What Are the 3 Types of Dental Implants?

When you are making decisions about your tooth replacement options, dental implants are likely the gold standard. And they rightfully are. But here’s what most people don’t realize until they’re sitting in that consultation chair: not all implants are the same.

There are actually three distinct types of Dental Implants, each designed for different situations. Let’s break them down in a way that’ll actually make sense to you when you’re talking to your dentist, so you can make a better-informed decision for yourself.

• Endosteal Implants: The Standard Workhorse

These are what most people get, and for good reason. Think of endosteal implants as tiny titanium screws that go directly into your jawbone. They look a bit like those screws you’d use for heavy-duty furniture assembly, except they’re biocompatible and become part of your actual bone over time.

The process is pretty straightforward. Your dentist drills into the jawbone, places the implant, then lets it heal for a few months while your bone grows around it. Once that fusion happens (a process called osseointegration), they attach an abutment and crown on top.

These work brilliantly if you’ve got a healthy jawbone with adequate density. They’re incredibly stable, can last decades with proper care, and feel remarkably like your natural teeth. Most people who get dental implants are getting this type.

• Subperiosteal Implants: When Bone is Lacking

Now, what if your jawbone isn’t quite up to the task? Maybe you’ve had bone loss from gum disease, or your tooth has been missing for years, and the bone has deteriorated. Rest assured that we have got an alternative type called subperiosteal implants.

Instead of drilling into the bone, these sit on top of it, just underneath your gum tissue. They use a metal frame that rests on the jawbone, with posts protruding through the gums to hold the replacement teeth.

These were more common before bone-grafting techniques got really good. Nowadays, many dentists prefer performing a bone graft and using endosteal implants instead, since they tend to be more stable in the long term. But subperiosteal implants can still be a solid option if you want to avoid bone grafting surgery or you’re not a good candidate for it.

• Zygomatic Implants: The Rare Exception

Zygomatic implants are the least common type, and frankly, most people will never need them. These are reserved for cases where someone has severe bone loss in the upper jaw, and even bone grafting won’t do the trick.

Instead of anchoring into the jawbone, these longer implants anchor into the cheekbone (the zygomatic bone, hence the name). It’s a more complex procedure that requires a specialist, but these are a game-changer for people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get implants at all.

You won’t see these offered at every dental practice. They require specific training and experience, so if this is the route you need to take, you’ll likely be referred to an oral surgeon or periodontist who specializes in complex cases.

So Which One Do You Need?

Honestly, that’s between you and your dentist. Most people end up with endosteal implants because they’re the most reliable and versatile option. But your bone quality, overall health, budget, and timeline all factor into the decision.

The good news is that whichever type you end up with, modern dental implants have a success rate of around 95%. That’s pretty remarkable, considering you’re essentially getting a permanent new tooth that functions just like the original.

Just make sure you’re working with someone experienced, ask plenty of questions during your consultation, and don’t skimp on the aftercare. Your future self will thank you every time you bite into an apple without thinking twice about it.

Ready to explore which implant option is right for you? The team at Hughson Dental Implants will assess your unique situation and guide you toward the best tailored solution. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward eating, speaking, and smiling with complete confidence again.