What Are Subperiosteal Dental Implants? Off the Trace Dental Explains
Subperiosteal dental implants are a tooth restoration option used to replace missing teeth for patients who have insufficient bone density in the jaw. Instead of being placed directly in the jawbone, subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum line on top of the bone.
Due to recent advances in dental technology, subperiosteal dental implants are rarely used. Do you want to learn more about your tooth replacement options with our Slidell dentist? Call (985) 214-3090 to schedule your implant consultation with Dr. Daigle. Let’s make your smile shine! We also proudly serve patients coming from Ama, Taft, Holden, and the surrounding areas.
Lasting Implant Results from a Dentist You Can Rely On – Dr. Pamela Daigle!
Dental implants are an investment in your long-term health, and with our dentist in Slidell, Dr. Pamela Daigle, you can trust that investment is in the right hands. She brings two dental degrees to her practice—one from Universidad de San Martín de Porres in Lima, Peru, and another from LSU—along with a reputation for thoughtful, patient-first care. Dr. Daigle understands that choosing implants can feel like a big step, which is why she walks with you every bit of the way. Her warm personality, multilingual skills, and personalized treatment plans make the process approachable and stress-free. Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or several, Dr. Daigle helps you regain a strong, healthy smile you can feel proud of. And if you’re a fan of local eateries or hidden gems in Louisiana, don’t be surprised if she asks for your favorite recommendation—she and her family love supporting their community just as much as she loves supporting your smile.
How Do Subperiosteal Dental Implants in Slidell, LA,Work?
A subperiosteal implant from a dental office near you consists of a metal frame that’s custom-fit to the patient’s jaw. The frame gets anchored to the jawbone using small posts that protrude through the gum line to support the prosthetic teeth. These artificial teeth can be fixed or removable, depending on the patient’s needs or preferences.
Subperiosteal Implant Advantages
There are several advantages of subperiosteal implants, including:
- No Bone Grafting Required: Subperiosteal implants don’t require bone grafting procedures before placement, making the process quicker and less invasive.
- Suitable for Patients With Insufficient Jawbone Density: These dental implants work well for patients with insufficient jawbone density who may not be candidates for traditional endosteal dental implants.
- Stable and Durable: They’re anchored to the jawbone using small posts, providing a stable and durable foundation for replacement teeth.
- Customizable: These implants can be custom-made and attached to the patient’s jaw, ensuring a comfortable and natural-looking fit.
- Versatile: Subperiosteal implants can replace one or multiple missing teeth or support a full arch restoration or full mouth rehabilitation.
- Easy to Clean and Maintain: They can be cleaned just like natural teeth, making it easy for patients to maintain good oral hygiene.
Disadvantages of Subperiosteal Implants Near Taft, LA
Subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum tissue and on or above the bone. While they can be a suitable option for some patients, there are several disadvantages and risks associated with this type of implant:
- Invasive Surgery: The procedure for a subperiosteal implant is more invasive than other types of implants, such as endosteal implants. This can result in more pain, an increased risk of complications, and a longer recovery time for patients.
- Risk of Infection: Since the implant is placed under the gum tissue, there’s a higher risk of infection. This can be especially problematic if the implant becomes loose or shifts, as it can create a pocket where bacteria can accumulate.
- Limited Placement: Subperiosteal implants are not suitable for all patients. They’re typically only used in cases where there’s not enough bone to support the implant. However, even in these cases, not all patients are good candidates for a subperiosteal implant.
- Cost: Subperiosteal implants can be more expensive than other types, as they require more complex surgical procedures and custom fabrication.
- Limited Long-Term Data: While subperiosteal implants have been used for many years, there’s still limited long-term data on their effectiveness and longevity. This means it may be difficult to predict how well they will perform over time.
Why Subperiosteal Implants Are Rarely Used Today
Despite the advantages of subperiosteal implants, they’re rarely used today compared to traditional endosteal implants or even zygomatic implants. The main reason is the advancements in bone grafting procedures, which have made it possible for patients with insufficient jawbone density to receive a traditional endosteal implant.
Also, a subperiosteal implant requires a metal frame to be anchored to the jawbone, which can sometimes cause discomfort and make it difficult to clean the implant effectively. This can increase the risk of infection and may lead to implant failure over time.
In addition, subperiosteal implants are generally more complex and time-consuming to place compared to endosteal implants and require a higher level of expertise and skill from a dentist near you. As a result, not all dentists are trained to place subperiosteal implants, and patients may need to travel to a specialist center to receive this implant.
In recent years, advancements in dental implant technology have resulted in the development of alternative implant treatments that are less invasive and provide similar benefits to subperiosteal implants. These new implant systems are now widely available and are often a preferred option for patients who require dental implant treatment.
Treatments Replacing Subperiosteal Implants in Slidell, LA
With advancements in technology and dental implant techniques, subperiosteal implants are rarely used. Instead, dentists usually offer one or more of these implant treatments:
- Endosteal Implants
- Zygomatic Implants
- All-On-4 Implants
- Mini Dental Implants
To find out more about dental implant treatments near you, contact our Slidell dentist. If dental implants aren’t right for you, other tooth replacements you may consider include dental bridges or removable dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a subperiosteal implant last?
On average, a subperiosteal implant can last for about 10 to 15 years. However, the lifespan of a subperiosteal dental implant can vary depending on several factors such as the patient’s oral health, the quality of the implant, and the expertise of the implant dentist near you who performs the procedure.
Is getting a subperiosteal dental implant painful?
The implant placement surgery can be a bit uncomfortable, but with the use of local anesthesia, the procedure should not be painful. After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs.
Do subperiosteal implants require special care?
Subperiosteal implants require the same care and maintenance as natural teeth, including regular brushing, flossing, and visits to your local Slidell dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent any infection from occurring and ensure the longevity of the implant.
Are subperiosteal dental implants removable?
Subperiosteal dental implants are not intended to be removable. Since the implant fuses with the jawbone over time, patients should not try to remove their dental restoration. If you’re having issues or complications with your subperiosteal implant, contact Dr. Pamela Daigle for treatment.
What is the difference between endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants?
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant and are placed directly into the jawbone. These implants are usually made of titanium and are shaped like small screws. They’re placed into the bone through a small incision in the gum tissue and left to heal. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, a dental restoration such as a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached to the implant.
Subperiosteal implants, on the other hand, are placed on or above the jawbone but beneath the gums. Subperiosteal implants are custom-made to fit the shape of the patient’s jawbone and are placed under the gums through a small incision. Once the implant has healed, a dental restoration can be attached to the implant.
Dr. Daigle Can Help With The Right Dental Implants For You!
Are you ready to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of? Schedule your smile makeover consultation today with Dr. Daigle at our Slidell, LA office. Whether you’re interested in teeth whitening, veneers, or dental implants, we’ll create a custom treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Contact us now to start your smile transformation!
Call us at (985) 214-0818 to learn more about how our Slidell, LA, dentist can help. Let’s make your smile shine! We also proudly serve patients coming from Ama, Taft, Holden, and the surrounding areas.