About 93% of dental implants in the US are made from titanium. It’s the gold standard in restorative dentistry, trusted by professionals for decades. But why is titanium used for implants? What makes this metal so special? Is it just about strength, or is there more to the story? Aspire Dental Wellness is here to help you understand the science behind it.
Why Is Titanium Used for Implants?
Titanium is a strong, lightweight metal with excellent resistance to corrosion, but this is just part of why it’s used in both medicine and dentistry. It’s been part of modern dental implant history from the very beginning, pioneered by Swedish researcher Per-Ingvar Brånemark in the mid-20th century. But why is titanium used for dental implants exactly? Let’s break down the key reasons behind its lasting success.
Biocompatible and Trusted for a Reason
Titanium is considered to be one of the most biocompatible metals out there. This means that, in most cases, the body accepts it without any reaction. Because of that, it’s also used in medicine for hip replacements or bone repairs. When it comes to implant restorations, titanium pieces have an impressive long-term success rate. According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, it’s as high as 96.4% after 10 years.
A big part of titanium’s biocompatibility is something called osseointegration. This refers to the process of the dental implant naturally bonding with the jawbone, creating a strong and stable foundation. When osseointegration is successful, the device can function just like a natural tooth root would, and the dental crown placed over it will have a sturdy base.
Titanium Stands the Test of Time
One of the biggest reasons why titanium is used for dental implants is its durability. It can handle the pressure of daily chewing and biting without wearing down or breaking over time. It also has excellent corrosion resistance, which is obviously important for a device that’s placed inside the mouth. With a good oral hygiene routine and proper care, these implants can last decades, often for the rest of a patient’s life.
What Can You Expect From the Titanium Implant Procedure?
If your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark recommends a dental implant, the journey begins with placing the piece itself, often called a post. It looks like a small screw that is inserted directly into your jawbone. After implant surgery, there’s usually a healing period that lasts a few months, giving your jaw time to recover and allowing osseointegration to take place.
Once healing is complete, an abutment is attached to the top of the post, serving as the base for the dental crown. After that, all that’s left to do is place the custom-made crown, which is designed to both function and look just like a natural tooth. With that, your smile makeover is complete.
What Is Recovery After Titanium Implants Like?
The whole process of getting dental implants can be long, with just osseointegration taking anywhere from three to six months. After the first Charlotte, NC, dentist appointment, it’s completely normal to have some swelling or tenderness for a few days. It’s a natural part of the healing process. To help everything go smoothly, stick to a soft food diet and, of course, keep up with good oral hygiene. These simple habits will help a lot during recovery.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Titanium Implants?
For most people, titanium dental implants are a safe, long-term solution with very few associated risks. As we’ve already discussed, this biocompatible metal has a strong track record when it comes to safety and success.
However, in rare cases, people may experience allergic reactions to titanium. So, if you’ve ever had metal sensitivities in the past, it’s best to consult with your restorative dentist in Charlotte, NC, about it.
It’s also important to know that certain health conditions, like diabetes, can affect how well the post bonds with the jawbone. That’s why a full health evaluation, paired with a careful, holistic approach, is always part of planning treatments at Aspire Dental Wellness.
Are There Any Alternatives to Titanium Implants?
Thanks to modern advancements in dental technology, we now have access to several types of dental implants. Ongoing research and innovation have led to plenty of new materials, some of which even outperform titanium in some aspects. Here are some of the alternative options:
- Zirconia – this ceramic material is a newer, metal-free solution that is often recommended for patients with titanium allergies,
- Polymers – biodegradable and easily customizable for aesthetic purposes, polymers offer flexibility but lack the durability of other materials,
- Alternative metals – gold, stainless steel, and cobalt-chromium are durable and corrosion-resistant options, though they generally have lower long-term success rates.
Depending on your oral health, lifestyle, and personal preferences, our implant dentist in Charlotte, NC, will carefully design the perfect treatment plan for you. It’s all about creating a solution that fits you, not the other way around.
Find the Best Implant Solution With Our Team at Aspire Dental Wellness
Titanium might have earned its reputation as the golden standard of implant dentistry, but that isn’t a guarantee that it will work with every smile out there. That’s why our team at Aspire Dental Wellness takes a personalized, holistic approach to every treatment.
Led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, we always find the right solution for our patients. If you need dental implant services, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Let’s create a smile that feels as good as it looks.
