Dental implants are a perfect option for people who have gaps in their smile due to missing teeth. You could lose a tooth due to tooth extraction or an accident. No matter how you lose your tooth, an impant dentist can provide you with the best solution to complete your smile. Dental implants are designed to be sturdy enough to be considered a permanent teeth restoration option. This durability has to do with the materials they are made of.
What to Know About Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium screws placed into your jaw to anchor and support artificial teeth like dentures or dental crowns. They blend in with your natural teeth, so they look comfortable and natural. Also, they are not susceptible to decay. As long as you have healthy gums, dental implants can last a long time.
The visible part of an implant is the prosthetic tooth. This tooth can be made porcelain and is custom-made to match your remaining teeth.
Dental Implant Materials
Dental implants are often made of the following materials:
- Titanium. Almost all dental implants that dentists offer are made of titanium alloy. This safe metal does not pose harm to your mouth’s living tissue. Titanium allergies are quite rare.
- Zirconia. Dental implants today can also be made of Zirconia, which is a mineral-derived element. If this element is formed into dental crowns or implants, it is white in color.
- Ceramic. Ceramics like carbon silicon can be used in implants. But this is a brittle material, which means they do not last a long time.
- Polymers. Sometimes, polymers such as polymethacrylate are used for implants. However, they do not have the durability of titanium and zirconia.
- Other materials. Teeth implants can also be made with gold, stainless steel, and cobalt chromium. These materials are durable and corrosion-resistant; however, their success rates are not as high as titanium and zirconia.
Dental Implant Care
The prosthetic tooth that completes your dental restoration is made of durable materials; however, it has to be taken care of properly to ensure it will last. You need to brush and floss your teeth to get rid of food particles and maintain healthy gums. Also, you must visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings at least twice every year. Your dentist may need to see you frequently to assess your gums’ condition. People who have dental implants are susceptible to gum disease, which can cause your dental implants to fail.