National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

What is the most common type of dental implant?

1. Endosteal

2. Osseointegrated

3. Subperiosteal

4. Transosteal

The correct answer is: Endosteal

The most common type of dental implant is the endosteal implant. This type of implant is placed directly into the jawbone and is designed to provide a strong foundation for the replacement teeth. Endosteal implants typically take the form of screws, cylinders, or blades, and they are used for most patients requiring dental implants. Endosteal implants are favored due to their stability and the ability to integrate with the bone, which enhances the strength and support for the artificial teeth. The procedure involves placing the implant in the jaw and allowing a healing period for osseointegration, during which the bone grows around the implant, providing a solid anchor. In contrast, osseointegrated refers to the biological process that occurs with successful implants, particularly endosteal ones. Although osseointegration is a critical concept in implant dentistry, it is not a specific type of implant; instead, it describes the relationship between the implant and the bone. Subperiosteal implants are placed under the periosteum but above the jawbone, making them less common since they are generally used for patients who do not have enough healthy jawbone for an endosteal implant. Transosteal implants involve a more invasive surgical technique where the implant passes through the jaw