Titanium Dental Implants
While the use of other materials, like zirconia, in dental implants is increasing in popularity, titanium remains the most common material choice and has been widely used in the United States since the 1960s. Titanium implants are associated with superior bone density preservation and better durability compared to subperiosteal implants. Read on to learn more about titanium dental implants, their components, placement, and benefits.
Titanium Dental Implants: An Overview
Dental implants are a great option for patients looking to restore one or more lost or missing teeth. Whereas conventional dentures merely rest on the patient’s gums, endosteal titanium dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone. The implants act as replacement tooth roots and as they fuse with the bone, create a strong foundation upon which a prosthetic crown can be attached. Unlike subperiosteal implants that are positioned under the gum tissue but above the jawbone, endosteal titanium implants are stronger and more durable.
Titanium Dental Implant Components
A dental implant is made up of a few components. The first part is the implant, or post, which is implanted directly into the patient’s jaw. A second component, the abutment, screws onto the implant and acts as a connector between the implant and prosthetic crown. The final component, the crown, encases the entire implant and abutment and looks like a normal tooth.
Placing Endosteal Titanium Implants
The procedure to place dental implants requires advanced training and skills. As such, patients should select a board-certified oral surgeon whose specialty is performing implant procedures. The process for obtaining implants begins with an initial examination and consultation to ensure endosteal implants are appropriate for the patient’s needs. Multiple visits may be required to completely finish the process.
After the initial consultation, the oral surgeon will place the implant posts into the jawbone. During the months following surgery, the jawbone and implant will fuse together through a process called osseointegration. Once fully healed, the abutment is mounted onto the post and the permanent replacement crown is fixed in place.
Benefits of Titanium Dental Implants
Titanium has been the material of choice for dental implants for decades because of the benefits it provides when compared to other options. Some of the advantages of titanium dental implants are:
* Biocompatibility: Titanium is known for its superior biocompatibility which allows the implant post to effectively fuse with bone. Proper osseointegration ensures a stable base for the abutment and crown are created that can last for 30 or more years.
* Minimally Corrosive: Included in the group of corrosion-resistant alloys, titanium avoids corrosion by creating a protective layer of titanium dioxide. This protective layer makes it harder for chemicals and water to penetrate.
* Strength & Durability: Despite being very lightweight, titanium is stronger than steel and can maintain its shape after bending. This makes the implants long-lasting and more comfortable.
* Affordability: Because it is widely available, titanium tends to be a more affordable material choice than options like ceramic.
* Predictability: Since it has been used for over 60 years in dental implants, more is known about the long-term effectiveness of titanium. Data shows a long-term success rate of 97% for titanium implants and with proper care, implants can last the patient’s lifetime.