Tripodal mandibular subperiosteal implant: basic sciences, operational procedures, and clinical data.

A tripodal mandibular subperiosteal dental implant is a three piece cast metal framework that fits on the residual ridge beneath the periosteum and provides support for a dental prosthesis by means of posts or other mechanisms protruding through the oral mucosa. This implant is indicated in patients with advanced atrophy of the mandible where the unstable alveolar bone has completely disappeared, leaving in place the more stable basal bone with specific anatomical contours. The authors present their experience of 317 cases carried out in three different centers related to this implant modality and underline the importance of the basic anatomic, physiologic, and medical knowledge required to optimize the results.