Types of dental implants: classification, recommendations and the advantages of each

Dental implants have revolutionised the way we replace missing teeth, offering a fixed, natural-looking, functional solution for anyone who needs to restore their smile.

With advances in implantology, however, there are now several types of dental implant, each designed to suit specific needs and conditions.

Knowing the differences between them can help you make an informed decision together with your dentist and choose the type of implant that best fits your situation.

In this article we go through the main types of dental implant, looking at their characteristics and advantages.

Types of dental implant by placement

Classifying dental implants by placement is based on where the implant sits in relation to the bone.

This factor is key to choosing the most suitable technique according to the amount and quality of bone available in the upper or lower jaw.

Endosseous (osseointegrated) implants

Endosseous implants, also known as osseointegrated implants, are the most common type of dental implant.

These implants are placed directly in the upper or lower jawbone, where they integrate naturally through a process called osseointegration, in which the bone fuses with the implant.

Usually made of titanium, these implants are used in most cases, especially when the patient has enough bone.

Their design, generally screw-shaped, gives great stability and durability, keeping the prosthesis firm and working like a natural tooth root.

Subperiosteal implants

Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the bone, just beneath the gum tissue.

This type of implant is designed for people who do not have enough bone height and who do not want, or are unable, to have a bone graft.

Subperiosteal implants consist of a metal frame that fits the shape of the bone and acts as a base to support the prosthesis.

Although their use has declined as other techniques have advanced, they can be an option in some cases of severe bone loss.

Pterygoid implants

Pterygoid implants are a specialised solution for patients with a significant lack of bone at the back of the upper jaw.

These implants are placed in the pterygoid bone, an area near the base of the skull, and offer an effective alternative to bone grafts or a sinus lift.

Because they anchor in an area of good bone quality, pterygoid implants can provide a solid base for fixed prostheses in patients with limited bone at the back of the upper jaw.

Zygomatic implants

Zygomatic implants are another option for patients with extreme bone loss in the upper jaw.

These implants are significantly longer than conventional ones, since they anchor in the zygomatic bone, or cheekbone, a structure with high bone density.

They are an alternative to bone grafts in patients who have suffered severe bone loss. Thanks to their length and the stability they provide, they allow a fixed prosthesis to be fitted without a graft, offering a quick, effective solution for those who want to avoid complex bone procedures.

Types of dental implant by timing of placement

Classifying dental implants by timing refers to when the implant is placed after the tooth is extracted.

Depending on the state of the bone and the patient’s needs, the implant can be placed immediately, at a later date, or with immediate loading. This classification lets us tailor the treatment to optimise integration and patient comfort.

Immediate dental implants

These are placed at the same time the tooth is extracted. This technique is suitable where there is enough bone and the gum is in good condition, since it avoids having to wait for the bone to heal before inserting the implant.

Placing the implant immediately after extraction has the advantage of preserving the alveolar bone and preventing it from shrinking. It also shortens treatment time, since the patient does not have to go through a prior healing period.

Immediate load implants

Immediate load implants allow the patient to receive a fixed temporary prosthesis on the same day the implant is placed.

This means the patient can leave the clinic with fixed teeth in a single visit, a great advantage in terms of appearance and function.

For immediate loading to be viable, however, the implant needs adequate initial stability, as well as good bone quality and quantity.

Immediate loading is ideal for patients who want fast results without compromising the osseointegration of the implant.

Delayed implants

Delayed implants are those placed after a healing period following the extraction of the tooth.

This period, usually between 2 and 6 months, lets the bone and tissues regenerate before the implant is inserted.

The delayed technique is the most widely used option when the patient has an infection or insufficient bone, since it leaves time for bone grafts or regenerative treatments.

Once the bone is in optimal condition, the implant is placed with better guarantees of successful integration.

Classifying dental implants by material

Classifying dental implants by material focuses on the two most commonly used materials: titanium and zirconia.

Both materials are highly biocompatible and give good results in terms of integration and durability.

They do have differences, however, that can influence the choice depending on each patient’s needs and preferences.

Titanium implants

Titanium implants are the most widely used in dentistry because of their excellent biocompatibility and strength.

This light, strong metal integrates effectively with the bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable, long-lasting bond.

Titanium suits most patients and cases, since its flexibility lets it withstand chewing forces well.

Also, its ability to fuse with the bone significantly reduces the risk of rejection. These implants are usually metallic in colour, which does not affect appearance in most cases, since they are covered by the gum and the prosthesis.

Zirconia implants

Zirconia implants are a more recent and increasingly popular option, especially for patients with metal sensitivity or allergy.

Zirconia is a white ceramic material, which gives it a cosmetic advantage, especially in the most visible areas of the mouth.

Unlike titanium, zirconia is not metallic, which reduces the build-up of plaque around it and minimises the risk of gum inflammation.

Although zirconia also integrates well with the bone, it is not as flexible as titanium and can be more fragile under heavy chewing loads.

Titanium vs zirconia: which to choose?

The choice between titanium and zirconia depends on several factors, including the patient’s general health, cosmetic needs and the type of treatment:

In general, titanium is the preferred choice for function and strength, while zirconia is chosen more for cosmetic and biocompatibility reasons in specific cases.

Each material has its own benefits, so during your visit to our dental clinic in Alicante we can advise you personally.

Types of dental implant by shape and design

The shape and design of dental implants are fundamental aspects that influence how they integrate with the bone and the stability they give the prosthesis.

Implants are made in different formats to better suit the amount and quality of each patient’s bone. Below we explain the main types of implant by design.

Screw-shaped implants

Screw-shaped implants are the most widely used in dentistry because they are easy to place and integrate well with the bone.

Their threaded design lets the implant fit precisely, increasing its stability and promoting osseointegration.

This type of implant is versatile and suits most cases, offering excellent retention and durability.

Its shape also spreads the chewing load evenly, which makes it ideal both for single teeth and for larger rehabilitations.

Cylindrical implants

Cylindrical implants have a smooth, unthreaded design. Although they are not used as often as screw implants, they are used in specific situations where the bone has good density and stability.

Cylindrical implants have small perforations that let the bone grow into them, ensuring a good hold. However, placing them is usually more complex and requires a perfect fit to guarantee integration.

Blade implants

Blade implants have a flattened shape and are designed to fit areas of bone with little width.

This type of implant is especially useful where the patient has limited bone and grafts are best avoided.

Blade implants are usually used in front areas where the bone is thinner, providing a viable solution without additional bone procedures.

Although they are not as common as screw implants, their design makes them ideal in some specific cases of bone loss.

Types of implant treatment: All on 4 and All on 6

All on 4 and All on 6 treatments are advanced full-arch rehabilitation techniques, indicated for patients who have lost most or all of the teeth in an arch (upper or lower).

These procedures fit a fixed prosthesis onto four or six dental implants, giving the patient a stable, natural-looking solution in a much shorter time than conventional treatments.

What do All on 4 and All on 6 implants involve?

The All on 4 technique involves placing four implants in the upper or lower jawbone. Two implants go in straight at the front of the arch, while the two at the back are placed at an angle to maximise contact with the available bone, avoiding the need for bone grafts.

A fixed prosthesis replacing the whole arch of teeth is fitted onto these implants, which lets the patient enjoy fixed teeth on the day of the procedure.

The All on 6 technique follows a similar approach, but in this case six implants are used to give the prosthesis greater stability.

This option is ideal for patients with more advanced bone loss or who need extra support for the prosthesis, since the two additional implants help spread the bite load better, giving greater durability.

When is each type of implant recommended?

The choice of dental implant depends on several factors, mainly the amount and quality of bone available and the patient’s specific needs.

Below are the most common cases in which each type of implant is recommended.

Patients with little bone available

For patients with significant bone loss, options such as pterygoid implants or zygomatic implants are usually recommended, since they anchor in areas where the bone is denser, such as the pterygoid or zygomatic bone, without the need for bone grafts.

This option is ideal for those who have suffered advanced bone loss in the upper jaw.

Patients who want to avoid a bone graft

For those who prefer to avoid a bone graft, All on 4 and All on 6 are an excellent option, since the implants are placed at an angle in areas with enough bone density, avoiding the need for bone regeneration procedures.

This technique fits a fixed prosthesis with a minimum of implants and no grafts, giving the patient a quick, effective rehabilitation.

Patients with advanced gum disease

Patients with advanced periodontal disease may need several teeth, or even a whole arch, extracted.

In these cases, All on 4 or All on 6 treatments are also highly recommended, since they rehabilitate the whole arch with a fixed prosthesis.

Endosseous (osseointegrated) implants are also suitable where the periodontal disease has been brought under control and implants can go ahead once the gums are healthy again.

How much does each type of dental implant cost?

The cost of dental implants varies with several factors, such as the type of implant, the materials used, the need for additional procedures and the type of prosthesis. Whatever the case, treatment here works out considerably cheaper than in the UK: write to us or call and we will give you an estimate based on your case.

Factors that affect the cost of implants

The cost of dental implants depends on several factors:

• Type of implant: specialised implants such as zygomatic or pterygoid ones are usually more expensive because of the complexity of the procedure.
• Material: titanium and zirconia are priced differently; zirconia is usually more expensive because of its cosmetic properties.
• Additional procedures: the need for bone grafts, a sinus lift or extra surgery increases the cost.
• Surgeon’s experience: more experienced implant specialists may charge higher fees, which guarantees safe, high-quality treatment.

Cost comparison: conventional implants vs All on 4 and All on 6

All on 4 and All on 6 treatments usually work out cheaper in terms of time and appointments, since they rehabilitate a full arch with fewer implants and no bone grafts.

In general:

• Conventional single implants: you pay per tooth, so the total cost depends on how many teeth need replacing.
• All on 4 treatment: by rehabilitating the whole arch on four implants, it usually works out better value than replacing tooth by tooth when many teeth are missing.
• All on 6 treatment: sits above All on 4, since it uses more implants and gives greater stability.

The best way to get an accurate quote is to come to your FREE first visit at our dental clinic in Alicante.

How is the right type of implant chosen for each patient?

Choosing the right type of dental implant for each patient is a personalised process that takes several key factors into account to ensure the treatment succeeds.

Everyone has a different bone structure and different needs, so a full assessment is essential before deciding on the most suitable type of implant.

Factors that determine the choice of implant

Several factors influence the choice of implant type:

• Oral health: if the patient has healthy gums and good oral health, there are more implant options.
• Desired appearance: in visible areas, where looks matter, zirconia implants may be preferable because of their natural white colour.
• Budget: some types of implant or technique, such as All on 4, can be a more affordable option for a full rehabilitation.

These factors, together with an assessment of bone quantity and quality and the medical history, let the dentist plan a personalised, safe treatment.

Assessing bone quantity and quality

The amount and quality of bone available are critical factors in selecting the type of implant. To assess them, imaging studies such as X-rays and 3D scans are usually taken, which show the thickness, height and density of the jawbone.

If the patient has enough good-quality bone, conventional endosseous implants are usually a suitable option.

In cases of advanced bone loss, however, specific options may be recommended, such as zygomatic or pterygoid implants or All on 4 and All on 6 treatments, which avoid the need for bone grafts.

Reviewing the patient’s medical history and habits

The patient’s medical history and lifestyle also influence the choice of implant. Conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis or immune system disorders can affect healing and implant integration, so in these cases the dentist will consider implants that offer greater safety and stability.

Habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and bruxism can also interfere with healing and with how long the implant lasts.

In these cases, types of implant and techniques that minimise the risk of complications will be recommended, such as a night guard for bruxism.

In conclusion, together with you we will choose the right type of implant in a process that weighs up medical, structural and cosmetic aspects to guarantee the best long-term results, providing a personalised, safe solution for every patient.