Subperiosteal Dental Implants in Studio City & Los Angeles, CA

Comprehensive Guide to Subperiosteal Implants

Are you missing teeth keeping you from smiling? Dr. Lavi offers subperiosteal implants, a solution for patients with severe bone loss. Our experienced team provides personalized care and advanced techniques for natural-looking implants. Call today at (818) 980-8472 to learn more from the best dentists in Studio City and Los Angeles, CA.

Due to recent advances in dental technology, subperiosteal dental implants are rarely used. Contact our dentist today to learn more about your dental implant options.

What Are Subperiosteal Dental Implants?

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.

A subperiosteal implant consists of a metal frame 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:

1. No Bone Grafting Required: Subperiosteal implants don’t require bone grafting procedures before placement, making the process quicker and less invasive.
2. 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.
3. Stable and Durable: They’re anchored to the jawbone using small posts, providing a stable and durable foundation for replacement teeth.
4. Customizable: These implants can be custom-made and attached to the patient’s jaw, ensuring a comfortable and natural-looking fit.
5. Versatile: Subperiosteal implants can be used to replace one or multiple missing teeth or support a full arch restoration or full mouth rehabilitation.
6. 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

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 associated with this type of implant:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Cost: Subperiosteal implants can be more expensive than other types, as they require more complex surgical procedures and custom fabrication.
5. 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 that it may be difficult to predict how well they will perform over time.

The Decline of Subperiosteal Implants: A Closer Look

Advancements in Bone Grafting

One of the primary reasons for the decreased popularity of subperiosteal implants is the advancement of bone grafting techniques. These techniques allow patients with insufficient jawbone density to undergo a bone grafting procedure and receive traditional endosteal implants. This has made endosteal implants a more viable option for many patients who were previously considered unsuitable candidates.

Challenges Associated with Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants require a metal frame to be anchored to the jawbone. This frame can sometimes cause discomfort and make it difficult to clean the implant effectively. This increased risk of infection and potential for implant failure has contributed to their decline in popularity.

Complexity and Expertise

Subperiosteal implants are generally more complex and time-consuming to place than endosteal implants. They require a higher level of expertise and skill from the dentist. 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.  

Alternative Implant Treatment Options 

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. 

• Endosteal Implants
• Zygomatic Implants
• All-On-4 Implants
• Mini Dental Implants

Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation

Don’t put off replacing your missing teeth any longer. With various dental implant treatments available today, our Los Angeles & Studio City dentists have what you need and will create a custom treatment plan based on your smile goals. 

For those in Los Angeles & Studio City, contact our implant dentist today at (213) 623-2212 to schedule a consultation. We also welcome patients from Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood, Universal City, and Toluca Lake, CA.