If you are missing one or more teeth, your dentist has probably spoken to you about dental implants. These prosthetic tooth roots can serve as a strong base of support for a crown, bridge, or denture. In fact, they are regarded as the next best thing to natural teeth! However, you might hesitate when you learn that dental implants are made of metal. Is it possible for them to rust? This blog post explains some important points that you should consider before you commit to treatment.
Can Dental Implants Rust?
To answer this question, it is important to touch on the difference between rust and corrosion. Corrosion is a general term for what happens to metals when they are oxidized; they start to deteriorate. Rust is a type of corrosion that can only affect iron and iron alloys.
Dental implants are composed of medical-grade titanium. Therefore, since they have very little (if any) iron, rust is extremely unlikely to occur. However, corrosion might happen in certain circumstances. Reactions between your saliva, dental implants, jawbone, and other metals in your mouth can create tiny electrical pulses. In turn, this can cause deterioration in the implants.
How Common Is Dental Implant Corrosion?
There are no statistics available on how often corrosion is responsible for dental implant failure. However, there are some facts that you may find reassuring:
- Overall dental implant failure rates are quite low. In fact, some studies estimate that they are successful in more than 95% of cases.
- For many people, their implants endure for decades without any problems whatsoever.
- When dental implants fail, it is most commonly the result of an infection called peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is completely unrelated to corrosion. Rather, it occurs when bacteria attack the gums and jawbone around an implant. It is usually the result of missteps in oral hygiene.
Consider the Risks and Rewards
No medical or dental treatment is completely without risk. However, the risks associated with dental implants are low, and the rewards are high. Dental implants could strengthen your jawbone, enable you to eat virtually any food, and provide you with decades of reliable function. Despite the slight possibility of failure, they are the best way to rebuild missing teeth!
Meet the Practice
The expert team at Santavicca Dental Professions is proud to offer start-to-finish dental implant treatment in our modern, comfortable office. If you have questions about your options for tooth replacement, we would be pleased to consult with you. Contact our Lebanon dental office at 603-215-7108.