Final answer:
A subperiosteal implant is placed on the surface of the jawbone beneath the periosteum. It is designed for patients who lack sufficient jawbone and is distinct from endosteal, transosteal, and intramucosal implants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dental implant that is placed on the surface of the bone beneath the periosteum is known as a subperiosteal implant. Unlike an endosteal implant, which is placed within the bone, a subperiosteal implant rests on top of the jawbone but under the gum tissue. This type of implant is often used for patients who do not have enough healthy natural jawbone and cannot, or do not want to undergo a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild it.
The periosteum is a fibrous membrane that covers the surface of bones, playing a role in nourishment and attachment of tendons and ligaments. The medullary cavity within bones is lined by the endosteum. These structures are essential for bone growth, repair, and remodeling and serve as reference points for differentiating the types of dental implants.
In contrast to the subperiosteal implant, an endosteal implant is placed inside the bone, a transosteal implant traverses the entire width of the jawbone, while an intramucosal implant is placed within the mucosa. In the case of the subperiosteal implant, a metal framework is placed onto the bone beneath the periosteum, and it provides support for the placement of the dental prosthetic.