What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
Dental implants have been a standard procedure since its inception in 1965. Implants have helped people across the U.S. improve their quality of life by restoring their smiles. The surgery involves replacing the roots with a metal, screw-like post to attach artificial teeth that function like natural teeth.
Implant surgery is an excellent alternative to dentures and bridgework, as artificial teeth operate significantly more naturally. This surgery can also be a great option for those with insufficient natural teeth roots to make dentures or bridgework.
With any procedure, knowing what is happening to you and, in this case, what materials are being implanted is essential. Read here to see what dental implants are made of and if you are a good candidate for surgery.
The two most common types of dental implants are:
Alternate dental implant materials include:
Although these materials exist and can be used, experts don’t prefer them as they have relatively low success rates and other potential complications.
Candidates with health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, weakened immune systems, and blood clotting issues are also not ideal for dental implant surgeries. Your dentist will evaluate your general health and medical history before determining your eligibility for the procedure.
Dental implants are made of incredibly durable materials, but they still require some care and maintenance. Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, can have a large negative impact on dental implants. Gum disease can cause implants to fail if left untreated and, unfortunately, is incredibly common among patients with dental implants.
When home, brush and floss your teeth twice a day to maintain healthy gums. Check-in with your dentist often to reduce the risk of infection and keep your implants strong.
Implant surgery is an excellent alternative to dentures and bridgework, as artificial teeth operate significantly more naturally. This surgery can also be a great option for those with insufficient natural teeth roots to make dentures or bridgework.
With any procedure, knowing what is happening to you and, in this case, what materials are being implanted is essential. Read here to see what dental implants are made of and if you are a good candidate for surgery.
What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
Almost every dental implant was made from titanium or titanium alloy for years. With recent advances in technology and research, dental implants are made from two primary materials, each with merits. Both materials are biocompatible, meaning they’re resistant to fracturing and corrosion. Overall, they interact well with the human body.The two most common types of dental implants are:
Titanium
Titanium is the most preferred material for dental implants, hip replacements, and other ortho procedures. Plus, it’s proven to encourage osseointegration. Osseointegration is a process where the implant connects directly to the bone. The bone and titanium post begin to fuse roughly a week after implant surgery. This compatibility leads to a 95% success rate and, with proper care, an implant that can last a lifetime.Zirconia
A relatively new addition to dental implants, zirconia is a white ceramic material approved for implants by the FDA in 2007. Zirconia is most often recommended for patients allergic to titanium. Much like titanium, zirconia fuses tightly with the jaw. However, it has a smoother surface than titanium and takes longer to integrate and heal.Are There Alternative Materials for Dental Implants?
Your dentist will most definitely use titanium (zirconia is used but is significantly less common), but other materials are used to create implants. These options aren’t standard and have a lower success rate than the materials above. Consult your dentist to weigh your options properly.Alternate dental implant materials include:
Polymers
Easily modified and biodegradable, polymers are a great option for replacing teeth. However, unlike other materials, they aren’t as durable.Ceramics
Ceramic implants are available for dental implants and have a substantial and robust track record. However, ceramics have brittle properties that hinder their ability to be a long-term solution.Alternative Metals
Before the properties of titanium were discovered, dentists used stainless steel, gold, and cobalt-chromium in their implants. These metals have the benefits of being long-lasting and corrosive-resistant but aren’t nearly as biocompatible as titanium or zirconia.Although these materials exist and can be used, experts don’t prefer them as they have relatively low success rates and other potential complications.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an excellent option for any tooth loss experienced due to periodontal disease, tooth decay, injury, or other issues. However, they might only be suitable for some people. The best candidates are healthy and have enough jaw strength for the implant.Who Isn’t a Good Candidate?
People with gingivitis or any other form of gum disease aren’t recommended to receive this surgery. Gum diseases damage the gum and underlying bone, resulting in insufficient bone for the implant to take. Take steps to address gum diseases before anything implant-related.Candidates with health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, weakened immune systems, and blood clotting issues are also not ideal for dental implant surgeries. Your dentist will evaluate your general health and medical history before determining your eligibility for the procedure.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
This depends on a few factors, but most implants last from 10 years to a patient’s entire lifetime.Dental implants are made of incredibly durable materials, but they still require some care and maintenance. Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, can have a large negative impact on dental implants. Gum disease can cause implants to fail if left untreated and, unfortunately, is incredibly common among patients with dental implants.
When home, brush and floss your teeth twice a day to maintain healthy gums. Check-in with your dentist often to reduce the risk of infection and keep your implants strong.