Today, there are many different options for implanting permanent teeth to replace teeth lost to decay, trauma or gum disease. One, a few or even the entire arch of teeth can be permanently replaced using dental implants. These permanent prosthetics are convenient, cosmetically pleasing and restore natural chewing and smiling.
Types of Implants
The most basic and most commonly used implant is called an endosseous implant. These most commonly resemble a screw, and they are placed into the jawbone. Another type of implant, the transosteal implant, extends completely through the jawbone and is anchored by a flat plate on the other side.
Subperiosteal implants aren’t placed in the bone at all. A subperiosteal implant consists of a metal framework that is attached on top of the bone but underneath the gum tissue.
Who Gets Subperiosteal Implants?
Endosseous implants are preferred by dentists. However, they cannot be placed in patients with shallow jawbones or those that have lost too much bone tissue from their jawbone. Bone tissue can be lost as part of osteoporosis or another systemic disease, but most commonly it is lost due to a delay in replacing a missing tooth or teeth.
When teeth are lost, the jawbone no longer experiences pressure from chewing at a particular location, and so the body begins to break down and remove the bone. Within a year of losing a tooth, 25% of the bone can be lost.
Restoring Bone
In some cases, dentists can restore bone by using surgery and bone grafts. However, these procedures can be expensive, time-consuming and uncomfortable. Many patients opt for subperiosteal implants instead. Placing these implants is more invasive than placing endosseous implants, but subperiosteal implants fuse to the bone and provide an excellent, permanent base to support prosthetic teeth without the need for the patient to go through an extended bone augmentation process.
What to Expect
A computed tomography (CT) scan of the gums and mouth is performed. A CT scan only takes a few minutes. The dentist will use the information from the CT scan to design the implants. Once they are constructed, they are placed under the gums in a surgical procedure. A temporary tooth prosthesis will be placed. After the implant is fully healed, the final prosthesis is placed.
Learn More About Subperiosteal Implants
For more facts about subperiosteal implants, consult our cosmetic dentist at the dental practice of Dr. Samuel F. Jirik, DDS in Cabot. We happily serve Little Rock, AR as well. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
