Over 100,000 dental implants are placed annually in Australia, yet many patients remain curious about the materials used in these life-changing devices. If you’re curious about what dental implants are made of, the answer lies in decades of materials science research that has identified titanium as the gold standard for implant manufacturing.
Understanding the materials used in dental implants helps explain their remarkable success rates and longevity.
Titanium: The Foundation of Modern Implants
What are dental implants made of at their core? The implant post itself is manufactured from pure titanium or titanium alloy, a material that revolutionised implant dentistry when it was first introduced in the 1960s. Titanium possesses unique properties that make it ideal for dental applications.
Unlike other metals, titanium is biocompatible, meaning your body doesn’t recognise it as a foreign object. Instead of rejecting the implant, your bone tissue grows onto and around the titanium surface through a process called osseointegration. This biological fusion creates a bond stronger than the original tooth root, providing exceptional stability.
The titanium used in dental implants in Perth is typically grade 4 commercially pure titanium or titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium alloy. These grades offer the perfect balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility needed for long-term success in the challenging oral environment.
The Crown Component Materials
While the implant post is made of titanium, the visible portion of your replacement tooth uses different materials. Dental crowns attached to implants are typically crafted from porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal combinations.
Porcelain remains the most popular choice for implant crowns because it closely mimics the translucency and colour properties of natural tooth enamel. Modern dental porcelain is incredibly durable and stain-resistant, maintaining its appearance for many years with proper care.
Zirconia has gained popularity in recent years due to its exceptional strength and natural appearance. This ceramic material is biocompatible and highly resistant to fracture, making it an excellent choice for both front and back teeth. Zirconia crowns are also metal-free, eliminating any concerns about metal allergies.
The Abutment Connection
The abutment, which connects the titanium implant to the crown, is typically made from titanium, zirconia, or gold alloy. Titanium abutments are most common due to their strength and compatibility with titanium implants. The matching materials prevent galvanic corrosion that can occur when dissimilar metals are in contact.
Zirconia abutments offer superior aesthetics, particularly for front teeth, where the abutment might be visible through thin gum tissue. The white colour of zirconia prevents the grey shadowing that can sometimes occur with titanium abutments.
Surface Treatments and Enhancements
Modern implants often feature specially treated surfaces designed to enhance osseointegration. These surface modifications don’t change what dental implants are made of fundamentally, but they improve how the titanium interacts with bone tissue.
Sandblasted and acid-etched surfaces create microscopic roughness that encourages bone cell attachment. Some implants feature hydroxyapatite coatings, a calcium phosphate compound that naturally occurs in bone and teeth. These coatings can accelerate the integration process and improve initial stability.
Manufacturing Standards and Quality Control
The materials used in dental implants must meet strict international standards for medical devices. Titanium implants are manufactured under clean room conditions with rigorous quality control measures to ensure purity and consistency.
ISO 14801 standards govern implant testing, while ISO 5832 specifications define the titanium grades acceptable for surgical implants. Australian patients can be confident that domestic dental implants meet these international standards, as the Therapeutic Goods Administration regulates medical devices.
Why These Materials Matter for Longevity
The careful selection of materials directly impacts how long dental implants last. Titanium’s corrosion resistance ensures the implant remains stable in the oral environment for decades. The material doesn’t degrade like natural tooth roots might, providing a permanent foundation for replacement teeth.
High-quality crown materials resist wear, staining, and fracture, maintaining both function and appearance over time. The biocompatible nature of these materials minimises the risk of adverse reactions that could compromise implant success.
Material Safety and Biocompatibility
Are dental implants considered safe from a materials perspective? Extensive research spanning over 50 years has demonstrated the safety and biocompatibility of titanium in dental applications, with reported allergic reactions to titanium being rare.
The materials used in implant crowns and abutments have equally impressive safety profiles. Porcelain and zirconia are inert materials that don’t react with oral tissues or other materials in the mouth. This compatibility is crucial for long-term success and patient comfort.
Making Informed Decisions
Understanding what dental implants are made of helps you make informed decisions about your treatment. The materials used directly impact the implant’s performance, longevity, and compatibility with your body.
At SmileOn Perth, we use only premium implant systems manufactured from the highest-grade materials available. Our team, led by Dr. Hau (who completed advanced implant training through the gIDE Master Clinician Program), ensures that every implant placed meets the strictest quality standards.
Contact us today to learn more about how the right materials and expert placement can provide you with a lasting solution for missing teeth.