Titanium Dental Implants
Patients who are missing one or more teeth may choose to have their smile restored with dental implants. Implants are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth and provide a secure and stable foundation for speaking and eating every day! Dentures can be a good option for some but dental implants are usually the healthier and longer lasting choice. Dental implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone to act as the root of a tooth and provide the foundation for an implant crown or even an implant supported denture.
Most dental implants are made from titanium which is a metal that is resistant to corrosion and has great biocompatibility which enables them to integrate with the jawbone and safely stay in place for 30+ years. Titanium is non-toxic and non-allergenic and has a protective layer of titanium dioxide which helps it resist chemical and water erosion.
Implant Components
A dental implant is made up of three pieces. The implant itself, an abutment, and the dental restoration which is secured onto the implant. The implant is a titanium post that is screwed into the jawbone with a portion that protrudes through the gum tissue. The abutment is affixed to the implant and acts as a bridge between the implant and the restoration.
Titanium vs. Zirconium
Patients that have severe metal allergies do have the option of an implant fabricated with zirconium. Studies show that zirconium is able to fuse with jawbone as well as titanium and has a great success rate. Titanium is, of course, the more durable material but that may not be an option for everyone. Your dentist will help you determine which material well best suit your individual case.
Implant Placement Procedure
If your dentist determines that you might be a good candidate for a dental implant, they will refer you to an oral surgeon or periodontist who will evaluate your mouth and bone structure. If the specialist determines that you are indeed a candidate for an implant, they will review the procedure and healing time before scheduling you for surgery.
At your surgery appointment, a small incision will be made in the gum tissue and a hole will be drilled into your jaw bone for the implant which will then be screwed into the bone. After the implant is in place, your doctor will put a healing cap over the implant to protect it while it heals. The implant will be allowed to heal and integrate with the bone for up to six months before you are cleared for restoration.
Your implant will effectively act as the root of your missing tooth and will help support bone health by stimulating bone regeneration. Other restoration such as bridges and dentures can actually allow the jawbone to deteriorate over time but dental implants help prevent that.
Once your doctor determines that your implant is ready to be restored, your dentist will place the permanent abutment and your permanent dental prosthesis. An implant can be used to support one or multiple implant crowns. Patients that need to have a full arch of teeth restored even have the option for multiple implants to be placed in order to support a denture.
Titanium dental implants are one of the best ways to restore missing teeth. If you are missing one or multiple teeth, speak with your dentist to see if you may be a candidate for titanium and dental implants.