Everything You Should Know About Subperiosteal Implants
Dental implants are an important tool in restoration dentistry. They allow dentists to replace a patient's missing teeth without the use of dental bridges or dentures. When people think of dental implants, they usually think of endosteal implants, which are placed into holes drilled in the patient's jawbone. However, subperiosteal implants are another type of dental implant available to patients. These implants are viable even if the patient has experienced significant jawbone erosion. Here is everything new patients should know about subperiosteal implants:
1. They can be placed without bone grafts.
Some patients are not good candidates for endosteal implants because they don't have sufficient bone matter in their jaws. Oral surgeons can remedy this by performing a bone graft procedure. However, a bone graft is an additional expense and it will necessitate a longer healing period. Fortunately, subperiosteal implants can be placed in your mouth without a bone graft. These implants sit below your gums but above your jawbone, so they do not require a minimum threshold of bone mass.
2. They heal more quickly.
When you get dental implants, the procedure is performed in two parts. During the first part of the procedure, the metal implant is placed in your mouth. Your body is allowed to heal around the implant. For patients who get endosteal implants, this healing period can take several weeks, as the jawbone needs to recover. Patients who get subperiosteal implants will recover faster because gums receive more blood flow and heal more quickly than bones. This faster healing time means the overall dental implant procedure will take less time.
3. They can protect your jawbone.
The human body is designed to function as a holistic system. When one part of your body changes, the parts of your body that rely on it can suffer as well. Tooth loss commonly leads to jawbone erosion, since you no longer put pressure on specific portions of your jaw while chewing. A prompt dental implant procedure can prevent irreversible bone loss. If you're missing teeth, subperiosteal implants can restore your biting surface to keep your jawbone healthy and strong.
4. They will be designed to fit in your mouth perfectly.
Subperiosteal implants must sit flush against your jawbone. To accomplish this, implants are custom-made for each patient. Your dentist will take a picture of your bone structure using a CT machine. The data gathered will be used to create an implant that is ideal for the shape of your teeth and bones.
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