Dental implants are the most popular restorative option used nowadays. Their effectiveness, appearance, and durability will be highly affected by the materials used to design them.
Two of the main materials used to compose implants are titanium and zirconia. Both these materials have their own set of benefits and drawbacks that need to be considered if you are looking to restore your missing teeth. Continue reading further if you are interested in learning more about dental implant materials and understanding their differences.
The Importance Of Implant Material In Dental Procedures
The material chosen to make dental implants will have a significant impact on their success. Choosing between zirconia and titanium is more than simply a matter of personal taste. Functionality, durability, and patient compatibility will all be impacted by this decision.
Due to the new developments in implant dentistry, patients will be between different material options. Each one of these dental implant options will offer its own benefits and drawbacks that should be carefully considered.
Choosing the wrong dental implant material might result in issues such as implant failure, potential allergic responses, body rejection, and distinctions in appearance from other teeth.
Furthermore, we will emphasize the impact that the right dental implant material has and how it will affect the success of this restorative treatment. We’ll also look at why some materials, like titanium, have established themselves as industry norms and talk about new options, like zirconia.
Additionally, it is equally important to also understand the potential risks of choosing the wrong material for your dental implants. This blog post will help you understand and make the right choice of material for your new teeth.
Why Your Dental Implant Material Matters
Dental implants will be perfect for replacing missing teeth. They will be designed to perfectly mimic their function and appearance.
However, one important factor that will impact their effectiveness will be the material used to compose them. Choosing the right material for dental implants is essential for a number of reasons:
The material of the dental implant is very important when it comes to biocompatibility. In order for the implant to be secured and to stay like that throughout your whole life, you have to choose a material that the body won’t refuse.
The quality of the materials used to compose dental implants has a direct effect on their durability. It is important to choose a dental clinic that uses high-quality materials for their dental appliances.
Different implant materials will offer different aesthetical benefits. Some materials will do a better job depending on the location of the missing tooth.
Some patients may have allergic reactions to materials used in dental implants. It is important to choose a clinic that uses hypoallergic materials in order to prevent allergies in those who are sensitive.
Last but not least, the materials used in dental implants should support bone health and help maintain bone volume around the implant site. Choosing the right material for your new teeth is essential for ensuring long-term success.
Comparing Titanium And Zirconia For Dental Implant Success
As previously mentioned, the material used in dental implants plays a crucial role in their success. The choice between titanium and zirconia impacts not only the implant’s durability but also its ability to integrate with the body.
To better understand how the choice of material can influence the success or failure of the dental implant procedure, consider these important factors:
Titanium is considered a very durable material and it will endure the same pressure as your natural teeth. This means that you won’t experience any difficulties while eating and chewing your food. If you go for a less durable implant material you have a higher possibility of dealing with fractures and other issues which will eventually lead to dental implant failure.
Both zirconia and titanium are well known for their ability to be compatible with the jawbone. This will encourage the osseointegration process which is the process of the bone fusing with the jaw. This process is crucial for the success of the procedure, and if it is disrupted due to the wrong choice of material, it can lead to the failure of the dental implants.
When it comes to aesthetic benefits, the choice between zirconia and titanium will be very important. If you want to replace the front missing teeth, zirconia will be the right choice since it blends perfectly with the other ones. Titanium, on the other hand, can sometimes show if the patient experiences receding gums.
Titanium Dental Implants
Titanium is one of the most used materials to replace missing teeth. They look and work great in individuals whose overall health is in good condition.
This material has been used for many years due to the benefits that it provides including durability and functionality. Consider titanium implants if you:
- Are dealing with a tooth infection that can lead to tooth loss.
- Considerable tooth decay.
- Periodontal disease.
- Tooth structure damage due to accidents or injuries.
- If you want to replace your dentures with a better option.
Titanium dental implants offer great benefits when compared to dental crowns or dentures. Unlike crowns that will replace the top of the damaged tooth or dentures that will be removable, dental implants will be surgically placed on your jaw and will replace your whole tooth including the root.
If you take good care of your titanium dental implants, most likely they will last your whole lifetime. However, in some cases, replacements may be necessary.
What’s The Titanium Implant Procedure Like?
The placement of the titanium implants will need to be performed by an oral surgeon, not your regular dentist. Here at Dr. Roland Zhuka’s in Albania, we offer the best specialists in this field, who have the right training and experience with titanium implant placement.
The procedure of placing titanium dental implants includes the following steps:
The first step of the treatment involves placing the dental implant into the jawbone. The implant, which resembles a small screw, requires the oral surgeon to make minor incisions in the gum to position it securely in the bone.
The second step would be the abutment placement. This small device will connect the implant with the crown and hold them together.
After the titanium implant has successfully integrated with the jawbone, the oral surgeon will place a crown on top. The crown, which can be made from various materials, is designed to closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth.
Pain And Recovery Time
If you are worried about pain or discomfort during the titanium implant procedure, dont be. Our oral surgeon here at Dr. Roland Zhuka’s clinic will provide local anesthesia to make the area numb so you won’t feel anything.
After the procedure is done, you can go home and rest. To ease any pain your dentist might recommend light painkillers like ibuprofen.
When it comes to taking care of your dental implants it is important to follow the instructions that your surgeon will provide for you. If you have any questions about the recovery period feel free to contact us at any time.
Zirconia Dental Implants
Zircon is the chemical source of zirconia, commonly referred to as zirconium dioxide. It is made up of oxygen and zirconium components. Although zirconium is a metal, zirconia is a ceramic substance as a result of oxidation.
This material works great for composing dental implants since it combines the strength of metal with the heat-resistant capabilities of ceramics due to its status as a transitional metal.
Besides this zirconia is a bioinert material. This means that it doesnt initiate a response from the body or interact in new environments.
Zirconia dental implants are also referred to as non-metal alternatives of titanium and they do their work perfectly. Additionally, it provides aesthetical benefits due to its natural white color.
Advantages Of Zirconia Dental Implants
Biocompatibility
The ability to be biocompatible with the body is one of the main benefits of zirconia dental implants. Unlike other materials used to compose dental implants, they won’t cause allergic reactions or be sensitive. This is a great option for those patients who are allergic to metals.
Aesthetic Appeal
When it comes to aesthetic appeal, zirconia is a great choice. Due to their white appearance, they will perfectly fit with your natural teeth. So if you’re worried about this aspect, zirconia dental implants will be a great choice.
Since metal components won’t be a part of their composition, the risk of a metallic hue showing in the gums will be avoided.
Strength And Durability
Not only do zirconia dental implants look great but they also offer great durability and strength. Their ability to withstand the normal ear and tear process will make them even stronger than normal teeth.
Minimally Invasive
Since zirconia dental implants are smaller than traditional titanium implants the procedure will be less invasive. Additionally, this means smaller incisions and less interference with the tissue of the nearby teeth.
Due to this healing and recovery process will be shorter and the patient will heal much faster, with less discomfort and pain.
Low Thermal Conductivity
Because zirconia dental implants have poor thermal conductivity, the tissues around them are less likely to experience heat or cold. For those who are sensitive to changes in temperature in their oral cavity, this may be a big benefit.
Comparing Titanium And Zirconia
Titanium Vs Zirconia: Safety Matters And Biocompatibility
The ability of dental implant materials to interact with bodily tissues is known as biocompatibility, and it is an essential factor in the success of the procedure. Although zirconia and titanium both work exceptionally well in this area, their distinct qualities affect how they are used in dental implantology.
Titanium
The ability of titanium to osseointegrate with the body is one of its main benefits. Implants made of this material will perfectly integrate with the bone which will ensure the implant’s success.
The implant will be secured in place due to titanium characteristics, that encourage the bone cell to grow around it. Titanium is also durable and safe because of its resistance to corrosion and the development of a passive oxide layer.
These reasons and more are what make titanium implants a great choice for replacing missing teeth.
Zirconia
Due to its biocompatibility and attractive appearance, zirconia, also known as zirconium dioxide, is becoming more and more popular as a titanium implant substitute. The human body processes it well, reducing the likelihood of adverse effects such as allergic reactions or inflammatory reactions.
When it comes to osseointegration, zirconia dental implants are on level with titanium, and they have the benefit of looking just like real teeth. this will especially be an important factor to consider especially if you are looking to replace the front teeth.
Because of this, people with titanium allergies or those who are concerned about their appearance may find zirconia to be a proper substitute for metal.
When it comes to biocompatible implants that effectively osseointegrate, zirconia and titanium are both excellent options. The choice between the two frequently depends on the specific needs of each patient.
Titanium Vs Zirconia: Aesthetic Considerations
Zirconia implants are definitely better than titanium in terms of look and aesthetics. Because zirconia implants are white, they appear more natural and are a better choice for individuals with receding or thin gums. Since front teeth are visible when we smile, this might be an important factor to consider.
Titanium implants are made of metal and can have a gray or silver appearance, which makes them more visible, especially for individuals with thin gums. However, because of developments in implant technology, the look of titanium implants has highly improved and now they blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth or gums.
Titanium Vs Zirconia: Durability And Fracture Resistance
Many patients who have replaced their missing or damaged teeth with titanium dental implants have reported no issues. This material is widely recognized for its strength and durability, making it an excellent choice for dental implants.
Zirconia implants, on the other hand, are durable but more prone to structural damage compared to titanium. This is because zirconia is more brittle and does not perform as well under pressure.