For patients with insufficient bone density in the jaw, subperiosteal dental implants offer a unique and effective solution for tooth restoration. Although recent advances in dental technology have made these implants less common, they remain a valuable option for specific cases.
To learn more about whether subperiosteal dental implants are right for you, contact our Hilliard, OH, dentist by calling (614) 771-6060 today to schedule an appointment. Discover personalized solutions tailored to your dental needs.
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
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.
In addition, 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.
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 Hilliard dentist. If dental implants aren’t right for you, other tooth replacements you may consider include dental bridges or removable dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downside of dental implants?
While the benefits tend to outweigh the drawbacks, dental implants do require a surgical procedure. However, the complication rate is around five percent. Risks of implant surgery include:
Infection
Implant failure
Damage to other teeth
Delayed healing
Nerve damage
Does a dental implant set off metal detectors?
No, a titanium dental implant rarely sets off metal detectors. Titanium is a non-magnetic metal, so you shouldn’t worry about setting off a metal detector with your implants.
Do dental implants get cavities?
No, dental implants don’t get cavities. Since they’re made from titanium, they’re resistant to tooth decay. Just make sure you’re maintaining good oral health so your implants last as long as possible and your natural teeth get the proper care they need.
Experience the Benefits of Dental Implants!
To learn more about implant benefits and if you’re a candidate for dental implants, contact a dental professional today. If you’re located in Hilliard, contact our dentist today to set up your dental implant consultation at (614) 771-6060.
We can’t wait to help you transform your smile and quality of life. We welcome new and returning patients from Columbus, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Grove City, Westerville, and surrounding areas in Ohio.
