Zirconia Implants
Dr. Joseph S. Kim and his team are excited to offer zirconia implants as an alternative to titanium implants.
What Are Zirconia Implants?
Zirconia, also known as zirconium-dioxide is a material chemically derived from zircon. It consists of zirconium and oxygen elements. While zirconium is a metal, due to the oxidation, zirconia is a ceramic material. Thanks to its transitional metal status, zirconia combines the strength of metal with the heat-resistant power of ceramic.
Zirconia is an ideal material for dental implants. It’s bioinert, which means that it will never trigger chemical reactions, migrate to other sites in the body or corrode. That’s why it’s the non-metal alternative to titanium. Its naturally white color also makes it a great choice for patients.
Zirconia vs. Titanium Implants: Which Is Better?
The most commonly used dental implant material today is titanium. Dentists have used titanium since the ‘60s. These medical devices have a 90+% success rate. So, why do we need an alternative?
While titanium is more popular among dental practices, it doesn’t mean that it’s better. Zirconia implants are innovative. They have unique properties that titanium ones don’t. And since the color is white, zirconia implants look better in your smile as well.
There’s a big debate between using titanium vs. ceramic dental implants. Ultimately, it comes down to what the patient prefers and the dentist recommends. But, zirconia implants certainly have their advantages.
Benefits of Zirconia Dental Implants
Most of the benefits of zirconia implants come from the material’s properties. Metal has some potentially harmful properties that ceramic simply doesn’t.
1. They’re Hypoallergenic
If you develop sensitivity or allergies to titanium, you won’t just experience itchiness and inflammation. Zirconia is a naturally hypoallergenic material. Meaning that you won’t develop side effects after surgery.
2. Zirconia Is Corrosion Resistant
Zirconia doesn’t corrode. It’s bioinert, which means that it won’t migrate to other parts of your body.
3. Zirconium Implants Are Very Strong
Zirconia is very durable and inflexible in pressure. That’s why it’s a great material for dental implants. Your teeth need to withstand the enormous force of your jaw muscles when you’re eating. And zirconia teeth match this power as well.
4. Integration With the Bone
How well the implant bonds with the bone can make or break the success of dental implant surgery. If the bone rejects the implant, there could be complications. Luckily, zirconia has a good track record with integration. Even the soft tissue around the implant is happier with zirconia vs. with titanium.
5. Zirconium Helps With Plaque Buildup
Ceramic has a very smooth finish. And plaque has a hard time holding on without crooks and crevices. Plus, zirconia has a non-polar structure. This means that bacteria are less likely to adhere to it. Zirconium implants lead to cleaner and healthier oral hygiene.
6. Faster Healing Time
Zirconia isn’t a metal, so it doesn’t conduct heat. This is better for your gums, especially when you’re healing.
7. Aesthetic Advantage
Titanium implants often cause discoloration through the gums. The silver of the metal taints your gums, and this is clearly visible. Especially if your implant is in your smile zone.