Dental Implants
What Are Subperiosteal Implants?
Subperiosteal implants rest on top of the jawbone and under your gum tissue. Through osseointegration, they fasten to your jawbone over time. There are a few reasons your dental professional may recommend them over the more commonly used endosteal implants. For example, you may have bone loss in your jaw, or the shape or health of your jaw may not support the surgical insertion of metal required by endosteal implants.
There are two procedures your oral surgeon will perform if subperiosteal implants are determined to be the best option for you. During the first surgery, your gumline will be cut open near the area of tooth loss so a mold can be made on your jawbone. Sutures will then be used to close the incision until the second procedure when the implant is placed onto the bone.
How to Care for Subperiosteal Implants
As always, practice good dental hygiene and be sure to follow the post-op instructions provided by your dental professional. They may recommend that you eat only soft foods for a short period of time, and if you're a smoker, they may urge you to quit smoking as it can have adverse effects on your implants. Your dental professional will remove the sutures from your gums after they've healed and will be able to check for infection and proper growth at that time.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for replacement teeth. The person best positioned to determine the dental implant option that is right for you is your dentist and/or your oral surgeon. But, now that you know the difference between the two most recommended types of implants, you're better prepared for a constructive conversation. Be sure to ask any questions that arise so you can come to an informed decision with your dentist. Whatever dental implant you and your dental professional end up choosing, we hope it makes you smile.
What's the Cost?
The average price of dental implants in the United States will vary, but a single-tooth dental implant generally costs around $4800. The abutment and crown can cost around $2500, so per tooth, the price usually ranges between $3500 and $6700. In Colombia, the procedure is 30-50% less. Please visit our Packages page to request a price list.