Types of Dental Implants Compared: Which One Might Suit You?

Missing a tooth, or a few, and wondering which dental implant is right for you? You’re not alone. Dentures and bridges were the usual answer for years, and implants are now a popular choice too, but “dental implant” covers several different designs. This guide compares them in plain English, so you can go into your consultation knowing what to ask.

In short: the most common type is the endosteal implant, a screw-shaped titanium post placed in the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants sit on top of the jawbone under the gum, zygomatic implants anchor in the cheekbone when there isn’t enough jawbone, and mini implants are a narrower option for small spaces or for holding partial dentures in place. Which one suits you depends on your jawbone, your gums and your goals, and your dentist works that out with you at an assessment.

Key points at a glance

• Dental implants are a long-term alternative to dentures and bridges, offering a more stable, natural-feeling way to replace teeth.
• The three main types are endosteal, subperiosteal and zygomatic implants. Mini and same-day implants are variations that suit particular situations.
• Endosteal implants are the most common and suit people with a healthy, dense jawbone.
• Subperiosteal implants are custom-made to sit on top of the jawbone under the gum, and can suit people with a shallower jawbone.
• Zygomatic implants are longer and anchor in the cheekbone when the jawbone doesn’t have enough volume.
• You might need one implant, several, or a full arch, and each has a different treatment path.
• Like any surgery, implants carry risks, including infection, nerve damage and implant failure, so planning and aftercare matter.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root. A titanium post is placed in the jawbone and, once the bone has healed around it, it holds a replacement tooth. Treatment happens in stages: the implant surgery comes first, followed by a healing period while the jawbone bonds with the implant.

Implants come in several types because every mouth is different. Endosteal implants suit a dense jawbone, while subperiosteal implants can suit a shallower one. As well as replacing the tooth you can see, an implant helps maintain the jawbone where a tooth has been lost, and it gives you an alternative to complete or partial dentures. You can read how treatment works at our clinic on our page about dental implants in Bacchus Marsh.

What are the main types of dental implants?

There are three main types, plus two variations. They differ in shape, size and where they sit, and the type you have shapes both the procedure and what to expect long term.

• Endosteal implants: the most commonly used type. They’re cylindrical or screw-shaped, typically around 3.4 to 5.8 mm in diameter, and placed in the jawbone. They suit people with a dense jawbone and can replace one tooth or several.
• Subperiosteal implants: custom-made to sit on top of the jawbone but under the gum. Their shape is more complex because they rest on the bone to support the replacement teeth. They can be an option for people with a shallower jawbone.
• Zygomatic implants: longer than most other types, up to about 50 mm, and anchored in the cheekbone rather than the jawbone. They’re designed for people who don’t have enough healthy jawbone for other implants.
• Mini dental implants: narrower implants, generally about 3 mm or less in diameter. They can replace a single tooth where bone or space is limited, and they’re also used to help hold partial dentures in place.
• Same-day dental implants: designed for immediate loading, which means the replacement tooth is attached soon after the implant is placed instead of after a separate healing period. They’re usually standard in size and can shorten the treatment timeline for people who suit them.

Do you need one implant, several, or a full arch?

That depends on how many teeth you’re missing and the health of your jawbone. Here’s how the options usually break down.

• One missing tooth: a single-tooth implant replaces just that tooth, often one lost to an accident or gum disease. The procedure is relatively straightforward, and the implant helps maintain the natural jawbone structure.
• Several missing teeth: multiple-tooth implant options often involve an implant-supported bridge or partial denture. Whether endosteal or subperiosteal implants are used depends on your jawbone health.
• A full arch: when all the teeth in an upper or lower arch are missing, several implants can support a complete set of teeth. Full-arch implant dentures involve a longer healing time and offer a long-term way to replace a whole arch.
• Same-day implants: a convenient option for people who want quicker treatment. You still need to follow your aftercare instructions carefully while everything heals.
• Custom options: for people with particular needs, such as a shallow or dense jawbone, treatment may involve zygomatic implants or custom-made dentures designed around your jawbone.

Losing a whole arch of teeth is not rare. The AIHW’s report on the 2017–18 National Study of Adult Oral Health found that 4.0% of Australian adults aged 15 and over (1 in 25) had lost all their natural teeth, rising to 21% of adults aged 75 and over. Among adults who still had some natural teeth, 10% had fewer than 21 of them.

Will a dental implant look like a natural tooth?

That’s the aim. The crown, bridge or denture that sits on your implant is made to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth, so it blends in with the teeth around it.

Whether you have a single implant, an implant-supported bridge or a full denture, the planning focuses on a natural-looking result. It’s worth telling your dentist early on what matters most to you about how your new teeth will look.

Which implant suits your jawbone? A side-by-side comparison

Your jawbone density, facial structure and overall oral health all influence which implant is suitable. This table compares the options designed for different jaw structures and bone densities.

Not sure where you fit? That’s completely normal. Your dentist works it out from your examination and X-rays, and if your jawbone needs support first, bone grafting for implants may be part of the plan.

How do you choose the right type of dental implant?

Start with a thorough assessment, then weigh your health, lifestyle, budget and preferences with your dentist. The choice has long-lasting effects on your oral health, so it’s worth taking your time. These are the factors to talk through.

• Your dental health: a comprehensive check-up comes first. Your dentist looks for signs of gum disease, checks your bone density and the condition of the teeth next to the gap, and uses that to suggest the most suitable type.
• Your lifestyle: your diet and oral hygiene habits affect how an implant does over time, and your work and routine shape what matters most to you. If you speak a lot for your job, for example, a natural look might be high on your list.
• Your budget: implants are a significant investment, so talk openly about cost with your dentist. As at September 2026, a single tooth implant with its crown starts from $5,000 at our clinic, multiple implants start from $5,000 each, and All-on-X full-arch treatment starts from $26,000 per arch. These are starting points, not quotes: your assessment sets your fee. Magical Smiles Bacchus Marsh accepts most health funds, and our payment options page explains ways to spread the cost.
• The type of implant: use the comparison above as a starting point. Endosteal implants suit a dense jawbone, subperiosteal implants can suit people with less bone density, zygomatic implants are an option when jawbone volume is inadequate, and mini implants can secure partial dentures or fill smaller spaces.
• The procedure involved: endosteal implants involve placing a metal post in the jawbone and may need a bone graft first, while subperiosteal implants involve fitting a metal frame on the jawbone under the gum. Knowing the steps helps you plan for recovery and aftercare.
• Longevity and aftercare: think about the upkeep each option needs. Regular check-ups and cleans are part of looking after any implant.
• A second opinion: for a decision this significant, it’s always reasonable to get a second opinion. Another dentist may offer extra insight or options you hadn’t considered.
• How you want it to look: tell your dentist what you’d like, from the shade of the crown to the shape of an implant-supported bridge. Your preferences should be part of the plan.

Taking these into account puts you in a good position to choose an implant that suits both your mouth and your life, so take the time to talk through the options available to you.

What are the risks of dental implants?

Like any surgery, dental implant surgery carries risks. The main ones are infection, nerve damage, sinus problems with upper-jaw implants, implant failure, bone loss, gum disease around the implant, a crown that doesn’t match and allergic reactions. Knowing about them, and how to lower them, helps you decide whether implants are right for you.

• Infection at the implant site: infection can develop around the post after surgery. Good oral hygiene and following your dentist’s care routine help minimise the risk.
• Nerve damage: an incorrectly placed implant can damage a nerve and affect the feeling in your teeth, gums or lips. Choosing a dentist experienced with dental implants helps minimise this risk, so it’s a fair question to ask.
• Sinus issues (upper jaw): an implant in the upper jaw can protrude into the sinus cavity. A thorough evaluation before surgery, including X-rays, helps plan the right type of implant for you, such as an endosteal or zygomatic implant.
• Implant failure: sometimes the jawbone doesn’t fuse fully with the implant. Smoking and some medical conditions can affect healing, so share your full medical history so your dentist can assess whether implant surgery suits you.
• Bone loss: over time, bone around an implant can be lost, which weakens its stability. Regular check-ups help monitor this, and in some cases a bone graft may be an option.
• Gum disease: inflammation of the gum around an implant can lead to peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease. Keeping your mouth clean and attending regular check-ups helps protect your gums and nearby teeth.
• A crown that doesn’t match: without careful planning, the crown may not match the colour and appearance of your natural teeth. Talk about your goals early and ask for a custom-made crown.
• Time and money: implants take a significant investment of both. If that doesn’t suit your circumstances, an implant-supported bridge or a partial denture may be a more convenient option.
• Allergic reaction: some people may react to materials used in implants, such as titanium. If you have a history of metal allergies, ask your dentist about alternative implant materials.

Being aware of these risks lets you take practical steps to manage them. For advice tailored to you, always see a qualified practitioner for a full assessment.

Ready to talk about implants in Bacchus Marsh?

Choosing an implant isn’t a snap decision, and it shouldn’t be. With clear information about the types, the procedure, the aftercare and the risks, you can make a choice that fits your oral health and your life.

If you’re still unsure which type might suit you, our team at Magical Smiles Bacchus Marsh can help. We’re at 83 Gisborne Road and open Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. Call us on (03) 8001 7008 or book an appointment online, and we’ll talk you through your options.