Traditional Subperiosteal Implants
With advancements in today’s missing teeth technology, subperiosteal implants have become less popular and are only recommended when a patient has insufficient bone density to withstand and support dental implants. It’s a cheaper option for patients looking to replace a full set of teeth without undergoing pre-prosthetic surgeries and those unable to afford the revolutionary All-on-4 Hybrid denture system.
Subperiosteal implants in a nutshell
Subperiosteal implants provide patients with a stable prosthesis on the day of surgery, compared to endosteal-supported overdentures, which can take up to five months to complete the final restoration.
- Custom-fabricated titanium framework to fit your jaw
- Rests on top of the mandibular bone
- Stabilised by fibrous tissue and bone support
- Same-day and immediate loading is available
- Not placed in the jaw but under the gum line on top of the bone
- Anchored to the jawbone using small posts that protrude through the gumline
- Artificial teeth can be removable depending on the patient’s specification
Endosseous dental implants (implants that mimic natural tooth roots) have become more popular.
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How they work and how they’re used
Traditionally, subperiosteal implants secure dentures when the bone has atrophied, and there is limited jaw structure remaining, making conventional implant placement challenging. The lightweight metal framework is custom-designed to fit snugly over the remaining bone, creating the equivalent of multiple tooth roots.
Subperiosteal implants can be used in a partially limited area or in total tooth loss (edentulous) cases, the entire mouth. However, your options will be clearer during a dental implant consultation, highlighting the amount and location of available bone to determine the best implant system to use.
You’ll need a subperiosteal implant if:
- You have regular problems with your dentures like sore spots
- Struggle to enjoy and chew your food properly
- You find dentures impossible to wear and work with
- As you’ve had missing teeth for sometime, the bone in your jaw has depeleted significantly
Choosing Subperiosteal implants in 2023 – the benefits:
- No bone is required, which means you avoid the need for dental bone grafts or sinus lifts
- Better for patients who are not an ideal candidates for endosteal dental implants
- It provides a stable and durable foundation for replacement teeth to sit
- Supports full arch restorations and full mouth rehabilitation
- Cleaned and taken care of like natural teeth
Limitations
- The surgery for subperiosteal implants is more invasive than other types of implant surgeries, which can result in more pain, risk of complications and a longer recovery period.
- The risk of infection is greater, and the implant will sit just under the gum tissue.
- With fewer studies into subperiosteal implants, their effectiveness and longevity remain unpredictable.
- Depending on your case, subperiosteal implants can be more expensive if you require a more complex surgical procedure or extensive custom fabrication.
Why the use of subperiosteal implants is rare
Despite the advantages of subperiosteal implants, they’re not a hugely popular choice today because, since the 70s, implant dentistry has advanced. Pre-prosthetic procedures like bone grafts have come so far that they now make it possible for patients struggling with jawbone loss (very common in missing teeth cases) to undergo a procedure to make it possible for them to receive traditional endosteal implants again.
Also, as subperiosteal implants require a higher level of skills and expertise from a dental expert, not many of today’s dentists are trained to place this kind of implant, which is not the case here at The Gentle Dental in East Molesey.
The massive advancement in dental implant technology has also meant that the new development of alternative, less invasive implant treatments have arisen. These new implant treatments are much more popular, widely available, and preferred for patients who want to restore their quality of life.
Alternative Implant Treatments
Multiple Implants
Used in cases of multiple tooth loss in different locations in the mouth, where teeth are not missing in a row.
All-on-Four
Perfect for full mouth reconstructions, where patients have experienced tooth loss on the upper and lower jaws.
Implant Integrated Treatments
Implant-Retained Dentures
Combining dentures and implants together for more affordable treatments and stability. Completely removable and easy to clean.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Similar to traditional bridges, implant bridges are more secure as they are supported by dental implants and not natural teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a type of permanent overdenture supported by dental implants in the jawbone.
