Subperiosteal Dental Implants in Petoskey, MI

Please note we may not offer this service. Call (231) 347-2188 to learn more.

What Are Subperiosteal Dental Implants?

Subperiosteal dental implants are a tooth restoration option designed to replace missing teeth for patients with insufficient jawbone density. Unlike traditional implants placed directly into the jaw bone, subperiosteal implants are positioned beneath the gum line on top of the bone.

A subperiosteal implant consists of a metal frame custom-fit to the patient’s jaw. The frame is anchored to the jawbone using small posts that protrude through the gum line to support the prosthetic teeth. These artificial teeth can be either fixed or removable, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences.

Due to recent advances in dental technology, subperiosteal dental implants are rarely used today. Call our Petoskey, MI, office at (231) 347-2188 to learn more.

Subperiosteal Implant Advantages

dentist examining patient's teeth with dental mirror There are several advantages of subperiosteal implants, including:

No Bone Grafting Required: Subperiosteal implants do not necessitate bone grafting procedures before placement, making the process quicker and less invasive.
Suitable for Patients With Insufficient Jawbone Density: These implants are ideal for patients with inadequate jawbone density who may not qualify for traditional endosteal implants.
Stable and Durable: They are anchored to the jawbone with small posts, providing a stable and durable foundation for replacement teeth.
Customizable: These implants can be tailor-made and attached to the patient’s jaw, ensuring a comfortable and natural-looking fit.
Versatile: Subperiosteal implants can 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 like natural teeth, making it easy for patients to uphold good oral hygiene.

Disadvantages of Subperiosteal Implants

Despite their advantages, subperiosteal implants have several disadvantages:

Invasive Surgery: The procedure for a subperiosteal implant is more invasive than for other types, such as endosteal implants, which can lead to increased pain, a higher risk of complications, and longer recovery times.
Risk of Infection: Because the implant is placed beneath the gum tissue, there is a higher risk of infection. If the implant becomes loose or shifts, it can create a pocket for bacteria to accumulate.
Limited Placement: Subperiosteal implants are not suitable for all patients and are typically used only when there isn’t enough bone to support the implant. However, not all patients in these cases are good candidates for subperiosteal implants.
Cost: Subperiosteal implants can be more expensive due to the complex surgical procedures and custom fabrication involved.
Limited Long-Term Data: Although subperiosteal implants have been used for many years, there is limited long-term data on their effectiveness and longevity, making it challenging to predict their long-term performance.

Why Subperiosteal Implants Are Rarely Used Today

Despite the benefits of subperiosteal implants, they are seldom used today compared to traditional endosteal or even zygomatic implants. This shift is largely due to advancements in bone grafting techniques that enable patients with insufficient jawbone density to receive traditional endosteal implants.

Additionally, subperiosteal implants require a metal frame to be anchored to the jawbone, which can cause discomfort and complicate cleaning, increasing the risk of infection and potentially leading to implant failure over time.

Furthermore, the complexity and time required to place subperiosteal implants necessitate a higher level of expertise from the dentist. Not all dentists are trained to perform this type of implant, often requiring patients to visit a specialist center.

In recent years, advancements in dental implant technology have led to the development of alternative treatments that are less invasive yet provide similar benefits to subperiosteal implants. These new implant systems are now widely available and are often preferred by patients needing dental implant treatment.

Treatments Replacing Subperiosteal Implants

Due to advancements in technology and dental implant techniques, subperiosteal implants are rarely used. Instead, dentists typically offer one or more of the following implant treatments:

To learn more about dental implant treatments available near you, contact our Petoskey dentist. If dental implants aren’t right for you, consider other tooth replacement options such as dental bridges or removable dentures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a subperiosteal implant last?

Is getting a subperiosteal dental implant painful?

Do subperiosteal implants require special care?

How long does a subperiosteal implant last?

On average, a subperiosteal implant can last about 10 to 15 years. However, the lifespan varies based on factors like the patient’s oral health, the quality of the implant, and the expertise of the dentist performing the procedure.

Is getting a subperiosteal dental implant painful?

While the implant placement surgery can be uncomfortable, it should not be painful thanks to local anesthesia. After the procedure, some patients may experience discomfort and swelling, manageable with pain medication and ice packs.

Do subperiosteal implants require special care?

Subperiosteal implants need the same care and maintenance as natural teeth, including regular brushing, flossing, and biannual dental checkups. Maintaining good oral hygiene

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation

Don’t delay replacing your missing teeth any longer. With various dental implant treatments available today, our Petoskey dentists are sure to provide what you need and will create a custom treatment plan based on your smile goals. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact our Petoskey implant dentist today at (231) 347-2188.