Types of Dental Implants: What You Need to Know Before You Choose

Dental implants are often one of the best choices available for replacing missing teeth. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why implants are so popular, the different types to choose from and important factors to consider before moving forward with treatment.

Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, understanding your options is the first step toward restoring a healthy, confident smile.

Why choose dental implants?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants offer one of the most reliable, long-term solutions available. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are designed to look, feel and function like natural teeth. They’re surgically placed into your jawbone, which not only provides exceptional stability but also helps maintain bone health over time.

Here are a few key reasons patients choose dental implants:

• Natural appearance and comfort: Dental implants mimic the structure of real teeth, giving you a seamless, natural-looking smile and a comfortable bite.
• Durability and longevity: With proper care, implants can last decades — often a lifetime — making them a cost-effective option in the long run.
• Jawbone preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural tooth roots, helping prevent bone loss and changes in facial structure.
• Improved functionality: Enjoy your favorite foods without worry. Implants restore full chewing power, and you won’t need to deal with the slipping associated with dentures.
• Boosted confidence: A complete, healthy smile can dramatically improve your self-esteem and overall quality of life.

Types of dental implants explained

Choosing the right type of dental implant starts with understanding your options. Depending on how many teeth you need to replace and the health of your jawbone, different solutions may be recommended. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types.

Single vs. multiple tooth replacement

• Single-tooth implants are ideal if you’re missing just one tooth. A single implant is placed in the jawbone and topped with a custom crown.
• Multiple-tooth implants are a great solution for those missing several teeth in a row, implants can anchor a bridge without relying on neighboring teeth.
• Full-mouth implants like All-on-4 or implant-supported dentures restore a complete smile for those missing most or all of their teeth.

Types of implants

• Endosteal implants: The most common type, these are surgically placed directly into the jawbone and act like artificial tooth roots. They’re strong, durable and a great choice if you have a healthy jawbone.
• Subperiosteal implants: Instead of going into the bone, these implants sit on top of the jawbone but underneath the gum. They’re a good option if you don’t have enough healthy bone and don’t want a bone graft.
• Zygoma implants: These are much longer implants anchored into the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone. They are used when the upper jawbone has too much bone loss for traditional implants. 

Specialized solutions

• All-on-4^®: A full arch of teeth is supported by just four strategically placed implants. It’s a popular option for full-mouth restoration without needing an implant for every missing tooth.
• Implant-supported dentures: Unlike traditional removable dentures, these are anchored by implants for greater stability and comfort. They snap securely into place but can still be removed for cleaning.
• Implant-supported bridges: If you have multiple missing teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge can fill the gap without needing an implant for each missing tooth.
• Mini dental implants: These are smaller in diameter than traditional implants. They’re less invasive to place and can be a good option for stabilizing dentures or for patients with less bone density.

Procedures you may need with implants

Not everyone is immediately ready for dental implants. Sometimes, additional procedures are needed to create a strong, healthy foundation for the implant to succeed long-term. Below are the most common treatments you might encounter.

Bone augmentation

If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft to support an implant, bone augmentation (also called bone grafting) may be necessary. This procedure builds up bone density, giving your implant the stability it needs to function properly.

Sinus lift

Also called sinus augmentation, this procedure is performed when implants are needed in the upper jaw but there isn’t enough bone height beneath the sinus cavity. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus floor and adds bone material to create more room for the implant.

Ridge expansion

If your jaw is too narrow to hold an implant, a ridge expansion may be recommended. This technique involves splitting and widening the bony ridge of the jaw, sometimes placing bone graft material at the same time to prepare for implant placement. 

Tooth extractions

If you still have damaged or unsalvageable teeth where implants are planned, those teeth will need to be carefully extracted first. In some cases, implants can be placed immediately after extraction.

Nerve repositioning

In rare cases, particularly for implants in the lower jaw, the location of a major nerve (the inferior alveolar nerve) may need to be shifted to make room for the implant. This is typically reserved for special situations where bone loss is significant.

How to know which implant is right for you

Choosing the right type of dental implants isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Several important factors come into play, and working closely with your dental team will help you find the best solution for your needs and goals. 

Here’s what to consider.

Bone health

The strength and density of your jawbone are critical for implant success. If you have healthy bone, traditional endosteal implants might be ideal. If you’ve experienced bone loss, you might need a bone graft first, or consider options like subperiosteal or zygoma implants. 

Number of teeth missing

Are you missing a single tooth, a few teeth or an entire arch? A single implant with a crown can easily replace one tooth, while implant-supported bridges, dentures or All-on-4 systems are better suited for multiple or full-mouth restoration.

Budget

Dental implants are an investment, but costs can vary depending on the type of implant and the procedures involved. For example, mini dental implants and implant-supported dentures are often more affordable than full individual implants for each missing tooth. Your dentist can help you explore options that fit your budget without compromising on quality.

Lifestyle

Your daily habits and personal preferences also matter. If you want a solution that feels as close to natural teeth as possible with minimal maintenance, individual implants or All-on-4 might be ideal. If you prefer something removable or more flexible, implant-supported dentures could be a better fit.

Questions to ask your dentist

Come prepared to your dental visit with a few key questions:

• Which type of implant do you recommend for my situation and why?
• Will I need any additional procedures before getting implants?
• How long will the full treatment process take?
• What are the costs involved, and are there financing options available?
• How experienced are you with the specific implant procedure you’re recommending?
• What can I expect for long-term maintenance and care?

Implants vs. other tooth replacement options

While dental implants are often considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, they aren’t the only option available. Depending on your needs, you might also consider bridges or dentures. 

A dental bridge is used to “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Traditional bridges are supported by the neighboring teeth, which must be filed down and crowned.

Dentures are removable appliances that replace multiple missing teeth. They can be full (replacing all teeth) or partial (replacing a few missing teeth). 

Do dental insurance plans cover implants?

Coverage for dental implants varies widely depending on your insurance provider and specific plan. Traditionally, many dental insurance plans considered implants a “cosmetic” procedure and offered little to no coverage. But that’s starting to change — today, more plans recognize implants as an important part of restoring oral health and may cover a portion of the costs.

Here are a few key points to know:

• Partial coverage: Some plans will cover parts of the procedure, such as the crown, abutment or extractions, even if they don’t cover the implant itself.
• Medical insurance: In certain cases — like tooth loss due to an accident or medical condition — your health insurance may help cover implant-related costs.
• Annual maximums: Most dental insurance plans have an annual coverage limit, which could affect how much is reimbursed.
• Pre-authorization: Some insurance companies require pre-approval before treatment begins to determine what they will cover.
• Financing options: Even if your insurance covers only a portion, many dental offices offer payment plans or financing to help spread out the cost.

Before starting implant treatment, it’s a good idea to review your policy carefully and talk with your dental office. They can often help you navigate your benefits, estimate your out-of-pocket costs and even submit paperwork to your insurer on your behalf. 

If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to understand both your treatment options and your insurance benefits. A little planning can go a long way toward making implants more affordable and accessible. Remember, investing in your smile is an investment in your health, confidence and quality of life.