Types of Dental Implants: Which One is Right for You?

When it comes to restoring your smile, dental implants are among the most trusted, modern solutions available today. But here’s the big question many people ask: What are the different types of dental implants, and which one is best for me?

The right choice depends on your jawbone health, smile goals, treatment timeline and budget. In this guide, we’ll break down each implant type with its pros, cons and suitability, so you can make an informed decision with Dezy’s expert guidance.

What Are Dental Implants?

​A dental implant is a tiny, screw-shaped device that serves as an artificial root for a missing tooth. It’s usually made of titanium and is surgically placed into the jawbone to provide a stable base for replacements like bridges, crowns, or dentures. Once inserted, it integrates with the bone through a process called osseointegration.

​Implants are popular because they:

• Look and feel natural.
• Provide excellent stability compared to removable dentures.
• Prevent bone loss in the jaw.
• Last for decades with proper care.

Types of Dental Implants

The three main types of dental implants are Endosteal, Subperiosteal, and Zygomatic based on placement method. Endosteal implants are the most common, placed directly into the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants rest on the jawbone, underneath the gums, and are used when there isn't enough bone for an endosteal implant. Zygomatic implants are the most complex, placed in the cheekbone for severe bone loss.

1. Endosteal Implants

This dental implant type is frequently used and inserted directly into the jawbone through a surgical procedure.

Best For: Patients with healthy jawbone density who want durable and stable replacements.

Pros:

• Long-lasting with proper care.
• Provide the strongest foundation for crowns and bridges.
• High success rate.

Cons:

• Requires sufficient bone support.
• Involves a surgical process, with healing time needed before final restoration.

2. Subperiosteal Implants

These implants are not placed inside the bone. They are rather placed on or above the jawbone and beneath the gum tissue.

Best For: Patients with insufficient jawbone height who cannot undergo bone grafting.

Pros:

• Less invasive than bone graft surgeries.
• Good option when bone density is limited.

Cons:

• Less stable than endosteal implants.
• Not as long-lasting under heavy bite forces.

3. Zygomatic Implants

A less common but highly specialised type of dental implant in India, zygomatic implants are longer implants anchored in the cheekbone (zygoma) instead of the jawbone.

Best For: Patients who have severe bone loss in the upper jaw that cannot support conventional implants.

Pros:

• No need for bone grafting.
• Suitable for complex cases.

Cons:

• Requires highly skilled surgeons.
• Longer healing and recovery time.

Types of Specialised Implants

1. Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are thinner than regular implants and are typically used to secure dentures or replace teeth in tight spaces.

Best For: Patients with limited bone who need a less invasive option.

Pros:

• They are minimally invasive.

• They heal faster and are more cost-effective.

Cons:

• Less durable under heavy bite pressure.

2. All-on-4 Dental Implants

As the name suggests, All-on-4 Dental Implants use just four strategically placed implants to support a complete set of teeth on either the upper or lower arch.

Best For: Patients missing multiple teeth who want a fixed, stable solution.

Pros:

• Cost-effective compared to individual implants.

• Gives faster results with fewer surgeries required.

Cons:

• Not suitable for everyone.

• The success of this implant depends on the patient’s bone structure.

3. Immediate Load Dental Implants (Same-Day Implants)

With this method, a temporary crown is placed on the implant right after surgery, in the same visit. This type of specialised dental implant allows patients to have a functioning tooth and aesthetic smile within days.

Best For: Patients with good bone quality and excellent initial implant stability who are seeking instant results.

Pros:

• Walk out with a new tooth the same day.
• Patients avoid the inconvenience of multiple visits.
• Regain oral functionality and appearance almost immediately.

Cons:

• Higher risk of implant movement during healing.

4. Single-Stage Implants

In this type of implant, both the implant and the abutment are placed in a single surgery. This means the healing process begins immediately, and once the bone has fused, the crown can be attached without a second procedure.

Best For: Patients with good bone density who prefer a quicker procedure and want to reduce the number of surgeries.

Pros:

• Fewer surgical procedures.
• Shorter overall treatment time.
• Less discomfort and faster return to normal oral function.

Cons:

• Slightly higher risk of implant instability during healing.
• Not ideal if jawbone quality is compromised.
• May not offer as much predictability as two-stage implants in complex cases.

5. Two-Stage Implants

The process is done in two steps. First, the implant is placed into the jawbone. Once the bone has healed and securely fused with the implant, a second procedure is carried out to attach the abutment, a small connector that holds your crown in place.

Best For: Patients with good bone density and those who want a tried-and-tested approach with maximum stability, excellent safety, and long-term predictability.

Pros:

• Higher long-term success and predictability.
• Reduced risk of implant movement during healing.
• Allows optimal bone integration before placing the abutment.

Cons:

• Requires two separate surgeries.
• Longer overall treatment time.
• Slightly more invasive than single-stage implants.

Procedures for Enhancing Jawbone Support

Some patients may need additional procedures to ensure their dental implants are strong, stable, and long-lasting. These treatments help create the ideal foundation for implant success:

• Bone Augmentation: This procedure involves adding bone material, either from your own body or a synthetic substitute, to strengthen areas of the jaw that are too thin or weak. It ensures that any type of implant you choose has a secure and stable base for long-term durability.
• Sinus Lift: Often needed for implants in the upper jaw, a sinus lift gently raises the sinus floor and adds bone beneath it. This creates enough vertical space for implants and prevents them from protruding into the sinus cavity, improving both function and safety.
• Ridge Expansion: When the jaw is too narrow to accommodate implants, ridge expansion gradually widens the bone. This allows the implant to sit securely and ensures proper alignment, giving you a natural-looking and comfortable outcome.

Dental Implant Designs and Material Options

• Single-Piece vs. Two-Piece Implants: Single-piece implants combine the implant and abutment into one unit, making the procedure simpler and slightly faster. Two-piece implants, on the other hand, have a separate abutment, allowing for more flexibility in adjusting the crown’s angle and position, which can be ideal for complex cases.
• Material-Based Types: Most implants are made of titanium, prized for strength, durability, and biocompatibility. Zirconia implants offer a metal-free alternative, perfect for patients with metal sensitivities or those who want a more aesthetic, tooth-coloured solution. Tantalum implants are highly porous, promoting excellent bone integration for maximum stability.
• Threaded Design: Implants often have screw-like threads that help them grip the jawbone securely. The thread pattern and depth can vary depending on the bone type and location, enhancing stability and improving long-term success rates.
• Shape-Based Implants: Implants come in different shapes, including cylindrical, tapered, bladed, or hollow. Each of these is designed to suit specific jawbone anatomies or functional requirements. Choosing the right shape ensures the implant fits securely, supports the crown effectively, and mimics the natural tooth structure.

Which Type of Dental Implants Are the Best?

Your choice depends on several factors that ensure both function and aesthetics are optimised:

• Jawbone Density: Stronger and denser bone provides a solid foundation for traditional implants, while thinner bone may require additional procedures like grafting or specialised implants.
• General Health: Conditions such as diabetes, smoking habits, or other health concerns can affect healing and long-term success, so overall wellness plays a key role in implant planning.
• Cost Considerations: The cost of dental implants also matters, as budget influences your choice. Full-arch solutions or specialised implants like zygomatic ones can be more expensive.
• Smile Goals: Your aesthetic priorities matter, especially for visible teeth. The right type of dental implant can help achieve a natural-looking smile that complements your facial features.
• Healing Time: Some patients prefer faster, same-day solutions, while others are okay with staged healing for maximum predictability and long-term stability.

FAQs

1. Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Anyone with healthy gums, good oral hygiene, and sufficient jawbone is a good candidate.​

2. What are the differences between endosteal and subperiosteal implants?

Endosteal implants go into the bone, while subperiosteal implants sit on top of it and are used when bone height is insufficient.

3. What happens if I don’t have enough bone for an implant?

You will need to undergo additional procedures, like bone graft, sinus lift, or ridge expansion, or go for alternative implants like zygomatic implants.

4. How do I know which type of implant is right for me?

A consultation with a qualified dentist is essential. At Dezy, 3D scans and expert evaluations guide the decision.

5. Are mini dental implants as good as regular implants?

Mini dental implants are great for stabilising dentures or small gaps, but not ideal for heavy chewing.

6. How much do implants cost?

The cost of implants depends on the type and complexity of your case. Read more about it here.

7. Can implants fail?

Yes, but it’s rare. Smoking, poor hygiene, and uncontrolled health issues can increase the risk of failure.