What Materials Does Your Dentist Use for Dental Implants?

Dental implants have technically been around for thousands of years, but the implants used back then are nothing like the ones you’ll find in a dental office today. In Ancient China, implants were made from bamboo 4,000 years ago. In Egypt, kings would use copper material to place implants, typically post-death. Of course, implants that were placed in live patients were always rejected. That is, until a dentist found the missing link.

This material is now the standard for all implant procedures, not just dental implants. Keep reading to learn what it is!

How Titanium Works With Dental Implants

Titanium is the most commonly used metal not just in dentistry, but for practically every implant procedure in medicine today. Not only is it used for pins, bone plates, screws, bars, rods and other essential attachments for surgical implants, but also for tools used in the placement of those attachments. You’ll find medical grade titanium used for tweezers, forceps and dental drills to name a few.

The reason you see titanium used in medicine in general is the same reason you’ll find it in dental implants. It’s non-toxic and biocompatible, meaning it can be used in the body without fear of rejection, which was the common issue prior to its discovery in medicine. Furthermore, titanium is able to bond with bone and gum tissue, creating an incredibly sturdy foundation ideal and necessary for replacement teeth.

However, not even the strong and lightweight properties of titanium are ideal for all patients.

Zirconia’s Role in the Dental Industry

While titanium is incredibly versatile in dentistry, some people aren’t able to use it because they carry an allergy to certain metals. The alloys used in titanium can easily cause an allergic reaction, even years after an implant was already placed. That’s where zirconia comes in.

Zirconia is incredibly durable and ideal for successful implant treatments in the long-term. When used for implants, they typically only consist of a single piece, which works to reduce space and prevent infections from developing as easily. It’s also ideal for patients who have thin gums that may be translucent, causing titanium implants to be more visible.

Is One Material Better Over the Other?

Technically, both materials make fantastic candidates for dental implants. The material you use will be determined by a dentist as well as your own unique needs as a patient. For example, if you have an allergy to metal or particularly thin gums, then using a non-metallic implant material will likely provide a better outcome. However, this is often a rare issue, so traditional titanium may work just fine. Therefore, zirconia may not be worth the extra cost if there isn’t any added treatment benefit.

No matter what material you choose, you should always discuss it with a dentist first. Schedule a consultation today to determine what your needs are for replacing teeth!

About the Author

Dr. Patrick Crowley is highly trained in the process of placing implants and creating restorations that blend in perfectly with your smile. By keeping the entire process in one location, he can work with you every step of the way instead of sending you to an oral surgeon offsite. To learn more about the process or find out which implant option is best for you, you can contact him through his website.