If you have been diagnosed to get dental implants, you probably have been thinking; What are dental implants made of? Are they biologically safe to be put inside of my mouth? Is it even a safe treatment?
Well the answer to all those questions are going to be in this post so let’s get started!
What Are Dental Implants?
Before getting to the main event of this post which is the answer to the question what are dental implants made of; let’s first take a brief look at what dental implants are.
Dental implants are structures similar to screws that simply replace the root of an organic tooth so a ceramic dental crown can be installed where a tooth has been lost.
It is the go-to treatment when it comes to professional conventional and holistic dentist such as Dr. Maryam Horiyat when it comes saving your body from a tooth that has decayed beyond repair.
Dr. Maryam Horiyat also recommends getting a dental implant instead of a root canal treatment as it is more durable, sustainable long lasting. You can read all about alternatives to root canals in our other post here.
Dr. Horiyat has also explained everything you need to know about he alternatives to root canal in the following video.
You can also read more about what dental implants actually are in this post by clicking here.
What Are Dental Implants Made of?
Now let’s see what dental implants are actually made of.
For many years, the medical industry primarily used titanium and titanium alloys to create implants fora all parts of the body. However, with advancements in technology and research, implants are now made from a variety of materials such as zirconia which offer unique benefits. To name a few, zirconia is highly biocompatible, meaning they interact well with the human body and are highly resistant to both fracturing and corrosion.
Here are some of the most commonly used implant materials:
Titanium
This remains the most popular choice for dental implants due to its ability to promote the osseointegration process and its relative affordability. Just one week after implant surgery, the bone begins to fuse with the titanium post, and this process continues throughout the patient’s life. Typically, titanium implants consist of two parts: the implant screw, which replaces the tooth root, and an implant abutment, which connects the screw to the crown. This two-piece system allows for deep placement into the bone.
However, studies show that these are not the best choice. Titanium is known to be a metal that is not as bio compatible as once thought to be. Check out the video below to see what Dr. Horiyat has to say about titanium dental implants.
In this video Dr. Horiayt dives deep into why one must not opt for titanium implants and in fact, must get rid of them!
Zirconia
Zirconia has shown great promise, especially for patients who are allergic to titanium. Zirconia implants are generally one-piece and can often be completed in a single session. However, they can be more challenging to insert compared to titanium implants for conventional dentist.
For Dr. Horiayt however, who is a certified holistic and implantologist it is a routine procedure that carries out daily.
Take a look at the video below to learn more about why you should opt for zirconia dental implants.
Are There Other Materials for Dental Implants?
While titanium and zirconia are the most commonly used materials for dental implants, there are other, less conventional options that may be of interest if you’re exploring all available choices.
Some of these alternative implant materials include:
Polymers
This biodegradable material offers flexibility in its composition, making it easier to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. However, polymers are not as durable as other implant materials.
Ceramics
Certain ceramics, like carbon-silicon, can also be used for dental implants. These materials are both durable and strong, but their brittle nature can limit their effectiveness as a long-term tooth replacement solution.
Alternative metals
Other metals, such as stainless steel, gold, and cobalt-chromium, can be used to create dental implants. These metals are known for their durability and resistance to corrosion but tend to have lower success rates compared to titanium and zirconia implants.
While these alternative materials are available, their lower success rates generally make them less favored by oral surgeons.
Final Words
Getting a dental implant may feel like a big step however this is not always the case. Tens of patients get their implants done every day at Aria Dental. If you are looking for a reliable source for your dental implants, do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation with Dr. Maryam Horiyat.
