced implant surgery. Your first implant consultation is free.
Why Southaven patients choose a specialist
Few practices in the Memphis and Southaven area offer pterygoid implants. Our board-certified periodontist and prosthodontist uses them to anchor upper teeth in dense bone behind the molars, often avoiding sinus lifts and the months of healing they add. Free consultation, financing and most dental insurance accepted.
Good to know
Pterygoid implant questions, answered.
Do pterygoid implants avoid a sinus lift?
Often, yes. They anchor in the dense bone behind the upper jaw, which can avoid a sinus lift and bone graft.
What is the difference between pterygoid and zygomatic implants?
Pterygoid implants anchor at the back of the upper jaw; zygomatic implants anchor in the cheekbone and are used for more severe bone loss.
I was told I am not a candidate for implants; can pterygoid implants help?
Often, yes. Pterygoid implants are designed exactly for patients turned away due to severe upper-jaw bone loss. Because they anchor into dense bone and bypass the sinus, many people told 'no' elsewhere are candidates. A 3D scan gives a definite answer.
Do pterygoid implants really avoid bone grafts and sinus lifts?
Yes, that is the whole point. They anchor into the naturally dense pterygoid bone instead of the thin, resorbed bone at the back of the upper jaw, so grafting and sinus lifts usually are not needed.
Pterygoid vs. zygomatic implants: what is the difference?
Pterygoid implants anchor in the pterygoid bone for posterior upper-jaw bone loss; zygomatic implants anchor in the cheekbone for total upper-jaw collapse. For full-arch cases with little bone, the two are often combined.
Is the procedure painful? Will I be sedated?
The procedure is performed under sedation for your comfort, and most patients report an easier recovery than expected, especially since grafting is avoided.
Will I leave with teeth?
In many cases, yes. We often place a fixed temporary bridge the same day, so you do not go without teeth while everything heals.
How long do pterygoid implants last?
Anchored in dense, stable bone, they have exceptional long-term success rates and are built to last for years with normal care and regular check-ups.
Can pterygoid implants support a full arch of teeth?
Yes, they are frequently used to support All-on-4 / All-on-X full-arch restorations in the back of the upper jaw, sometimes alongside zygomatic implants.
Book an appointment
Been told no? Let’s take another look.
Tell us what's going on and a real person on our team will reach out. No pressure, no scripts, just a plan built around you.
Call or text · (662) 655-4868
Email · info@adatmj.com
Address · 7135 Getwell Rd, Suite 100, Southaven, MS 38672
Hours · Mon to Wed, 8am to 5pm · Thu and Fri, 7am to 3:30pm
- No obligation. A consultation commits you to nothing at all.
- No surprise bills. Every number is itemized before treatment starts.
- No chasing. We answer your question and leave the next move to you.