Implants have been a popular solution over the last decade due to their various benefits. They’re the perfect solution for people who have lost multiple teeth, and unlike most options, they’re permanent replacements for missing teeth. This is due to the titanium posts used to support the synthetic tooth – the post sits inside the jawbone, which helps stimulate jawbone growth. The jawbone growth, also called osseointegration, allows the post to become part of the bone, allowing the prosthetic to support your teeth line. So, what choices do you have for implants, and when did they start?
How Did Implants Start In The First Place?
The process of osseointegration was discovered by Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark, who looked into how blood flow affects bone healing in rabbit legs. By looking at how microcirculation in the bone tissues affected healing, he verified further that titanium was compatible with the human body when it was initially believed that the body would reject any foreign object. Because of this groundbreaking research in 1965, Dr. Brånemark operated using titanium dental implants that he and his team developed. The implant showed no complications, and as a result, it created an industry of implants with this unexpected discovery.
Nowadays, dental implants still rely on their titanium construction to help promote the osseointegration process. Still, more researchers in their respective fields are working to improve this process using different materials. Today, dental implants have a wide range of requirements to be considered safe for cosmetic and restorative treatments, but the two most widely used dental implants are as follows:
- Titanium Dental implants – This metal has been the most popular implant material since its discovery in the 1950s and therefore allows for healthy growth and restructuring of the bone material. They’re reliable for construction and remain the first choice among many dentists.
- Zirconia Dental Implants – As a recent innovation in the dental industry, this implant is considered more affordable than titanium. However, as a side effect, they tend to break more often and thus require repair. Zirconia, however, presents a less likely chance for infections to set in than titanium.
Which Option is Better For Implants?
Both titanium and zirconium have their benefits, depending on what your primary dentist recommends for further treatment. Titanium implants have always been the reliable set and go-to for cosmetic and restorative dentists. Still, zirconium may also be an option for patients who are sensitive to corrosion and face issues such as immuno-deficiencies. It’s also considered the first non-metal alternative to titanium and faces the same amount of degradation as titanium due to its biomechanical construction.
When it comes time to choose implants, it’s essential to reach out to your dentist. By speaking with them, they can provide you with their insights and experience for each option and help guide you into getting the restorative treatments you need most. No matter what you choose, your implants will stay with you for years. To learn more, make sure to speak with your cosmetic or restorative dentist for more information about dental implants.
