Subperiosteal implant technology: report from Rumania.

As a result of the progress made in the area of endosseous implants in the last 15 years, the value of the subperiosteal implant has been minimized. Yet endosseous implants are not appropriate for all patients in need of implants. Well-designed subperiosteal implants have been reported to function successfully for many years. Among the relevant factors contributing to the success of this method are implant design, atraumatic surgery, understanding of the involved anatomic structures, accurate impression techniques, and appropriate occlusal adaptations of the final prosthesis. This report reviews the design characteristics of successful subperiosteal implants and the anatomy of the areas upon which subperiosteal implants rest in both mandibles and maxillae based on recent research performed in Rumania.