What Are Dental Implants Made Of? Materials Guide
Titanium, zirconia and the other materials used in each part of an implant, and what to ask about them.
Checked by our editors. A dentist review of this article is planned but has not happened yet.
What are dental implants made of? Most are titanium, and some are ceramic, typically zirconium oxide (zirconia). The tooth on top is a separate piece and is often made of different materials again.
If a clinic quotes you for “an implant”, you are really paying for a small system of parts, each chosen for a different job. Knowing what goes into each one makes it easier to read a treatment plan, compare quotes on a like-for-like basis and ask sensible questions before you agree to anything.
Which materials are used for the implant post?
The post is the part that sits in the jawbone and acts as a replacement root. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most implant systems use titanium or zirconium oxide, with gold alloys, cobalt-based alloys, titanium alloys and ceramics also used in some cases. Cleveland Clinic says most implants are titanium and some are ceramic, and describes both as safe and biocompatible. The Oral Health Foundation describes the typical implant as a small titanium screw placed into the jawbone.
| Material | How sources describe it | Worth asking your dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium | The material most implants are made from (Cleveland Clinic, Oral Health Foundation) | Which brand and system it is, and whether parts are widely available |
| Titanium alloys | Listed by the FDA as sometimes used | Why an alloy has been chosen for your case |
| Zirconium oxide (zirconia) / ceramic | Used in some systems (FDA); described as safe and biocompatible (Cleveland Clinic) | Whether it suits your bite, bone and the position of the tooth |
| Gold and cobalt-based alloys | Listed by the FDA as sometimes used | Where in the system they are used |
The FDA says the safety profiles of these materials are well known and that implant systems are evaluated against international consensus standards, including biocompatibility testing.
Why is titanium the usual choice?
An implant only works if bone grows against it and holds it firmly, a process Cleveland Clinic says takes three to nine months. The material therefore has to be one the body tolerates well over many years. The sources above agree that titanium is the most common option, and that is why you will see it named on most treatment plans.
Ceramic and zirconia implants are an alternative some patients ask about, often for appearance or because they prefer to avoid metal. The sources we checked describe these as safe options without ranking one material above the other, so the choice is best made with your dentist based on your own mouth rather than on marketing claims.
What is the abutment made of?
The abutment is the connector that screws into the post and sits just above the gum. The FDA explains that it attaches to the implant body and passes through the gums to support the replacement tooth. Your treatment plan should say what material the abutment is and whether it is made by the same manufacturer as the implant. Mixing parts from different systems is a fair question to raise, because the FDA notes that a loosening abutment screw can cause a poor bite or a loose-feeling tooth.
What is the visible tooth made of?
The part you see is called the restoration. Cleveland Clinic lists the options as a single crown, a bridge or an implant-supported denture. The material for this part is chosen separately from the post, so a titanium implant can still carry a tooth-coloured crown. If you are comparing crown materials for the top of an implant, our article on zirconium vs porcelain crowns covers the differences.
Do implant materials affect scans or allergies?
Two practical points come up often:
- Scans. The FDA notes that implants can distort MRI and X-ray images, so tell imaging staff that you have one. It adds that it is not aware of adverse events from these procedures.
- Sensitivities. If you have a known reaction to any metal, mention it at your assessment so the dentist can take it into account when choosing a system.
Questions to ask before you agree to treatment
- What brand and model of implant system will you use, and will you give me a written record of it? (The FDA specifically recommends asking this and keeping the information.)
- What is the post made of, and why is that the right choice for me?
- What are the abutment and crown made of?
- Are all the parts from the same manufacturer?
- If a part needs replacing in future, could another dentist source it?
Material choice is only one part of the picture. Size and design matter too: our review of mini dental implants looks at a narrower type of post and when it is used.
Sources
- US Food and Drug Administration, Dental Implants: What You Should Know
- Cleveland Clinic, Dental Implants
- Oral Health Foundation, Dental implants
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist.
