Subperiosteal Implant Distortion After Surgical Placement: A Case Report

Subperiosteal Implant Distortion

Authors

  • Steven E. Handel Assistant Program Director, Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics, Army Postgraduate Dental School, Uniformed Services University, Fort Gordon, GA. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2678-1672
  • Anthony G. Massaro Prosthodontic Resident, Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics, Army Postgraduate Dental School, Uniformed Services University, Fort Gordon, GA.
  • Andrew S. Ryser US ArmyChief Prosthodontist, Assistant Professor, U.S. Army Advanced Education Program in Comprehensive Dentistry, Postgraduate Dental School, Uniformed Services University, Fort Bragg, NC, USA. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6795-5499
  • Jennifer V. Sabol Program Director, Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics, Army Postgraduate Dental School, Uniformed Services University, Fort Gordon, GA. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1539-0331

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22270/ajdhs.v6i2.160

Keywords:

Dental implants, Edentulism, virtual surgical planning (VSP), subperiosteal implants

Abstract

Subperiosteal implants provide a valuable treatment option to patients with severely atrophic ridges when conventional implant therapy is not possible. This type of reconstruction has a history of well-documented biological and mechanical complications. This can result in removal of the implant and concomitant destruction of the surrounding bone. The use of subperiosteal implants have made a return to the market due to advancements in technology such as the use of virtual surgical planning (VSP) and improved surgical techniques, yet problems persist. One area of interest involves the deformation of the implant during surgical placement. Prior to treating the patient presented in this case report, the authors observed clinically significant misfit of the prefabricated prosthesis. This finding was perplexing because the fit of the interim prosthesis was confirmed prior to surgical placement. This case report demonstrates the distortion of a subperiosteal implant before and after placement, and possible solutions to prevent this distortion. To date, the authors are unaware of any publications about pre- versus post-placement distortion of subperiosteal implants.

Keywords: Dental implants, Edentulism, subperiosteal implants, virtual surgical planning (VSP)

Author Biographies

Steven E. Handel, Assistant Program Director, Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics, Army Postgraduate Dental School, Uniformed Services University, Fort Gordon, GA.

Assistant Program Director, Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics, Army Postgraduate Dental School, Uniformed Services University, Fort Gordon, GA.

Anthony G. Massaro, Prosthodontic Resident, Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics, Army Postgraduate Dental School, Uniformed Services University, Fort Gordon, GA.

Prosthodontic Resident, Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics, Army Postgraduate Dental School, Uniformed Services University, Fort Gordon, GA.

Andrew S. Ryser , US ArmyChief Prosthodontist, Assistant Professor, U.S. Army Advanced Education Program in Comprehensive Dentistry, Postgraduate Dental School, Uniformed Services University, Fort Bragg, NC, USA.

Chief Prosthodontist, Assistant Professor, U.S. Army Advanced Education Program in Comprehensive Dentistry, Postgraduate Dental School, Uniformed Services University, Fort Bragg, NC, USA.

Jennifer V. Sabol, Program Director, Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics, Army Postgraduate Dental School, Uniformed Services University, Fort Gordon, GA.

Program Director, Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics, Army Postgraduate Dental School, Uniformed Services University, Fort Gordon, GA.

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Published

15.06.2026

How to Cite

Handel, S. E., Massaro, A. G., Ryser, A. S., & Sabol, J. V. (2026). Subperiosteal Implant Distortion After Surgical Placement: A Case Report: Subperiosteal Implant Distortion. Asian Journal of Dental and Health Sciences, 6(2), 13–20. https://doi.org/10.22270/ajdhs.v6i2.160

Citations