If you’re thinking about getting dental implants in Mandeville, you may be curious about what materials dental implants are made of, why these materials are used, and their benefits. The team at the Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence is here to help.
In this blog, we’ll explain the materials that are usually used for dental implants, and explore how these advanced materials help provide a long-lasting tooth restoration with a 30+ year lifespan.
The term “dental implant” technically refers to the small rod or screw-shaped piece of material that’s surgically placed directly into your jaw bone, functioning as an artificial tooth root. Dental implants are usually made out of titanium, though they may be alloyed with a few other metals to provide better durability and strength.
Titanium is used because it’s highly biocompatible. This means that it’s rarely rejected by the body. In fact, it can bond permanently with bone tissue, which locks the implant in place permanently. Titanium’s ability to permanently “osseointegrate” with bone was first discovered in the middle of the 20th century.
Since then, it has been used in a wide variety of medical implants, including hip replacements and to help heal broken bones. Its high biocompatibility is also why it’s used to create dental implants.
However, in recent years, zirconia dental implants have become an alternative to titanium. They still are much less common, but may be a good option for patients who cannot get titanium implants, or who prefer a metal-free treatment process.
Dental implant restorations such as crowns, implant-supported bridges, and implant-supported dentures are usually made primarily out of ceramic materials like porcelain, though some metal components may also need to be incorporated depending on the type of restoration.
Porcelain is widely used to create dental implant restorations because it’s very similar to teeth in hardness, translucence, appearance, and overall durability. This makes it a particularly good option when only replacing one or several teeth, since it will integrate well with any remaining healthy teeth.
However, zirconia is also becoming more common for dental implant restorations, particularly for dental crowns. Zirconia is very durable, looks similar to natural enamel, and is very resistant to chipping and cracking. However, it’s usually more expensive, and most dentists still do not offer zirconia restorations, though they’re becoming more common.
The overall durability and appearance of zirconia and porcelain are similar, though. They both offer a natural, life-like appearance, and dental restorations built from these materials typically last between 10-20 years.
At the Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence, Dr. Charles Schof specializes in implant dentistry. If you’re interested in permanently restoring your smile and replacing one, several, or a whole mouth of missing teeth, we’re here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at (985) 626-4401 to schedule an appointment today.
