A ceramic dental implant can bring you many advantages over a metal implant. Ceramic dental implants can last a lifetime and are hypoallergenic. They also provide a natural appearance, making them the perfect option for people who want to have a beautiful smile again.
Here are some important things to consider if you are deciding between ceramic dental implants, also known as zirconia implants, and metal ones.
Ceramic zirconia implants are metal-free
Titanium has long been considered the “gold standard” in dental implant technology. However, many patients today have metal allergies or sensitivities–or aesthetic concerns–and are looking for another option.
Fortunately, ceramic zirconia implants are a very effective alternative for many patients and can be more affordable. Made of zirconium dioxide, these metal-free alternatives to titanium implants have been the top choice of biologic dentists in Canada and Europe for years. Ceramic zirconia is biocompatible and durable enough to last a lifetime.
They look and function like natural teeth
Unlike traditional metal implants, ceramic dental implants are made of tooth-colored zirconium, giving them the look and feel of natural teeth. Their design and function mimic the natural dentition. They mimic the contours of natural teeth, as well as the the bite function and integration into the jaw bone.
Unlike other dental implants, these implants can be placed in the mouth immediately after tooth extraction, reducing discomfort and the time until replacement. Furthermore, unlike the traditional dental implant process, this type of tooth replacement is minimally invasive. The implants can be placed through the gum without sutures or incisions.
Studies show that ceramic zirconia implants have a high degree of osseointegration with the bone, and that there are no signs of rejection by the body. In addition, because they are non-conducting, they promote a healthier oral environment. Dentists are not supposed to mix metals in the mouth because that can create an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field can pull the metal molecules out of the fillings and implants and distribute them into your body. That places a lot of stress on the body’s natural detox systems and can, in some cases, shut them down.
In the Chinese acupuncture meridian system, each tooth site corresponds to an organ and a gland. If a titanium implant is placed there, because it is conductive, it can cause inflammation in those organs and glands that you did not have there before. Ceramic implants are also less-sensitive to temperature changes than titanium implants.
They are hypoallergenic
In recent years, the dental implant industry has been moving away from metals like titanium and tin to more natural, organic tooth replacement alternatives. Ceramic dental implants, which have the bioinert composition of natural teeth, are an ideal alternative to metals as they are hypoallergenic and do not cause a systemic inflammatory response in the body.
Tissue-friendly and safe, zirconia dental implants are excellent for people who are sensitive to metals and other materials used in dental implants. They are biocompatible, preventing the infection of gum tissues around the implant site. Patients with metal allergies may also prefer ceramic dental implants over traditional implants because they are hypoallergenic. Lastly, because they are completely white, they do not show through the gum tissue, making them a great option for people with sensitive teeth or autoimmune diseases.
They are durable
The good news about ceramic dental implants is that they can last a lifetime with proper care. In most cases, dental implants are made of ceramic and will not need to be replaced for up to 20 years.
While this might seem like a long time, there are several things you can do to maintain your new tooth and its crown. To keep your dental implants in good condition for as long as possible, it is important to address tooth grinding, if this is a problem for you. As with all teeth, grinding is a common cause of problems with dental implants. This is a condition called bruxism. This condition puts enormous pressure on the teeth when they are being clenched. Eventually, this can result in chips or cracks. Wearing a removable mouth guard and following your dentist’s instructions can reduce the impact of this condition.
They restore a natural smile
While metal implants may show through thin gums or a receding gum line, a ceramic implant blends in seamlessly with your surrounding tissue, because it does not have a gray metal base that sticks out from under the gum line.
Ceramic implants are biocompatible, meaning that they do not affect nearby tissue or deteriorate over time. A biocompatible crown is placed on top of the implant, resembling the appearance and feel of a natural tooth.
Another benefit of ceramic dental implants is that they are easy to clean. These implants are designed to prevent bacteria from growing on them, making them a better option for those with sensitive gums. Because they are made from a single piece of ceramic, they are also easy to repair if a fracture occurs.
Conclusion: Ceramic dental implants can be an ideal option for many patients, offering many advantages over titanium implants, particularly for patients with aesthetic concerns, sensitivities to metals and health challenges such as autoimmune disease.
