What Materials Make Up Dental Implants
Dental implants are made up of one of three materials:
- Titanium: Most implants are composed of titanium. It’s lightweight but strong, reducing the weight on your jawbone.
- Zirconia: If a patient has an allergy to titanium, they might opt for a zirconium implant. They are white in color, so they more closely resemble a natural tooth.
- Ceramic: Patients with an allergy to all metals are not out of luck, as they can receive a ceramic implant. Like zirconium, it can also come in a color similar to that of a natural tooth.
Different Types of Dental Implants
There are 3 different structures that dental implants can take:
- Endosteal implant: This is the most common type of implant. A dentist will place tiny screws directly into the jawbone through surgery.
- Eposteal implant: This implant rests directly on the jawbone. Often seen as outdated, this method is not frequently implemented in modern dentistry. However, if a patient has a high risk of bone resorption, or deterioration, an eposteal implant may be used.
- Subperiosteal implant: In a subperiosteal implant, the posts of the metal framework hold the prosthetic tooth or teeth in place. If a patient is unable to wear dentures, a dentist might use this type of implant.
Now implants don’t seem so scary and foreign, do they? If you still need more information about implants, be sure to ask your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Tejdeep Rattan earned a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Wright State University. He was working with dentists on designing implant and was fascinated by dentistry. He then pursued a doctorate from NYU’s College of Dentistry. He was also a U.S. Army soldier and dentist. To learn more about how he can help create the perfect dental implant for you, click here or call 209-207-9076.