Dental Implants and Titanium
The most biocompatible of all metals, titanium is the doctor’s choice as a biomedical tool. First used in surgery in the 1950’s, titanium is beneficial and is widely accepted by medical practitioners, patients, and engineers. Dental implants are a more cosmetic alternative to dentures, replacing missing teeth. Every implant consists of two parts – the base that is integrated with the jaw bone and the crown that is shaped like a tooth. So in majority of the cases, the root is made of titanium and the crown is made of ceramic. But why is titanium a common favorite among dental surgeons?
The secret unveiled
So why is titanium, the choice of material for dental implants? A lightweight metal, titanium easily fuses with real bone. This process of integration is known as osseo integration. Since titanium is pure, it does not face the prospect of getting rejected by the body’s immune system. It is a metal that is compatible with oral tissues and bones.
Available in four varieties, distinguished by iron and carbon concentrations, titanium of grade five is used for dental implants. Grade 5 titanium is stronger and more resistant to fractures; it is not only used in dental implants but also in joint replacement surgeries.
So the advantages of titanium are
- Highly durable and corrosion resistant
- The best option medically if you want to undergo routine dental care
- Perfectly biocompatible with bone
- A high success rate of implants : 95%
- Cannot be eaten away by bacteria
- Does not decay
- Titanium is a strong metal but it is also very light
Fixing the implant
First step, anchor the titanium piece or root to the jaw bone. After this, the healing process begins that involves allowing the implant to combine with the bone. The bone grows over the titanium root. It’s quite cosmetically appealing because the titanium forms a good base for the ceramic crown. The crown looks just like your other teeth, so you have nothing to worry about. No one will know whether you’ve had an implant done or it’s your natural teeth. During the healing process, a temporary crown is fixed to give the root some stability. Titanium alloys can also be used for mini dental implants.
Limitations of Titanium replacements
- Getting a titanium implant does not mean you neglect your oral hygiene
- Implants do not replace visits to the dentist
- If your gums are prone to bleeding and your mouth is prone to dryness, then an implant cannot get rid of these problems
- Titanium implants can never replace your original teeth in terms of strength, beauty, and more.
If you have missing teeth and dentures are not your preferred treatment then titanium implants are your solution. Make sure that before you get your implants done, you maintain your oral hygiene and visit your medical doctor regularly. Get it done from a professional and ensure that the material is medical grade titanium of the highest quality.
