There are several types of dental implants that can help restore your smile and bite strength. If you’ve been weighing your options—whether it’s crown vs filling for minor damage or a full implant for a missing tooth—you’ve probably realized there’s more than one kind of solution out there.
From standard endosteal implants to lesser-known alternatives, the choices can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the different types of dental implants, including the 4 most common ones, plus what to know if you’re considering alternatives.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that support a replacement tooth or bridge. They’re designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth—and they’re built to last.
Most implants are made of titanium and are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone over time. This creates a strong, stable base for everything from single crowns to full-arch restorations.
You might hear dental implants referred to as:
- Tooth implants
- Teeth implants
- Implant-supported restorations
- Dental prosthetics
All of these fall under the same umbrella, though they might differ depending on how many teeth need replacing or what part of the mouth is being restored.
The 4 Types of Dental Implants
Not all implants are created equal. Depending on your oral health, bone structure, and the number of missing teeth, your dentist may recommend a specific type. And if your tooth isn’t missing entirely—but too damaged for a simple filling or dental onlay—an implant might still be the best solution. These four are the most commonly used:
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common type. They’re shaped like small screws and placed directly into the jawbone. Once healed, a crown, bridge, or denture is attached.
Best for: Patients with a healthy jawbone and no major bone loss.
Subperiosteal Implants
Instead of going into the bone, subperiosteal implants sit on top of the jawbone, under the gumline. They’re supported by a metal frame that eventually becomes fixed in place as the gums heal.
Best for: People who don’t have enough healthy jawbone and want to avoid bone grafting.
Zygomatic Implants
These are the least common and most complex. Zygomatic implants are anchored in the cheekbone (zygomatic bone) instead of the upper jaw.
Best for: Severe upper jaw bone loss where traditional implants aren’t an option.
Mini Dental Implants (MDIs)
Mini implants are smaller in diameter than traditional ones and are often used to stabilize lower dentures or in tight spaces.
Best for: People who can’t undergo extensive surgery or want a quicker solution.
Other Options for Dental Implants
While the four main types cover most cases, there are also variations in how implants are used—and these can affect both the look and feel of your treatment.
Here are a few common implant configurations and techniques your dentist might recommend:
All-on-4 Implants
This method uses just four implants to support a full arch of teeth. It’s ideal for patients who want to replace an entire row of teeth without needing an implant for each one.
Immediate Load Implants
Also called “same-day implants,” these allow the placement of a temporary tooth on the same day as the implant surgery. It’s fast, but not everyone qualifies.
Two-Stage vs. Single-Stage Implants
- Two-stage implants are placed below the gum, then uncovered later for the crown.
- Single-stage implants leave part of the implant exposed for quicker access.
These techniques aren’t different types of implants themselves—but they offer different options for how implants are placed and restored, depending on healing time, bone health, and patient preference.
Alternatives to Dental Implants for Missing Teeth
Dental implants aren’t the only solution for replacing missing teeth. Depending on your oral health, budget, or personal preference, there are a few other reliable options worth considering.
Here are some common alternatives to tooth implants:
Dental Bridges
Bridges use neighboring teeth for support, “bridging” the gap where a tooth is missing. They’re fixed in place and don’t require surgery.
Best for: People with strong adjacent teeth who want a non-surgical option.
Removable Partial Dentures
These are like a smaller version of full dentures, designed to replace one or more missing teeth. They clip onto nearby teeth and can be removed at night.
Best for: Patients looking for something affordable and non-invasive.
Full Dentures
If you’re missing all your teeth on the upper or lower jaw, traditional dentures might be the simplest route.
Best for: Full-mouth replacement on a budget.
Resin-Bonded Bridge (Maryland Bridge)
This is a more conservative bridge, often used for missing front teeth. It’s bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth with a resin.
Best for: Younger patients or those with limited bone availability.
Bone Grafting + Delayed Implants
If your jawbone isn’t thick or strong enough to support an implant right now, your dentist might recommend bone grafting. This process builds up the bone so implants can be placed later, once healing is complete.
Best for: Patients who aren’t currently candidates for implants due to bone loss but want them in the future.
What Types of Dental Implants or Alternatives is Best for You
This is where we help the reader weigh their options and guide them toward the best decision based on their situation. Here’s a draft:
Choosing the right tooth replacement isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. The best option for you depends on a few key factors:
- How many teeth are missing
- Where the gaps are located (front vs. back teeth)
- Jawbone density and health
- Budget and insurance coverage
- Personal preferences around surgery and healing time
If you have a strong jaw and want a long-lasting solution, a traditional endosteal implant may be ideal. For those with bone loss or medical concerns, mini implants or non-surgical options like bridges or dentures might be more practical.
The best way to decide? Talk to your dentist. At btyDENTAL, we take the time to understand your needs, goals, and oral health before recommending any treatment.
Give us a call or book a consultation at one of our convenient locations in Tacoma, Puyallup, Lynnwood, Bonney Lake, Federal Way, Bellevue, DuPont, or Sumner—we’re happy to walk you through your dental implant options.
