What Are Types of Implants?

Types of Dental Implants and Their Features

Dental implants have undergone significant evolution over the past decades. Today, the most commonly used implants closely mimic the natural root structure of a tooth, enhancing both stability and esthetic outcomes.

Common Implant Types

➤ Screw-type titanium implants – Most widely used globally due to biocompatibility and long-term success. These implants are made of a strong metal and are shaped like screws, which helps them bond well with the jawbone. They are suitable for most patients and offer reliable results.

➤ Monolithic zirconia implants – Ideal for patients with metal allergies or esthetic concerns. These white, tooth-colored implants blend naturally with your other teeth, especially in the front area. They are metal-free and are a great choice for those seeking a more natural appearance.

➤ Narrow and short implants – Useful when there isn’t enough bone height or width in your jaw. These implants help avoid complex procedures like bone grafting and are commonly used in back teeth where space is limited.

➤ Hybrid and tapered implants – These are designed to fit more snugly into your bone, especially if the shape of your jaw is not ideal. Their design provides extra stability during healing and chewing.

Titanium vs Zirconia Dental Implants: Which One Is Right for You?

Both titanium and zirconia implants are effective and safe, but they meet different needs. Here's how they compare:

➤ Titanium Implants – These are the most common type and are used in most clinics worldwide. They are strong, last a long time, and are made of a metal that the body usually accepts well. Titanium implants often come in two pieces, allowing the dentist to adjust the angle for better results.

➤ Zirconia Implants – Made of a high-strength ceramic material, these are tooth-colored and metal-free. They are often chosen for patients with allergies or concerns about metal in their mouth. Zirconia implants are usually one solid piece, which makes them look very natural, especially in the front of the mouth.

✅ Summary for Patients: Titanium is the go-to choice for most people because it’s reliable and versatile. Zirconia may be better if you’re worried about how your implants will look or if you have metal sensitivity.

Implant Lengths and Diameters: What They Mean and How to Choose

Dental implants come in different lengths and widths to fit your jaw. Choosing the right size helps make the implant stable and long-lasting.

➤ Implant Lengths: These usually range from 6 mm to 16 mm. Shorter implants are used when there's not enough bone height, while longer ones give more support when there’s enough space.

➤ Implant Diameters: These range from narrow (less than 3.5 mm) to wide (over 5 mm). Narrow implants are used for smaller teeth or where space is tight. Wide ones are stronger and often used for back teeth where chewing forces are higher.

How Your Implant Size Is Determined

Your dentist will choose the best size by looking at:

➤ How much bone you have (seen through a 3D scan)

➤ Where the implant will go (front or back of the mouth)

➤ How hard you bite or chew in that area

➤ How your teeth should look after the procedure

➤ Your general health and gum condition

How to Choose the Right Dental Implant for Your Needs

Every patient’s bone structure, tooth position, and personal needs are different. That’s why there is no one-size-fits-all dental implant. The most suitable option is determined by your dentist after a detailed evaluation:

➤ Bone Condition: If there’s not enough bone, shorter or narrower implants may be required. Your dentist will measure your bone volume and quality using imaging techniques and select an implant that will safely and securely fit.

➤ Tooth Location: Front teeth often require more esthetic solutions, while molars demand strength. Your implant’s material and shape will be chosen according to where the missing tooth is.

➤ Gum Health: Healthy gums support better healing and long-term success. If there are infections or gum recession, these may need to be treated first.

➤ Bite Force: If you have strong chewing forces or grind your teeth, wider or more durable implants may be preferred to ensure stability over time.

➤ Looks: In visible areas like the front of the mouth, metal-free or tooth-colored implants may be recommended for a more natural appearance.

➤ Health Issues: If you have chronic illnesses, allergies, or are taking medications, the choice of implant material may be adjusted accordingly to avoid complications.

Your dentist will help you choose based on what’s best for your oral health, bone condition, and long-term satisfaction with your smile.

Do All Implants Need to Be the Same Size, Type, or Brand?

Not at all. Your implants can be different depending on the tooth’s location and your jawbone condition.

➤ Different Lengths and Diameters: It’s normal to use short implants in the back and standard ones in the front.

➤ Different Types or Brands: Some implant shapes or brands work better in certain areas. Your dentist may combine them to get the best result.

➤ Unified Plan: Even if your implants vary, they all work together to give you a complete, natural-looking smile.

What Is a Zygomatic Implant?

Zygomatic implants are very long implants that go into your cheekbone instead of your upper jaw. They’re used when there’s not enough bone in the upper jaw to place regular implants.

➤ When It’s Used: For patients who lost a lot of bone in the upper jaw and can’t have bone grafting.

➤ Benefits: • No need for extra surgery to add bone • Faster results for many patients • Solid support for new teeth

➤ Challenges: • Surgery is more complex • It costs more and requires experienced specialists

✅ In short: Zygomatic implants are a great option if you thought implants weren’t possible for you.

Most Popular Implant Shapes and Designs

➤ Screw-shaped implants – Look like tiny screws and twist into the bone. Most commonly used and very stable.

➤ Cylinder-shaped implants – Smooth-sided and less common. Sometimes used in specific cases when the bone conditions allow.

Types of Dental Implant Surfaces and Their Effects

➤ Smooth Surface – Not used often today. Doesn’t bond as well to bone.

➤ Rough Surface – Helps the bone stick to the implant better. Used most often today.

➤ Coated Surface – Covered with special materials like titanium spray or bone-like coatings to speed up healing.

Comprehensive Classification of Dental Implant Types

1. By Design

➤ Endosteal Implants: Placed into the jawbone. Most common today. These implants are shaped like screws or cylinders and are inserted directly into the jawbone where they act like artificial tooth roots.

• Root-shaped implants – Looks like natural tooth roots. These are the most widely used form today because they mimic the shape and function of a real tooth root and provide excellent stability.

• Thin flat plates – Old design, no longer used. These were once used in cases with narrow bone but are mostly replaced today by more effective modern options.

• Ramus Frame – For people with severe bone loss. This design involves a frame that rests on the jawbone and provides a base for attaching teeth when standard implants aren't possible.

➤ Subperiosteal Implants: Placed on top of the jawbone under the gum. Used when there's not enough bone height or the patient is not a candidate for bone grafting.

➤ Transosteal Implants: Go completely through the jawbone. These implants are placed through the entire jaw and secured from underneath, mainly used in the lower jaw when bone is very limited.

➤ Intramucosal Implants: Placed in the soft tissue (gums). These are small, button-like implants that help retain removable dentures by anchoring into the gum tissue rather than the bone.

2. By How They Attach to the Bone

➤ Osseointegration – Bone grows around the implant (ideal). This means the implant becomes part of your bone over time, making it very stable and strong—like your natural teeth roots.

➤ Fibrointegration – Soft tissue grows around it (less stable). This is a weaker attachment, where the implant is surrounded by gum tissue instead of bone. It's not commonly used today.

3. By Shape and Structure

➤ Threaded (Screw-like) – Gives the best grip in the bone. These implants twist into the bone like a screw, increasing surface contact and helping them stay firmly in place.

➤ Plate-type – Flat, no longer used. These were shaped like a thin metal plate and used when bone was very narrow, but they are outdated now due to weaker results.

➤ Perforated – Has holes to help tissue grow through. These openings allow bone and soft tissue to integrate better with the implant structure.

➤ Solid – Smooth all around; used rarely. These have no threads or holes and offer less grip in the bone, which limits their application.

➤ Vented/Hollow – Hollow at the top to reduce weight. These can help reduce stress on the bone and sometimes improve healing speed.

4. By Surface Texture

➤ Smooth – Less bone bonding. The surface is polished, which makes it harder for the bone to attach tightly. These are rarely used today.

➤ Rough/Etched – Encourages bone to stick. The rough surface creates tiny areas for the bone to grow into, which makes the implant more stable.

➤ Coated – Special outer layer helps healing. Coatings like titanium plasma or bone-like materials help speed up bone connection and healing.

5. By Material

➤ Titanium – Most common, strong, safe. Used for decades, titanium is well-accepted by the body and rarely causes reactions. It’s strong enough to last many years.

➤ Ceramic Coated – Tooth-colored, helps with esthetics. These look more natural and are often chosen for front teeth or esthetic cases.

➤ Polymer – Used only as support, not for main implants. These are lightweight materials and sometimes used in temporary or special support structures, not for permanent teeth.

➤ Carbon-Steel – Rarely used now. These older materials have been mostly replaced by titanium and ceramics, which are more biocompatible.