What Material Are Dental Implants Made Of?

Dental implants play a pivotal role in modern dentistry, offering a durable and lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Therefore the choice of materials is vital for their effectiveness.

Dental implants are designed to replace the roots of missing teeth and are surgically placed into the jawbone. This provides a stable foundation for dental crowns, effectively restoring both the function and aesthetics of missing teeth. But exactly what are dental implants and and what material are dental implants made of? Read about all that and more below!

What are dental implants and what are their components?

Choosing the right materials for dental implants is crucial to ensure the success and durability of the treatment. Dentists consider factors such as biocompatibility, strength, aesthetics and durability to select the most suitable material for each patient. To make well-informed decisions, dentists need to explain and educate patients about the different materials used. This approach ensures a higher level of success and patient satisfaction.

Dental implants have three main components, that is the dental implant fixture or screw, implant abutment and implant crown.

1) Implant Fixture/Screw

The implant fixture is the part that is surgically screwed or embedded into the jawbone. It acts as an artificial root for the new tooth and is designed to integrate with the bone (osseointegration), providing a strong and stable foundation for artificial tooth. Here are the common materials used in dental implant fixture.

• Titanium: Titanium is the most popular material for dental implant fixtures due to its compatibility with the human body, allowing for successful integration with the jawbone and providing stability for artificial teeth.

• Titanium Alloys: At times, titanium implant fixtures are alloyed with other metals to boost their strength and longevity, thereby enhancing their overall effectiveness.

• Zirconia: Zirconia is a rising material in dental implants, known for its biocompatibility, strength, aesthetics and ability to reduce plaque formation, making it a preferred choice for many patients.

• Other Materials: Apart from the common materials like titanium, titanium alloys and zirconia, materials such as ceramic and specific polymers may also be used based on individual patient needs.

2) Implant Abutment

In the context of dental implants, the implant abutment is a key element in the restoration process, acting as a connector between the implant fixture and the final restoration. This component, typically made of titanium, ensures a stable foundation for the restoration, contributing to a secure and functional outcome for patients in implant dentistry.

• Titanium: Titanium is biocompatible, strong, durable, and integrates well with bone. In fact, it's the only material that combines all these favorable qualities, making it a popular choice.

• Zirconia: Zirconia is another option, valued for its tooth-colored appearance and strength, which makes it ideal for front teeth where aesthetics are important.

• Gold: Gold, though less common now, offers excellent fit and durability due to its strength and resistance to corrosion.

• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is typically used for temporary abutments due to its strength and durability.

• PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone):  PEEK is an emerging material that is biocompatible, strong and lightweight, providing a good alternative to metal abutments.

3) Implant Crowns

Implant crowns serve a key role in replacing missing or damaged teeth by providing strength and durability for normal dental function. The crowns are designed to mimic the appearance of the natural tooth and its functions, offering patients a reliable and long-term solution for tooth replacement. The implant crown is typically placed on the implant abutment and glued together with medical grade cement.

Types of Implant Crowns

• Zirconia: Known for its natural appearance, strength, and biocompatibility, Zirconia dental implants have become an increasingly popular choice for tooth replacement, offering a viable alternative to traditional titanium dental implants.

• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Combining porcelain aesthetics with metal strength, PFM crowns offer durability and a natural look.

• Emax: Emax crowns are favored for their aesthetic appeal and strength.

• Gold: Gold crowns are highly durable but less commonly used for aesthetic reasons.

• Acrylic (PMMA) / Composite Resin: These materials are often used for temporary implant crowns due to their cost-effectiveness.
  

For those concerned with the appearance of their artificial tooth, zirconia implants can provide a more natural tooth-like appearance, especially in the anterior region where aesthetics are paramount.

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Zirconia or Titanium Dental Implants: Choosing the right material for optimal oral health

Both implant materials have their merits, with zirconia implants known for their biocompatibility and aesthetic appeal. At the same time, titanium alloy remains the gold standard due to its proven durability and long-term success rate.

For those concerned with the appearance of their artificial tooth, zirconia implants can provide a more natural tooth-like appearance, especially in the anterior region where aesthetics are paramount. Gum tissue compatibility is another significant factor when choosing the right material for dental implants. Zirconia is often praised for its smooth surface, which may result in less plaque accumulation and better gum tissue health.

Titanium posts or implants, made from a titanium alloy, have been the material of choice for decades due to their strength and integration with the human body. The titanium metal used in these implants is highly resistant to corrosion and has a long history of success in oral health, particularly when paired with dental crowns.

Dental crowns, which are placed atop the implant, play a crucial role in mimicking the function and appearance of a natural tooth, ensuring that the tooth replacement feels and looks as close to the original as possible. However, titanium and zirconia both exhibit excellent integration with the human body, making them suitable for a wide range of patients. When considering these materials, it’s important to understand the individual needs.

Whether opting for titanium dental implants or zirconia implants, scheduling a consultation is the best way to determine the most appropriate and durable material for dental treatment, ensuring a successful outcome for long-term oral health.

Conclusion

In summary, implant crowns are essential for dental implants, offering patients a dependable and aesthetically pleasing solution for tooth replacement. Understanding the material options and associated benefits empowers individuals to make informed choices regarding their dental care and overall well-being.

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References

1. Saini, M., Singh, Y., Arora, P., Arora, V., & Jain, K. (2015). Implant biomaterials: A comprehensive review. World journal of clinical cases, 3(1), 52–57. https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v3.i1.52
2. Osman, R. B., & Swain, M. V. (2015). A Critical Review of Dental Implant Materials with an Emphasis on Titanium versus Zirconia. Materials (Basel, Switzerland), 8(3), 932–958. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8030932
3. Panchal, M. et al. (2022) ‘Dental implants: A review of types, design analysis, materials, additive manufacturing methods, and future scope’, Materials Today: Proceedings, 68, pp. 1860–1867. doi:10.1016/j.matpr.2022.08.049.