When people speak about dental implants, they are usually talking about a specific type of implant — those made out of a titanium alloy. However, implants constructed of stainless steel and non-metal materials (zirconia) are also offered by some dentists and oral surgeons. While each type of implant has its unique advantages, titanium ones are widely regarded as the best option for most patients. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some benefits of titanium dental implants that make them a wonderful tool for tooth replacement.
Strength
The alloy used to make titanium implants is highly resistant to fracture. It can withstand the repeated pressure that comes from chewing even the toughest foods — foods that you might not dare to touch with traditional dentures. It also endures well under forces that cause bending (flexural strength). This is in contrast to zirconia implants, which are more likely to fracture due to their limited flexural strength.
Biocompatibility
If a material is biocompatible, that means it works well within the human body. The titanium alloy used to make dental implants is very biocompatible. It is even capable of bonding with the surrounding bone tissue in a process known as osseointegration. It is thus able to provide the strongest base of support possible for the artificial teeth that go on top of it.
Also, titanium is hypoallergenic. That means it is a safe material choice even for most individuals who are sensitive to metals or who have metal allergies.
A High Success Rate
Titanium dental implants have been around since 1965, but their popularity really took off in the 1970s. Thus, researchers have had more than 50 years to analyze their long-term success rate. While the numbers vary from study to study, results consistently reveal that dental implants are successful. In fact, according to some research, their success rate is over 95%.
Longevity
For the majority of patients who invest in titanium dental implants, they can expect the results of their treatment to endure for decades. In fact, with proper care (including excellent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups), implants have the potential to last an entire lifetime!
Jawbone Preservation
When a natural tooth goes missing, the bone that once supported it begins to deteriorate. Over time, it can lose a significant portion of its mass. Because dental implants bond with the bone and act as substitute tooth roots, they stimulate the surrounding tissue. They can therefore prevent and even reverse bone loss to a degree.
Are you ready to replace your missing teeth? Titanium dental implants may be the ideal treatment for you.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Steve Koo, Tom Weil, and William Shepard are the oral surgeons at Piney Point Dental Implant Center. They have decades of combined experience, and they are proud to offer numerous types of dental implant treatments, including many that use titanium implants. If you are in the process of weighing your tooth replacement options, contact our office at 713-597-7340 to learn how we may be able to serve you.