The appeal of dental implants over dentures (or partial dentures) is easy to understand. Dentures rely on surrounding teeth for support, whereas dental implants effectively integrate into your jawbone like your natural teeth. This makes them a far more comfortable option for single tooth or multiple teeth replacements and can prevent the bone loss and facial collapse that can happen with denture solutions.
For a dental implant procedure to work, you must meet certain health requirements, including good oral hygiene and no existing conditions (like gum disease) which can cause dental implant failure. The bone at the implant site must be of good quality so that the bone can integrate with the implant firmly (through a process called osseointegration). For that reason, dental implants need time (approximately 3 months) to fully fuse into the jawbone before the final porcelain crown can be placed.
Implant technology and materials
Dental implants are made of medical-grade materials that are safe for your long-term dental health. Manufacturers make their dental implant products from a variety and combination of materials, typically including:
- Titanium alloy; this material is used in the rod part of the implant, which fuses with your jawbone. It’s installed at the site of your missing tooth, acting as the root of your new tooth.
- Ceramic (zirconia); this material is used in place of titanium alloy, becoming the root of your new tooth as it integrates with your jawbone.
- Carbon-fibre; often used as the internal screw that attaches your porcelain crown to the titanium or ceramic rod embedded in your jaw.
- Porcelain; this material is used for the crown, and is shaped to resemble your natural tooth in both look and colour. It’s attached to the screw that secures it to the root/rod of the implant.
Pros and cons
Titanium has long been used in medical procedures for its low level of toxicity and allergenic potential. However, in recent years some patients have sought the option of more natural aesthetics, which is when ceramic was developed for use in dental implants.
Nobel Biocare dental implants
At Advanced Dental Artistry, we use Nobel Biocare dental implants.
Since 1965, Nobel Biocare has been a world leader of dental implants and related products. They are at the forefront of innovation in the dental industry, creating superior implant technology with over 50 years of research behind their designs. It’s for this reason that we put our complete trust in their products.
Nobel Biocare implants are made of titanium (the rod/root part) and porcelain (the crown/tooth part).
The design of the Nobel Biocare TiUnite surface (the rod/root part of the implant) has been proven to have an estimated survival rate of more than 99% after one year, and 95.1% after ten years at the implant level. The incredible success of titanium Nobel Biocare implants is supported by a wealth of clinical research, giving you peace of mind for your investment in your dental health.
Have more questions on dental implant materials or the procedure itself? Get in touch with our friendly team and we’ll answer any questions you have.