Subperiosteal dental implants are a tooth restoration option used to replace missing teeth for patients who have insufficient bone density in the jaw. Instead of being placed directly in the jawbone, subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum line, on top of the bone.
A subperiosteal implant consists of a metal frame that’s custom-fit to the patient’s jaw. The frame gets anchored to the jawbone using small posts that protrude through the gum line to support the prosthetic teeth. These teeth can be fixed or removable, depending on the patient’s needs or preferences.
Candidates for Subperiosteal Implants
Candidates for subperiosteal dental implants include those who have experienced bone loss in the jaw due to periodontal disease, injury, or congenital defects. These implants may also be a good choice for patients who are unable or unwilling to undergo a bone grafting procedure to augment the jawbone before getting a traditional endosteal implant.
Due to recent advances in dental technology, subperiosteal dental implants are rarely used.
Subperiosteal Implant Advantages
There are several advantages of subperiosteal dental implants, including:
- No Bone Grafting Required: Subperiosteal dental implants don’t require bone grafting procedures before placement, making the process quicker and less invasive.
- Suitable for Patients With Insufficient Jawbone Density: These dental implants work well for patients with insufficient jawbone density who may not be candidates for traditional endosteal dental implants.
- Stable and Durable: They’re anchored to the jawbone using small posts, providing a stable and durable foundation for replacement teeth.
- Customizable: These implants can be custom-made and attached to the patient’s jaw, ensuring a comfortable and natural-looking fit.
- Versatile: Subperiosteal dental implants can be used to replace one or multiple missing teeth or support a full arch restoration or full mouth rehabilitation.
- Easy to Clean and Maintain: They can be cleaned just like natural teeth, making it easy for patients to maintain good oral hygiene.
Why Subperiosteal Implants Are Rarely Used Today
Despite the advantages of subperiosteal dental implants, they’re rarely used today compared to traditional endosteal dental implants. The main reason is the advancements in bone grafting procedures, which have made it possible for patients with insufficient jawbone density to undergo a bone grafting procedure and receive a traditional endosteal implant.
Also, subperiosteal dental implants require a metal frame to be anchored to the jawbone, which can sometimes cause discomfort and make it difficult to clean the implant effectively. This can increase the risk of infection and may lead to implant failure over time.
In addition, subperiosteal dental implants are generally more complex and time-consuming to place compared to endosteal implants and require a higher level of expertise and skill from the dentist. As a result, not all dentists are trained to place subperiosteal implants, and patients may need to travel to a specialist center to receive this implant.
In recent years, advancements in dental implant technology have resulted in the development of alternative implant treatments that are less invasive and provide similar benefits to subperiosteal dental implants. These new implant systems are now widely available and are often a preferred option for patients who require dental implant treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Subperiosteal dental implants can last up to a lifetime with proper care. They’re typically made of durable materials such as titanium, which is known for its biocompatibility and long-term stability.
The procedure to place subperiosteal dental implants is usually done with dental sedation to minimize discomfort. Some patients may experience mild pain or swelling for a few days after the procedure, but you can manage this with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses.
Subperiosteal dental implants require the same care and maintenance as natural teeth, including regular brushing, flossing, and visits to your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent any infection from occurring and ensure the longevity of the implant.
Subperiosteal dental implants can be fixed or removable, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation
Don’t put off replacing your missing teeth any longer. With various dental implant treatments available today, our Farmington dentists are sure to have what you need. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact our Farmington office today.