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What Are Tooth Implants Made of?

Dental implants are a natural-looking prosthetic device used to replace teeth lost to decay or trauma. They are more durable and long-lasting than traditional bridge or denture replacements because they function in the same manner as an actual tooth root.

  1. How they work

    • The implant is placed into the jaw bone and given time to integrate into the bone. This process usually takes three to six months. After the implant is fully integrated, a crown can be placed on the post.

    Titanium

    • The post of the implant is made of titanium, a metal compatible with oral tissues and bone.

    Temporary crown

    • During the integration period, a temporary crown is placed on top of the titanium post. Once the implant has fully fused to the jawbone, the dentist will affix a permanent crown in its place.

    Permanent crown

    • Permanent dental crowns can be made of many different materials. Some are full-metal (a gold alloy or base-metal alloy), some have a metal base fused to ceramic, and others are full-porcelain or full-ceramic.

    Cost

    • The cost of dental implants depends on the materials used and the type of implant done. Single-tooth implants range from $1,000 to $5,000.

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