Subperiosteal Dental Implants

Step-by-Step Guide Subperiosteal Dental Implants

If you’ve been told you don’t have enough jawbone for regular dental implants, there’s still a good option for you. Subperiosteal dental implants are made for people who don’t want bone graft surgery or have lost a lot of bone in their jaw. These implants don’t go inside the bone—instead, they rest on top of the jawbone, right under the gums.

With subperiosteal implants, you can get new teeth that look and work just like real ones, even if your jawbone is thin. The process is gentler, with less surgery, and you’ll be able to eat, speak, and smile confidently again. Read below for a breakdown of how they’re done, their pros and cons, and why this treatment could help you feel happy and healthy.

What Are Subperiosteal Dental Implants?

Subperiosteal dental implants sit on top of the jawbone, just below the gum—but not inside the bone like conventional “root” implants. Imagine a strong, lightweight custom metal framework (usually titanium), tailored precisely to the contours of your jaw, with posts sticking through the gums to support your new teeth. This means even for patients with severe bone loss, there is hope—you are no longer excluded just because your jawbone is thin, low, or worn down from years of tooth loss.

Who Should Consider Subperiosteal Dental Implants?

• Individuals with insufficient bone density for traditional screw-in implants
• Those who want to avoid bone grafting—no more painful or drawn-out graft and healing cycles
• Elderly patients or those with chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, where bone volume can’t be improved
• People seeking full arch restoration who are unable to undergo complex bone augmentation

Step-by-Step Process: How Subperiosteal Implants Are Placed

Let’s make it simple with a real-world workflow:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation

A dental surgeon will perform a full exam, including CT scans or digital imaging. This helps them see exactly where your jawbone sits and plan a custom fit.

2. Custom Metal Framework Design

Using digital scans, your dentist works with a dental lab to create a framework in titanium or cobalt-chromium—engineered for strength, safety, and biocompatibility.

3. Treatment Planning

You’ll get a personalized plan covering everything—the steps, timing, aftercare, anesthesia options, and answers to your questions.

4. Surgical Placement

• The dentist numbs your gum with anesthesia (sometimes light sedation).
• A small incision exposes the jawbone.
• An impression is taken to ensure framework accuracy.
• The framework is carefully placed over the bone (not inside it!).
• Metal posts extend through the gums to anchor your new teeth.
• Sutures close the gum around the posts.
• Healing time is typically just a few weeks—much less than bone grafts.

5. Prosthetic Teeth Placement

Once the gums heal, the dentist attaches permanent prosthetic teeth—either fixed bridges or removable overdentures—to those sturdy posts. Immediate prosthesis is sometimes possible for aesthetics and function. See what options work best for your anatomy and lifestyle.

Major Advantages: Why Choose Subperiosteal Dental Implants?

• No Bone Grafting Required: Get rid of lengthy, expensive bone-building surgeries.
• Immediate Function: Teeth can often be placed sooner, letting you eat, talk, and smile comfortably.
• Custom Fit: The metal frame is made just for your jaw, ensuring stability and natural appearance.
• Comfort and Easy Maintenance: These implants feel comfortable and can be cleaned like natural teeth.
• Ideal for Full-Mouth or Complex Restorations: Whether it’s a single tooth, partial arch, or full arch, subperiosteal implants are adaptable.

Key Disadvantages (Honesty Builds Trust)

• Rarely Used: Modern endosteal implants are the standard—but not everyone qualifies, which is where subperiosteals shine.
• Possible Gum Issues: Poor design or placement can cause gum irritation or tissue breakdown.
• Soft Tissue Risks: There’s a higher risk of gum inflammation, so meticulous hygiene is crucial.
• Customization is Critical: Only expert surgeons with access to digital design should perform this procedure for best outcomes.

Aftercare & Maintenance Step-by-Step

1. Gentle Brushing: Use a soft-bristle brush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
2. Antibacterial Mouthwash: Reduces risk of gum infection.
3. Routine Dental Visits: See your dentist every 3–6 months for checks and professional cleaning.
4. Monitor for Redness or Swelling: Early detection of irritation means easier treatment.

If you’re tired of living with missing teeth, ill-fitting dentures, or being told “you’re not a candidate”—don’t wait. Modern subperiosteal dental implants can restore your bite, smile, and self-esteem without the need for bone grafts or months of painful procedures.

Schedule a free consultation with a qualified dental surgeon—ask about the benefits, see your options with digital planning, and discuss financing plans so you can get back to living life fully.