Titanium’s mechanical properties, its resistance to wear and tear, and its biocompatibility have made it the go-to choice for dental implants. Despite many alternative materials over the years, titanium implants are still on the top. In this blog post, let’s discuss 9 distinct advantages titanium has over others.
Choosing Titanium Dental Implants
Here’s why titanium is the first choice for implants:
1. Unmatched Durability
When it comes to dental implants, durability is a must since they have to withstand the force of your jaw. Titanium has tensile strength (resistance to breaking under pressure). Fractures in titanium implants are rare, making them a top choice for dental procedures.
2. Lightweight Advantage
Dental implants should also be lightweight because you would not want a heavy chunk of metal in your mouth for an extended period. While titanium’s characteristics are like steel, it is approximately 45% lighter. This makes it the ideal material for dental implants.
3. Proven Longevity
The longevity of titanium implants is well-studied. The first titanium implants lasted for over 40 years! This impressive record demonstrates that titanium implants are a cost-effective and long-lasting solution for dental issues.
4. Biocompatibility
We understand that the mere thought of having metal in your mouth for a long period may be quite unsettling, but not when it comes to titanium. This metal is biocompatible, meaning it is well-tolerated by the human body. Allergic reactions to titanium implants are rare, and it is generally considered non-toxic.
5. Osseointegration Power
Osseointegration is a crucial process where your dental implant fuses with the jawbone. It takes time, maybe several months. You cannot attempt to either shorten it or skip it since this process is essential for the implant’s success. Titanium is one of the select materials known to promote osseointegration. The implant integrates tightly with your bone, resulting in strength and stability. This is why titanium is also used in other medical applications, such as knee and hip joint replacements.
6. Hypoallergenic Properties
One advantage that is often overlooked is titanium implants and their hypoallergenic nature. Hypoallergenic materials are those that do not cause allergic reactions in individuals, making them a safe choice. Titanium’s hypoallergenic properties are important because the materials come into direct contact with the sensitive tissues of the oral cavity. Unlike other metals that can trigger allergic responses, titanium has a good track record of being well-tolerated by the human body.
7. Corrosion Resistance
When it comes to dental implants, resistance to corrosion is very important, and titanium is a winner in this regard, forming protective oxide layers on its surface. Its natural defense mechanism protects the implant from a wide range of substances that could potentially damage it, ensuring its longevity.
8. Non-Magnetic Advantage
Pure titanium is non-magnetic, which makes it immune to external interference. You would not set off metal detectors anywhere, and they are safely used with magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), too.
9. Flexibility and Elasticity
When talking about the flexibility and elasticity of titanium it is quite similar to that of a real human bone. This interesting characteristic allows the titanium dental implant to share the load with the surrounding bone, helping accentuate bone health and ultimately reducing the risk of implant failure.
Closing Note
We hope that this blog has answered most of the questions regarding the choice of titanium dental implants. Although your dentist is the one who will be making the final call, it is better to stay informed nonetheless. For more information, contact Pasadena Oral Surgery at (281) 299 0053.