A Guide to Subperiosteal Dental Implants
For patients with insufficient jawbone density, traditional dental implants may not be an option. However, subperiosteal dental implants offer an alternative solution. While these implants are less common today due to advancements in dental technology, they can still be an effective method for certain individuals.
Please note that we don’t provide subperiosteal implants at our dental practice in Denton, TX. To learn more about your dental implant options, contact our Denton dentists today.
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.
Subperiosteal Implant Advantages
There are several advantages of subperiosteal implants, including:
- 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
Subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum tissue and on or above the bone. While they can be a suitable option for some patients, there are several disadvantages associated with this type of implant:
- 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.
Why Subperiosteal Implants Are Rarely Used Today
Subperiosteal implants, while once popular, are now rarely used. This is largely due to advances in bone grafting, which allow patients with low jawbone density to receive traditional endosteal implants after a bone graft.
Subperiosteal implants require a metal frame to be placed on the jawbone, which can cause discomfort and make cleaning more difficult, leading to a higher risk of infection or implant failure. They also tend to be more complex to place and require specialized expertise, which not all dentists offer.
With modern dental technology, there are now less invasive implant options that provide similar benefits without the drawbacks of subperiosteal implants. These newer methods have become the preferred choice for many patients needing dental implants.
Treatments Replacing 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 Denton dentists. If dental implants aren’t right for you, other tooth replacements you may consider include dental bridges or removable dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Subperiosteal 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 infection and ensure the implant’s longevity.
Subperiosteal dental implants are not intended to be removable. Patients should not try to remove their dental restoration since the implant fuses with the jawbone over time. If you’re having issues or complications with your subperiosteal implant, contact your dentist for treatment.
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. Made of titanium and shaped like small screws, they’re surgically placed directly into the jawbone. After healing and fusing with the bone, they can support dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Subperiosteal implants, in contrast, sit on or above the jawbone but under the gums. These implants are custom-fitted to the jawbone and, after healing, can also support dental restorations.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation
Don’t put off replacing your missing teeth any longer. With various dental implant treatments available today, our Denton dentists are 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 Denton office today. We’re proud to serve patients in Denton and surrounding areas, including Robson Ranch, Corinth, Argyle, and Krum, TX.