Is It Possible For Dental Implant Parts To Rust?

Dental implants are often composed of titanium, which is why most patients are concerned about whether implants rust or corrode. While the simple answer is no, we will discuss this topic in detail.

What is Rust?

Rust is a reaction when iron combines with water and oxygen. It is simply hydrated iron. By this definition of rust, implant screws will definitely not rust as they are not made of iron.

Dental implants are made of titanium. Titanium also has oxidative properties, but unlike iron, this reaction forms a protective layer, preventing corrosion even from acids.

Can Implant Parts Rust?

Titanium screws are mostly used for dental implants, which are used to secure the implant crowns. It is not only rust-resistant but compatible with the human body. After considerable research, titanium is considered one of the excellent materials for implants and orthopedic joint replacements because it bonds well with the bone.

The crown portion on top of the implant is made of zirconia. It is also low-risk of rust or corrosion because it has already been oxidized, turning it into a hard, rust-resistant ceramic material.

Zirconia crowns are bioinert, meaning they will not cause a chemical reaction, move to other body parts, or rust.

Are Titanium Dental Implants Concerning?

Dentists use titanium for dental implants due to its highly corrosion-resistant properties. They are highly durable and often last a lifetime. However, this material can become compromised in one instance when it comes in contact with other prosthetic pieces. The differences in metals can cause an electric current to flow between them, leading to galvanic corrosion.

This issue can be avoided when dentists carefully pick the implant materials; they make sure not only metal comes directly in contact with titanium.

How Common Is Rusting In Dental Implant?

Titanium has a great track record when it comes to gauging the success of dental implants. There are no statistics available on how corrosion is responsible for dental implant failure. Here are some reassuring facts in this regard!

• Dental implant failures are quite rare. Studies estimate that they are successful in more than 97% of cases.
• Dental implants last for a lifetime for most patients.
• If dental implants fail, the reason behind is an infection known as per-implantitis or failed integration. This is completely unrelated to corrosion.

Metal-Free Dental Implant Alternatives

If you are still skeptical or have metal allergy, it is best to go for metal-free implant options i.e. zirconia implants. These are ceramic based and pose no risks of rust, corrosion whatsoever,

Why Dental Implants Fail?

While there are multiple reasons why dental implants could possibly fail, none of them is related to rust or corrosion.

• Dental implants fail primarily due to poor oral hygiene.
• Peri-implantitis is one of the main causes of dental implant failure.
• Poorly taken impressions and misalignment of implant may cause failure.
• Failed osseointegration can also lead to dental implant failure.
• Loose implants or nerve damage can also cause implant failure.

Overall Insight

Implant parts are made of titanium and zirconia. Both these materials are rust-resistant and compatible with the human body. However, there could possibly be other reasons why your dental implant might fail i.e.poor oral hygiene, infection, poor placement etc.

At Get Implant, you can find a range of high-quality customizable dental implants parts - with guaranteed safety from rust and corrosion. Call us at (713) 296-0329 for more information.