How Subperiosteal Dental Implants Work

The most common type of dental implant requires you to have a strong jaw. If you are suffering from bone loss in your job, you're going to need to use a different dental implant method. A subperiosteal implant is used when your jawbone is not strong enough for a typical implant.

Not Limited by Shape or Amount of Bone

A subperiosteal implant is designed to sit on top of the jawbone. The shape or density of your job for this procedure does not matter. This procedure is most commonly used in people who have experienced bone loss due to thyroid problems, calcium deficiencies, or advanced age.

With this procedure, you don't have to go through having a bone graft placed, which means that the healing process should be faster than with a typical implant.

First Surgery Is About Fit and Design 

With a subperiosteal implant, you are going to have to undergo two separate surgical procedures. Your oral surgeon will open your gum tissue where the implant is needed in the first surgical procedure. They will expose the underlying bone to capture an impression of the bone.

This will allow a custom framework to be created that will sit on top of your bone. After the impression is made, your gum will be closed while the custom subperiosteal implant devices are made. This procedure only requires a local anesthetic.

Second Surgery Is About Placement

The second surgery is about putting your implant in place. Your gum tissue will be opened again using a scalpel. Then the implant will be placed on top of the bone. There may be a few small screws that are used to hold it in place. After that, tissues will be sutured over the implant frame.

A few anchor pieces referred to as permucosal extensions well extend from your gum. Finally, a temporary bridge will be placed on the extensions. Your tissue will heal over this temporary bridge instruction.

Healing Process

Once the implant is in place, the healing process begins. It is common to experience swelling and pain near the implant site for a few days. You will need to limit your food intake to soft foods for a week or two periods. You also will need to stay on top of your oral hygiene.

The healing process can take a few weeks to a few months. You will come in to follow-up appointments to monitor the growth of your gum over the implant and take away any stitches if necessary.

Applying the Bridge

Once your dental implant has healed, a permanent bridge will be put in place over the extension. This is a relatively quick procedure. Once your new false tooth is installed, you need to continue to take good care of your teeth.

If you have a week job on and a missing tooth, a subperiosteal implant may be the solution for you. Be sure to talk to your dentist about this option.