Are you wondering if titanium dental implants are healthy for you? There are four things you should know about them before making a decision about any dental implant procedure.
Titanium Dental Implants
Most people who have questions about titanium dental implants are concerned because titanium is a metal. The concern increases if you have metal allergies or sensitivities. Before you accept—or reject—the idea of receiving these implants, what should you know?
1. Their History
In the last 20 years, titanium has gained popularity for use in many medical and dental procedures, including:
- Dental implants
- Hip and knee replacement
- Elbow and shoulder joint replacement
- Protection of vertebrae in some back surgeries
- Cardiovascular devices
- External prosthesis
2. Why They Work So Well
Titanium is so successful because it is biocompatible, extremely resistant to corrosion, and super strong. The element has been rigorously tested and researched.
3. What about Titanium Allergies?
The thought of receiving titanium dental implants causes some people to be concerned about metal allergies and sensitivities. Nickel, cobalt and chromium are the most common causes of reactions to metal in humans. The human body needs to maintain micro elements of certain metals, including iron, copper, and zinc for certain functions. But what about titanium? It is biocompatible. Studies show that .06% percent—an extremely low rate—of patients experience a reaction. That means the vast majority of implant dentists have never had a patient who experienced a negative reaction to the implants.
3. Is There an Alternative?
Zirconium dioxide is a ceramic. Dental implants made from the material provide an alternative for patients who are sensitive to titanium. But before you ask for zirconia implants, you should ensure that you’re not allergic to zirconium dioxide. Although it contains both metallic and non-metallic atoms, it is not classified as a true metal. Titanium sensitivities are rare, but patients who have them usually get good results with zirconia implants.
Before You Ask for Dental Implants
Don’t guess. If you have a history of metal allergies, speak with your implant dentist about your concerns. Some patients choose to be tested for allergies before receiving dental work that contains metal.
If you experience a reaction to dental implants, they will need to be removed and the process will have to be repeated. It can take months or even more than a year to resolve the issue. So it’s best to receive proper testing to identify your allergies and sensitivities.
After that, you can schedule a consultation with an experienced implant dentist to discuss your options.
This post is sponsored by San Antonio dentist Dr. Mohamed Imam of My Smile Artist.