Titanium Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most popular options for patients who need to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental implants are most commonly made from titanium and provide the stability and support for patients to comfortably eat and speak. A dental implant can replace an individual tooth, support a partial denture, an entire arch or even both arches. Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants and those who are not may need to take the route of a traditional adventure.
Dental implants are surgically placed directly into the jaw bone and form a fusion with the bone structure to act as the root of a tooth. After dental implants are placed, the patient is left to heal for up to six months while the implant fuses with the bone. Implants help stimulate bone regeneration whereas other restorative prostheses can actually lead to bone deterioration.
For patients who are unable to endure the extensive surgery and healing time that accompanies dental implant surgery, traditional dentures or other dental restorations may be a better choice. For those who can receive dental implants, titanium dental implants are not only the more aesthetically pleasing option, they are also healthier for your overall well being.
What makes up a dental implant?
A titanium dental implant is constructed using three parts including the implant, an abutment, and the implant restoration which may be an implant crown to replace an individual tooth or an implant supported denture.
The implant itself is a titanium post that is screwed directly into the jaw bone with a small portion protruding through the gum tissue. The abutment is attached to the implant and acts as the bridge between the implant and the implant restoration.
How are dental implants placed?
If your Dentist believes that you are a candidate for a dental implant, they will refer you to either an Oral Surgeon or a Periodontist for evaluation. One of these specialists is the doctor that will place your implant before your dentist restores it. The specialist will evaluate your entire mouth and study your x-rays to determine if there is enough bone structure to support an implant and make sure that you are otherwise healthy overall. If you do not have enough bone structure, you may need to receive a bone graft before your implant.
If they determine that you are healthy enough, they will schedule you for surgery as soon as possible. At the time of your surgery, they will administer a local anesthetic before making a small incision in the gum tissue. They will then drill a small hole into your jaw bone and will screw the implant in place. Your doctor will then place a temporary abutment to protect the implant from damage or infection while it heals and fuses with your jaw bone.
The number of implants you receive will depend on the number of teeth that need to be replaced. A full denture on the upper or lower can require between four and eight implants per arch.
Dental implants are typically made from titanium because titanium is a metal that is resistant to corrosion and has a great biocompatibility, enabling it to integrate with the jaw bone. Titanium is a non-toxic and non-allergenic metal with a protective layer of titanium dioxide which makes the implant resistant to a chemical and water erosion.
For patients who suffer from severe metal allergies, there is the option of a zirconium implant, which has the same biocompatibility qualities as titanium. Titanium is usually the preferred material because it is more durable and resistant to fracture but not everyone is able to have titanium so zirconium is a great alternative!
If you are interested in receiving a dental implant, speak with your doctor to discuss your options and decide together which material it will provide the best results for you.