Dental Implant Materials: Understanding Your Options

If you've lost a tooth from trauma, a dental professional can create an implant and offer you a choice of materials for that implant. There are a number of factors to consider when making that choice.

Types

• A full dental implant consists of a small titanium rod that replaces the root section of a missing tooth and anchors an artificial tooth. A mini-dental implant is a smaller version of the full implant, about the size of a toothpick, and also made of titanium. The artificial teeth may be made of acrylic plastic or porcelain.

Features

• If you want the most natural-looking replacement tooth, Denture Help recommends good quality porcelain. It's harder than acrylic, so it can chip more easily. If you have a habit of tapping your teeth, acrylic teeth will do a better job of muffling the sound.

Function

• Since porcelain teeth are less likely to wear down with use, they'll maintain an even bite longer than acrylic teeth will.

Considerations

• If you've lost bone or gum around the implant, acrylic teeth will stay in place better than porcelain when you grind or tap your teeth.

Tip

• Make an appointment with a dental professional for an exam and to discuss the best material for your new teeth.