Are you curious to learn “t?” and their general significance? Dental implants serve as the nearest replacement for natural teeth and are swiftly rising in popularity among orthodontists and dentists who utilize them to provide their patients with joyful and healthy smiles.
Tooth implants have transformed the lives of millions of individuals in the United States and worldwide since their development in 1965, restoring smiles and boosting the quality of life. Dental implant surgery entails the implantation of metal, screw-like posts in place of tooth roots and replacing missing or damaged teeth with synthetic ones that resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function.
Dental implant surgery is an excellent alternative to ill-fitting dentures or bridgework, especially when there are insufficient natural tooth roots for dentures or bridgework replacements. Curious about what are dental implants made of? Continue reading to discover the diverse materials professionals employ to craft dental implants.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implant placement necessitates sedation throughout the surgical procedure. The specific type of implant used and the condition of your jawbone determine the approach for dental implant surgery.
The implant procedure typically involves three stages:
Surgical Placement
A small hole is drilled into the upper or lower jawbone, and the implant is carefully positioned. This implant acts as a natural tooth root, providing a foundation for the replacement tooth.
Integration
Following its placement and achieving primary stability, the implant is given time to heal and fuse with the jawbone, known as osseointegration. This phase can last between three to six months. Titanium implants are preferred for their ability to fuse with the bone seamlessly.
Placement of the Dental Crown
Lastly, an artificial tooth, a dental crown, is attached to the implant. Dental implant crowns are typically crafted from porcelain, composite, or metals.
The entire dental procedure may span several months, depending on the speed of jawbone fusion with the implant. A successful implant functions just like natural tooth roots, ensuring stability for the artificial tooth.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants?
Individuals with one or more missing teeth can find significant advantages in dental implants. Dental implants may be necessary in situations of tooth loss caused by:
- Cavities (tooth decay)
- Tooth root fracture
- Bruxism (clenching or grinding your teeth)
- Gum disease
- Facial injury
- Congenitally missing teeth (being born without certain teeth)
What are Dental Implants Made Of?
For many years, titanium and titanium alloy dominated the dental implant industry. However, with technological advancements and research, dental implants are now crafted from various materials, each offering unique properties and advantages. These dental materials are biocompatible, ensuring excellent interaction with the human body and resistance to fracturing and corrosion.
Let’s explore some of the most common types of implant materials:
Titanium
Undoubtedly the most favored material for dental implants, titanium encourages the osseointegration process and is relatively cost-effective. Within a week after surgery, the bone begins to fuse with the titanium post, a process that continues throughout one’s lifetime.
Titanium implants boast a 95% success rate and can last a lifetime with proper care. Typically, a titanium implant consists of two parts: the implant screw, replacing the tooth root, and an implant abutment connecting the screw to the crown. This two-piece system allows for deep placement of titanium implants into the human bone separately.
Zirconia
A relatively recent discovery for dental implants, zirconia has shown great promise as a material option. Zirconia dental implants are commonly recommended for patients allergic to titanium. These implants are primarily one-piece units that can be completed in a single session. However, they might be slightly more challenging to insert than titanium implants.
Polymers
They are biodegradable and easily adjustable and can be an excellent choice for tooth replacements, creating a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. They are, however, not as long-lasting as other materials.
Ceramics
Certain ceramics, like carbon silicon, are also employed in dental implants. They offer both durability and strength but possess some brittle properties that may limit their long-term effectiveness as a tooth replacement solution.
Alternative Metals
Stainless steel, gold, and cobalt-chromium are other metals used in creating dental implants. These metals are durable and corrosion-resistant, with lower success rates than titanium and zirconia implants.
What is the Difference Between Zirconia & Titanium?
Titanium implants typically consist of two pieces: the implant screw, replacing the tooth root, and an abutment connecting the screw with the crown (the visible ‘tooth’). This two-piece system allows deep placement into the bone, with each part inserted separately at different times. On the contrary, zirconia implants are primarily one-piece units, facilitating completion in a single session.
What is the Cost of Dental Implants?
How much dental implant will cost depends on the location and type of implant you choose. The dental implant can cost around $1,000 to $6,000. If you’re not covered under dental insurance, tooth implants can burden your pocket or hinder your budget.
However, Le Sueur Family Dental provides financial assistance to their patients through various services such as dental financing, Le Sueur Family Dental plan, and patient specials.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are meant to be permanent as they fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration. While the implant itself is permanent, due to wear and tear, the crown may need replacement over time, with about 50 to 80 percent requiring replacement in 15 to 20 years.
Conclusion
Many people are still curious to know what dental implants are made of. These dental contraptions can be crafted from various materials. The metal post of an implant may be made from durable options like titanium or zirconia. As for the dental crown of the implant, common choices include ceramic and porcelain.
If you’re considering getting a dental implant, you might visit Le Sueur Family Dental; our team is dedicated to providing our patients with the utmost satisfaction and care.
FAQs
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Is tooth implant painful?
The treatment is painless, performed under general or local anesthesia, effectively numbing the mouth. After dental implantation, the patient may experience mild discomfort when the numbness subsides. Patients who have undergone the procedure often find it less painful than tooth extraction.
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Do I get stitches after dental implant surgery?
After the implant is placed in the bone, it is covered with gum to promote healing. Dissolvable sutures are commonly used, and if you have black stitches, they should come out within 7 to 10 days. Tissue glue is also often applied along the incision line to aid healing.
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How can I make my implant heal faster?
To expedite healing after an implant, ensure enough rest, stay hydrated, and consume nutritious foods. If you have missing teeth, consult a dentist nearby to determine if dental implants are the most suitable choice.
