Zygomatic, Pterygoid and Customized Implants: Expanding Possibilities for Severely Atrophic Posterior Maxilla

In-Person & Remote

Course Description

Severe atrophy of the jaws presents one of the greatest challenges in implant dentistry. Conventional grafting techniques may be unpredictable, invasive, or require extended healing times, limiting treatment options for patients with advanced bone resorption. This intensive two-day CE program explores the transformative role of zygomatic, pterygoid, and customized CAD/CAM patient-specific implants in expanding treatment possibilities for these complex cases. Each of these implants exploit the existing bone in key sites (zygoma, pterygoid plate, or jaw surface topography) to anchor implants securely.

Through lectures, case reviews, and immersive hands-on workshops, participants will gain a deep understanding of the biological principles, surgical techniques, prosthetic workflows, and digital innovations that make these advanced therapies both predictable and safe. Internationally recognized experts will share evidence-based protocols and clinical pearls, equipping attendees with the knowledge and skills to integrate these advanced implant strategies into daily practice.

By the end of the program, participants will have familiarity to critically evaluate patient cases, select the appropriate surgical and prosthetic approach, and implement digital workflows to streamline treatment for patients with severely resorbed jaws.

Educational Objectives

• Evaluate clinical and radiographic criteria for treatment planning in severely atrophic jaws.
• Identify patients best suited for zygomatic, pterygoid, or customized CAD/CAM patient-specific implants versus grafting alternatives.
• Recognize surgical anatomy, key landmarks, and safe approaches for implant placement in the zygomatic and pterygoid regions.
• Master flap designs that ensure visibility, minimize morbidity, and preserve vascularity.
• Understand biomechanical principles and implant design features critical to long-term stability.
• Follow step-by-step surgical protocols for implant placement, including drilling sequences, angulations, and fixation strategies.
• Understand the role of soft tissue management for long-term stability of implants.
• Plan prosthetic rehabilitation with consideration of immediate vs. delayed loading protocols.
• Master impression techniques, prosthetic material selection, and restorative design for unconventional anchorage.
• Apply advanced prosthetic workflows, including photogrammetry and digital scanning, for accuracy and efficiency.
• Integrate CBCT, intraoral scanning, and virtual planning into clinical decision-making.
• Apply CAD/CAM workflows for customized patient-specific implants and prosthetic components.
• Identify intraoperative and postoperative complications unique to zygomatic, pterygoid, and patient-specific implants.
• Implement preventive strategies and management protocols to optimize patient safety and long-term outcomes.
• Gain practical exposure through simulated surgical and prosthetic exercises in hands-on workshops.

Speakers

Dr. Shuaib Malik

Dr. Malik earned his Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Bio-Physics and Molecular Biology in 1999. He then attended New York University College of Dentistry, receiving his degree in 2003. Following dental school, Dr. Malik completed his residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey in 2008.
As a leading oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Malik specializes in complex dental implant procedures for patients with challenging cases, including severe maxillary and mandibular deficiencies. His expertise includes the Bar Attachment Denture procedure, placement of zygomatic and pterygoid maxillary implants, onlay symphyseal/ramus and iliac crest hip bone grafts, full arch implants, and advanced facial reconstruction. He has trained extensively with world-renowned experts in Canada, Spain, and around the world. Dr. Malik also routinely performs facial cosmetics, facial trauma, TMJ procedures, bone grafting, pathology, dental implants, sedation, and wisdom teeth extractions.
Dr. Malik is a sought-after lecturer and trainer, educating surgeons and dentists worldwide on complex surgical techniques. He speaks on full arch implants at national symposia main stages and prestigious institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard Oral Surgery) and Mayo Clinic Rochester (Oral Surgery). As a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for major implant companies including BioHorizons and Nobel Biocare, he shares cutting-edge insights. Additionally, he serves as KOL and head surgeon lead at restor3D, designing innovative solutions for atrophic maxilla and mandible to restore function and aesthetics for patients in need of advanced dental implants.
Committed to global humanitarian efforts, Dr. Malik actively participates in non-profit organizations like Smile Train and Easter Seals, supporting patients with disabilities and financial hardships. He has led surgical mission trips worldwide, treating cleft lip/palate, facial deformities, and other conditions in countries including Bangladesh (2009), Haiti (2012), Turkey and Lebanon (2013-2015 for Syrian refugees), Cambodia, Kenya, Nepal, Sierra Leone, and Guatemala. Locally, he has provided free treatments in New Lenox (2014) and continues to give back to his community.

Dr. Tirakhsh Emadi

Dr. Tirakhsh Emadi is a prosthodontist and dental implant specialist based in Los Angeles, California. He earned his DDS in 2009 from Tehran Azad University of Dentistry and later completed a Prosthodontics specialty certificate and a Master of Science in Dentistry at Nova Southeastern University, where he served as Chief Resident and received the Dental Implant Surgery Award.
He advanced his training through the AAID Maxicourse, gaining expertise in digital dentistry and complex implant procedures, including zygomatic and pterygoid implants. Dr. Emadi is board-certified by the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID) and is among only 118 dentists worldwide to be named a Fellow of the Academy of Osseointegration. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
An active educator, Dr. Emadi lectures nationally and internationally on single implants, overdentures, full-arch rehabilitation, advanced implant surgery, and digital workflows. He has delivered over 25 presentations at major dental conferences, winning first place at the 70th AAID Annual Conference and second place at the 29th Academy of Osseointegration Meeting. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Emadi holds memberships in the ADA, CDA, LADS, AAID, and AO. Within the Academy of Osseointegration, he contributes to the Young Clinician, E-Poster, and News Committees.
With a commitment to innovation, excellence, and education, Dr. Emadi continues to advance prosthodontics and implant dentistry through both clinical practice and professional leadership.

Dan Holtzclaw

Dr. Dan Holtzclaw is a Diplomate of both the American Board of Periodontology and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Holtzclaw has published over 60 articles in peer reviewed journals and has authored multiple textbooks specific to full arch remote anchorage dental implant treatment. Dr. Holtzclaw served as the Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Implant and Advanced Clinical Dentistry for 13 years and adjunct faculty for the Periodontal Residency Program at the United States Navy Post Graduate Dental School. After selling his private practice, which was dedicated to complex full arch implantology, he served as Director of Fixed Arch Services for Affordable Care LLC, a dental service organization with over 425 clinics in 42 states. Currently, Dr. Holtzclaw serves as President of Holzklau Full Arch Dental Implant Consulting Services.

Course Schedule

Saturday, November 7, 2026

8:00 – 5:00

Sunday, November 8, 2026

8:00 – 5:00