Common concerns about titanium are answered here

So, you have lost a tooth or some teeth and are looking for a more permanent solution than dentures or bridges? Good for you!

There are many options open to you; depending on your general oral health, physical health and age (you have to be over 18), you may be a suitable candidate for oral implants. Fitted to your jaw, these restorative appliances act as a synthetic root for a dental team to attach false teeth to. The fitting is usually straightforward and once in place, the implant(s) can take between 3-6 months to fuse to your jaw.

But many patients in general have expressed concerns relating to the fitting of oral implants; specifically, the material that the synthetic root is made from (titanium) and how it interacts with the body and the health of the person it is affixed to.

So, back to the key point; why is titanium used as the primary material for dental implants Melbourne? Read on to find out the answer to this question and more.

Why are implants made from titanium?

In simple terms, most oral implants in use today are made from titanium because it is biocompatible with bone structure.

It is a hardy metal, perfect for imitating the root of a tooth but, most importantly, it fuses to the bone that it is placed into over time. Hence, why when your oral implants are fitted, a period of 3-6 months is normally required for the implant to fuse.

Titanium is also hardy and is resistant to bacterial growth; it is also inert, meaning that it is exceedingly unlikely that a person who has a titanium pin (or in this case an implant) will develop an allergy. Different from other metals, it is also immune to being detected with a metal detector.

Can you develop allergies to implants?

It is exceedingly unlikely that you will develop an allergy to titanium.

Another reason it is used across multiple surgeries and as the material of choice for oral implants is that it is biologically inert. Very few people develop allergies to it and it is unlikely to be rejected by your body.

Of course, if you are concerned that you may be developing an allergy to a fitted implant, please book an appointment with your dental team for a check-up immediately.

Can I fly with oral implants?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to fly while having oral implants.

Many patients have concerns that oral implants will be detected when they walk through the metal detector before getting on a plane. But, as titanium is not magnetic, it is non-reactive when you enter a metal detector.

Will the titanium warp with time?

It is not likely that the titanium in an oral implant will warp.

However, during the fusing period, it is possible for them to move, thus they may protrude at an odd angle. If you suspect that your oral implant(s) is moving, book yourself in for an appointment with your dentist promptly!

DISCLAIMER

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.