What is a subperiosteal implant?

Did you know that there are two types of dental implants, known as subperiosteal and endosteal implants? Many people are familiar with endosteal implants because they are the most commonly used and are placed in the jawbone. There are different types of endosteal implants, which are categorized based on their size, shape, and the specific tool used. Subperiosteal implants, on the other hand, are placed below the gum line but above the jawbone. For this reason, they are sometimes referred to as “on the bone” implants.

Instead of being placed directly into the jawbone, like endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants use a metal frame that is placed between the jawbone and the gum line but below the periosteum. (The periosteum is the thin layer of tissue between the gum and the jawbone.) Subperiosteal implants are placed above the bone but below the gum line. Since the implant is placed on top of the jawbone rather than inside it, the amount of bone present in the jaw or the shape and position of the jaw is not important. The healing time for subperiosteal implants is usually shorter than for endosteal implants; however, the surgical time for both is about the same.

Endosteal Implant with Abutment and Crown

Endosteal implants consist of three main parts: the implant, the abutment, and the denture. The implant itself looks like a small screw, usually made of titanium. In some cases, the dental implant may also be ceramic. The abutment is a small connecting piece designed to fit into the implant, which is ultimately attached to the abutment. Depending on the number of missing teeth, an endosteal implant can be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture.

Since subperiosteal implants are not placed in the bone, their structure is very different from endosteal implants. Instead of using an implant screw for fixation, subperiosteal implants use a metal frame that is placed on the jawbone and under the gums. This metal frame has a series of posts that are used to support the placement of dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Difference between subperiosteal and endosteal implants

Both types of implants require minor dental and gum surgery to be placed in the jawbone. However, each type of dental implant also requires a different method of implant placement because of its different structure. Endosteal implants are a bit more complicated and take longer because they are placed in the bone.

To place an endosteal implant, your dentist will make an incision in the gum, drill a hole in the jawbone, place the dental implant, attach a temporary restoration to it, and then suture the gums around the restoration. In some cases, additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lift may also be performed to ensure there is enough bone mass to support the implant while it heals.

To place a subperiosteal implant, your dentist will make a small incision in your gum, then drill a hole under the gum tissue to make room for the metal post. Once the metal post is in place, your gums will be sutured and given time to heal.

Which implant is best for dental implants?

When choosing an implant type, it is important to consult a dental implant specialist to determine which type of implant is best for your dental needs. In general, subperiosteal implants are ideal for people who do not have enough bone mass to support an endosteal implant.

With that being said, some implant specialists still recommend endosteal implants over subperiosteal implants, even if bone mass is lacking. This is because endosteal implants have a much higher success rate compared to subperiosteal implants. However, in cases where you lack sufficient bone mass, your implant dentist in Ottawa will likely recommend a supplementary procedure such as a bone graft or sinus lift to build up bone mass before placing a dental implant.

In some cases, your dental implant specialist may also recommend a special type of endosteal implant called a zygomatic implant. Zygomatic implants are very tall implants that are placed in the zygomatic bone for support. Because the zygomatic or cheekbone bones, like the jawbone, do not lose bone mass, they can provide a strong base for dental implants, even in patients who have experienced bone loss.

Who is a good candidate for subperiosteal implants?

Subperiosteal implants are usually recommended for patients who need dental implants but do not have enough jawbone to accommodate an endosteal base. Young children or those whose teeth are still growing are usually not good candidates for the subperiosteal implant procedure because they have difficulty creating a dental framework that adjusts as their teeth grow.

Subperiosteal implants are often recommended for those whose jawbone is no longer growing but cannot provide structural support for an endosteal implant, regardless of the reason for the jawbone loss. However, if the jawbone has been lost due to disease, such as periodontal disease, patients will need to improve their oral hygiene efforts for this procedure to be successful.