Dental implants are metal frames or posts that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gums. They allow the dentists to mount artificial replacement teeth onto that frame, providing support to the artificial teeth. There are various types of dental implants as every patient has a different type of jaw and teeth to gum ratio. A dentist will also recommend a dental implant based on the patient’s oral and general health history.

The following are the four main types of dental implants recommended by dentists:

Subperiosteal dental implants
These types of dental implants are placed in the jaw bone using metal posts to hold restoration. Subperiosteal dental implants are used in a single-stage treatment.

Single-stage dental implants
These are longer implants placed on the jaw and the gum. The top of the implant is exposed, allowing the dentists to access the area of bone after several months of healing. As a result, they can place the abutment and restore the implant without surgically exposing the dental implant again.

Endosteal/endosseous dental implant
These types of dental implants are placed on to the jaw and are usually used in place of a bridge or a denture.

Two-stage dental implants
The patient requires surgery for placing this type of dental implant into the jawbone. After a few months of healing, the dentist will perform a second-stage minor surgery, exposing the dental implant and attaching the dental implant with a temporary crown and abutment for restoration.

Mini implants
They are also referred to as small diameter or narrow diameter implants requiring a less-invasive procedure. Measuring less than three millimeters in diameter, mini implants are recommended for patients who do not have a healthy bone tissue for traditional dental surgery.

Same day implants
These implants are also known as immediate load dental implants. The same day implants allow the dentist to place temporary crowns over the dental implants in a single treatment session. These dental implants fuse with the natural bone over a period of three to six months. The temporary crown is then replaced with a permanent custom crown.

The patient needs to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support dental implants. It also requires commitment toward oral hygiene and regular dental visits for the long-term success of the dental implants.