Dental implants come in four main types, and the right one depends on how many teeth you are replacing and how much healthy jawbone you have. A single implant replaces one tooth, while options like an All on 4 or an implant supported bridge restore several teeth at once. At Sola Dental Spa in Staten Island, our team evaluates your bone density, bite, and goals before recommending a specific type of implant.
Who Places Dental Implants
Implant care usually involves more than one type of specialist. Oral surgeons place implants and also handle wisdom tooth removal and bone grafting when needed. Prosthodontists design and fit the crown that attaches to the implant, since that final restoration has to match your bite and the rest of your smile. Periodontists, who focus on gum and bone health, are also qualified to place implants and are especially helpful when gum disease is part of the picture.
A general dentist is often the first stop. During a routine exam, your dentist can tell you whether you are a reasonable candidate for implants and refer you to the right specialist for placement, or coordinate the case directly if your dental team includes that expertise in house.
The Four Main Types of Dental Implants
Every implant system has three parts: a titanium post that acts as the artificial root, an abutment that connects the post to the crown, and the crown itself. Which configuration makes sense for you depends on how many teeth are missing and the condition of your jawbone.
| Implant Type | Best For | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Single implant | One missing tooth | A post is placed first, and the crown follows once the bone has healed around it. |
| All on 4 | A full arch of missing teeth | Four implants, often angled, support a full denture on the upper or lower jaw. |
| Implant supported bridge | Several teeth in a row | Two implants anchor a bridge of two or three crowns between them. |
| CEREC restored implant | A single implant restoration | The crown is designed and milled in office rather than sent to an outside lab. |
Choosing the Right Type for Your Case
There is no single best implant for everyone. Patients who are missing just one or two teeth typically do well with a single implant or an implant supported bridge. Patients missing most or all of their teeth in an arch are usually better candidates for All on 4 or a similar full arch approach.
Jawbone density is one of the biggest factors in this decision. Patients who have lost significant bone, often from wearing dentures for years or from long standing gum disease, may need a bone graft before implants can be placed, or may be steered toward a design that relies on fewer anchor points.
“The implant itself is only part of the plan. We are really deciding how to rebuild the whole foundation, the bone and the bite, around what each patient actually needs.”
Dr. Daniel Nejat, DMD, Board-Certified Periodontist, Sola Dental Spa
What Influences the Cost
Implant cost varies by the number of implants needed, the type of restoration, whether a bone graft is required, and the materials used for the crown. Because these factors differ so much from patient to patient, an accurate estimate can only come from an exam and a personalized treatment plan. Many dental insurance plans cover at least part of an implant procedure, so it is worth checking your benefits before you decide on a treatment path. Financing plans are also common at dental offices, which can make a larger case, such as a full arch restoration, more manageable to budget for over time.
How Long Does Implant Treatment Take
Implant treatment happens in stages rather than a single appointment. After the post is placed, the surrounding bone needs time to fuse to the implant, a process called osseointegration, before it is strong enough to support a crown. That healing window typically runs several months, and it can run longer if a bone graft was needed first.
Once healing is confirmed, the abutment and crown are added in a separate visit. The full process, from initial consultation to a finished crown, is usually measured in months rather than weeks, which is part of why an accurate, individualized timeline only comes from an exam.
Frequently asked questions
How long do dental implants last?
The implant post itself, once it has fused with the jawbone, is designed to last for decades with good oral hygiene. The crown on top may eventually need to be replaced due to normal wear.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults with adequate jawbone are candidates. Smoking, uncontrolled gum disease, and significant bone loss can complicate placement, but these issues can often be addressed before treatment.
Does getting an implant hurt?
The procedure is done with local anesthesia, and most patients describe recovery discomfort as similar to a tooth extraction. Learn more in our guide on how painful is getting a dental implant.
What if I do not have enough jawbone?
A bone graft can rebuild the area before implant placement. Read more about candidacy in are dental implants suitable for everyone.
Will insurance cover my implant?
Coverage varies by plan and is sometimes partial. Our team can help you understand your benefits during your consultation.