Dental implants are a type of dental fixture that can replace and imitate missing or damaged teeth. Implants are considered an effective and affordable way to assist patients who need to have teeth replaced. Implants can be made to imitate just a single or multiple missing teeth, depending on the needs of the patient and the damage to their teeth. Below, we look at the best materials for dental implants.
However, many patients may not be aware that there are many different materials that are used to construct dental implants. Some of these materials are better suited to the task than others.
What Are the Best Materials for Dental Implants?
If you are considering receiving dental implant work and are curious about some of the materials best for creating them, take a look at this overview of the subject.
Dental Implant Basics
Dental implants are made to imitate the look and feel of one’s natural teeth. A dental implant is composed of three separate parts: a crown, an abutment, and a screw. The crown is the part of the implant that looks like an imitation tooth. The screw attaches the crown to the rest of the mouth, and the abutment is the part that connects the two.
Once dental implants are installed, they have the potential to last for several years if properly cared for. This makes them an efficient and economical solution for those desiring to replace missing or damaged teeth.
Most patients who are interested in receiving dental implants should find themselves eligible to do so – however, this will be determined as the right course of action by your dentist in a consultation before any actual work is performed.
Titanium Implants
Titanium is the most used material for dental implants. So it may prove at the top of the best materials for dental implants. Titanium is a lightweight, strong material with several excellent properties that make it an excellent choice for this technique. One of these characteristics is titanium’s demonstrated use and ability to osseointegrate, or fuse well with the anatomical features of the mouth. “Biocompatible” is the term used by medicine to characterize these characteristics.
Titanium implants are considered strong and durable, and titanium has one of the strongest durability ratings of all the materials in the natural world. Because of this, breakage or fractures in titanium implants rarely occur. If you’re interested in never having to replace your implants, titanium may be your best choice. In addition, titanium implants are considered very lightweight.
Another benefit of titanium implants is that they are customizable and can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes to fit one’s natural teeth.
Zirconia Implants
Zirconia implants are a good choice for those looking to replace their damaged or missing teeth with a non-metallic option. This type of implant is considered optimal for those who are worried that they might have an allergic reaction to titanium – something that is not entirely uncommon.
Because zirconia has a smooth ceramic surface, it’s additionally able to keep plaque and bacteria from forming on its surface. This helps this material promote stronger oral health. In addition, zirconia implants don’t discolor one’s gums, which can be advantageous for those who want to hide the fact that they have implants.
Which Type of Implant is Right for Me?
Choosing which implant is right for you can be something of an involved process, as both types of implants offer distinct advantages from the other. In some ways, whichever one you select may boil down to personal preference.
One element that makes the choice easier is determining whether or not you have an allergy to titanium – if you do, then you likely will want to select a zirconia implant to reduce the chance of inducing an allergic reaction.
If you don’t have an allergy to titanium, most patients go with this option due to the pure durability factor of the substance. This can save patients the need for further dental work down the line, which can, in turn, save patients plenty of time and money.
There are also dental clinics that offer patients dental implants that are composed of a mix of titanium and zirconia. Some patients will find this to be an attractive option overall, so ask your dentist whether this one is available.
Serving Your Dental Implant Needs
Dream Smile of San Bernardino is widely regarded as one of the top dentists in San Bernardino. If you’re considering receiving dental implant work and would like to discuss the subject with a trained professional, contact us today in order to schedule an appointment with our dentist.
