Subperiosteal Dental Implants

Explore Our Dental Implant Treatments at Vero Dental Spa

Denture

As technology has advanced, subperiosteal dental implants have become rare to use. While we don’t offer subperiosteal implants at Vero Dental Spa, we do offer a variety of other dental implant options.

From single-tooth dental implants to implant-supported dentures, our Vero Beach dentist offers multiple tooth replacements. Contact Vero Dental Spa today at (772) 778-5550.

What Are Subperiosteal Dental Implants?

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 artificial teeth can be fixed or removable, depending on the patient’s needs or preferences.

Due to recent advances in dental technology, subperiosteal dental implants are rarely used.

Why Subperiosteal Implants Are Rarely Used Today

Despite the advantages of subperiosteal implants, they’re rarely used today compared to traditional endosteal implants or even zygomatic 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, a subperiosteal implant requires 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.

Subperiosteal 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 implants. These new implant systems are now widely available and are often a preferred option for patients who require dental implant treatment.

Subperiosteal Implant Advantages

There are several advantages of subperiosteal implants, including:
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  • No Bone Grafting Required: Subperiosteal 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 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.

Disadvantages of Subperiosteal Implants

While these implants can be a suitable option for some patients, there are several disadvantages associated with this type of implant:
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  • Invasive Surgery: The procedure for a subperiosteal implant is more invasive than other types of implants, such as endosteal implants. This can result in more pain, an increased risk of complications, and a longer recovery time for patients.
  • Risk of Infection: Since the implant is placed under the gum tissue, there’s a higher risk of infection. This can be especially problematic if the implant becomes loose or shifts, as it can create a pocket where bacteria can accumulate.
  • Limited Placement: Subperiosteal implants are not suitable for all patients. They’re typically only used in cases where there’s not enough bone to support the implant. However, even in these cases, not all patients are good candidates for a subperiosteal implant.
  • Cost: Subperiosteal implants can be more expensive than other types, as they require more complex surgical procedures and custom fabrication.
  • Limited Long-Term Data: While subperiosteal implants have been used for many years, there’s still limited long-term data on their effectiveness and longevity. This means that it may be difficult to predict how well they will perform over time.

Treatments That Have Replaced Subperiosteal Implants

With advancements in technology and dental implant techniques, subperiosteal implants are rarely used. Instead, dentists usually offer one or more of these implant treatments:

 

To find out more about dental implant treatments near you, contact our Vero Beach dentist. If dental implants aren’t right for you, other tooth replacements you may consider include dental bridges or removable dentures.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does a subperiosteal implant last?

    On average, a subperiosteal implant can last for about 10 to 15 years. However, the lifespan of a subperiosteal dental implant can vary depending on several factors, such as the patient’s oral health, the quality of the implant, and the expertise of the implant dentist who performs the procedure.

  • Is getting a subperiosteal dental implant painful?

    The implant placement surgery can be a bit uncomfortable, but with the use of local anesthesia, the procedure should not be painful. After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs.

  • Are subperiosteal dental implants removable?

    Subperiosteal dental implants are not intended to be removable. Since the implant fuses with the jawbone over time, patients should not try to remove their dental restoration. If you’re having issues or complications with your subperiosteal implant, contact your dentist for treatment.

  • What is the difference between endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants?

    Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant and are placed directly into the jawbone. These implants are usually made of titanium and are shaped like small screws. They’re placed into the bone through a small incision in the gum tissue and left to heal. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, a dental restoration such as a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached to the implant.
    Subperiosteal implants, on the other hand, are placed on or above the jawbone but beneath the gums. Subperiosteal implants are custom-made to fit the shape of the patient’s jawbone and are placed under the gums through a small incision. Once the implant has healed, a dental restoration can be attached to the implant.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation at Vero Dental Spa

Don’t put off replacing your missing teeth any longer. With various dental implant treatments available today, our Vero Beach dentist is sure to have what you need and will create a custom treatment plan based on your smile goals. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact our Vero Beach dental office today at (772) 778-5550.

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