There are a few main types of dental implants that a patient may consider. For those who have an existing jawbone, an endosseous implant can be used and is screwed into place in the bone. Another implant, the transosteal implant, also relies on the existence of the jawbone. It extends entirely through a jawbone which is then anchored by a plate on the other side. However, for those who lack a jawbone or have a significantly reduced jawbone, those implants are impossible to receive. As such, the third type of implant is used — the subperiosteal implant.
The Use of a Subperiosteal Implant
For those who wish to use dentures or some other device to improve speech and chewing food, implants are sometimes necessary, particularly if that patient lacks a jawbone entirely or simply doesn’t have the required width or height for a regular implant to be used. Although some patients choose to have surgery to increase bone density and restore their jawbone through bone grafting, for others, this process isn’t possible either because of cost or some other reason. As such, they can receive the aid they need by using a subperiosteal implant.
Once the implant is put into place, patients have the ability to use their teeth normally again. This can make for easier chewing and speaking, which many take for granted.
The Process
A CT scan is first taken of the gums and mouth. Although this scan only takes a few minutes, it is absolutely necessary to create the perfect mold of the implant to fit inside of the patient’s mouth. Because there are numerous ways a dentist can place the implant, the scan is necessary to see not just the length and width of the jawbone, but of certain molars as well to determine how best to place and connect the implant.
Once the implant is created, it is then inserted under the periosteum, or the bone. This allows the implant to act as a sort of snowshoe. It dissipates the amount of force by expanding it over a larger area. During that surgery, temporary teeth are put into place. This allows for the second portion of the treatment to be conducted quickly since the parts required for the permanent teeth have already been put into place.
The patient is then released to allow for their gums and implant to heal with the temporary teeth to utilize during that time. Once they’ve healed up, those temporary teeth are then removed, and permanent teeth are cemented into the implant. These teeth act as a form of a permanent denture.
With the implant and final teeth in place, the patient is able to live their lives normally once more. This process is perfect for those with missing or damaged teeth as well as those who are simply self-conscious about their missing teeth or experience difficulty with speech and chewing.
