Know Your Dental Implant: Types and Parts

June 26, 2014

If you’ve heard all about the benefits and effectiveness of dental implants, you might be tempted to rush to your nearest dentist to finally get your treatment. Before you do that, read on to find out more about what makes up a traditional dental implant.

Types of Implants

One type of dental implant is called the endosteal and the other is known as the subperiosteal.

Endosteal implants are the types placed in the bone and come in different forms such as cylinders, blades, and screws. Subperiosteal implants are only placed on the surface of the bone and usually used for people who do not have enough bone density to support an entire implant post.

Parts of Dental Implants

A traditional dental implant has three parts namely:

1. Implant Post

An implant post is made of Titanium metal, which is the same metal used for bone implants. This part is the one that replaces your teeth roots and will securely hold your artificial teeth.

Some implants require six posts, but there are also mini-implants that require only four posts. Depending on your dental condition and jawbone density, your implant dentist will determine if you could use conventional dental implants or other kinds of implants.

2. Abutment

On top of the implant post is the abutment. This is the part that connects your dentures, crowns, or bridges to the Titanium post. It is usually made with a screw-type or O-ring attachment that makes it easy to connect to the protruding top part of the implant post.

3. Artificial Teeth

To complete your implant treatment, you’ll need your artificial teeth or prosthesis. These are simply your dentures, bridges, or crowns. They could be just one piece of replacement tooth or an entire/complete set of dentures.

In order for dental implants to be successful, you also need an experienced implant dentist to handle the procedure. At Total Dental Care of South Carolina, you have Dr. Doug Forbes as your trusted dentist who will guide you throughout the whole process of getting implants and help you take care of them even after the operation.

Please call our Columbia, SC dental office at 803-272-4162 to set an appointment with Dr. Forbes today!

A woman is smiling while sitting in a dental chair.

Oral Surgery Demystified: What to Expect and How Sedation Helps

By Total Dental Care of South Carolina • July 15, 2025
Learn when oral surgery is needed, how sedation works, and what recovery involves. Total Dental Care of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina, provides expert, compassionate care for surgical procedures that protect your smile.
A woman is brushing her baby 's teeth with a toothbrush.

Raising Healthy Smiles: Brushing Facts for Parents and Kids

By Total Dental Care of South Carolina • July 1, 2025
At Total Dental Care of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina, we help kids build great brushing habits from the start. Discover why early brushing matters, how parents can support good technique, and what to do when kids resist oral care.
A man and two women are standing next to each other in a park.

Missing Teeth? Dental Implant Options for Adults

By Total Dental Care of South Carolina • June 15, 2025
Dental implants offer a reliable, long-term solution for seniors dealing with tooth loss. At Total Dental Care of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina, we guide aging adults through implant options—from single-tooth replacements to full-arch solutions. Learn how bone density, overall health, and personal goals influence your best fit. Discover which implant type suits your lifestyle and why implants can restore comfort, confidence, and function at any stage of life.
More Posts