If you are a patient experiencing Missing Teeth , Dental Implants are the right option for you. Dental Implants are on of the only things that really replaces the original tooth structure. They help to secure the teeth in the jaw, restimulate jaw activity, integrate with the jaw bone, and look great. If you have decided on Dental Implants, and you have resolved the underlying cause of tooth loss, you need to then decide “What kind of Implant is right for me?”
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are the top option for tooth replacement for several reasons.
1. Osseointegration- Dental Implants are truly anchored into your jaw like your original tooth. In placing them this way, the Dentist is stimulating growth and attachment at the source, strengthening the jaw bone and preventing further tooth loss due to lack of ergonomic force on the jaw.
2. Durability- Dental Implants are strong, stronger than most of our teeth. They are sturdy to do what we need them to, and with proper care and cleaning the can last for years and years.
3. Appearance- Dental Implants are secured often using titanium or metal, but the exterior is usually a patients choice of material to look most like their teeth. Some choose a porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, zirconia, all can be customized to look just like your original tooth.
What is the Difference between Ceramic and Titanium Implants?
Titanium- Titanium Implants are the traditional implant, and they have been used with great success since the 1960’s. Titanium anchor is placed into jaw, with or without abutment cap, and the jaw heals for a number of months while the anchor is integrated. The the Doctor places the customized implant crown on top. Voila, patient is in love with their teeth.
Ceramic- Ceramic Implants have become more popular since 2009 in Europe and now in America. Ceramic Implants can be placed in much the same way, but the entire piece avoids the possibility that gray or dark metal pieces can be seen when the patient smiles or eats.
Are there disadvantages between the two?
Some patients report that small cracks or chips may be more common in the all ceramic implants. However, this ceramic is incredibly strong, much like Zirconia. Furthermore, small repairs and adjustments can be made to ceramic implants in outpatient setting, the same way your original teeth may have received a quick compound binding. Titanium Metal implants could require removal of the cap itself and sending out to replace, which can take longer.
Which is right for you?
Only you can know that. Meet with your Dentist and discuss options. The placement and healing process should be pretty similar time wise. Some patients have reported slightly quick recovery with ceramic, but this will all depend on your total health history. Ask your dentist for their advice, they may have an opinion after placing some themselves, or they may recommend a colleague who knows. Be sure to ask about pricing for other considerations.