Not all dental implants are created equal—and the type you choose can impact your comfort, cost, and long-term results. So, what are the 3 types of dental implants, and how do you know which is best for you? In this guide, we’ll break down each option and its unique benefits—so you can make a confident, informed decision before sitting in the chair.
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TL;DR:
There are three main types of dental implants, each suited to different needs based on jawbone health. Endosteal are the most common, inserted directly into the jawbone, and highly effective for most patients. Subperiosteals rest on top of the jawbone and are ideal for those with insufficient bone who can’t undergo grafting. Zygomatic, anchored in the cheekbone, are used in severe bone loss cases and require specialized surgical skill.
What Are the Three Types of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots—usually made from titanium—surgically placed into the jaw to anchor prosthetic teeth. While the goal is the same for all dentures, the type used can vary based on a patient’s bone health and structural needs. There are three primary types of prosthetic teeth, each designed to address different anatomical challenges.
Endosteal are the most common and widely used. These are placed directly into the jawbone and offer a strong, long-lasting foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Subperiosteal, on the other hand, are used when a patient doesn’t have enough healthy jawbone and isn’t a candidate for bone grafting. These rest on top of the bone but under the gum tissue. The most complex option is zygomatic, which is anchored in the cheekbone and typically used only in cases of severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
Choosing the right type of prosthetic teeth depends on individual bone volume, overall oral health, and the specific functional and cosmetic goals of the patient. A thorough evaluation by a dental professional helps determine which solution will deliver the best outcome.
1. Endosteal Implants: The Most Common and Reliable Option
What They Are
Endosteal—meaning “within the bone”—is the most widely used type of implant. These ones typically come in screw, cylinder, or blade shapes and are made from titanium. They are surgically inserted directly into the jawbone, serving as a stable foundation for replacement teeth.
How They Work
After it is placed into the jawbone, it goes through a healing process called osseointegration. This takes about 3 to 6 months and allows it to fuse securely with the bone. Once healed, a connector (abutment) is added, followed by a custom crown, bridge, or denture that restores appearance and function.
Benefits
- Success rates exceed 95%, making them a highly dependable choice.
- Mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.
- Suitable for replacing one tooth or anchoring full dentures.
- Often more cost-effective and quicker to integrate than other types.
Considerations
- Requires a healthy amount of jawbone; bone grafting may be necessary if volume is lacking.
- The process involves multiple steps over several months.
- Not ideal for individuals with certain health risks, such as uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking, due to increased risk of complications like peri-implantitis.
Ideal Candidate
Endosteal pieces are best suited for healthy adults (including teens who’ve completed jaw growth) who have sufficient bone structure, maintain good oral hygiene, and have no serious medical conditions that could interfere with healing.
2. Subperiosteal Implants: Ideal for Those with Insufficient Bone Density
What They Are
Subperiosteal pieces are custom metal frameworks that sit on top of the jawbone but underneath the gum tissue. Unlike traditional ones, they are not embedded into the bone. Instead, posts extend through the gum to anchor prosthetic teeth.
Why They’re Used
These ones are designed for patients with inadequate jawbone density who are not candidates for, or prefer to avoid, bone grafting procedures. They provide a solution when conventional endosteal pieces are not viable.
Benefits
- No bone graft is required, making the procedure less invasive.
- Recovery is typically quicker, and they work well for stabilizing dentures.
Potential Drawbacks
- They may be less stable over time compared to the ones that fuse with bone.
- There’s a greater risk of gum irritation or peri-implantitis.
- Cleaning can be more challenging, and they are mainly suitable for ridge areas of the jaw.
Recent Insights
A five-year clinical study reports strong soft-tissue stability and a relatively low rate of peri-implant infections (~5.6%). They also allow for easier re-implantation if needed. Nevertheless, they can be more expensive due to their custom fabrication.
Ideal Candidate
These pieces are best suited for individuals with significant bone loss who either cannot undergo bone grafting or have unique anatomical challenges that make traditional ones impractical.
3. Zygomatic Implants: A Solution for Severe Bone Loss
What They Are
Zygomatic implants are extended-length pieces that anchor directly into the zygomatic (cheek) bone, completely bypassing the upper jaw. This alternative approach avoids the need for bone in the maxillary region.
Why They’re Used
They are specifically intended for patients with extreme upper jawbone loss who are not suitable candidates for traditional or subperiosteal. These implants eliminate the need for bone grafts or sinus lift procedures.
| Benefits | Risks & Complexities |
| Immediate functional loading—prosthesis can be placed soon after surgery | Technically demanding procedure requiring high surgical skill |
| High success rates (94–98%) due to dense zygomatic bone | Risk of sinusitis, cheek numbness, and oro-antral fistula |
| Avoids bone grafts and sinus lift procedures | Potential complications with the maxillary sinus or orbital area |
| Reduces overall treatment time and complexity | Prosthesis design may be bulkier due to angled implant trajectory |
Clinical Outcomes
Five-year clinical data show strong survival rates (~96%) and reduced surgical time. Nonetheless, there is a 12% rate of sinus-related complications, reinforcing the need for highly experienced surgical teams.
Ideal Candidate
Best for patients with significant upper jawbone atrophy who decline grafting or want faster results. These individuals must be treated by qualified, skilled surgeons familiar with advanced procedures.
Key Takeaways
- Three Main Types of Dental Implants:
- Endosteal Implants – Most common; inserted directly into the jawbone; best for patients with healthy bone.
- Subperiosteal Implants – Placed on top of the jawbone under the gum; used when bone density is insufficient and grafting isn’t an option.
- Zygomatic Implants – Anchored in the cheekbone; suitable for severe upper jawbone loss; most complex.
- Endosteal Implants:
- Require sufficient jawbone volume.
- High success rate (>95%) and natural function/appearance.
- Involve multiple surgical steps over several months.
- Ideal for healthy adults with strong jawbone structure and good hygiene.
- Subperiosteal Implants:
- Avoid bone grafting, making them less invasive.
- May be less stable and harder to clean long-term.
- Best for patients with significant bone loss who cannot undergo grafting.
- Custom-built, which can increase cost.
- Zygomatic Implants:
- Anchored into the cheekbone, bypassing the upper jaw.
- Allow for quicker treatment without grafts or sinus lifts.
- High success rates (94–98%) but with a higher risk of complications (e.g., sinusitis).
- Require highly skilled surgical teams.
- Choosing the Right Implant:
- Depends on bone volume, overall oral health, and individual goals.
- A dental evaluation is essential to determine the most suitable type.
Sources.
Pjetursson, B. E., & Heimisdottir, K. (2018). Dental implants–are they better than natural teeth?. European journal of oral sciences, 126, 81-87.
Lee, H., Park, S., & Noh, G. (2019). Biomechanical analysis of 4 types of short dental implants in a resorbed mandible. The Journal of prosthetic dentistry, 121(4), 659-670.