If you need to replace a lost tooth, many specialists recommend dental implants because they provide unique advantages over other options like dentures or dental bridges. This is largely because they’re the only restorative method that includes a titanium rod inserted directly into your jawbone. Unlike the alternatives, it’s a standalone structure that doesn’t rely on your surrounding teeth or gums as an anchor. That means it both looks and functions the most like the natural tooth you lost.
While other metals can be used for dental implants, titanium remains the preferred choice. Keep reading to learn 3 reasons why!
Reason #1: Titanium is Biocompatible
One of the greatest advantages to using titanium in dental implants is that it’s biocompatible, meaning that it’s anti-allergenic and your body won’t reject it. It resists corrosion from bodily fluids, like saliva, and can fuse with your natural bone through a process called osseointegration. It’s considered the most biocompatible metal for this reason and is generally thought to be non-toxic to humans.
Once it’s inserted into your jaw, the titanium post merges with your bone structure and acts like a root. Every time you bite down to chew, it stimulates your jawbone which keeps it active and healthy. This prevents its natural deterioration after tooth loss, which maintains your facial structure.
Reason #2: Titanium is Durable
Did you know that your teeth contain the strongest substance in your body? The enamel is even tougher than bone, which is needed to protect your pearly whites from the constant force of biting and chewing. If you’re replacing a tooth, you need to use a material that’s resilient enough to withstand this same pressure.
Titanium is an excellent choice because it has a similar tensile strength to steel. It has a high resistance to repeated loads, and fractures are so rare that it’s used on space shuttles and racing cars. It’s so effective that dental implants made this way are known to last 30+ years with the right care.
Reason #3: Titanium is Lightweight
Another reason titanium is ideal for building false teeth is that it’s so lightweight with the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all metals. It provides a similar strength to steel but is 45% lighter. If a heavier substance were used, the added weight would force your jaw to work harder. In time, this could cause TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues like a sore, stiff, or locked jaw in addition to headaches and muscle tension.
By restoring your smile with a titanium dental implant, you’ll have a beautiful replacement tooth that could last the rest of your natural life!
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph has more than 25 years of experience providing a wide range of high-quality services to enhance his patient’s oral health, including dental implants. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC. He then attended the Medical University of South Carolina where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine. He has since honed his skills and stays on top of current technology and techniques with ongoing training opportunities. He can perform each step of the dental implant process onsite to minimize the need for outside providers, for your convenience. If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (843) 488-4357.