You have probably heard of dental implants, such as crowns and bridges. Dental crowns and bridges are two forms of cosmetic dentistry which are used to repair damaged teeth or replace teeth that have suffered from decay. Throughout the last fifty years, the materials used for dental implants have been extensively researched and the understanding of how the physical and chemical properties affect the outcome of treatment has considerably improved. Ideally, implant materials should be biocompatible and resistant to both corrosion and to fracturing. Implants can be made from titanium, zirconia, and a combination of porcelain and metal. Dr. Farahmand, the go-to dental implant dentist in Arcadia, will assess your specific case and work with you to choose the material that’s best for your dental crown or bridge treatment.
Titanium Dental Implants
Titanium has been used to make dental implants for decades. It is widely regarded as the “gold standard of implants” for many reasons. Commercially pure titanium will usually have trace elements that include iron, nitrogen, oxygen and carbon which improves the mechanical qualities. Implants made from titanium are biocompatible, thus when the metal comes in contact with the bone, the bone grows next to the metal without disruption. Titanium implants have aproven success rate of 95% and have a long-expected lifespan.
There have been some concerns over titanium sensitivity, possibly associated with surface corrosion of implants but most of the research relates to orthopedic implants. There is little evidence to show allergies towards titanium although some people may have a sensitivity or an allergy to other metals used in alloys.
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Dental Implants
As the name suggests, porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns are a combination of porcelain and metal. The porcelain overlay is color-matched to your natural teeth. Dentists usually recommend PFM restorations for patients who desire strength and a natural appearance, as this particular material is very durable and can easily be matched to your natural tooth’s coloring for an aesthetically pleasing smile. Consult your dental implant dentist in Arcadia for further details.
Zirconia Dental Implants
Zirconia, a metal in the titanium family, is found all over the world. Common household items such as dinnerware, pipes, and electrical fixtures are made from zirconia. Because of its natural strength and durability, zirconia is an ideal material for dental crowns. Zirconia crowns are best for patients who need posterior crowns, which require a lot of strength for chewing and grinding food. Additionally, they produce an aesthetically pleasing smile for patients because there is no metal lining at the gumline.
If you are thinking about dental implants or have questions regarding the materials used to make dental restorations, schedule an appointment with the highly reputable and experienced Dr. Omid Farahmand, DMD of OF Dental Care at 626.254.1948 or visit www.OFDentalCare.com for further information.
