Subperiosteal Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Guide
Subperiosteal implants offer a revolutionary alternative for patients with significant jawbone loss. Custom-made to fit a patient’s unique bone structure, these implants provide a reliable foundation for restoring dental function and aesthetics, often standing as a good alternative to zygomatic implants or other types of implants.
If you’ve ever wondered about subperiosteal dental implants, their unique design, and when they are the ideal solution for patients with severe bone resorption, keep reading to uncover everything you need to know with insights from Certified ZAGA Doctor Óscar Ríos, director of the renowned ZAGA Center Valencia!
Table of Contents
What Are Subperiosteal Implants?
Unlike traditional implants, which are embedded directly into the bone (jawbone, or zygomatic bone, depending on the procedure and the type of dental implants needed), subperiosteal implants rest on top of the bone but beneath the gum tissue. This unique placement makes them an ideal solution for patients with insufficient bone mass, as they do not require bone grafting procedures or sinus lifts.
Each subperiosteal implant is made from a biocompatible titanium framework designed using advanced 3D imaging and CAD-CAM technology to ensure a perfect fit for the patient’s jaw or maxilla. Once placed, the implant provides a stable base for securing prosthetic teeth, which can be fixed or removable depending on the patient’s preferences.
Patients who choose subperiosteal implants often experience immediate improvements in both the functionality and appearance of their smile, regaining the ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Who Benefits from Subperiosteal Implants?
Subperiosteal implants are a game-changer for patients facing challenges like advanced bone loss, often caused by conditions such as aging, periodontal disease, or trauma. Many of these individuals may have previously been told that they are not candidates for dental implants due to the quantity or density of bone a regular implant requires.
These implants are especially suitable for individuals who wish to avoid more invasive surgeries, such as bone grafting. By offering a minimally invasive alternative, subperiosteal implants cater to patients seeking quick results and a more comfortable recovery process.
In addition to providing functional benefits, subperiosteal implants also help restore aesthetics, giving patients a natural-looking smile that enhances their self-esteem even when regular implants are not an option anymore due to maxillary atrophy.
Why Choose Subperiosteal Implants? and How?
Subperiosteal implants address the limitations of traditional implantology by offering a solution tailored to the unique needs of patients with advanced bone loss.
These implants do not rely on osseointegration—the process of fusing with the bone—which eliminates the need for lengthy recovery periods. The custom design ensures a perfect fit, reducing the likelihood of complications and providing long-term stability.
Moreover, advancements in dental technology, such as 3D imaging and precision engineering, have significantly improved the success rates and accessibility of subperiosteal implants. Patients can now benefit from a streamlined process that minimizes discomfort and delivers predictable outcomes.
Subperiosteal Dental Implant: Before and After
These real clinical cases from Smile24h Expert Clinics, performed by certified Smile24h doctors, demonstrate how advanced, customised implant solutions can restore stability, function, and aesthetics even in cases of extreme bone loss — delivering immediate improvements in comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
Patient Case Example A
A 38-year-old patient who presents with generalized bone loss, significant mobility, and infections. After performing the CT scan, They observed that there is very little bone thickness and, in addition, in the area of the zygomatic bone the bone is extremely scarce and very thin. Therefore, it was decided to place customized upper implants in order to take advantage of the little remaining bone, and to perform a lower rehabilitation with conventional implants — six implants — allowing for immediate loading in both the upper and lower arches.
In the photo, you can see the before and after with the provisional prostheses under immediate load.
Patient Case Example B
A 40-year-old patient with severe mobility in all teeth, both upper and lower. After performing the CT scan, They observed that there was not enough bone in the upper jaw to carry out conventional implant surgery. In addition, in the zygomatic bone of the second quadrant — the left zygomatic bone — there was very limited suitable bone availability for placing zygomatic implants.
Therefore, it was decided to perform a mixed upper surgery, meaning one side with zygomatic implants and the other side with pterygoid implants. In the lower jaw, surgery was carried out with six conventional implants, and immediate loading was performed 24 hours later in both arches.
Subperiosteal Implants vs. Zygomatic Implants: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between subperiosteal and zygomatic implants depends on your unique bone structure and oral health needs. While both offer solutions for patients with severe bone loss, they differ in design, placement, and long-term stability. Understanding these differences can help you and your implant specialist decide which option best supports a lasting, confident smile.
The Subperiosteal Implant Procedure
The journey to restoring your smile with subperiosteal implants involves a few key stages:
- Initial Assessment and Imaging: A thorough evaluation, including 3D imaging, helps determine the feasibility of subperiosteal implants for your specific case.
- Design and Fabrication: Using advanced CAD-CAM technology, a custom titanium framework is designed to match your jawbone contours. This step ensures a precise fit for long-term success.
- Surgical Placement: Under local anesthesia or sedation, the implant is placed above the bone but beneath the gum tissue. Temporary prosthetics can often be secured during the same appointment.
- Healing and Final Prosthesis: After a short recovery period, permanent prosthetics are attached, providing a fully restored smile that looks and feels natural.
Maintaining Subperiosteal Implants for Long-Term Success
Caring for subperiosteal implants is simple and closely mirrors the care of natural teeth. At Smile 24h Expert Clinics, doctors emphasise consistent oral hygiene as the foundation for long-term implant success and comfort.
- Brush gently after meals with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque and bacteria buildup
- Attend regular check-ups and professional cleanings at Smile 24h Expert Clinics to ensure your implants remain healthy and stable
With proper care and ongoing guidance from Smile 24h doctors, subperiosteal implants can provide reliable function, comfort, and natural aesthetics for many years.
A Life-Changing Solution for Patients with Bone Loss
Subperiosteal dental implants not only restore dental function and aesthetics but also enhance the quality of life for patients who have struggled with traditional dentures or were previously considered unsuitable for implants. With advancements in dental technology, this innovative solution offers hope and confidence to individuals seeking a permanent alternative to missing teeth.
If you’ve been told that traditional implants aren’t an option, don’t give up on achieving the smile you deserve.
If you’ve been told that traditional implants aren’t an option, don’t give up on achieving the smile you deserve. Under the expertise of Smile 24h doctors, such as Dr. Óscar Ríos, Certified ZAGA Doctor at ZAGA Center Valencia, patients benefit from highly specialised, customised care based on the ZAGA philosophy and its patient-first approach.
Postgraduate in Oral Implantology at the University of Los Angeles (USA). Member of the leading scientific societies in the field of dentistry: Spanish Society of Implants, Spanish Society of Periodontology and Osseointegration, and Spanish Society of Oral Surgery
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jawbone, under the gum tissue, instead of being inserted into the bone like traditional implants. This makes them ideal for patients who have lost significant bone mass and prefer to avoid grafting or sinus lift surgery.
They’re designed for patients with advanced bone loss in the upper or lower jaw—often due to periodontal disease, aging, or trauma—who are not eligible for conventional implants. A thorough 3D diagnostic assessment helps determine suitability.
From initial scans to final restoration, most cases are completed over several appointments within a few months. The surgical phase itself is usually shorter than that of traditional implant procedures, with faster overall recovery.
With proper care—daily hygiene, professional cleanings, and routine follow-ups—subperiosteal implants can last for many years. Longevity depends on oral health habits and the experience of the dental specialist performing the procedure.
Both treatments help patients with severe bone loss. Subperiosteal implants rest on top of the jawbone, while zygomatic implants are anchored into the cheekbone. The best option depends on your anatomy, bone density, and long-term goals.