
Oct
At Nashville Restorative Dentistry, Drs. Ryan M. Jones and Caleb Estes are committed to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy, and functional smile. To do this, they may suggest the benefits of dental implants if tooth replacement is a need of yours. We offer zirconia implant options as an alternative to traditional titanium metal implants. Below are some frequently asked questions about ceramic zirconia dental implants:
Ceramic dental implants are a type of dental implant made from non-metal materials. Unlike traditional metal implants, which are made from titanium or an alloy of titanium and other metals like aluminum and vanadium, ceramic implants are made from biocompatible zirconia. The implants themselves are shaped and function similarly to a metal implant. They are placed into the jawbone and after several months of healing to the bone, allow an abutment and crown to be connected to the implant, which visually replaces a missing tooth.
As previously mentioned, the main difference between ceramic/zirconia and titanium implants is the material they’re made from. Titanium has been used in dentistry for decades, however, some patients may have allergies or sensitivities to metal, making zirconia implants a better option. The particular long term risks of titanium implants are not fully known yet. These risks are mostly centered around the loss of the outer surface oxidation layer of titanium implants. Bacterial damage to and functional stress on the implant surface itself are two documented ways this oxidation layer can become compromised. Once this happens, corrosion of the titanium and bio accumulation of titanium ions in the surrounding tissue or elsewhere in the body can occur.
While technically yes, in all practical cases, this would not be possible. If a patient had enough bone and the implants could be placed in proper positions, then it would be possible to create multiple bridges and restore an entire arch of teeth or even a whole mouth reconstruction case. The advertised concept of “teeth in a day” “All on 4” “All on X” etc. is not fully possible with zirconia implants, however. This is due to the fact that, currently, the angle and height correcting abutments (MUA’s) necessary to perform this type of treatment are not manufactured for use with zirconia implants.
The surgical risk of implant placement is the same regardless of the implant material used. These rare occurrences can include things like infection, implant failure, nerve damage, and gum recession. There are some unique disadvantages to the current capabilities of zirconia implants. The speed and quality of osseointegration into the bone has been observed to be slower and less predictable than titanium. When restoring zirconia implants, the inability to create customized abutments (the piece that connects to the implant and has the crown cemented to it) is also a major drawback compared to titanium. This inability can prevent a natural looking emergence from the gum tissue or result in an oddly shaped crown.
We have never seen an allergic response to a zirconia material. While it can’t be stated to be out of the realm of possibilities, it is exceedingly unlikely that you would have any type of material reaction to such a biocompatible material as zirconia. These materials are biocompatible and typically well-tolerated by the body. However, if you have a history of allergies or sensitivities, it is important to discuss this with your dentist before getting the implant.
Ideally, a properly placed and fully integrated implant should last a lifetime. There is no expiration date that requires replacement. In uncommon cases, bone loss around implants occurs, which can compromise long term stability. Even less commonly, a fracture of the implant can occur, which would require removal. Outside of these issues, an implant itself should be stable and serviceable for decades. Just like natural teeth, they require regular brushing and flossing, as well as routine check-ups with your dentist. With good oral hygiene habits, these implants can last a lifetime!
Drs. Ryan M. Jones and Caleb Estes of Nashville Restorative Dentistry are here to help equip you to make an informed decision regarding your restorative options after tooth loss. We invite you to call (615) 640-8494 to schedule an appointment at our Franklin, TN practice, conveniently located at 5005 Meridian Blvd, Suite #190.
You shouldn’t have to worry about your mouth or let unpleasant past dental experiences prevent you from living the life you want.
Issue: Spacing between the front teeth and an uneven tilt to the smile.
Solution: Short term orthodontics to evenly spread out the space between the teeth followed by veneers across the eight front teeth to create a level smile with color consistency and no spaces.