Here's something most patients don't realize until they're already sitting in the consultation chair: not all dental implants are the same. If you've been wondering, what are the 3 types of dental implants? The answer is endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic. The type your dentist recommends depends on where the missing tooth is, how much bone you have left in your jaw, and the overall condition of your mouth. Each one serves a different clinical purpose, and picking the wrong one has real consequences for the outcome. This guide breaks down what each type actually involves, who it's suited for, and how our team approaches the decision. At its most basic, a dental implant is a titanium post placed into or near the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. It holds crowns, bridges, or dentures in place and, over time, fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. According to the American Dental Association, implants prevent bone loss after tooth removal, maintain facial structure, and restore full chewing ability. When done well and properly cared for, a 2024 meta-analysis of 20-year implant data confirms survival rates of 92-96 percent, making them the most durable tooth replacement option available. Every implant placement at our practice starts with advanced digital imaging so we know exactly what we're working with before a single incision is made. If you've heard about dental implants before, this is almost certainly the type being discussed. Endosteal implants are titanium screws or cylinders drilled directly into the jawbone, accounting for more than 90% of all implant procedures worldwide. Their track record is the strongest of the three types. The post is surgically placed in the jawbone. Then you wait, typically 3 to 6 months, for osseointegration to complete. Once the post has fully fused with the bone, an abutment is attached, and your permanent crown, bridge, or denture is fitted on top. When they're properly placed and maintained, endosteal implants function exactly like natural tooth roots. Most patients keep them for life. What if your bone isn't thick enough? That doesn't necessarily rule you out. Bone grafting builds up the jaw before the implant is placed, and Cambridge Dental Group performs the procedure in-house, so you don't bounce between providers. Dr. Perle uses digital imaging and extensive clinical experience to plan implant treatment precisely. Subperiosteal implants take a fundamentally different approach. Instead of going into the bone, a custom metal framework sits on top of the jawbone, just beneath the gum tissue. Small posts extend up through the gum to hold the prosthesis. No drilling into bone required. Your dentist takes a 3D scan or detailed impression to design a framework specific to your anatomy. The framework is placed surgically under the gum, the gum heals around it over roughly 2 to 3 weeks, and then your fixed or removable prosthesis is secured to the posts extending above the gumline. The main advantage here is access. It opens up implant treatment to patients who'd otherwise have no good options. That said, subperiosteal implants aren't as stable as endosteal ones, and advances in bone grafting have made them less common than they once were. They still matter for the right patient, though. At Cambridge Dental Group, every patient's bone structure is thoroughly assessed before any treatment plan is recommended. Zygomatic implants are in a category of their own. They anchor into the cheekbone, the zygomatic bone, rather than the jawbone, and they're reserved for patients whose upper jawbone loss is too severe for anything else. This is the most complex of the three types, and it requires a provider with significant implant experience. These implants are considerably longer than standard ones, ranging from 30 to 52.5 millimeters. They're inserted at a precise angle through the upper jaw and into the dense, stable cheekbone. In many cases, temporary teeth are placed the same day or within 24 hours. Because the cheekbone remains dense even after significant tooth and jawbone loss, zygomatic implants often eliminate the need for sinus lifts or bone grafting entirely. The procedure completely bypasses the deteriorated upper jawbone, which makes it so valuable for patients in this situation. The limitation is complexity. It's not a procedure every dentist offers, and choosing an inexperienced provider significantly increases the risk of complications. Dr. Perle's advanced training and extensive implant experience mean complex cases are evaluated and handled with the precision they demand. Each implant type serves a specific clinical purpose, and the right choice depends entirely on your bone structure and treatment goals. Note: Your bone structure, health history, and restoration goals all factor into the decision. Dr. Perle uses digital X-rays and 3D imaging at your consultation to assess your jaw before making any recommendations. That's completely normal, and you shouldn't have to figure it out on your own. Very few patients walk into a consultation already knowing which implant type is best for their situation. Digital X-rays and 3D imaging are used to assess your jawbone density and anatomy before anything else is discussed. If another provider has told you that you're not a candidate for implants, it's worth getting a second opinion. Significant bone loss doesn't automatically close the door. A complete in-house care pathway means you're not referred out for each step of your treatment: Patients considering full arch restoration often ask whether All-on-4 is covered by insurance. Our blog on All-on-4 insurance coverage answers the most common questions on financing and coverage. You may also want to read how long All-on-4 implants last before making your decision. Dr. Isaac Perle and the team at Cambridge Dental Group offer a free implant consultation, valued at $450, to assess your bone structure, walk you through your options, and recommend the right implant type for your specific case. Call (732) 482-9982 to book your appointment, or come see us at Suite 2-4, 2446 Church Road, Toms River, NJ 08753. Endosteal implants. They account for over 90% of all procedures and carry a long-term success rate above 95%. For patients with adequate bone density, they're the gold standard. Yes. Subperiosteal and zygomatic implants are specifically designed for patients with bone loss. Bone grafting is also a viable option for patients who want endosteal implants but need to restore bone volume first. Endosteal implants last a lifetime with proper care. Subperiosteal implants typically last 10 to 15 years. Zygomatic implants are designed for lifetime use in most cases. All three require consistent oral hygiene and regular check-ups to perform at their best.
What Is a Dental Implant?
Type 1: Endosteal Implants: The Most Common Option
How the procedure works:
Who's the right candidate:
Type 2: Subperiosteal Implants For Patients With Bone Loss
How the procedure works:
Who it's for:
Type 3: Zygomatic Implants For Severe Upper Jaw Bone Loss
How the procedure works:
Who it's for:
Quick Comparison: Which Type Is Right for You?
Type
Placement
Best For
Bone Grafting Needed
Endosteal
Into jawbone
Good bone density, most patients
Sometimes
Subperiosteal
On the jawbone, under the gum
Bone loss, no grafting preferred
No
Zygomatic
Into cheekbone
Severe upper jaw bone loss
No
What If You're Not Sure Which Type You Need?
Book Your Dental Implant Consultation in Toms River, NJ
FAQs
What's the most common type of dental implant?
Can I still get implants if I've lost bone in my jaw?
How long do the three types last?
