Thanks for your reply. People always think of titanium as great for hip replacements and implants, but I have seen people have to get hip replacements redone (hopefully with other, perhaps ceramic materials) It is amazing how the body can erode foreign objects to get rid of them. Titanium is great for bicycle frames and fighter jets, though. I am 73 and my teeth have been falling apart right on schedule, just like my father's did. He would say his teeth are turning to chalk. I figure I will have dentures at some point. At least one can take them out if your gums get irritated.