Types Of Dental Implants
Review Date: September 2, 2025
Content Last Updated: November 9, 2025
Losing a tooth can be a frustrating and confusing experience. When you start researching solutions, you are immediately confronted with a variety of technical terms: Endosteal, Zygomatic, All-on-6. Understanding the different dental implants types is the first, most crucial step in reclaiming your smile and confidence.
This is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution; the right implant for you depends entirely on your unique anatomy, especially your jawbone density.
As a leading provider of advanced dental care in Turkey, with state-of-the-art facilities in Istanbul and Antalya, HCT Dental Clinic believes in empowering patients through education. (You can learn more about our clinics here). This 2026 guide will break down the three primary implant types, clarifying who they are for, how they work, and what you can expect from our full range of dental treatments. We’ll help you understand why choosing Turkey is a “Smart Investment”—accessing premium care without the excessive costs or long waiting lists of your home country.
What is a Dental Implant? A Quick Refresher
Before exploring the types, let’s clarify what a dental implant is. Think of it as an artificial tooth root. It’s a small, screw-like post, typically made from biocompatible titanium, which is surgically placed into the jawbone. This post fuses with your bone—a process called osseointegration—to create a rock-solid foundation for a replacement tooth (crown) or a set of teeth (bridge).
For a complete overview of the standard procedure, risks, and benefits, we always recommend starting with our main Full Mouth Dental Implants guide.
1. Endosteal Implants: The Most Common Type
Endosteal implants are the most widely used dental implants types today. The name “Endosteal” (en-DOS-tee-al) simply means “within the bone.”
What it is: These are the familiar screw-shaped implants that are placed directly into the jawbone (maxilla or mandible). They are the anchor for a single tooth implant or multi-tooth restorations.
Who is a Candidate: The ideal candidate for an Endosteal implant has sufficient jawbone height, width, and density to support the implant. If you’ve only recently lost a tooth or have generally good bone health, this is almost always the recommended solution.
What if My Bone Isn't "Sufficient"? (Preparatory Treatments)
This is a common fear, but it doesn’t mean you’re disqualified. If you lack the necessary bone volume for an Endosteal implant, our expert maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Aslı Ataseven, will first perform a preparatory treatment.
Complementary Treatment: Procedures like Sinus Lifting or Bone Grafting are common and highly successful. We simply add new bone material to the deficient area, creating a strong foundation before placing the Endosteal implant.
2. Subperiosteal Implants: An Alternative Approach
Subperiosteal implants (sub-per-ee-OS-tee-al) represent an older, less common technique used when the jawbone is not healthy enough for Endosteal implants.
What it is: Instead of being placed into the bone, a Subperiosteal implant consists of a metal framework that is custom-fitted to rest on top of the jawbone, just beneath the gum tissue. The posts attached to this framework protrude through the gums to hold the prosthesis.
Who is a Candidate: This type is typically reserved for patients who have minimal bone height and are unwilling or unable to undergo a bone grafting procedure. With the high success rates of modern bone grafting, Subperiosteal implants are rarely the first choice in modern dentistry.
3. Zygomatic Implants: The Advanced Solution for Severe Bone Loss
or patients who have been told they are “not candidates for implants” due to severe bone loss in the upper jaw, Zygomatic implants are a revolutionary solution.
What it is: These are specialized, much longer dental implants types that bypass the deficient upper jawbone entirely. They are anchored into the dense, stable bone of the Zygoma—your cheekbone.
Who is a Candidate: This procedure is exclusively for patients with severe maxillary atrophy (significant bone loss in the upper jaw). It completely eliminates the need for sinus lifts or bone grafts, providing a stable foundation for a full-arch restoration, often as part of an All-on-4 or All-on-6 protocol.
Expert Experience: A Note from Our Head Prosthodontist
(Attributed to: Prof. Dr. MÜJDE SEVİMAY)
“In my 20+ years of prosthodontic practice, the most significant advancements have been in diagnostics and materials. When discussing dental implants types, we’re really discussing a diagnostic outcome. The critical factor is where we can find quality bone. For Zygomatic implants, success hinges on meticulous 3D CBCT planning to engage the densest part of the zygomatic bone, ensuring high primary stability.
Patients often worry about the aesthetics, fearing an unnatural ‘bulky’ look. This is where expertise in prosthetic design is vital. We utilize streamlined components and materials like Ivoclar E-max crowns or Zirkonzahn (Zirconia) crowns, guided by our aesthetic specialists like Dr. Betül Semercioğlu, to ensure the final smile is both functional and beautifully natural. In our Antalya and Istanbul clinics, this isn’t just a surgery; it’s a complete functional and aesthetic rehabilitation. You can meet all of our doctors here.”
The Implant Journey & Mandatory Rules
Understanding the “what” is important, but for our international patients, the “how long” (Speed motivation) and “how safe” (Trust) are paramount.
How Long Does the Treatment Take? (Patient Journey)
The process typically requires two visits to Turkey. This accelerated access to care is a key reason patients choose us.
Visit 1: Surgery (Approx. 3-7 Days): This visit includes your consultation, 3D scanning, and the surgical placement of the implant(s). You will be fitted with a temporary prosthesis before flying home.
Healing Phase (3-6 Months): You return home while osseointegration occurs. The implant fuses with your jawbone.
Visit 2: Restoration (Approx. 5-7 Days): You return to our Istanbul or Antalya clinic. We take final impressions and our in-house lab fabricates your permanent crowns. Our aesthetic doctors, such as Dr. Wahid Kathuda, meticulously fit and perfect your final smile, often as part of a full smile makeover.
Treatment Risks & Contraindications
While dental implants types boast a success rate of over 95% (PubMed, 2021), it is a surgical procedure and carries potential risks, which we mitigate with expert planning.
Risks: Infection at the implant site, minor nerve irritation (usually temporary), sinus complications (which 3D planning by Dr. Aslı Ataseven helps avoid), or failure of the implant to integrate.
Aftercare Rules: Success is a partnership. You MUST follow post-operative instructions: maintain excellent oral hygiene, avoid smoking (a major cause of failure), and attend regular check-ups.
Holistic Expertise: When Implants Aren't the First Step
A good clinic doesn’t just sell implants; it ensures your entire oral health is stable first.
Contraindication 1: Active Gum Disease / Infection: We will never place an implant in an infected mouth.
Alternative Pathway: You may first require infection control, such as a Root Canal Treatment, to create a healthy foundation.
Contraindication 2: Severe Malocclusion or Failing Restorations: Placing a single implant into a dysfunctional bite is a poor investment.
Alternative Pathway: A more comprehensive approach, like a Full Mouth Reconstruction, may be required to fix the entire system (bite, joints, aesthetics) for a lasting result.
Premium Brands & Accreditations
Your “Smart Investment” in Turkey should not mean compromising on quality. At HCT Dental Clinic, we provide verifiable E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).
Accreditations: We are fully licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health, hold an International Health Tourism Certificate, and are proud members of the TDB (Turkish Dental Association).
Premium Brands: We use only globally recognized, A-grade dental implant brands. For all dental implants types, we rely on leaders like Straumann, Medentika, NTA and Camlog. This means your implant is a world-class product, serviceable by dentists globally, ensuring peace of mind.
Cost Comparison: Endosteal vs. Zygomatic Implants (2026)
The “Value” motivation is clear. You receive identical (or superior) brands and expertise as in the UK, USA, or Germany, but at a fraction of the cost due to Turkey’s lower operational overhead.
| Procedure / Implant Type | Average Cost (UK/USA) | Average Cost (HCT Dental Clinic - Turkey) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Endosteal Implant (incl. Straumann + Crown) | €4,000 - €6,000 | €900 - €1,800 |
| Zygomatic Implants (Full Upper Arch) | €25,000 - €40,000+ | €12,000 - €18,000 |
| Preparatory Bone Graft | €1,200 - €2,500 | €250 - €600 |
Conclusion: Which Implant Type is Right for You?
The choice between Endosteal, Subperiosteal, or Zygomatic implants isn’t one you make from a list. It is a precise medical diagnosis based on your unique jawbone structure, determined by an expert team.
At HCT Dental Clinic, we have the full spectrum of specialists under one roof—from maxillofacial surgeons like Dr. Aslı Ataseven for complex placements to master prosthodontists like Prof. Dr. MÜJDE SEVİMAY for the final restoration.
Whether you need a single tooth implant or a complex Zygomatic solution, our teams in Istanbul and Antalya are equipped with the technology and expertise to provide a safe, high-quality, and lasting result.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a very common concern. If you have moderate bone loss, we can perform a bone grafting or sinus lift to prepare you for standard Endosteal implants. If you have severe upper jaw bone loss, Zygomatic implants are an excellent solution that anchors to your cheekbone, avoiding grafting entirely.
While there are many brands, there are three primary structural dental implants types based on placement:
Endosteal (placed in the jawbone, most common)
Subperiosteal (placed on the jawbone, less common)
Zygomatic (anchored in the cheekbone, for severe bone loss)
Yes. At HCT Dental Clinic, we believe in long-term quality. We exclusively use world-leading dental implant brands like Straumann, Medentika, and Camlog. This ensures your restoration is made from the highest-grade materials.
The standard implant procedure requires two short visits. The first visit for surgery is typically 3-7 days. After a 3-6 month healing period at home, you return for your second visit (5-7 days) to have your permanent crowns fitted.
Yes, when performed by a skilled and experienced maxillofacial surgeon. At HCT Dental Clinic, our surgeons use advanced 3D CBCT scanning to precisely plan the surgery, minimizing risks and ensuring a safe, predictable outcome for patients with severe bone loss.
Legal Disclaimer
This article, discussing dental implants types, is intended for general informational purposes only. The content does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for a professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified dental expert. Individual results may vary, and you should always consult with your dentist to determine the best treatment for your specific needs.
Start Your Implant Treatment Journey With us Today !
Stop wondering and start your journey to a confident smile. Your situation is unique, and you deserve a personalized treatment plan from a true expert.
Our international patient coordinators in Istanbul and Antalya are ready to assist you. Contact HCT Dental Clinic today for a free, no-obligation virtual consultation. We will analyze your X-rays, listen to your goals, and provide a transparent, all-inclusive quote for the right solution. Your “Dental Holiday” and smart investment start here.