Dental Implants Materials- An Introduction

Dental implants are undoubtedly one of the most adaptable options available for restorative dentistry.

They not only help to restore the missing teeth but also in restoring a natural, healthy smile and full mouth function.

Without tooth restoration, the gaps in the teeth can lead to a shift of the rest of the teeth and also give rise to serious biting issues and crooked teeth.

But many times when patients are offered dental implants as a solution to their missing teeth, a few questions arise in their minds about what is a dental implant made of and what is the meaning of dental implant materials? 

In this article, we will explain the best materials used in dental implants. 

What are Dental Implants Made of?

All dental implants have been made from titanium, biocompatible material for many years now. Titanium is also used in the surgery of human joints.

But with the advancement of technology, dental implants are now being made from many different dental implant materials. 

Substantial research and review have been conducted about their physical and chemical properties like their microstructure and composition.

It is preferred that dental implant materials should be biocompatible and resistant to both corrosion, breakdown and fracture.

Also Read: How to Prevent an Infection After Dental Implants

What are the Most Common Dental Implant Materials?

Dental implant materials can include titanium or zirconium. However, the implants should be strong, durable and robust irrespective of the material used to make them. 

Both common types of dental implant materials titanium and zirconia have their unique features.

Titanium Dental Implants

Deemed to be the most popular type of dental implant material for many years now, the great characteristic of Titanium was discovered in 1950.

Implants made from titanium metal are known to boost bone growth. This is because when these implants are placed in contact with the bone without any disturbance; the bone grows next to them, helping to create a lasting affinity.

Dental implants made of Titanium are renowned to be the most popular and preferred implants as they provide long-lasting results and that too at a reasonable cost. 

Zirconia Dental Implants

Zirconia is a much more recent innovation, as compared to Titanium and holds the potential for a promising future as a dental implant material.

The full abutment constituting Zirconia implants was put to use in the early 1990s when titanium implant materials were already very popular.

The first zirconia-based all-in-one crown was released in 2003. However, Zirconia dental implant materials are fast rising in popularity despite being relatively new.

Comparing the Titanium and Zirconia Implants

As we have discussed above, the two main dental implant materials are titanium and zirconia, each having its unique features.

Having been time tested, Titanium has proved to be highly successful and useful in both medical and dental treatments.

The versatility of Titanium sets gives it a distinct preference over zirconia, making it the first option in all forms of bone and plate implants.

The benefits of titanium have been reaped by millions of patients to date.

So we can easily say that titanium continues to be better than zirconia as an efficient and reliable dental implant material. 

Having the capability to be produced in a two-piece system, titanium implants consist of a separate abutment that sits atop the implant which is surgically implanted in the bone and connects to the replacement tooth. However, zirconia lacks this ability and is designed as a single piece.

Another reason for Titanium to be considered the best dental implant is its biocompatibility, which closely matches the human body & can fuse with the human bone.

But the zirconia dental implant materials process has the capability to incorporate both post and abutment in a single unit.

This can help reduce the chances of bacteria affecting the gum. However, despite this advantage, the ceramic designs of the zirconia dental implant materials have not really become popular as they have been around only for a short time and have not endured any tests as titanium dental implant materials have with their being around for quite a long time now.

Bottom line

Titanium and Zirconia both have their unique benefits as implants.

An appointment with our expert team at Morgan Hill Dentistry can help you decide on the type of Implant best suited for you.

We at Morgan Hill Dentistry are committed to the most ethical practices and state of art technology to provide you with the best treatments and the most smooth experience.

So if you are suffering from tooth loss or need clarity about the implant best suited for you call to book an appointment