Dental implants have revolutionized the field of dentistry, offering patients a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution to tooth loss. These artificial tooth roots are typically made of biocompatible materials like titanium, and they boast an impressive track record of longevity and reliability. One of the key advantages of dental implants is their resistance to rust; however, there is still a very minimal risk of corrosion occurring. Nonetheless, if you have missing teeth, you should not let this small risk deter you from restoring your pearly whites. Continue reading to learn a little more about how dental implants can sometimes rust under rare circumstances, but why this minimal risk isn’t something that should alarm you.
Dental Implants Are Impressively Resilient
Most dental implants are made from titanium, which is a metal renowned for its exceptional biocompatibility and strength. This is part of why dental implants can serve as a permanent solution for tooth loss; under ideal circumstances and with proper care, they can last for decades.
Better yet, titanium is also a non-ferrous metal, which means it doesn’t contain iron—a key component in the formation of rust. Unlike iron-based metals, titanium doesn’t oxidize or rust when exposed to oxygen or moisture, making it an ideal choice for use in many different areas of medicine, including implant dentistry!
Different Types of Corrosion
However, the absence of iron doesn’t mean they’re totally immune to corrosion—there are other types of corrosion aside from iron oxidation. One common type of corrosion that can affect dental implants is called galvanic corrosion, which occurs when two or more dissimilar metals come into contact with one another. This occurs through the saliva, which creates an electrical current between different metals; as the current flows through your saliva and the tissues in your mouth, it can cause irritation as well as corrosion.
The other type of corrosion is called stress and pit corrosion, which occurs when the implant posts and the abutments, or the pieces that connect the posts with your replacement teeth, come into contact with one another. The implant and abutment may develop microscopic pits, and the constant forces of biting and chewing and lead to faster-than-normal wear and tear.
Benefits of Dental Implants
While there is a very small risk of corrosion with titanium dental implants, this risk is very small—and the awesome benefits that implants often provide for patients far outweigh this risk! These include impressive longevity, unrivaled durability, support for the jawbone, and of course, a lifelike restoration that feels and functions just as well as your original teeth.
It’s important to note that while dental implants offer numerous benefits with little risk of corrosion, not everyone is a suitable candidate; your dentist can evaluate your oral health and help you determine if this restoration is the right option for you.
About the Practice
United Dental Centers of Whiting has proudly served patients and families in the Whiting, IN community for several years, offering a wide range of services including restorative options like dental implants. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one to see if dental implants are a viable option, feel free to visit the practice online or give them a call today for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (219) 659-4900.