Biomaterials marking the new era of implants

From better to much better. The search for and research into new biomaterials and composites for dental restoration has resulted in stronger and more durable materials, in addition to optimizing their esthetic function. These are biocompatible elements, which integrate with the surrounding soft tissues and generate greater acceptance by the body. As a result, allergic reactions or possible rejection, such as those that could be caused by old metallic components, are becoming a thing of the past.

To date, titanium is still the most widely used material in implantology due to its high biocompatibility and the improvements it has made over its predecessors. It is true that it is highly resistant to chemical attack, lightweight, and has a high dielectric constant, among other physical properties.

However, more recent studies offer even more room for progress.

Zirconium speeds up the pace

One of the most significant advances has been the incorporation of zirconium for the prosthetic part of the implants, i.e. the teeth. At first glance, one of the advantages over titanium can be seen: it is a white material. Therefore, in case of gingival recession, it avoids offering gray colors in the part attached to the gum. It is also more biocompatible with the gums than conventional metals such as chromium and cobalt.

Research to date had concluded that potential materials to replace titanium (such as porcelains or hydroxylapatite) were either too brittle or not biocompatible. But zirconium, previously used in leading-edge technology sectors, is highly stable and durable, as well as 0% toxic. It has excellent resistance to temperature changes, as well as to the corrosive effect of acids, and has an 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 evolutionary niches. The arrival of tantalum not only represents yet another possibility in terms of material options, but its properties make it possible to change the structure of the implant and break with the traditional threaded design for fixation. This difference with respect to the previous ones means a notable improvement for osseointegration.

Tantalum, a blue-gray transition metal, allows the creation of reticular structures, establishing a systematic network of open, interconnected pores. This innovative design increases bone anchorage capacity and facilitates bone growth.

It is therefore particularly effective in immediate loading procedures with a lack of bone.

Bioactive glass, the future

It is still under study, but bioactive glass shows great promise for dental implantology. It is a crushed glass (composed of silicon oxide, calcium and phosphorus) previously used in bone healing treatments. The data show an improved 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 is highly resistant to oral bacteria and is both hard and rigid. All the indications are that the fillings would be even more durable.

Moving towards nanomaterials

The race for the advent of nanomaterials has already begun. In fact, ceramic nanoparticles have been used in resins for tooth restoration. Nanomaterials based on diamond or sapphire have been shown to be twenty times harder than the ceramic materials currently used. This could be a breakthrough in terms of both durability and esthetic properties. However, further clinical studies on their long-term effects are still needed.