Subperiosteal Implants
Literally meaning “on top of the bone”, subperiosteal implants are dental implants that are placed on top of the jaw bone, but below the gum tissue. A subperiosteal implant is used in cases when a patient’s bone has the jaw bone is limited, mostly due to the degeneration of bone mass. A subperiosteal dental implant is not embedded to, and do not penetrate, a patient’s jaw bone.
This is Dentistry will provide you with the information you need about subperiosteal implants so you can make the most informed decisions when faced with the preparations needed for dental implants. Your search for a dentist who is an expert in subperiosteal dental implants can start by looking at the contact details provided in the comprehensive This is Dentistry dentist directory, which allows you to have the subperiosteal implant consultation you need without having to go too far for it.
Conditions that Need Subperiosteal Implants
These are the most common conditions that can be addressed with a subperiosteal dental implant:
- Subperiosteal dental implants can be used on patients who have extremely tender or sores spots on the gums, which are caused by wearing dentures.
- A subperiosteal dental implant can also help a patient who finds it impossible to wear his or her set of dentures.
- Subperiosteal implants can also address the concerns of a patient who is experiencing difficulty in chewing and eating food.
- A subperiosteal implant can be a good alternative if the patient does not have sufficient bone mass for more conventional dental implants, such as plate form or root form implants.
Methods of Subperiosteal Dental Implant Placement
- The first method used to place a subperiosteal implant involves getting a patient’s jawbone impression. In this procedure, the dentist numbs the area with a local anesthetic so that the patient does not feel any pain or discomfort. The jawbone is then exposed, so that the dentist can make an impression of it; the impression is then sent to a dental laboratory to create a custom-made subperiosteal dental implant. A second visit to the dentist is needed – this time to place the custom-fit subperiosteal dental implant. The jawbone is exposed once more, the subperiosteal implant positioned accurately, and the gums stitched closed. The prosthetic teeth can then be attached to the implant.
- The second method of a subperiosteal implant placement involves getting a CT scan of the patient’s jawbone. The computer modeling images and techniques will produce a precise image of a patient’s jawbone; this model is then sent to a dental laboratory to serve as a guide to creating a custom-made subperiosteal dental implant. A second visit to the dentist will involve the actual placing of the subperiosteal dental implant on top of the jawbone, after which the gums will be stitched closed; the prosthetic teeth are then attached to the subperiosteal implant.
