How The Different Types Of Dental Implant Materials Compare

The choice of treatments for tooth loss has expanded dramatically over the years. While in the past patients were limited to dentures, bridges and crowns, they can now opt for dental implants to replace missing teeth. The huge success rate of the implants, over 98%, and their longevity, they can last for over three decades, makes them very popular.

As a patient, you and your dentist will have to take several important decisions when receiving this treatment. One of them is what type of implant material should be used. Here is an overview of dental implants and the two materials used for making them to give you a general idea of what to expect.

Dental Implant Basics

The implants are posts which are inserted into the gum via a surgical procedure. After the surrounding bone heals, the dental expert will attach a crown or another type of prosthesis, such as All-on-4, for instance, to the part of the post which protrudes over the gum. This is how the implants look and feel completely natural.

A Choice Between Titanium and Zirconia

The majority of dental implants are made with the use of titanium and more specifically with a titanium alloy. This metal is very strong and highly resistant to damage. Still, its main advantage is that it integrates naturally into the jawbone tissue. The tissue grows around the implants, which help to make the bone stronger.

Titanium is not known to cause allergic reactions. In fact, there have been no reported cases of titanium dental implants triggering an allergy in patients. Still, people who have great sensitivity to metals and those who are known to be allergic to one or more of the other metals in the alloy, may prefer the alternative – zirconia implants.

While you are surely well-familiar with the form of zirconia used be jewelers, the experts in dental labs use zirconium oxide combined with two types of metals, hafnium and yttrium, to produce dental implants. The material is classified as ceramic and mimics closely the color and appearance of teeth.

Zirconia has several advantages over titanium. If the implants show through the gums, they look completely natural. The material is considered to have greater resistance to the natural processes and chemical compounds in the body that could cause damage to metal. Additionally, it doesn’t absorb and transfer heat in the way titanium does and this can make the patient feel more comfortable.

There is one particular field where titanium beats zirconia. The titanium posts are usually two-piece structures, with one piece sitting entirely within the jawbone and the other one protruding out of the gum. This makes it possible to the upper piece to be accurately adjusted for perfect alignment and maximum comfort. The one-piece zirconia implants do not offer this kind of flexibility.

Making a Decision

When you are looking for permanent tooth replacement, your dentist will first run an exam and some tests and then explain your options in detail and provide guidance to help you make the right decision. To book an appointment with a specialist at GK Family Dentistry, contact us.