Types of Dental Implants Based on Design

1-Endosteal Implants (Most Common Type)

Endosteal implants are the most widely used. They are placed directly into the jawbone and shaped like screws, cylinders, or blades.

• Material: Titanium or titanium alloy
• Advantages: High success rate, long lifespan, excellent bone integration
• Popular systems: Symphony (Korea), Resista (Italy), Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Osstem

✅ Best choice for patients with sufficient healthy jawbone.

2-Subperiosteal Implants

Placed under the gum but above the jawbone, supported by a custom metal framework.

• Use: For patients with minimal bone height who cannot undergo grafting
• Advantages: Less invasive
• Disadvantages: Shorter lifespan and lower stability

3-Zygomatic Implants

A specialized type used when upper-jaw bone volume is severely reduced. The implant anchors into the zygomatic (cheek) bone.

• Use: Advanced maxillary atrophy
• Advantage: Avoids bone grafting
• Note: Requires a highly skilled oral surgeon

🔹 Types of Dental Implants Based on Material

1. Titanium Dental Implants

Titanium is the most popular material in implant dentistry due to its biocompatibility, durability, and success rate.

• Pros: Excellent bone integration, long life, affordable
• Cons: Gray metallic color may show in thin gingiva

2. Zirconia Dental Implants

Made from high-strength ceramic, these are a metal-free alternative offering superior aesthetics.

• Pros: White tooth-like color, perfect for anterior regions, hypoallergenic
• Cons: More brittle and costly than titanium

🔹 Types of Dental Implants Based on Surgical Protocol

1. One-Stage Implants

Implant and healing abutment are placed together, requiring only one surgery.

• Advantage: Faster healing and fewer visits

2. Two-Stage Implants

Implant is placed and covered by gum tissue to heal, followed by a second minor surgery to attach the abutment.

• Advantage: More predictable osseointegration, especially for weak bone

🔹 Dental Implant Surface Types

Implant surface technology plays a key role in osseointegration and healing speed.

• Machined Surface: Smooth; found in early-generation implants
• SLA (Sandblasted, Large Grit, Acid-Etched): Enhances bone contact
• SLActive: Hydrophilic surface for faster bone formation
• RBM (Resorbable Blast Media): Increases surface area for better stability

🔹 Choosing the Right Implant Type

The ideal implant system depends on several clinical and patient-related factors:

• Bone density and quality
• Tooth location (front or back)
• Gum thickness
• Patient’s aesthetic expectations and budget
• Surgeon’s experience and preferred implant system

Leading Global Dental Implant Brands

At WestDent, we supply premium implant systems designed to meet diverse clinical needs:

• Symphony (Korea): Advanced SLA surface and precise thread design ensure strong osseointegration and easy placement.
• Cortex (Israel):Advanced implant system offering precise mechanical performance and reliable, consistent quality for predictable prosthetic outcomes.
• Other global leaders: Straumann (Switzerland), Nobel Biocare (Sweden), Osstem (Korea).

Each system is engineered to provide long-term success, biological compatibility, and aesthetic excellence.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of dental implants helps both dentists and patients make better decisions about treatment. Whether titanium or zirconia, one-stage or two-stage, each implant type serves a specific purpose in restoring health and confidence.

At WestDent, we are proud to offer internationally recognized dental implant systems like Symphony and Resista, combining innovation, safety, and proven clinical performance for every professional practice.