Which type of dental implant is the most commonly placed?

• A. Endosteal
• B. Subperiosteal
• C. Transosteal
• D. Zygomatic

Answer: (A)

Endosteal implants are the standard root-form implants placed directly into the jawbone. They’re by far the most commonly used because they provide solid osseointegration and versatile support for a wide range of restorations—from a single crown to full-arch prostheses. Their long track record, predictable outcomes, and compatibility with conventional prosthetic components make them the go-to option when there’s enough bone to support them. If bone height or width is insufficient, augmentation or grafting can make endosteal placement possible, which is why this type remains the default choice for most patients.

Subperiosteal implants sit on top of the bone beneath the periosteum and were used more in the past when bone height was inadequate, but they’re less common today due to advances in grafting and other implant options. Transosteal implants pass through the mandible and are rare, used only in very specific cases. Zygomatic implants extend into the cheekbone and are a specialized solution for extreme maxillary bone loss, also far less common than endosteal implants.