Have You Been Told You Need Titanium Implants?

Titanium implants have the upper hand over zirconia implants, because they are more affordable and longer lasting. Titanium dental implants are bio-compatible and well tolerated by the body in the majority of cases. They provide a permanent tooth replacement in patients who are eligible for dental implant surgery. Let’s find out a bit more about them.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are screws that are used to replace missing teeth at the roots. They can be used in the upper and lower jaws, and create a foundation for artificial teeth like dentures, crowns and bridges.

Dental implants are considered a highly effective way of replacing teeth, because they prevent further bone loss over time. By replacing your missing teeth at their roots, you can ensure that the remaining teeth in your mouth do not shift around.

Dental implants outlast dentures and bridges and are also stronger, which means that patients do not need to change what or how they eat.

Why Is Titanium Used In Implants?

Most dental implants today have been created from titanium alloys. Titanium implants are popular because they have a high success rate (of between 95% and 98%).  Titanium is also effective because it is durable and strong enough to withstand the forces of biting and chewing– but it is also lightweight in the mouth.

Titanium is a more cost-effective material to use in dental implants when compared to zirconia.

Effective Osseo-Integration

Osseo-integration is the process by which your new implant will fuse with your jaw bone. Titanium’s ability to bond securely to your jaw is what makes it so strong and robust, and likely to outlast zirconia.

How Long Do Titanium Teeth Implants Last?

Titanium implants can last for longer than 30 years with proper dental care. For some people, this can be for the rest of their lifetime.

How Safe Are Titanium Dental Implants?

For the majority of patients titanium implants are considered safe and low risk.  Both zirconia and titanium implants are approved as safe and biocompatible. There are potential side effects and complications from titanium implants, but cases of this are rare.

How Do Dental Implant Procedures Differ For Zirconia And Titanium Dental Implants?

With titanium implants, the implant surgery is typically carried out across three or four sessions, whereby each component of the implant is surgically placed separately. First the implant is embedded and given time to heal. Once that has taken place the site is re-opened for the placements of the abutment. Finally, the permanent crown will be placed once the dental implant is integrated well enough to carry the load.

Zirconia implants are usually placed as one single component as all the pieces are attached. This can make placing the implant much more difficult for the dental practitioner.

What Can You Expect From The Dental Implant Procedure?

In order to move forward with titanium implants you need to have a comprehensive dental exam. During this exam, your dentist will assess your mouth, take a detailed medical history and take various x-rays and digital photographs.

Based on the outcomes of this assessment, you will be given a treatment plan and cost for titanium implants. Your treatment plan will detail each step of the procedure, as well as the proposed timeline for treatment. You can expect a 12 to 18 month engagement with your dental practitioner before your titanium implants have healed and integrated fully with your jaw.

Step 1

If required, your damaged tooth will be removed and the area will be cleaned. In cases where the tooth still has to be extracted, it is possible to place a dental implant straight away. Patients who have been missing teeth for some time may require a bone graft, in order to compensate for any bone loss that may have occurred. You can expect a waiting period of three to six months after the first step as your dental implant needs to osseo-integrate, or your bone graft will need to stimulate the growth of new bone.

Step 2

If you had a bone graft your second appointment will be to surgically place your implant. To do this, your dentist will make an incision into your gum and drill holes into your jaw. The implant will be surgically placed and the site will be stitched up.

If you have already had your implant placed, your dentist will need to place the extension or abutment. To do this he or she will open the site again, and stitch it up. You will need to wait for another healing period to be complete. Depending on where the implant site is, your dentist may create a temporary crown for you to wear.

Step 3 

Your third step in the dental implant procedure process will be to place your abutment or crown.

Once your site has healed and your dentist is satisfied that your jaw and implant are strong enough, a natural-looking crown will be created to make the rest of the teeth in your mouth. It will be attached to your extension.

Titanium implants are highly effective when carried out by a suitably qualified and experienced dental practitioner. If you’d like to move forward with treatment, it’s time to speak to a professional. Please contact us for an appointment:

Sydney CBD: (02) 8294 5812
Gosford: (02) 8294 8656