HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What does "subperiosteal" pertain to?

1. A type of dental anesthesia

2. An implant plate or frame placed under the periodontium

3. A method of tooth whitening

4. A type of gum disease

The correct answer is: An implant plate or frame placed under the periodontium

The term "subperiosteal" pertains specifically to a type of dental implant that is placed under the periosteum, which is the connective tissue that covers the bone. This kind of implant is designed to provide support and stability for prosthetic devices, such as dentures, in patients who may not have sufficient jawbone height for conventional implants. Subperiosteal implants are often used in cases where the bone has been resorbed or when the patient is not suitable for standard endosteal implants, which are placed directly into the jawbone. The design of a subperiosteal implant allows it to rest on the bone beneath the periosteum, thereby providing an alternative solution for anchoring dental prosthetics in situations where traditional methods may not be viable. This application highlights the term's relevance specifically to dental procedures involving implants, distinguishing it from the other choices related to anesthesia, tooth whitening, or gum disease.