The dental community considers dental implants to be the finest way to replace lost teeth available since they look and function just like the real thing. However, some patients may wonder if these lifelike prosthetic appliances can rust since they are made of metal and kept covered with saliva throughout their use. Here’s a brief guide to why this won’t be a problem outside of a few rare circumstances as well as why dental implants are so remarkably successful.
Can Dental Implants Rust?
Dental implants consist of a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone and an attached abutment piece designed to support a lifelike dental restoration. Rust is a type of corrosion that forms on metal due to prolonged exposure to oxygen and water, and many people may wonder if they’ll have to worry about their implants rusting due to the moist environment of the mouth. Thankfully, titanium is a remarkably strong and lightweight alloy that does not rust under normal circumstances, so your implants will be safe.
What Can Cause My Implants to Develop Corrosion?
Titanium dental implants can experience two types of corrosion. These are:
- Galvanic corrosion: This chemical process occurs when two or more dissimilar metals exchange electrons through a moist medium such as saliva. In the event that you have a dental implant in addition to a dental appliance made of another metal, your implant may slowly corrode over time, and the mild electric current may also cause soft tissue irritation in other areas of your mouth. This process is especially slow for dental implants since titanium is not magnetically reactive.
- Stress and pit corrosion: In some cases, dental implants will degrade due to the stress of repeated use.
It is incredibly rare for dental implants to experience significant corrosion, and they boast an amazing success rate of over 95% even ten years after being placed. Consulting with your dentist can help you find out of implants can be a great treatment for you.
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Weldon earned his dental degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2008 and completed the Implant Educators Comprehensive Course from Spear Education in 2014. He is also a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association. His office in Ocala offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact his office online or dial (352) 622-3236.