A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO DENTAL IMPLANTS: CERAMIC ZIRCONIA IMPLANTS

Straumann Ceramic Implant — Natural Tooth vs. Ceramic Implant
*Image courtesy Straumann Group*

Holistic Dentistry is on the rise due to an increase in our population suffering from allergies, metal hypersensitivities and compromised immune systems.

Over the years, research has linked periodontal disease with multiple medical issues. We know oral bacteria can travel to other parts of our bodies in the bloodstream, which puts patients at further risk for Heart Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Stroke, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Diabetes and even Cancer.

Today, we’re finding more and more patients being proactive with regards to their overall health and well-being. We understand getting dental implants can be an overwhelming experience for our patients, especially those concerned with putting anything foreign in their bodies. It’s important to know the makeup of dental implants and the alternatives that exist in the dental industry today.

When it comes to replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth, there are plenty of elements to consider when making an informed decision, one that benefits your body as a whole while improving your oral health care.

Zirconia implants have become a popular alternative to titanium implants. Both are scientifically proven to be good options.

Ceramic Implant Parts — Straumann Ceramic Implants
*Image courtesy Straumann Group*

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What are Ceramic Implants?

Ceramic dental implants are essentially identical to traditional titanium dental implants with the exception they are made of a ceramic or glass-like substance. There is no metal in these implants which is a big advantage for people who prefer to have non-metallic implants placed. Ceramic implants have been used in Europe for many years and are FDA approved here in the United States. We have seen excellent success using ceramic implants in our practice.

Why do we Recommend a Zirconia over a Titanium Dental Implant?

We let the patient decide on a case-by-case basis as the zirconia and titanium dental implants are equally successful and we’re confident in using both styles. Occasionally, the titanium dental implant is preferable because there are currently more options, parts, and pieces available to us to handle very complex restorative issues. However, that only exists in a minority of our cases.

How Does a Ceramic Dental Implant Function as a Replacement for a Tooth?

A ceramic dental implant is identical in its function to a titanium dental implant in that it is replacing the root portion of the tooth or teeth that are missing. The implant is placed into the upper or lower jawbone and allowed to heal (integrate) into the bone for a period of time – generally three months – at which time the patient is then referred back to their restorative dentist to have their teeth or tooth fabricated to be placed on top of the implant. The time that we wait is for osseointegration to occur, which is when the surrounding bone fuses to the wall of the ceramic implant and locks it in place so then it can function like any other permanent tooth.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of using Zirconia Dental Implants?

There is no disadvantage to using a zirconia ceramic implant over a titanium dental implant. The benefit is that we can provide an equally successful option to replace teeth for patients who prefer non-metallic implants. A secondary benefit is that ceramic implants are generally white in color. In situations where the gum is very thin and on occasion there can be some shine through to the implant surface, a white implant surface will look more tooth-like than a traditional titanium surface which has more gray coloring.