Types of Dental Implants: Which is Right for You?
Dental implants are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The right type of implant depends on how many teeth you need to replace, the condition of your jawbone, your overall health and your budget. At Asensio Advanced Dentistry in Valencia, we offer the full range of implant solutions — from single tooth replacement to complete full-arch restoration for patients with severe bone loss.
This guide explains the main types of dental implants available, who each is suitable for, and how to know which option applies to your situation. All assessments at Asensio begin with a free consultation including a panoramic OPG X-ray — so you will have a clear recommendation before committing to any treatment.
Single tooth implant
A single dental implant replaces one missing tooth with a titanium post, an abutment and a porcelain crown. It is the most common implant procedure and the most reliable long-term solution for a single missing tooth — outperforming dental bridges in both longevity and bone preservation.
The procedure involves placing the implant post into the jawbone under local anaesthesia, allowing it to integrate with the bone over three to six months, and then fitting the final crown. In suitable cases, an immediate implant can be placed on the same day as the extraction.
At Asensio, a single implant costs from £750, using Nobel Biocare or Klockner implant systems. See our prices page for a full breakdown.
Implant-supported bridge (multiple consecutive teeth)
When two or more consecutive teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge uses two implants to support the replacement of three or more teeth. This avoids the need for an implant for every missing tooth while providing a fixed, stable result superior to a traditional bridge — which requires grinding down the adjacent healthy teeth for support.
Implant-supported bridges are suitable for patients with good bone volume in the area of the missing teeth and healthy adjacent teeth that do not require treatment.
All-on-4 — full arch replacement
All-on-4 uses just four implants to support a complete fixed arch of teeth — upper jaw, lower jaw, or both — in a single surgical session. It is the most transformative implant procedure available and the most popular treatment at Asensio for UK patients travelling for dental tourism.
The angled posterior implants maximise the use of available bone, which means most patients can receive All-on-4 without bone grafting. Fixed provisional teeth are fitted on the same day as surgery. The cost at Asensio is £6,480 per arch — compared to £10,000–£20,000 in the UK.
For full information see our All-on-4 dental implants abroad page and our guide to All-on-4 cost in Spain.
Immediate implants
In suitable cases, a dental implant can be placed on the same day as the tooth extraction — eliminating one surgical appointment and reducing overall treatment time. Immediate implants require adequate bone volume and absence of active infection at the extraction site.
Not every case is suitable for immediate placement. The decision is made after a 3D CT scan assessment. For more information see our immediate dental implants guide.
Zygomatic implants — for severe bone loss
Patients with severe maxillary bone atrophy who are not suitable for conventional implants or All-on-4 may be candidates for zygomatic implants. Instead of anchoring in the jawbone, zygomatic implants are fixed in the cheekbone (zygoma) — which retains its density even when the jaw has resorbed significantly.
Zygomatic implants are a specialist procedure performed by surgeons with advanced training in this specific technique. At Asensio, Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero has over 30 years of experience in complex implant cases including zygomatic implant placement. For more information see our zygomatic implants page.
Implants for patients with bone loss
Bone loss — through long-term tooth loss, gum disease or previous failed implants — is one of the most common reasons patients are told they cannot have implants. In most cases this is not true. Between All-on-4 angled implants, biomaterial augmentation and zygomatic implants, there is a solution for the vast majority of patients with reduced bone volume.
If you have been told you cannot have implants because of bone loss, we recommend a second opinion. See our guide to dental implants with bone loss for more information.
Which type of implant is right for me?
The answer depends on your specific clinical situation — the number of teeth missing, available bone volume, general health and treatment goals. The table below gives a general guide:
| Situation | Likely solution |
|---|---|
| One missing tooth, good bone | Single implant |
| 2–3 consecutive missing teeth | Implant-supported bridge |
| Most or all teeth missing, adequate bone | All-on-4 |
| Full arch missing, severe bone atrophy | All-on-4 with biomaterials or zygomatic implants |
| Tooth needs extracting, good bone, no infection | Immediate implant |
The definitive recommendation is made after a clinical assessment with OPG X-ray and 3D CT scan if required. At Asensio the initial consultation — including the OPG X-ray and treatment plan — is completely free.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of dental implant?
The best implant is the one that matches your clinical situation. For single missing teeth, a single implant is the gold standard. For full arch replacement, All-on-4 is the most effective and cost-efficient solution for most patients. For severe bone loss, zygomatic implants may be the only fixed option available.
Do all types of dental implants use the same materials?
The implant post is always titanium — the same material regardless of implant type or brand. The difference between implant systems is in the design, surface treatment and the precision of the components. At Asensio we use Nobel Biocare and Klockner systems exclusively — two of the most clinically validated brands in implantology.
How long do different types of implants last?
The titanium implant post is designed to last a lifetime and carries a lifetime guarantee on materials at Asensio. The prosthetic restoration — crowns, bridges or All-on-4 prosthesis — may require maintenance over time depending on wear and materials used.
Can I get implants if I have been told I have insufficient bone?
In most cases yes. All-on-4 angled implants, biomaterial augmentation and zygomatic implants are all solutions developed specifically for patients with reduced bone volume. If you have been told implants are not possible, request a second opinion — contact us at office@dentalasensio.co.uk with your existing scans.
How do I find out which type of implant I need?
The first step is a free consultation at Asensio, which includes a panoramic OPG X-ray and personalised treatment plan. Call us on 0800 048 8058 or visit our dental implants abroad page for more information.










