Dental implants replace missing teeth with strong, long-lasting fixtures that act like natural roots. Many people ask, “what are the 4 types of implants?” when deciding which option fits their mouth, bone, and budget. This post explains each type, how dentists choose between them, why an in-house lab matters for implant cases, and practical next steps you can take.
Answer: what are the 4 types of implants?
Endosteal (root‑form) implants
What they are: Titanium screw-shaped implants placed directly into the jawbone to hold crowns, bridges, or full-arch prostheses.
When used: The most common choice for single or multiple missing teeth when there is enough jawbone.
Quick pros/cons: High success rate and good long-term stability. Requires adequate bone volume; bone grafting may be needed if bone is thin or lost.
Subperiosteal implants
What they are: A metal framework that sits on top of the jawbone but under the gum, with posts that stick up to hold a prosthesis.
When used: For patients with low bone height who cannot or prefer not to have bone grafting.
Quick pros/cons: Avoids bone grafting and can be an option when endosteal implants aren’t possible. Less commonly used today and offers lower long-term predictability than root-form implants.
Zygomatic (and other specialty) implants
What they are: Extra-long implants anchored in the cheekbone (zygoma) instead of the upper jawbone.
When used: For severe upper jaw bone loss or when conventional implants can’t be placed without extensive grafting.
Quick pros/cons: Often avoids the need for bone grafts and can support full-arch restorations. It’s a more advanced surgery with specialized training required and longer recovery for some patients.
Mini dental implants
What they are: Narrow-diameter implants used to stabilize dentures or fill small spaces where a full-size implant won’t fit.
When used: Common for stabilizing lower dentures or for patients who need a less invasive, lower-cost option.
Quick pros/cons: Less invasive, faster healing, and often done with minimal surgery. Not ideal for every restorative need—limited long-term load capacity compared with standard implants.
How dentists decide which type is best
Choosing an implant type depends on several clinical and personal factors. Dentists balance anatomy, health, goals, and cost when recommending a plan.
- Jawbone volume and density: Sufficient bone favors endosteal implants; low bone may point to subperiosteal, zygomatic, or grafting options.
- Overall health: Medical conditions, smoking, and healing capacity affect implant choices and timing.
- Number and location of missing teeth: Single-tooth, multiple teeth, and full-arch needs call for different strategies.
- Functional goals: Desire for permanent teeth vs. removable dentures influences implant size and prosthesis type.
- Budget and timeline: Some approaches reduce grafting and time but may require more advanced surgery or different hardware.
Diagnostic steps: A clinical exam, digital scans, and CBCT imaging let the team evaluate bone, nerves, and sinuses. From that data a dentist creates a personalized treatment plan with surgical guides and prosthetic design.
Why an in‑house lab matters for implant cases
On-site lab capabilities improve speed and fit for implant restorations. When a practice fabricates prostheses in-house, you get faster turnaround, closer communication between the doctor and lab techs, and tighter quality control over fit and shade matching.
- Faster provisional and final restorations with same-day or next-day options.
- Tighter feedback loop between surgeon and technician for fewer remakes.
- Direct control over materials like zirconia and acrylic milled or 3D-printed on site.
At Touchstone Dental Implant Center, on-site milling and 3D printing support same-day provisionalization and more consistent final results—streamlining treatment from planning through delivery.
Conclusion & next steps
The short answer to “what are the 4 types of implants” covers endosteal (root-form), subperiosteal, zygomatic (specialty), and mini dental implants—each suited to different bone, health, and prosthetic needs. The best next step is a consultation with a qualified implant team who will use imaging and digital planning to recommend the right type for your case. If you’re considering implants, schedule an evaluation to review options, timelines, and whether on-site lab capabilities can speed and simplify your care.
