Have you heard of titanium dental implants? Do you know what they are for or if they are right for you?
Dental implants are increasingly chosen and recommended treatments for patients who have lost one or more teeth, as they offer a better fixation and safety solution for the patient. Titanium implants are titanium posts fixed to the mandible and/or maxilla. Titanium implant technology was developed in Sweden (Europe) over 60 years ago and has a success rate of over 98%.
The process occurs through the insertion of pins into the bone, and after a period of osseointegration, the crown (artificial tooth) is inserted, generally made of resin or porcelain, materials that are highly similar to natural teeth.
Titanium dental implants — why is the material used?
Titanium is a strong, lightweight, silvery-gray metal found in igneous rocks and geological deposits. This material has the ability to bond with bone in a process called osseointegration. As it is not rejected by the human body, it is used in numerous procedures, including titanium dental implants and even other uses, such as hip or knee replacement. Even more than that, this metal is very strong in relation to its weight, slightly magnetic and highly compatible with the human body. This is important, since metallic elements are found in few places in the body, almost always as part of other molecules, such as iron, which binds with oxygen in the bloodstream. Worldwide, approximately one million patients with arthritic or damaged knees and hips are treated with titanium replacements each year. Because the material has a wide range of alloys, this allows designers of titanium and other dental implants to correctly match the metal to the desired application. A titanium implant with the correct alloy will not corrode inside the body, as would happen with implants made of other materials.
When to use titanium implants?
Titanium dental implants can replace a tooth or an entire set of teeth, making them a great alternative to bridges and dentures and making speech and chewing easier. A titanium implant abutment is inserted into the jawbone or maxilla. After the necessary time for osseointegration, the superstructure of the tooth is built on the titanium implant.
Surgery to repair facial damage using patients' own tissue does not always have good results. Therefore, a bone-integrated titanium implant can restore the ability to eat and speak, and replace facial features lost through disease or accident.
Who can use titanium for implants?
Basically, anyone can use titanium dental implants. Conventional dentures or complete dentures can be attached to the jawbone by dental implants that act as artificial roots. In the case of replacing single teeth or the entire arch of teeth with a removable prosthesis, it is possible to use a fixed prosthesis with the placement of titanium implants, providing a significant improvement in the quality of food chewing.
Titanium durability and necessary care
Titanium implants are durable, help restore your smile and make chewing easier, optimizing the quality of life for people who have lost teeth due to illness or injury. They require maintenance like natural teeth, with daily brushing, flossing, a healthy diet and regular visits to the dentist, including periodic X-rays for a more complete evaluation of the restoration.
Problems in placing implants made of this metal
Problems can arise with titanium dental implants, some temporary, others with intense pain and discomfort, even indicating their removal. Reversible tissue damage related to the placement of dental implants can occur, causing swelling and discomfort, but this goes away in a few days without the need for treatment. Another drawback of this procedure is loose implants. This occurs when there is no good integration with the jawbone. The only solution to this problem is to remove and reinstall the titanium implant. Another problem with titanium dental implants is peri-implantitis, caused by a bacterial infection at the surgical site.
If you are considering dental implants talk to your dentist about which materials are right for you.