Anatomical study of the pterygomaxillary area for implant placement: cone beam computed tomographic scanning in 100 patients.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the average angulation and dimensions of the pterygomaxillary area in the atrophic maxilla to facilitate the orientation of pterygoid implants during their placement.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective radiologic study was made. A virtual pterygoid implant, 13, 15, or 18 mm long, was placed in the pterygomaxillary area following the axis of the bone, with a distance of at least 2 mm maintained between the artery and palatine nerve and the implant.