Various aspects of our well-being are all working together to keep us healthy. Our physical health is a pillar that ensures our body can perform optimally every day. On the flip side, mental health remains imperative to keep our minds in good shape. Many components of our well-being, however, may sometimes be overlooked.
Take our oral health, for example, which requires the same amount of care. In cases where our teeth fall out, dental implants may be considered by patients. It could be a bit intimidating, but they help to maintain our well-being in more ways than one.
Dental implants can be seen as replacement teeth for teeth that are missing. Sometimes, teeth could be lost due to an injury that caused enough force to harm the mouth area. At other times, gum disease may force teeth to fall out quicker than anticipated. Thus, a patient may search for ways to rectify the gap that is now present in the upper or lower jaw.
Dental implants have a bit of risk, but the benefits usually far outweigh those risks. It can be extremely gratifying when it comes to the final result! Let’s learn more about what dental implants are made of.
Components
Before discussing the materials used to create the implant, the structure must be discussed first. Generally speaking, a dental implant is comprised of a few key areas. First, there is the body, which comprises most of the actual implant. The other part of knowing is that of the abutment.
An abutment is a middle part that joins the body and the crown. Of course, the crown is the final component used to complete the overall implant. Many patients may be surprised at how beneficial a set of implants could be. They enhance one’s quality of life tenfold after the healing process.
Designated Materials
While it is safe to assume that implants are made out of a metal material, it goes a bit deeper than that. Depending on where you live, different regulatory organizations have to evaluate the material first. Dental surgeons, after all, cannot just put any strong metal into a patient’s mouth, or they risk their safety!
Sometimes, national standards will be developed, showcasing which materials are safe for use. These systems are constantly being evaluated as dental implant technology becomes better. Patients do not have to worry, as these experts and their systems guarantee a safe procedure.
Titanium
One of the core materials used to create an implant is titanium. Specifically, zirconium oxide is used to create the metal used in the implant’s structure. Moreover, most dental surgeons use titanium, the easiest to fuse to a specific oral area. Depending on the manufacturer, this can vary slightly from time to time.
However, titanium is generally considered to be the top tier among metallic materials to be used. Other materials may pose additional risks, especially if the patient has a known set of allergies. Dental surgeons often opt for this metal when following a standard set of protocols.
Miscellaneous Materials
On the other hand, titanium is not the sole material used for creating an implant. In certain cases, other metallic-like materials will be used to comprise the implant. For example, gold alloys are a popular type that can sometimes be used as an alternative. Other manufacturers may opt for cobalt-based alloys, too, if they can use them.
It comes down to what is available if titanium is not provided initially. Another big reason for using these materials is to evaluate their effectiveness. As mentioned previously, titanium is not universal, as some may still have allergic reactions. Finding the right balance for the right patient is the main concern regarding dental implants.
Ask Questions
For patients who are considering getting a set of dental implants, do not shy away from questions. The more you know about a procedure, the better off you will be. This goes double when asking about the implant’s material.
In many cases, you will generally not have to worry. Your dental surgeon will always explain the procedure’s risks and benefits well before it begins. You do not have to worry about what material is fitted into your mouth!
