4 types of dental implants are used to bring back missing teeth in different ways. Each type works for specific needs, from a single tooth to a full arch. If you’re thinking about getting implants, knowing the options helps you make the right choice.
Let’s break it down so you can see which one may be right for you.
Table of Contents
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are tiny screw-like posts that replace lost tooth roots. A crown, bridge, or denture attaches to the top. They look and feel like real teeth. Over time, they bond with the bone, making them stable and strong.
The 4 Types of Dental Implants (and Who They’re For)
Each type has a different design and placement method. Here’s what makes them different—and who they suit best.
1. Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most used type. They’re placed into the jawbone and act like natural roots.
Best for:
People with strong jawbones and no major bone loss.
How they work:
A post goes into the bone. After healing, a tooth or bridge is added. This takes a few months, but the result is stable and long-lasting.
Why people like them:
- Strong hold
- Natural look and feel
- Lasts a long time
2. Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants sit on top of the jawbone, not inside it. A metal frame holds the teeth.
Best for:
People with bone loss who want to avoid a bone graft.
How they work:
A custom frame is placed under the gums. Posts come through the gums, and new teeth attach to them.
Why people like them:
- Less bone needed
- Good for thinner jaws
3. Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are much longer and anchor into the cheekbone. These are used when the upper jaw can’t support implants.
Best for:
People with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
How they work:
The implant runs through the upper jaw and into the cheekbone. It supports bridges or full-arch replacements.
Why people like them:
- No grafts needed
- Option for cases others can’t fix
4. All-on-4 Implants
All-on-4 uses just four implants to hold a full arch of teeth. Two go in front, and two in back at an angle.
Best for:
People missing all or most teeth.
How they work:
The implants support a fixed denture. You can get teeth the same day in many cases.
Why people like them:
- Fewer implants
- Faster process
- Full-mouth fix
How to Choose the Right Type
The best choice depends on your bone health, number of missing teeth, and your budget.
- Healthy bone: Endosteal works well.
- Bone loss: Subperiosteal or zygomatic may work better.
- Full-mouth fix: All-on-4 could be your best fit.
- Tight budget: Talk to your clinic—some offer payment plans or less invasive options.
At clinics like Dentaneva in Türkiye, patients often come in with different concerns—some with long-term tooth loss, others needing full smile makeovers. With modern scans and detailed treatment plans, you’ll know which type is right for you before anything starts.
What to Expect from Treatment
Step 1: Consultation
A dentist will examine your mouth, take 3D scans, and discuss your goals.
Step 2: Planning
You’ll get a custom plan that outlines timing, cost, and what results to expect.
Step 3: Surgery
The implants are placed in one or more visits, depending on the type.
Step 4: Healing & Final Teeth
Once your mouth heals, the final teeth are placed. These are strong and look like natural teeth.
Clinics that treat international patients—like those in Türkiye—often include your scans, treatment, and follow-up in one smooth plan. That way, patients from abroad can get results without long delays.
Cost Range (Estimates)
Costs can vary by country, materials used, and clinic experience. Here’s a simple guide:
- Endosteal: $3,000 to $4,500 per implant
- Subperiosteal: $3,500 to $5,000
- Zygomatic: $10,000 to $15,000
- All-on-4: $15,000 to $30,000 per arch
In Türkiye, dental implant treatment tends to cost much less than in the U.S. or U.K., even when using top-quality materials. That’s one reason clinics like Dentaneva see patients from over 15 countries each year.
FAQs About the 4 Types of Dental Implants
Do implants hurt?
Not during the procedure. You’ll be numb. Some mild pain afterward is normal.
How long does healing take?
Anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the type and your health.
Will they look real?
Yes. High-quality crowns match your other teeth in color and shape.
Can I eat normally?
Yes. Once healed, you can bite and chew like before.
Final Thought
Each of the 4 types of dental implants offers a way back to confident chewing and smiling. The right choice depends on your needs—and finding a clinic that listens, plans carefully, and delivers results.
Whether you need one implant or a full row, the best outcomes come from skilled hands and clear planning. In places like Türkiye, trusted dental clinics offer advanced care at fair prices. If you’re looking for safe, quality treatment from a team that makes you feel welcome, it may be worth the trip.
