Subperiosteal Implants: A Lost Art Worth Revisiting?

BACKGROUND: Subperiosteal implants were commonly used for dentally rehabilitating atrophic maxillae and mandibles in the 1940s-1980s, losing popularity following the introduction of endosseous root-formed osseointegrated implants. RESULTS: Historically, subperiosteal implants had regular complications of hardware exposure, implant mobility, and pain, resulting in the removal of the implant. The transmucosal posts appear to be the primary cause of failure due to bacterial colonization and propagation down the implant substructure. These implants are currently regaining interest due to their applications for dentally rehabilitating patients following an oncological ablation. CONCLUSION: For these implants to return to the dental and maxillofacial industry, contemporary techniques of bone grafting and implant materials should be explored. This review discusses the historical issues with subperiosteal implants and avenues for the improvement of long-term outcomes in the 21st century.