Subperiosteal dental implants have been around for such a long time to act as a revolutionary dental treatment for the few number of patients who are the right candidates for it. This means that you are not likely to be a good candidate for subperiosteal dental implants or rather, it is not the optimal treatment for you.

This guide is going to explore the topic including what subperiosteal dental implants are, their advantages and disadvantages, who this treatment is for and why they are so rarely used. 

So let’s get started!

What are Subperiosteal Dental Implants?

Similar to zygomatic and endosteal dental implants, these are a tooth restoration option that is used to replace missing teeth. The main difference is that subperiosteal dental implants are used in individuals who lack sufficient bone density in the jaw and so are placed under the gum line and on the top of the bone.

Basically, a subperiosteal dental implant is made up of a metal frame that is custom made to fit the patient’s jaw. The frame is carefully anchored onto the jaw bone with small screws, also known as posts. These go through the gum in order to provide better support for the prosthetic teeth. The important thing to note here is that these artificial teeth can be both removable or fixed while in endosteal implants for example, the crowns are permanent.

What Are The Advantages of Subperiosteal Dental Implants?

While subperiosteal dental implants are rarely used, they have a number of advantages compared to other forms of dental implants. Let’s take a look at some of these pros.

No Bone Grafting Required

Subperiosteal dental implants most often do not require bone grafting prior to the placement. This makes the process much faster, less invasive and sometimes slightly cheaper.

Strong and Long-Lasting

Anchored to the jawbone with small posts, these implants provide a secure and long-lasting foundation for replacement teeth.

Custom-Fit

These implants can be custom-made to fit the patient’s jaw, ensuring a comfortable and natural appearance.

Highly Versatile

Subperiosteal implants can replace one or more missing teeth or support a full arch restoration or complete mouth rehabilitation.

Simple to Clean and Maintain

They can be cared for just like natural teeth, making it easy for patients to maintain good oral hygiene.

What Are The Disadvantages of Subperiosteal Implants?

Subperiosteal implants are positioned beneath the gum tissue and on or above the bone. Although they can be a viable option for some patients, there are several drawbacks associated with this type of implant:

Invasive Procedure

The surgery required for subperiosteal implants is more invasive compared to other types, such as endosteal implants. This can lead to increased pain, a higher risk of complications, and a longer recovery period for patients.

Infection Risk

Because the implant is placed under the gum tissue, there is a greater risk of infection. This risk is heightened if the implant becomes loose or shifts, as it can create a pocket where bacteria can accumulate.

Limited Applicability

Subperiosteal implants aren’t suitable for everyone. They are typically used when there isn’t enough bone to support an implant, but even then, not all patients are good candidates for this type of implant.

Higher Costs

Subperiosteal implants tend to be more expensive than other options due to the complexity of the surgical procedure and the need for custom fabrication.

Limited Long-Term Data

Despite being in use for many years, there is still limited long-term data on the effectiveness and longevity of subperiosteal implants, making it harder to predict their long-term performance.

Why Subperiosteal Implants Are Rarely Used Today

While subperiosteal implants have certain advantages, they are seldom used today compared to traditional endosteal implants or even zygomatic implants. The primary reason is the advancement in bone grafting procedures, which now allow patients with insufficient jawbone density to undergo bone grafting and receive traditional endosteal implants.

Additionally, subperiosteal implants require a metal frame to be anchored to the jawbone, which can sometimes cause discomfort and make cleaning difficult. This can elevate the risk of infection and potentially lead to implant failure over time.

Furthermore, subperiosteal implants are generally more complex and time-consuming to place compared to endosteal implants. They require a higher level of expertise and skill, meaning not all dentists are trained to perform this procedure. As a result, patients might need to travel to a specialist center to receive this type of implant.

Recent advancements in dental implant technology have led to the development of alternative implant treatments that are less invasive and offer similar benefits to subperiosteal implants. These newer implant systems are now widely available and are often the preferred choice for patients needing dental implant treatment.

Treatment Replacements For Subperiosteal Implants

As mentioned earlier, subperiosteal dental implants are rarely used and most professionals such as Dr. Maryam Horiyat prefer to use other alternatives such as zirconia endosteal implants.

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