I Want Dental Implants: Will They Rust in the Future?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are complete game changers; these innovative posts are capable of fully restoring oral functionality for patients, regardless of the number of pearly whites they’re missing. However, some patients wonder if dental implants are susceptible to rust; while they are impressively reliable and durable, there is still an incredibly minimal risk that you should be aware of. Nonetheless, you should not let this risk deter you—here’s what your dentist wants you to know.

A Closer Look at Dental Implants

Dental implants consist of three main components: the titanium implant post that’s embedded into the jaw, an abutment piece that goes on top of this post, and the actual replacement teeth, which sit on top of this abutment. By working in unison, these parts are able to serve as a permanent solution for tooth loss, regardless of how many teeth a person is missing, and under ideal circumstances and with proper care, they can even last for decades!

Dental Implants Are Resilient and Unlikely to Rust

Titanium is an impressively durable metal that has several uses in healthcare since it’s totally biocompatible, meaning it can healthily fuse with your bone matter. Better yet, titanium is also non-ferrous, meaning that it doesn’t contain iron. Iron is a very common element that’s known to rust because of a chemical reaction called oxidation, which occurs when it’s exposed to moisture and oxygen. Unlike iron-based metals, titanium doesn’t oxidize when exposed to oxygen or moisture.

This makes it the ideal choice for all types of medical procedures, including dental implants! However, just because dental implants lack iron (aside from very trace amounts found in titanium) doesn’t mean they’re resistant to corrosion. Galvanic corrosion can still occur due to reactions between the jawbone, the implant, and your saliva, which creates a mild electrical current as it flows through the mouth.

How To Protect Your Dental Implants

Though they’re unlikely to rust, you’ll still need to protect your dental implants from other threats. Brush and floss your teeth daily, in addition to rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. Avoid bad oral habits like smoking, using tobacco, and biting into hard objects. Visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. All of these practices will help you avoid bacterial infections that threaten your dental implants, as well as other damage that might compromise them.

So while dental implants are resistant to rust, they aren’t invulnerable to it; however, only a very small number of implant patients end up needing attention due to rust or corrosion. They remain the gold standard when it comes to tooth replacement, and this resilience is just one of the many reasons why!

About the Author

Dr. Terry F. Rakowsky received his dental doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and has proudly served patients and families in the Doylestown, PA community for several decades. His practice offers a wide range of services, including several restorative options such as dental implants. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit to see if you might benefit from dental implants, feel free to contact Dr. Rakowsky through his practice’s website or by phone for additional information. Telephone: (215) 348-2224.