If you have missing teeth, you may find it harder to talk, eat your favourite foods, or smile freely. Unlike dentures, dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth and provide a significant number of additional health benefits besides just making your smile whole again.
“What are dental implants made of?” is a common question from patients anxious about scheduling their dental implant surgery. At No Gaps Dental, we always use high-quality dental implant materials to reduce the chances of an immune reaction and lengthen the implant’s lifespan.
What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
A dental implant consists of three parts, including a tiny screw, a hook called an abutment, and the artificial tooth or crown. The procedure requires an initial consultation, two surgeries, and another appointment to create and fit the crown.
Dental Implant Materials
The term dental implant can also refer to the small screw, which is usually crafted from titanium or titanium alloy. Using the correct dental implant materials is critical because only some materials are biocompatible.
One thing that sets dental implants apart from other forms of tooth replacement is their permanency, which is because of a process called osseointegration. After your dental implant surgery, the dental implant fuses to your jawbone, allowing it to act as a natural tooth root. The osseointegration process gives dental implants a solid foundation and means that it can last a lifetime.
Titanium is one of the most common dental implant materials because it lends itself well to the osseointegration process. As soon as one week after your dental implant surgery, bone starts to fuse to the titanium rod, and the process continues for the rest of your life. Most modern dental implants also have surface marks to increase the rate of osseointegration, created by sandblasting and acid-etching.
Researchers have recently discovered that zirconium can also fuse to human bone, but titanium and titanium alloy are common dental implant materials.
Abutment Materials
After the osseointegration process is complete, you can schedule your second surgery to place the abutment. Like dental implants, the abutment often contains titanium, or a titanium alloy, since titanium is uniquely light and biocompatible. However, some abutments use zirconium, cast gold, surgical grade stainless steel, or polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
An abutment material must have the ability to create a mucosal seal, to prevent bacteria from entering the gum and causing an infection.
Tooth Replacement Materials
The last component of a dental implant is also the only visible part. Depending on your mouth, how many missing teeth you have, and where the gaps are in your mouth, you may need a crown, a permanent denture, or a permanent bridge. Crowns usually use porcelain that is coloured to match your other teeth and appear as natural as possible.
Porcelain is a durable material, and these crowns can last 10-15 years before you need to replace them. However, avoid some staining foods, like red wine and coffee, to help prevent discolouration. Adding milk to your coffee, or brushing immediately after drinking can also help to reduce staining.
Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution
The titanium in your dental implant makes it incredibly durable. Most dental implants last a lifetime if the bone fusion process after your dental implant surgery is successful. However, the crown is more exposed and you may need to replace it after 10-15 years.
You can increase the lifespan of your porcelain crown by:
- Scheduling regular dental appointments
- Wearing a mouth guard when playing contact sports
- Regularly brushing and flossing
- Sleeping with a mouth guard if you grind your teeth
Caring For Your Dental Implants
Knowing the answer to what are dental implants made of also helps you care for your dental implants in the best way possible. Because dental implants are permanent, and most of the dental implants materials are embedded in your jawbone and gum, they are much easier to care for than other tooth replacement options like dentures.
In the week following your surgeries, your dentist may provide you with specific aftercare instructions, including sleeping with your head elevated, and rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water solution. However, once you have healed from the surgeries and have received your crown, you can follow a regular oral hygiene routine to keep your dental implants healthy and clean.
Floss your teeth twice daily, brushing them for at least two minutes afterwards. Ask your dentist about using mouthwash, since some brands can harm the porcelain crown, causing it to wear down faster.
Besides daily care, you should also see your dentist every six months for a tooth cleaning. Plaque builds up on teeth, and while at-home brushing can keep it to a minimum, only a dentist’s high-powered tools can remove it fully. Seeing your dentist regularly is essential to preventing gum disease, which could cause further tooth loss and could affect your dental implant.
Dental Implants Benefits
Dental implants come with multiple physical and psychological benefits. After your dental implant surgery and the osseointegration process, bone loss in your jaw slows down. Losing bone density in your face can cause a shift in your facial structure and cause speech problems. Filling the gap with a dental implant also reduces your chances of losing more teeth.
Additionally, because dental implants act like natural teeth, you can eat a wider variety of foods than with dentures.
Fix Your Smile With No Gaps Dental
If you have a missing tooth and want to learn more about whether dental implant surgery is right for you, call No Gaps Dental today on (02) 8806 0227 to schedule your initial consultation.
Delaying treatment for missing teeth can cause further tooth decay and loss. Take action today and restore your smile at No Gaps Dental.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.