Dental Implant Materials - What Materials Are Best? - Walker Periodontics - Experts in periodontal and implant dentistry in North Texas

Dental Implant Materials - What Materials Are Best?

4/28/2018

Dental Implants materials—what are they made of?

You probably have heard of dental implants. They’re among the most versatile equipment available to restorative dentist practices, such as Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. They come handy in replacing missing teeth and restoring a natural, healthy smile. This is vital because gaps can cause a shift in the rest of your teeth. They can also result in severe bite issues from crooked teeth.

But the question is what is a dental implant made of? What do we mean by dental implant materials? Let’s explore what makes up the best dental implant materials used in today’s dental implant world.

The most common types of dental implant materials

For so many years, virtually all dental implants were derived from one material called titanium. But with the advent of technology, more and more dental implants are now made from different dental implant materials. These materials have seen extensive research, critically considering the physical and chemical properties that affect their clinical applications. Such properties include the microstructure and the surface composition of an implant. Preferably, dental implant materials should appear biocompatible. They should also be resistant to both corrosion and fracturing.
Dental implant materials can consist of titanium or zirconium material design. Notwithstanding the dental implant materials, they must be sturdy and robust. The strength of the dental implant materials and its design must remain compatible with physical property.

Below are the common types of dental implant materials used in making dental implants today.

Titanium dental implant materials - Made from metal, Titanium is regarded as the most common type of dental implant materials. Its great characteristic was discovered in 1950. During this time, findings show that implants made from titanium metal allow the bone to grow aright. That is, when placed in contact with the bone and is not disturbed; the bone will grow next to them. This will, in turn, create a permanent affinity.

From the time of this discovery, titanium dental implant materials have been the most sought-after implants. It provides long-lasting results, and the cost is very reasonable. It remains one of the best dental implant materials of all times.
Zirconia dental implant materials - In contrast to titanium, zirconia is a recent invention. It is regarded as the most promising future of dental implant materials. Zirconia dental implant materials saw full abutment uses in the early 1990s. But during this time, titanium implant materials were still in vogue.

It was not until 2003 that coralroot released the first dental implant materials-based all-in-one crown. Although they are relatively new, zirconia dental implant materials are rising in popularity.

What makes some dental implant materials better than others?

As discussed earlier, the two primary dental implant materials are titanium and zirconia. Each of these two dental implant materials has their unique features.

For instance, titanium has been tested and provided a high success rate in both medical and dental procedures. Its versatility set it apart from the zirconia. As a metal, titanium has been the first choice in all forms of bone and plate implant. Millions of patients have reaped the benefits of titanium.

Below are reasons why titanium remains better than zirconia as the most efficient dental implant materials in history.

Titanium dental implant materials and its designs can be produced in a two piece system. These are, a separate abutment sitting atop the implant and connecting to the replacement tooth. The other is a post that is surgically implanted in the bone. The zirconia doesn’t have this capability. Instead, it is manufactured as a single piece.
Again, titanium is the best dental implant materials because it is biocompatible. This means it is right and closely matched the human body. It can also fuse with the human bone.
The two pieces system allows for a customizable implant that solves low bone deficiencies. This means you can still have a pleasant smile even if you are experiencing bone loss.
However, the zirconia dental implant materials combine both post and abutment into making one unit. This reduces the fear of bacteria hiding and affecting the gum. Despite this good advantage, zirconia dental implant materials and their ceramic designs are not fully appreciated yet. This is because it has not been around for too long. So, unlike the titanium dental implant materials, it hasn’t seen any tests yet.

If you are still not sure what dental implant materials to use, we can help you. At Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we can take you through the pros and cons. Call us at (971) 462-9800.

60 Comments

Stephen S. Walker, D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Walker is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology. He grew up in Dallas and attended Baylor College of Dentistry. While at Baylor, he was a member of the Odontological Honors Society and was selected to receive the Oral Biology Award and Merritt-Parks Award in Periodontics.

After earning his D.D.S. degree, Dr. Walker continued his education in Periodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry. At the end of his three-year residency, Dr. Walker received his certificate in Periodontology and Masters of Science degree.

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Dental Implant link

6/4/2018 03:34:13 am

This is such an informative post. You have a lot of really great points. I wish I had this post as a resource when I started blogging.

Richard Church Jr link

9/13/2019 05:57:49 pm

I've heard zirconia implants are less expensive than titanium implants

Hazel Owens link

6/26/2018 05:15:42 pm

That's good to know that titanium dental implants are the best because they are biocompatible. My husband grinds his teeth at night and one of his teeth cracked last night. I'll have to find a dentist that can give him a titanium dental implant to fix his tooth.

Joy Butler link

7/1/2018 07:46:47 pm

It's great that you elaborated on the common types of dental implant materials. I need to check on this because my husband wants a dental implant for his lost tooth. What he's after is a kind of material that is similar to his original teeth.

Alexandria Martinez link

7/5/2018 03:21:21 pm

I was talking to a friend the other day about her interest in getting fixed bridge dental implants. This is a big deal and she wants to make sure that she is getting it right. It would help her a lot to know that zirconia materials are great for fighting bacteria.

Bethany Birchridge link

7/11/2018 08:29:15 am

I had no idea that titanium was typically used in dental implants because it's chemical structure is close to that of human bone; it's also so awesome that it can fuse with human bone, make the implant stronger. My grandmother has been terrible at wearing her dentures, so we've been thinking of getting her implants. I'll share this article with my dad, so he can decide which type of implant is best for her.

Lynn link

4/21/2020 04:53:28 am

Just thought I'd share my experience with you. Depending on where you live the cost is astronomical! I live in NJ/NY state area where it is very expensive. I have I believe 10 dental implants 2 of them forming a bridge on the upper fronts and 2 lower bottom fronts with 2 connecting "fake" teeth on top and bottom. Then I have just individual implants throughout my mouth. They are titanium. I have an oral surgeon and my dentist who work in tandem to perform each there own task. There both very good and I'm basically happy with the work. The cost for aforementioned implants cost us over $80,000! Insurance does not cover cosmetic dentistry which implants are considered. Also, keep in mind that implants do develop stains if you drink red wine, coffee or ice tea. Ice tea is my culprit. Crest White strips do not remove stains on artificial teeth only on natural. My dentist suggested trying them anyway. I did and it only whitenened my natural teeth making my implants look darker than my natural. In the beginning I chose the color of the implants and selected the whitest of whites. Kudo's to Crest White Strips w/Light for effectiveness!

Just last night I mixed baking soda with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide forming it into a thick paste. I took a small, clean paint brush of type and brushed it on the upper and lower implants. Left it on for two minutes undisturbed (it did burn a little) then I thoroughly brushed and rinsed well. Wow! I could not believe how it removed my ice tea stains! I will be doing that periodically from now on......like on a spa day!

The point of this reply to whoever may read it is very, very costly, very time consumeing visiting each of the two doctors at least 3-4 times a month for over 3 years and correcting problems as they came up. My husband and I are sorry we did not go with what's called "All On Four". Check that one out and it may be a much less expensive and suitable substitute.

Note: I've always enjoyed dental visits since I was a kid and took utmost care of my oral hygiene all my life. At 64 everything is falling apart! Look at it in a positive way..........with age comes wisdom, more peace, tolerance, gratitude, gratefulness, kindness, understanding and love. Then the bilateral hip and knee replacements, the 12" rod in my right arm and the shoulder surgery I will need in the future isn't all that bad not to mention the daily aches & pains all day long! As long as I maintain my social distancing, wear masks, gloves and stay indoors most of the time I will be fine. Stay safe and healthy.

ULRIKE

10/11/2020 11:25:56 am

Since I lost quiet a few teeth anyway before I decided to do implants I went for the All-on-4. I have titanium implants and will get Zirconia teeth. I paid 27K for the surgery all included and will pay another 12K for the Zirconia teeth when everything is healed. I am happy with my decision. The cost is crazy but it's a lot cheaper than doing singles.

Taylor Anderson link

7/30/2018 07:15:33 am

It's so cool that titanium dental implants don't disturb the bone, so the bone will grow around them and create a permanent anchor. My cousin got hit in the face, and one of his permanent teeth were lost. Because of this, he's been thinking of getting dental implants. I'll be sure to share this article with him, so he can learn more about the different types of implants and their benefits.

Larry Weaver link

8/13/2018 02:23:11 pm

I didn't realize that Titanium is regarded as the most common type of dental implant material. Having never gone to the dentist before, I am convinced that I am going to need dental implants in the near future. Perhaps I should finally take the time to meet with a dentist and discuss if dental implants made out Titanium would be right for me due to their long-lasting results.

Taylor Bishop link

8/24/2018 06:29:51 am

Thanks for helping me learn more about what dental implants can be made out of. I didn't know that titanium implants can be done in a two piece system. I'm interested to learn if someone can personally choose what implant method they want or if it really comes down to their circumstances.

Camille Devaux link

10/25/2018 04:53:34 pm

My uncle is thinking about getting dental implants. He is not sure about the material that he should look into to get in his mouth. It might help him a lot to know that he should try a zirconia material since it is a recent development.

Ramona Walter

11/5/2018 06:50:46 am

What are side effects of Titanium? My hair started falling out several weeks after my all on 4 implants.

zermok

11/24/2018 03:22:04 pm

TItanium is used widely by dentist because of the market, business and factories working on it. But it stays a metal, and metal in the body is not good at all after years. so I think your body is badly reacting to these teeth or maybe anesthesy or medicine allergy, you should quickly consult a specialist for that. Zirconia is ceramic and 100% bone compatible, but not widely adopted because not a lot of factories are working on it. but it's definitely more safe. It just need more optimization from the implants maker

Caden Dahl link

11/29/2018 09:21:03 pm

If I had to choose a material to go with, I'd probably go with titanium. The main reason why, which you did mention, is that it is biocompatible. That to me is pretty neat which also means that it can fuse to bone, thus making it very strong.

Sarah Smith link

1/16/2019 02:34:32 pm

I didn't realize that the most popular dental implant materials are titanium and zirconia. I would imagine that zirconia dental implants are gaining in popularity but that titanium are still most widely used. This makes me wonder if I should get titanium or zirconia dental implants.

Nardine

1/16/2019 02:49:11 pm

After deep research from dental sector research and experiment labs, no doubt zirconium is the best choice, but with 2 parts (abutment and body), stronger, strength higher, and the most important, infection free since it's ceramic which is fully accepted by the body.

2/11/2019 05:17:35 am

I have been looking at dental implants made of grade IV titanium alloy. As I am allergic to nickel I am concerned there may be nickel in the titanium alloy. The dentist says he thinks I should be okay. But to me that response is not good enough, I need a definite answer. I am not prepared to compromise my health for the sake of implants. Does anybody know if the above titanium alloy contains nickel? Thanks.

2/11/2019 06:09:17 am

@Jo
anyhow nickel or titanium, a metal staying years in a human body is subject to infection/rejection. rather zirconium is made of ceramic which is fully accepted by the body and have much more reistance and strength than titanium. Impose a zirconium with 2 parts (body + abutment) to your dentist

2/11/2019 07:20:18 am

Thank you for your reply.

Am I correct in thinking that zirconium cannot be used with the all-on-four system? If so, I would be more than happy to have individual zirconium implants but fear they would most likely be beyond my budget.

Is there any other way zirconium implants could be used for total loss of teeth which might work out cheaper than individual implants?

Many thanks.

2/11/2019 11:23:13 am

@Jo
no, you can implant one only, usually dentists offer to you one zirconium with one part, but hard to implant, no mistake allowed, rather the 2 parts (body+abutment) is much stronger than the titanium and require exactly the same condition of the titanium. The problem is not all dentists know it since not a lot of lab are making it. but if your dentist follow the implant tech progress he should know where to buy it.

2/16/2019 04:16:53 pm

My original dentist that I mentioned in my first post does not place zirconium implants. However, I have spoken to another dentist today who does place zirconium implants at a cost of 4,500 pounds sterling per implant! I would need a complete mouthful of teeth if I went ahead with the implants. Looks like I'll have to settle for dentures.

2/16/2019 04:25:03 pm

@Jo
This is a dentist who cares more of his pocket than your health (as usual). I found in Zurich (Switzerland) one making one part (abutment sealed to the body) for 1000 CHF, you should provide an x-rays of your mouth to make him sure that your jar is enough thick to host implants. I have to make one implant, for now I pinned him, but I would like to deal with another dentist who will find a 2 parts zirconia since it's exactly the same operation process than titanium

Therese link

5/16/2020 08:11:02 am

I am reading this blog as a result of researching alternatives to titanium implants since I have a metal allergy to nickel, cobalt and manganese chloride. I discovered the allergy after rejection of hip replacement that had to be revised and now a second revision is necessary on an earlier which is developing tumors in my thigh. I was looking for nonalloyed titanium implants but dentist don't seem to know what the titanium implants have in them other that titanium. I have asked to a material analysis from the manufacturing lab to no avail. So I am glad to read that zirconia is a ceramic based alternative. I am wondering if there are any trace metals in zirconia. I have also read that zirconia implants are designed with the post and abutment in one piece. What is the average cost for a zirconia implant per tooth? I live in the USA.

5/16/2020 09:24:08 am

@Therese
zirconia with one abutment has no metal in it but the dentist must be very good to place it straight and if it breaks you have to change the whole tooth. The best is ZIrconia 2 abutments (root + head), there is titanium as the support for the head but it's inside, protected from the body, with cermaic (zirconia) all around, it's the best but it's pretty new (5 years in market) so dentist must be a the top of the tech to know it.

Sheri leonard link

7/24/2020 07:06:59 pm

I had an adverse reaction to bilateral hip implants and
no one was able to diagnose me ( I saw approx. 18 docs!) My symptoms were loss of taste , exteme muscle & joint pain, inability to lie flat due to cervical pain & pressure extending to arms with numbness, insomnia mental fog,memory loss, being edgy,,and unbearable fatigue. It wasn't until l experienced hip pain 4 years later & saw warnings on TV about lawsuits involving metal on metal implants that l got my medical records & got tested for cobalt & chromium toxicity.Both levels were highly elevated. In the interim l experienced unbearable pain & no one believed me. Both hips were revised using ceramic implants & symptoms began to improve immediately after removal. Four years later l needed a dental implant. My general dentist & oral surgeon were aware of my history & claimed to have never seen an adverse reaction to an implant. I had a bone graft & endosteal #4 implant placed. After 7 months of healing the abutment & crown was put in place. The following day l began to have fatigue which progressed rapidly to the same symptoms l had with the hip metallosis (only much worse). Both dentists told me they were 100 % sure l had " something else". My primary care doc ruled out other conditions with multiple tests. He advised the implant be removed . I spent 3 months in unbearable pain which continued after removal & no one would prescribe me pain medication ( claiming not to know about my condition). The improvement was slow but l feel mostly recovered 7 months after removal. I have muscle loss ,osteoporosis and lingering fatigue.
Please if you have a metal allergy, don't get an implant. I'm a retired R.N. & had l not had a prior exposure and been able to connect the two conditions l'd be in agony still. My dentists claim there's no scientific evidence to support my claims. I've reported my case to the FDA & l hope there is more awareness & investigation regarding this. It's sad when a patient has to self diagnose. Also both dentists claimed the implant was 100% titanium but my research indicates it has alloys. Additionally, l had NO local symptoms with the implant except a facial rash. My adverse reaction, like the one with my hips, was systemic rather than localized ( with no reddness, swelling, loosening,etc) & it made my situation more confusing. I know this blog is long but l hope it helps someone.

Marie

10/4/2020 10:34:08 pm

I had the same thing happen with my implant. I paid for zirconia nd they accidently used titanium. I know I have metal allergies. After I went to allergist and did a patch test I was refunded my money. I wante dto do a melisa test but due to shipping taking so long due to covid I was not able. I lost taste like you, that is an allergy response to titanium. How do these Drs not know what materials are used for an implant? I now have pain more so than not but hoping it will heal over time. The patch test (only 3 days on back) is still showing the metals I am allergic to after 3 months as well as itching so imagine how long it will take to heal after those metals were put in my mouth for two weeks. Wh isit when you are the .1 percent and you tell them they do not listen. Negligence. I sit in pain and they make up reasons. I would love to share info with you. Going on base for sedone opinions, I trust no one at this point. cynicsue at yahoo

Maria link

10/4/2020 10:49:38 pm

https://www.milesofsmilesdental.net/1631/metal-allergies-and-dental-implants/

Millie Hue link

4/22/2019 04:03:09 pm

It got me when you said that titanium has been tested and proved with a high success rate that is why it is chosen by most procedures. I will definitely choose this material for myself since it will be able to give me confidence that it will be safe on me. I just had this gap between my teeth ever since I was in high school because of an accident when we were practicing our cheer dance. It was a bad fall which made me hit my face on the floor. Now, I wanted it to be covered since it has been affecting my confidence.

Implant Dentistry Essendon link

5/16/2019 08:53:34 pm

It's really important to know what our dental implants are made of. Thanks for this blog, very informative.

david L

8/27/2019 09:09:54 am

Am scared to get implants why have we not learn to regrow teeth?

Eileen Benson link

10/25/2019 08:41:43 am

It was interesting when you talked about how titanium dental implants are preferable because the metal is closely-matched enough that it can actually fuse with our bones. My husband needs to get a dental implant because he lost a tooth in a sports accident earlier this week. I'm glad I read your article so we can find a dental service to use that offers titanium implants!

rajandental link

10/31/2019 11:59:48 pm

Fantastic post! Your personality depends on everything you hold, even your smile. Some people find it embarrassing to give a wide smile, due to misaligned teeth or damaged teeth condition. But Dental Science has an answer to all that. It is worth getting a dental implant for that perfect smile.

Rob1956

11/16/2019 02:16:26 pm

I just had my implant completed today. Got the titanium post in May, 2019. In September my oral surgeon pronounced the implant/bone fusion a success. The abutment/crown was placed in November. Dentist told me the crown is CAD-lasered from a single block of zirconium, and that he could whack it with a hammer and it wouldn't break. Pretty cool.

Liz

11/20/2019 07:26:35 pm

I’ve gone abroad for implants and they’ve offered me steel. I’m allergic to some metal or mixed metals so is this a good alternative from titanium or otherS

Dr Narnolys Dental Clinic link

11/23/2019 01:28:36 am

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Symon werynski link

11/30/2019 02:43:30 pm

Are you able to define for me whether one type of titanium implant as MIS oppose to Nobel Biocare or

Dr Smilez Dental Clinic link

1/9/2020 10:38:04 pm

Nice explanation about Dental implants. Thanks for sharing the valuable content. And both types of dental material "Titanium" and "Zirconia" are being widely used in India

Tammy

1/11/2020 09:37:46 pm

I found a place in Canada bc that combines the both of these materials titanium And zirconia, has any one else had it done ?

Nardine Zermok

1/18/2020 11:03:59 am

@ Tammy
combination of titanium and zirconia is not good, cases reported bad chimical result of both. Also titamium in body after 15 years can create big health trouble and illness, some reported. The best is full zirconia with 2 abutments, the root and the head, is the most strong and the body/bone accept it without problem as it's based on ceramics.

10/11/2020 11:16:37 am

I had a All-on-4 recently and I have titanium implants and will get zirconia teeth after the implants are grown in. So far everything is good other than the temporary resin teeth broke.

Keith link

1/24/2020 04:53:12 am

Nice blog ! Thank you for provide such a nice information

Aayushi link

4/28/2020 04:37:26 am

There is nothing that is as good as your natural tooth. However, people can lose their teeth due to many reasons – decay, trauma, gum disease, bone disease, etc. In order to eat, chew and talk, we need our teeth. So, to restore a person’s missing tooth, dentistry provides a few options – dentures, crown and bridge and implants!

https://sabkadentist.com/dental-implants/

Dhaval link

5/28/2020 11:12:12 pm

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7/16/2020 11:22:12 pm

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Costa haralambos

8/12/2020 12:36:02 am

Titanium implants the cost for two attatched to a bridge with one extra tooth ,thanks approximately

Afton Jackson link

9/17/2020 05:43:25 pm

It was very interesting when you mentioned that titanium dental implants feel very natural to the human body. I was under the assumption that getting dental implants for my cracked and missing teeth would end up with me having to deal with some very uncomfortable feelings in my mouth. However, if this isn't an issue with titanium implants, then I'll look around for any dentists that can help me with my conditions by offering them.

10/11/2020 11:22:00 am

I recently had dental implant surgery. I can not feel the implants. All feels normal. But the chewing is kinda weird at the beginning. I really could not feel the food being chewed and I bit my cheeks a lot. But I don't have single implants. I have full arches.

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