Titanium Dental Implants
An ideal solution for missing or lost teeth, dental implants have become the medical standard and have been in use since the 1960s. Often preferred over conventional dentures that are uncomfortable and aesthetically unpleasing, dental implants offer a natural-looking, more comfortable replacement option.
When evaluating which type of dental implant to use, oral surgeons have a few options to choose from, but titanium is most often used. This brief will examine the characteristics of titanium dental implants and evaluate why they may or may not be the appropriate implant material for a patient.
Titanium Dental Implants: An Overview
Whereas traditional dentures merely rest on a patient’s gums, titanium dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and essentially replace the missing tooth roots. As the implant fuses with the bone over time through a process called osseointegration, a sturdy foundation is created and the implant is anchored firmly in place.
Dental implants are comprised of a few main components, including:
- The Implant – surgically placed in the jawbone under the gum tissue
- An Abutment – connector that screws onto the implant
- The Crown – prosthetic replacement tooth mounted on the abutment
Benefits of Titanium Dental Implants
One benefit of choosing titanium dental implants is the piece of mind that comes with over 40 years of clinical research, product development, and use of the material. Because titanium has been used in dental implants for decades, more is known about its long-term effectiveness. Based on data compiled over the years, the success rate of titanium dental implants 10 years post-surgery is over 98% with many patients going 25 or more years without complication.
Another advantage of titanium is its biocompatibility and ability to fully integrate with bone. Because fusion between the implant and jawbone is crucial to long-term success, selecting a material with superior fusion capability makes titanium a logical material choice.
Despite being very lightweight, titanium is stronger than steel and retains its shape after being bent. With its high resistance to external force, titanium implant fractures rarely occur. Titanium is also minimally corrosive making it difficult for chemicals and water to penetrate.
Drawbacks of Titanium Dental Implants
Sensitivity or allergy to the rare metals used in titanium dental implants is sometimes suggested to be a drawback. While allergic reactions can occur, they appear to be quite rare. So rare in fact that in a 2008 study of 1500 patients, only 0.6% had allergic reactions to titanium. Patients that are concerned about titanium allergies may want to consult an allergist when determining what material is suitable for their dental implants. Should titanium be ruled out due to allergy concerns, zirconia could be a suitable metal-free alternative.
Another potential drawback of titanium dental implants is their appearance. Because of the color of the material, there is a risk that the dark color of titanium could show through the gumline. Patients that are concerned with cosmetic appearances, may find that zirconia is a preferable alternative because the material more closely matches that of the surrounding natural teeth.