Change Your Life with Dental Implants in Palm Beach Gardens
Do you struggle because of missing teeth? Dental implants may be what you need! Subperiosteal dental implants were once the relied-on treatment but with significant advancements in technology, they are rarely used in dentistry. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what subperiosteal dental implants are, how they differ from traditional implants, their benefits, the procedure, and more. Please note that we do not offer subperiosteal dental implants at our dental practice.
To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact our Palm Beach Gardens dental office today at (561) 627-8666.
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 Benefits
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 benefits of subperiosteal implants, they’re rarely used today when compared to traditional endosteal dental 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.
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.
Subperiosteal Implant Alternatives
With advancements in technology and dental implant techniques, subperiosteal implants are rarely used. Instead, dentists usually offer one or more of these implant treatments:
Endosteal Implants
Zygomatic Implants
All-On-4 Implants
Mini Dental Implants
To find out more about dental implant treatments near you, contact our Palm Beach Gardens dentist. If dental implants aren’t right for you, other tooth replacements you may consider include dental bridges or removable dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does a subperiosteal implant last?
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.
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Is getting a subperiosteal dental implant painful?
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.
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Do subperiosteal implants require special care?
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 any infection from occurring and ensure the longevity of the implant.
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Are subperiosteal dental implants removable?
Subperiosteal dental implants are not intended to be removable. Since the implant fuses with the jawbone over time, patients should not try to remove their dental restoration. If you’re having issues or complications with your subperiosteal implant, contact your dentist for treatment.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation with Dr. Ajmo
Don’t put off replacing your missing teeth any longer. With various dental implant treatments available today, Dr. Ajmo is 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 Palm Beach Gardens office today at (561) 627-8666.
Complimentary Consultation
or 2nd Opinion
- Exam
- Full mouth X-rays
- Private Consultation with Doctor ($450value)
7100 Fairway Dr Ste 59,
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418- (561) 627-8666
- Monday: 8am - 5pm
- Tuesday: 8am - 5pm
- Wednesday: 8am - 5pm
- Thursday: 8am - 5pm
- Friday: 8am - 1pm
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed