Titanium implants
Titanium - the material with the longest experience
Implants made of titanium have the longest long-term experience and their success rates are well documented in countless studies. This means that titanium is still the "gold" standard in implantology and is suitable for almost every indication.
It has good biocompatibility, i.e. its compatibility with the body, and is accepted without rejection reactions. The secret of this good body compatibility lies in one of the properties of titanium - where the metal titanium comes into contact with oxygen, a protective layer of titanium oxide - strictly speaking a ceramic - forms within milliseconds. This "passivation layer" prevents a chemical exchange between the metal and the tissue.
However, according to the latest research findings, titanium can also be subject to corrosive processes (bio-corrosion), which can lead to the release of titanium particles. In conjunction with bacteria, such particles can lead to inflammation around the implant (peri-implantitis). Although allergies can be ruled out, it seems to be confirmed that some patients react to such particles with a "titanium intolerance" in the sense of an exaggerated foreign body reaction. The titanium stimulation test provides clarity here prior to implantation.
The advantage over ceramic implants is currently still the long experience (evidence) and wide range of products, especially for later restoration with dentures.
Dr. Jens Tartsch
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