What Are Dental Implants Made Of? Learn More About the Procedure

When patients consider restoring missing teeth, one question often arises: what are dental implants made of? This simple query opens the door to understanding the core of implantology—what makes implants safe, durable, and biocompatible. Dental implants are not just metal screws; they are precision-engineered devices designed to integrate with the human body.

We will explore:

• What dental implants are made of

• The role of each component

• How materials influence success rates

• Expert opinions from implantologists

• Why Albania is a leader in advanced, affordable implantology

Whether you’re a local patient or interested in dental tourism in Albania, this guide is your comprehensive resource.

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What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a medical-grade fixture used to replace missing teeth. It is surgically embedded into the jawbone and serves as an artificial tooth root. Implants provide a foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures and are known for their stability and longevity.

Implants are typically composed of three main parts:

1. Implant fixture – the screw that goes into the bone

2. Abutment – the connector between the implant and the prosthetic tooth

3. Crown or prosthesis – the visible part that looks like a tooth

Understanding the materials in each component is key to answering: what are dental implants made of?

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What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

1. The Implant Fixture: Titanium and Zirconia

Titanium is the most widely used material for dental implants. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, over 95% of implants placed globally are made of titanium (AAOMS).

Why titanium?

• Biocompatibility: Titanium fuses naturally with bone, a process called osseointegration

• Strength: It resists fractures and lasts for decades

• Corrosion Resistance: Safe in moist environments like the mouth

• Lightweight: Comfortable for the patient

There are two common types of titanium used:

• Commercially pure titanium (grades 1–4)

• Titanium alloys (often Ti-6Al-4V) – stronger and more durable

What about zirconia?

Zirconia (zirconium dioxide) is a metal-free ceramic alternative. It is white, making it more aesthetic for front teeth.

Pros of zirconia:

• High biocompatibility

• No risk of metal allergies

• Better gum response in some cases

Cons:

• Brittle under pressure

• Less long-term data than titanium

Dr. Linda Huber, implant specialist in Berlin, notes:
“Titanium remains the gold standard due to its unmatched osseointegration. Zirconia is promising but not ideal in high-stress zones.”

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2. The Abutment: Titanium, Zirconia, or Hybrid Materials

The abutment is the connector between the implant and the crown. It can be made of:

• Titanium – Strong and widely used

• Zirconia – More aesthetic, especially under ceramic crowns

• Hybrid materials – Custom-made options combining durability and aesthetics

The choice of abutment depends on:

• Gum thickness

• Tooth position

• Aesthetic goals

• Bite force

Modern dentistry allows for CAD/CAM-milled abutments, designed digitally for a perfect fit.

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3. The Crown: Porcelain, Zirconia, or Metal-Ceramic

The final visible tooth—called the crown—is not part of the implant per se, but is critical to the result.

Most common crown materials:

• Zirconia – Natural appearance and strong

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) – Durable, but may show metal at gum line

• Lithium disilicate (e.max) – High-end aesthetics for anterior teeth

“Today’s materials mimic natural teeth to perfection. With proper planning, nobody can tell it’s an implant,” says Dr. Arben Dervishi, oral surgeon in Tirana.

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How Safe Are Dental Implant Materials?

Dental implant materials must meet strict international standards. The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and European CE certifications regulate their use.

According to a study in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants, modern titanium implants have a 10-year success rate exceeding 95% (PubMed).

Zirconia is also gaining CE and FDA approvals, especially for patients with metal sensitivities.

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Innovations in Implant Materials

New materials and coatings are constantly being developed to improve outcomes.

Some examples include:

• Hydrophilic surfaces – Improve bone bonding

• Plasma-sprayed coatings – Enhance cell adhesion

• Nanostructured titanium – Promotes faster healing

These technologies are now available in clinics partnered with the Albanian Health Agency, offering world-class results with transparent pricing.

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What Role Does the Clinic Play?

Even the best materials fail without expert hands. That’s why it’s important to select:

• Dentists with implantology specialization

• Clinics that use certified implant systems like Straumann®, Nobel Biocare®, or Zimmer®

• Providers with advanced 3D imaging and planning tools

In Albania, partner clinics under Albanian Health Agency meet all European standards while offering savings of up to 70% compared to Western Europe.

👉 Learn more about dental tourism in Albania

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Cost of Dental Implants by Material

Understanding the cost of dental implants is essential for anyone considering treatment—especially for international patients exploring dental tourism options. Below is a comparative table showing the estimated average cost per implant based on material and country:

What’s Included in These Prices?

While prices in the UK and Italy often reflect just the surgical procedure or implant screw, Albania’s prices typically include much more, especially when arranged through Albanian Health Agency. Here’s a breakdown of what’s usually included:

In Albania:

• Initial Consultation with a certified implantologist

• 3D digital imaging (CBCT scan) for accurate diagnosis

• High-quality implants (from brands like Straumann®, Nobel Biocare®, or MegaGen®)

• Surgery performed by experienced oral surgeons

• Healing abutment & placement

• Post-operative medication & instructions

• Follow-up visits

• Accommodation and airport transfers (in many cases)

• Bilingual patient support team throughout your stay

In contrast, clinics in Western Europe often charge separately for:

• Imaging and diagnostics

• Custom abutments

• Crown placement

• Revisions or complications

• Any travel or hotel stay

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What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

So, what are dental implants made of? Primarily:

• Titanium – the reliable, durable standard

• Zirconia – the metal-free alternative

• Hybrid components – for tailored treatments

Choosing the right material depends on clinical needs, aesthetics, and budget. With certified clinics, modern technology, and expert implantologists, Albania has become a leading destination for dental implants made from the best global materials—at a fraction of the usual cost.

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Trusted Sources

• American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)

• PubMed – NIH

• FDA Medical Device Regulations

• Albanian Health Agency