What is a Zirconia Dental Implant?

Over the past few decades, dental implants have completely revolutionized the way dentists replace teeth. While they are typically made of titanium, more and more dental practices are now starting to offer zirconia implants. What are they, and are they better than regular implants? You’ll find the answers to both of these questions and more in today’s blog.

The Basics of Zirconia Implants

Zirconia implants are very similar to titanium ones in that an artificial tooth sits on top of a prosthetic root that is placed into the jaw. With normal implants, the tooth and the root are two separate pieces, and of course, the metal root is a dark gray color. For zirconia implants, they are made of a natural mineral, the tooth and root are a single piece, and they are both white so they match the color of a patient’s teeth.

The Advantages of Zirconia Implants

More and more patients are choosing to replace their teeth with zirconia implants because they offer an array of benefits compared to titanium:

• Natural Appearance: Because both parts of a zirconia implant are tooth-colored, they have a more natural appearance compared to titanium implants. With metal implants, the post can sometimes be slightly visible through the gums, creating a noticeable “shadow,” but with zirconia implants, this isn’t an issue.
• Easier on the Gums: Zirconia implants have been shown to cause less inflammation in the gum tissue compared to titanium, and they are also less prone to accumulating bacteria and developing infections.
• Simpler Treatment: With metal implants, the post has to be placed, then an abutment is attached on top, which is then connected to the new tooth. The root and tooth are already together for zirconia implants, making placing them a much more straightforward (and faster) process for the dentist and patient.
• No Allergies: For people with metal allergies, zirconia implants enable them to replace their teeth with the most reliable solution available today without worrying about a harmful reaction.

Want to Get Zirconia Implants?

If you’d like to learn more about zirconia dental implants and see if they would be a good fit for you, simply consult with a dentist who offers them. If you aren’t sure which type of implants they use, just call the office and ask. Now, you have another great option to rebuild your smile for a lifetime to come.

About the Author

Dr. Vrajesh Shah is a board-certified prosthodontist with more than 20 years of experience. At his practice, Edison Prosthodontics, he is dedicated to providing the highest quality care using the latest technology. He is proud to offer zirconia dental implants, and to schedule an appointment to start your journey toward a renewed smile, click here.