Titanium Dental Implants

Dental implants are an ideal tooth replacement treatment solution. Unlike many of the other tooth replacement treatment options, dental implants are designed to provide an artificial tooth root, creating a stable and secure foundation to attach permanent crowns and dentures. If you are interested in investing in dental implants, you may be considering the numerous options available to you, including what implant system is right for you and if you want titanium or zirconia implants. Below is more information to help you make these decisions.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a post that is surgically installed into the jawbone. This implant is designed to act like the root of a tooth. After the implant surgery, a several month healing period is required to allow time for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. Once the implant is secure, an artificial crown or dentures can be attached to the top. While the total treatment process can take several months, dental implants provide durability, stability, and security that other replacement options do not offer.

Why Titanium?

There are a few types of dental implants available, but titanium implants are the most popular choice. Here are few reasons why titanium implants are so popular:

  • Biocompatible: Besides the osseointegration process when the implant fuses with the bone, titanium is nontoxic and has no harmful effects on the body.
  • Minimal Corrosion: Titanium is a corrosion-resistant alloy. This means titanium does not breakdown and water and chemicals don’t penetrate the implant.
  • Durability: Titanium is lighter and stronger than steel. Once fused to the jawbone, titanium dental implants can last for 30 years or more.

Titanium vs. Zirconia Implants

Zirconia implants are a new and popular alternative to titanium implants. While there is less evidence, some studies suggest that zirconia implants have a success rate comparable to titanium implants. Deciding on which implant material is right for you is a choice that you and your dentist will need to make. Most dentists will choose titanium alloy, because titanium effectively integrates with the bone and the success rates for titanium implants is typically 95% or higher. However, some individuals are particularly allergic or sensitive to metals used in the titanium alloy implants and zirconia implants may be the best choice for them. Zirconia implants are strong and also fuse well with the jawbone. Here are some of the benefits of titanium dental implants:

  • Long-term evidence: Years of research indicate that titanium implants successfully last for decades. Evidence on zirconia implants is limited, although a few studies suggest a similar effectiveness of zirconia, less is known about their long-term success. Overall, titanium implants can be counted on to provide reliable results.
  • Versatility: Because they can be made as either one or two-piece systems, titanium implants offer greater versatility and flexibility. Zirconia implants are only made as a single piece so implant restorations must be cemented in place. Titanium implants offer a more adaptable approach to treatment which may allow more flexibility in your tooth replacement treatment plan.

Permanent Dental Implant Dentures