How to Choose an Implant that Fits You?

During outpatient consultations, it's common to hear some patients who are preparing for dental implants say something like this. Some patients may request the doctor to use a specific brand of implant. However, after the doctor examines the patient's oral condition, it is often discovered that the patient may not be suitable for the implant of that particular brand.

 

In fact, throughout the entire process of dental implant treatment, oral implant specialists who have received professional training will choose an implant brand suitable for you based on your oral conditions. There are thousands of implant brands worldwide, each with its own characteristics. Common countries for the production of implants include Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, the United States, and South Korea.

 

How to Choose an Implant that Fits You

The materials and product specifications of different implant systems and brands vary. Different specifications of implants are suitable for different missing tooth locations and varying bone densities. The material of the implant affects its "osseointegration," which refers to the degree of its "tight bond" with the alveolar bone.

Generally, when a patient has good bone density, a wider range of implant options is available. However, for patients with poorer bone density, choosing high-quality implants and other materials can contribute to the success of implant restoration.

 

Which implant material is better?

This depends on the industry's long-term assessment based on the results of extensive case tracking over time, using the reliability of long-term outcomes as a measure. Of course, different implant systems have different design emphases. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a professionally trained oral implant doctor, as the implant brand recommended by them is the most scientifically grounded.

Choosing the best implant material typically depends on the patient's oral condition, individual differences, and treatment needs. Here are some common implant materials and their characteristics:

1. Titanium Alloy

Titanium alloy is one of the most commonly used implant materials. It exhibits excellent biocompatibility and is less likely to cause allergic reactions. The high strength of titanium alloy contributes to long-term stability in the oral environment.

2. Zirconia

Zirconia implants are ceramic and may be a choice for patients allergic to metals or those interested in a more natural color. Zirconia implants offer good aesthetic results and are non-conductive.

3. Surface Modified Titanium

Surface modifications improve the biocompatibility and osseointegration of titanium implants. These modifications may include sandblasting, calcium phosphate coatings, among others.

4. Bioceramics

Including materials like alumina and zirconia, bioceramics offer good biocompatibility and aesthetics, suitable for specific oral conditions.

5. Composite Materials

Some implants use composite materials such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), known for being lightweight, high-strength, and biocompatible.

Choosing the most suitable implant material should be assessed by oral healthcare professionals based on the patient's specific circumstances. Factors such as overall health, oral bone condition, individual reactions to materials, among others, will influence the optimal choice. Oral healthcare professionals will consider these factors to provide patients with the most suitable implant solution.

 

What makes a good dental implant?

Choosing an implant involves considering these three aspects:

1. Mechanical Performance of the Implant

2. Biocompatibility of the Material

3. Surface Treatment of the Implant

 

Different implants have their unique advantages, and the variations in their craftsmanship primarily lie in the implant material, implant morphology, and implant surface treatment. A good implant, however, is assessed in terms of its mechanical performance, biocompatibility, and surface treatment technology.

1. Mechanical Performance of the Implant

Implant technology is built upon the foundation of modern mechanical processing. Good machining performance is essential to meet the requirements of morphological design. Bite force is a fundamental function of teeth, and a good implant should be able to bear static and dynamic chewing forces, preventing breakage, deformation, or wear during prolonged use.

2. Biocompatibility of the Material

Whether an implant, as an "outsider," can pass the examination of the body's immune system and coexist harmoniously with surrounding tissues without causing rejection is crucial for its long-term retention. Titanium-zirconium alloy is a material with good biocompatibility. Implants made from this material can coexist harmoniously with surrounding tissues, laying a solid foundation for future osseointegration.

3. Surface Treatment of the Implant

After implantation, for the implant to establish long-term stability, osteoblasts need to attach to the implant's surface, differentiate into bone cells, and form osseointegration. The surface treatment of the implant is crucial for achieving this.

The formation of a strong bond between the implant and bone typically requires 12 weeks or even longer. Titanium-zirconium alloy implants withhydrophilic active surfaces significantly enhance the implant's "attractiveness." This promotes the formation of new bone between the implant and existing bone. A robust bone integration can be achieved in just 4-8 weeks!

Therefore, while caring about the price, it is even more important to focus on the quality of the implant. Blindly pursuing low prices can easily lead to neglect of the risks associated with the qualification of technology, materials, etc., resulting in implant failure and even damage to the alveolar bone.

Secondly, the choice of implants should be based on one's own situation and examination conditions. For example, diabetic patients should choose implants with good healing properties after stable blood sugar control to complete the implant.

Having high-quality implants also requires regular oral healthcare institutions and experienced doctors. Regular dental hospitals not only have experienced doctors but also introduce sophisticated equipment, ensuring not only the safety of the implant but also improving the accuracy of the surgery, providing you with a comfortable implant experience!