From best to much better. The search and research into new biomaterials and composites for dental restoration has led to stronger and more durable materials, in addition to optimizing their aesthetic function. These are biocompatible elements, which integrate with the surrounding soft tissues and generate greater body acceptance. Consequently, allergic reactions or possible rejections such as those that could cause old metallic components are left behind.
To date, titanium continues to be the most widely used material in implantology due to its high biocompatibility and the improvements it has made in relation to its predecessors. It is true that it is highly resistant to chemical attack, light, and has a high dielectric constant, among other physical properties.
However, the most recent studies offer even more room for progress.
Zirconium picks up the pace
One of the most significant advances has been the incorporation of zirconium to make the prosthetic part of the implants, that is, the teeth. At first glance, it shows one of the advantages over titanium: it is a white material. Therefore, in case the gum recedes, avoid offering gray colors in the part attached to the gum. In turn, it provides greater biocompatibility with the gums than classic metals, such as chrome and cobalt.
Research to date had concluded that potential titanium replacement materials (such as porcelain or hydroxylapatite) were either too brittle or not biocompatible. But zirconium, previously used in leading technology sectors, is highly stable and durable, as well as 0% toxic. It has excellent resistance to changes in temperature, as well as to the corrosive effect of acids, and leads to osseointegration very similar to that of titanium.
Tantalum, innovation in form and content
Although the success rate of implants is already very high, science and technology continue to create niches for evolution. The arrival of tantalum not only represents another possibility in terms of material options, but its properties allow the structure of the implant to be changed and break with the traditional thread design for its fixation. This difference with respect to the previous ones means a notable improvement for osseointegration.
Tantalum, a grayish-blue transition metal, allows the creation of reticular structures, establishing a systematic network of open and interconnected pores. This innovative design increases the holding capacity in the anchorage to the bone and facilitates its growth.
Therefore, it is especially effective in interventions of immediate loading with lack of bone.
Bioactive glass, the future
It is still in the study phase, but bioactive glass shows great promise for dental implantology. It is a crushed glass (composed of silicon oxide, calcium and phosphorous) previously used in bone healing treatments. The data show a better biological response, which would imply an improvement in oral health.
Thus, its introduction would provide the affected teeth with the minerals lost due to caries. This material offers great resistance to oral bacteria, and is both hard and rigid. Everything indicates that the fillings would be even more durable.
Walking towards nanomaterials
The race for the arrival of nanomaterials has already begun. In fact, ceramic nanoparticles have been used in resins for tooth restoration. Diamond- or sapphire-based nanomaterials have been shown to be twenty times harder than currently used ceramic materials. This could be a forceful advance both in terms of durability and aesthetic properties. In any case, it is still necessary to develop more clinical studies on its long-term effects.