Types of Dental Implants

Endosteal implants are the most commonly used type of dental implant. These implants are placed directly into the jawbone, acting as a foundation for artificial teeth. They are typically made of titanium and come in different shapes, such as screw, cylinder, or blade.

• Ideal Candidates: Endosteal implants are best suited for patients with healthy, sufficient jawbone density.
• Procedure: The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses over time (a process called osseointegration), providing a stable base for one or more prosthetic teeth.
• Benefits: Strong and durable, offering long-term stability for single crowns, bridges, or even full dentures.

Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue. Unlike endosteal implants, they don’t go directly into the bone. This option is generally recommended for patients who don’t have enough healthy jawbone to support traditional implants and cannot or do not want to undergo bone augmentation surgery.

• Ideal Candidates: Patients with insufficient jawbone who cannot undergo bone grafting.
• Procedure: A metal frame is placed under the gum, and once the gums heal, the frame is secured to the jawbone. Posts attached to the frame protrude through the gums, where artificial teeth are then mounted.
• Benefits: Ideal for patients with lower jawbone density, providing a viable alternative to bone grafting procedures.

Zygomatic implants are less common and are typically used when a patient has extreme bone loss in the upper jaw. Instead of being anchored in the jawbone, these implants are anchored in the cheekbone (zygomatic bone), which is denser and provides the necessary support.

• Ideal Candidates: Patients with severe upper jawbone loss who are not candidates for traditional implants or bone grafting.
• Procedure: Zygomatic implants are longer than traditional implants and are placed at an angle into the cheekbone. This procedure may require more skill and experience from the dental surgeon.
• Benefits: Allows for dental implants even in cases of significant bone loss without the need for bone grafts.

The All-on-4 system is a popular full-mouth restoration solution that uses four implants to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. This technique is especially beneficial for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth and need a complete restoration.

• Ideal Candidates: Patients with multiple missing teeth or full tooth loss in either the upper or lower jaw.
• Procedure: Four implants are strategically placed in the jawbone—two at the front and two at the back, typically at an angle for increased stability. A full arch of artificial teeth is then attached to these implants.
• Benefits: Provides a secure, natural-looking alternative to dentures, with faster recovery times and no need for bone grafting in most cases.

Mini dental implants are smaller in diameter compared to traditional implants. These are often used for patients who don’t have enough bone density for standard implants or as a way to stabilize dentures.

• Ideal Candidates: Patients with less jawbone mass or those looking for a less invasive implant solution.
• Procedure: Mini implants are inserted directly into the jawbone, usually in a less invasive procedure than standard implants. They can be used to anchor dentures or replace small teeth.
• Benefits: Minimally invasive, faster recovery, and a cost-effective solution for denture stabilization.

Also known as Teeth in a Day, immediate load implants allow a temporary crown to be placed on the same day the implant is inserted. While traditional implants require a healing period before the crown is attached, immediate load implants offer a quicker solution for those who qualify.

• Ideal Candidates: Patients with enough healthy bone and stability for immediate placement.
• Procedure: The implant and a temporary tooth are placed on the same day, allowing the patient to leave the office with a functioning tooth. The temporary crown is replaced with a permanent one after the implant fully integrates with the bone.
• Benefits: Immediate function and aesthetics without waiting months for the implant to heal.