Quick Answer
The three main types of dental implants are endosteal (placed in the jawbone, most common), subperiosteal (on the bone under the gum), and zygomatic (anchored in the cheekbone for severe bone loss).
Not all dental implants are the same, and the right one for you depends on two things: how much healthy jawbone you have, and how many teeth you're replacing. There are three main types, and understanding the difference takes the mystery out of your consultation. Here's each one in plain English, with the pros, cons, and the kind of patient it suits best.
- Endosteal (most common) — Where it's placed: Directly in the jawbone; Best for: Most patients with healthy bone
- Subperiosteal — Where it's placed: On top of the bone, under the gum; Best for: Shallow/insufficient bone, avoiding grafts
- Zygomatic (rare) — Where it's placed: Anchored in the cheekbone; Best for: Severe upper-jaw bone loss / failed grafts
1. Endosteal implants (the standard)
When most people picture a dental implant, this is it — a titanium "screw" placed directly into the jawbone, topped with a crown, bridge, or full arch. Endosteal implants are the gold standard and the right choice for the large majority of patients, from a single missing tooth to a full All-on-4 restoration. They require enough healthy bone to anchor securely, which is why your surgeon takes a 3D scan first. Decades of research support them, with long-term studies reporting around 95% survival at 10 years.
2. Subperiosteal implants
Instead of sitting in the bone, a subperiosteal implant uses a custom metal framework that rests on the bone, just beneath the gum tissue. It's used when a patient doesn't have enough healthy bone height for endosteal implants and would prefer to avoid a bone graft. It's far less common today than endosteal implants but remains a useful option in the right situation.
3. Zygomatic implants
These are long implants anchored not in the jaw but in the dense zygoma (cheekbone). Zygomatic implants are reserved for patients with severe upper-jaw bone loss or those whose previous grafts have failed. Their big advantage: they often allow a fixed set of teeth the same day, with no grafting required. (We cover them in depth on our zygomatic implants page.)
So which type is right for you?
The honest answer is that a 3D CBCT scan decides it — it shows your surgeon exactly how much bone you have and where. Here's the encouraging part most people don't realize: even if you've been told you "don't have enough bone," one of these options — sometimes combined with a graft or sinus lift — means almost everyone qualifies for some form of implant. Being turned away elsewhere is rarely the end of the road.