Please note we may not offer this service. Call (954) 434-3331 to learn more.

What Are Subperiosteal Dental Implants?

Subperiosteal dental implants are a dental restoration solution designed to replace missing teeth for patients with insufficient bone density in the jaw. Unlike traditional implants that are inserted directly into the jawbone, subperiosteal implants are positioned beneath the gum tissue and rest on top of the bone.

A subperiosteal implant consists of a metal framework custom-fitted to the patient’s jaw. This frame is anchored to the jawbone with small posts that extend through the gum line to support prosthetic teeth. Depending on the patient’s requirements or preferences, these artificial teeth can be either fixed or removable.

Due to recent advancements in dental technology, subperiosteal dental implants are rarely used at our Davie, FL dental office. Call (954) 434-3331 to learn more.

Subperiosteal Implant Advantages

Subperiosteal implants offer several benefits, including:

1. No Bone Grafting Required: These implants eliminate the need for bone grafting procedures before placement, making the process faster and less invasive.
2. Ideal for Patients With Insufficient Jawbone Density: These dental implants are suitable for patients lacking sufficient jawbone density, who may not qualify for traditional endosteal dental implants.
3. Stable and Durable: Anchored to the jawbone with small posts, they provide a stable and durable base for replacement teeth.
4. Customizable: The implants are custom-made to fit the patient’s jaw, ensuring a comfortable and natural-looking fit.
5. Versatile: Subperiosteal implants can replace one or multiple missing teeth or support a full arch restoration or full mouth rehabilitation.
6. Easy to Clean and Maintain: They can be cleaned like natural teeth, making it easy for patients to maintain good oral hygiene.

Disadvantages of Subperiosteal Implants

While subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum tissue and on or above the bone, there are several drawbacks to consider:

1. Invasive Surgery: The procedure is more invasive than other implant types, like endosteal implants, potentially leading to more pain, higher complication risks, and longer recovery times.
2. Risk of Infection: Being placed under the gum tissue increases the risk of infection, especially if the implant becomes loose or shifts, creating pockets where bacteria can accumulate.
3. Limited Placement: These implants are not suitable for all patients and are typically used when there isn’t enough bone to support the implant. Even then, not all patients are good candidates.
4. Cost: Subperiosteal implants can be costlier than other types due to more complex surgical procedures and custom fabrication.
5. Limited Long-Term Data: Despite years of use, there is limited long-term data on their effectiveness and longevity, making future performance predictions challenging.

Why Subperiosteal Implants Are Rarely Used Today

Despite their advantages, subperiosteal implants are less common today compared to traditional endosteal or zygomatic implants. This is largely due to advancements in bone grafting procedures, allowing patients with insufficient jawbone density to undergo grafting and receive traditional endosteal implants.

Additionally, the metal frame required for subperiosteal implants can cause discomfort and make cleaning difficult, increasing infection risks and potential implant failure over time.

Subperiosteal implants also involve more complex and time-consuming placement compared to endosteal implants, requiring a higher level of expertise from the dentist. Consequently, not all dentists are trained to place these implants, and patients may need to visit specialist centers.

Recent advancements in dental implant technology have led to 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 often preferred for patients needing dental implant treatment.

Treatments Replacing Subperiosteal Implants

Thanks to technological advancements and improved dental implant techniques, subperiosteal implants are seldom used. Dentists now typically offer one or more of these implant treatments:

• Endosteal Implants
• Zygomatic Implants
• All-On-4 Implants
• Mini Dental Implants

For more information on dental implant treatments near you, contact our Davie, FL dentist. If dental implants aren’t suitable for you, consider other tooth replacements like dental bridges or removable dentures.

Frequently Asked Questions