Types of Dental Implants: A Complete Guide to Your Options
Not all dental implants are the same. The type of implant, the material it is made from, and the crown on top all affect cost, longevity, and suitability. Here is every option.
Overview: All Implant Types at a Glance
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Endosteal (standard) | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Subperiosteal | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Zygomatic | $12,000 - $25,000 |
| Mini implants | $500 - $1,500 |
Endosteal Implants (The Standard)
$3,000 - $6,000
Complete cost
95%+
Of all implants placed
25+ years
Expected lifespan
The endosteal implant is the standard dental implant. A titanium screw (3.5-6.0mm diameter) is surgically placed directly into the jawbone. After 3-6 months of healing (osseointegration), an abutment and crown are attached.
This is the implant type referenced throughout this site. When dentists say "dental implant," they mean endosteal. It is the most researched, most documented, and highest success rate implant type available.
Subperiosteal Implants
$6,000 - $10,000
Instead of being placed inside the jawbone, a subperiosteal implant sits on top of the jawbone, underneath the gum tissue. A custom-made metal framework rests on the bone surface, with posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis.
When used: For patients who have insufficient bone for endosteal implants and cannot or do not want to undergo bone grafting. This is rare. Modern bone grafting techniques have made subperiosteal implants largely obsolete for most cases.
Drawbacks: Lower long-term success rates than endosteal implants. More complex surgery. Not all implant surgeons are experienced with this type. The metal framework can become exposed if the gum tissue recedes.
Zygomatic Implants
$12,000 - $25,000 (for the zygomatic component)
Zygomatic implants are extra-long implants (30-55mm vs 8-16mm for standard) that anchor into the cheekbone (zygoma) instead of the jawbone. They are used exclusively for the upper jaw when there is severe bone loss that makes standard implants or bone grafting impractical.
When used: Patients with severe upper jaw bone loss who have been told they are not candidates for standard implants. Often combined with standard implants in the front of the mouth (2 zygomatic + 2 standard for a full arch).
Key advantage: Avoids the need for extensive bone grafting and the 6-12 months of healing that grafting requires. Treatment time is compressed. However, the procedure is highly specialized and only performed by experienced maxillofacial surgeons.
Material Comparison: Titanium vs Zirconia
| Titanium | Zirconia | |
|---|---|---|
| Post cost premium | Standard | +$200 - $500 |
| Track record | 50+ years of clinical data | 15-20 years of data |
| Biocompatibility | Excellent | Excellent (metal-free) |
| Aesthetics | Metal color (hidden under gum) | White/tooth-colored |
| Strength | Very strong, slightly flexible | Very strong, rigid (brittle) |
| MRI/CT compatibility | Safe but may cause artifacts | Fully compatible, no artifacts |
| Best for | Most patients, most situations | Metal allergy, thin gums, aesthetic zone |
| Success rate | 95-98% at 10 years | 92-97% at 10 years (growing data) |
Titanium is the gold standard and appropriate for the vast majority of patients. Zirconia is a newer alternative that makes sense for patients with metal allergies, very thin gum tissue where metal might show through, or those who prefer a completely metal-free option.
Crown Material Comparison
| Crown Type | Cost | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) | $1,000 - $1,800 | 15-20 years |
| All-ceramic (e-max) | $1,200 - $2,200 | 15-20 years |
| Full zirconia | $1,200 - $2,500 | 20-25 years |
| Layered zirconia | $1,500 - $2,800 | 20+ years |
Which Type Is Right for You?
Missing 1 tooth, good bone
Standard endosteal implant with all-ceramic or zirconia crown. The default choice for 95% of patients.
Learn moreMissing 3-4 adjacent teeth
Implant-supported bridge. Two endosteal implants supporting 3-4 crowns. More cost-effective per tooth than individual implants.
Learn moreMissing all teeth in one arch
All-on-4 or All-on-6. Four to six endosteal implants supporting a full prosthesis. Choose between acrylic (cheaper) and zirconia (more durable).
Learn moreLoose lower denture, limited budget
Mini implants (2-4) to stabilize your existing denture. $3,000-$5,000 total. Dramatic quality-of-life improvement at a fraction of All-on-4 cost.
Learn moreSevere upper jaw bone loss
Zygomatic implants, possibly combined with standard implants. Avoids extensive bone grafting. Specialist procedure.
Learn moreMetal allergy or preference for metal-free
Zirconia implant post with all-ceramic crown. Fully biocompatible, no metal anywhere. Slightly higher cost (+$200-$500).
Learn more