Many patients love ceramic dental implants because they look natural, are as strong as metal implants in most situations, and are safe and biocompatible. Ceramic dental implants are made from Zirconia, which many patients tolerate well. A recent European study found that 65% of patients prefer ceramic dental implants.
That said, every patient is an individual. We refer to this as biochemical individuality. For some patients, ceramic dental implants may come with a few disadvantages. Let’s take a look at the major ones.
Ceramic dental implants can’t always withstand stress in the back of the mouth: If patients routinely clench the teeth in the back of the mouth very hard, a ceramic implant may fail. The implant may end up fracturing, while a metal implant, in contrast, will become loose in the bone. In either case, a dentist may recommend a mouthguard as a pro-active measure to prevent implant failure.
Ceramic implants tend to be best suited for the front teeth, where cosmetics are primary and strength secondary. However, under proper conditions, ceramic implants can be used successfully in any part of the mouth.
They are not biocompatible for all patients: What’s safe or nontoxic for one patient may not be the same for someone else. So, although many patients do well with ceramic dental implants, there are exceptions. These implants are inert, but there is still the possibility that someone may not be biocompatible with all brands. We offer most brands of ceramic dental implants to our patients, providing a variety of options. We also test each patient prior to placement with bioenergetic testing to make sure the brand we choose is safe for them.
They may exacerbate autoimmune conditions: Both ceramic and titanium implants may exacerbate autoimmune conditions. However, we have found ceramic implants work best for patients with autoimmunity.
Ultimately, the best dental implant for you is the one that suits your unique health profile. If you’re considering dental implants, make sure to take time to speak with your dentist about any health concerns you may have. Even if one type of ceramic dental implant doesn’t work for you, there may be another one that does, making the implant process more successful for you.
