7 Reasons You Might Want Ceramic Implants
Bellevue, WA
By the age of 50, the average American has lost 12 of their natural teeth. Thanks to advancements in dentistry, however, today A Smiling Heart Dentistry has many options to replace their teeth, including with the use of dental implants.
Titanium implants are the most popular types of implants since medical-grade titanium is hypoallergenic and is readily able to fuse with the jawbone, giving it strength and stability. However, in recent years, ceramic implants are also becoming increasingly popular.
What are Ceramic Implants?
Ceramic implants were first introduced in Europe in the 1990s and have been in use for quite a while, although their use is not as widespread as titanium implants. These implants are made of high-quality zirconia, a form of zirconium oxide.
Although many people believe that zirconia is a metal, the addition of crystalline oxide changes its chemical and physical characteristics, making it very useful in the field of dentistry. Zirconium oxide is a very inert and strong material and is safe and reliable, which makes it useful in the field of dentistry. Additionally, its white color makes it a popular alternative to titanium implants.
Reasons Why You Should Consider Ceramic Implants
There are quite a few benefits that zirconia implants can offer patients. The most important ones are listed here:
One-Piece Design
Ceramic implants are made as a single unit. This is a different design than that of titanium implants, which are made into two separate parts: a metallic screw that replaces the tooth root in the jawbone and an abutment that connects the screw to the dental crown. Zirconia implants have the screw and the abutment as a single unit.
This means that zirconia implants do not have any micro-gaps through which bacteria can leak inside. It also means you do not need to cut into the gum again after the implant has been inserted and the jaw has been healed to fit the abutment onto the screw.
Low Bacterial Adhesion
Zirconia has a lower affinity for attracting bacteria than titanium. It has a very smooth surface due to its non-polar structure, which makes it harder for bacteria to stick and grow. This means that you do not need to fear that bacterial will start to grow under the gum, cause infection, and lead to peri-implantitis.
As a result, ceramic implants may be a healthier alternative to titanium implants.
Very Bio-Compatible
Titanium implants are very stable. Even so, about 0.6% of patients have been seen to have an allergy to titanium. Most people who suffer from titanium implant failure should be aware that rejection of the implant is most commonly linked to smoking, failure of osseointegration (fusion of the implant to the jawbone), or issues during the implant surgery.
Nevertheless, if a person suspects they are allergic to titanium, it is a good reason why they should be considered for a zirconia implant. Zirconia is biocompatible because it is a bioinert material. This means it does not react with the human body and integrates strongly with the jawbone, resulting in a low risk of implant failure.
Additionally, for people who are afraid of putting a metal like titanium in their mouths, zirconia implants are a good non-metallic choice for implants.
Corrosion-Free
Even though titanium is a stable element, it can corrode and show wear and tear over time. Ions and tiny particles of titanium can break off and be deposited in the surrounding tissues and this debris can cause major dental issues even decades after the implant has been placed in the mouth.
Corrosion and wear of titanium implants can result in severe inflammation, infection, and eventual bone loss. Once this happens, the titanium implant will no longer be adequately support, thereby leading to implant failure.
In contrast, metal-free ceramic implants do not corrode and hence can last decades more than titanium implants without any adverse side effects.
Excellent Aesthetics
Ceramic implants are more aesthetically pleasing than titanium implants because they are white and have a smooth finish. Because of their color, the aesthetic properties of zirconia implants are obvious.
These implants work well for people who have naturally thinner gums, which can allow the silver color of the titanium to shine through. They are also very good choices for people who have gum recession as the white color of the implant does not create a jarring contrast with the natural teeth.
Additionally, zirconia implants do not have as much mucosal discoloration as compared to titanium.
For people who are more concerned about the aesthetic side of having an implant, a ceramic implant can be a good solution for them.
Non-Heat Conductive
Since titanium is a metal, it does conduct heat and this can cause inflammation and damage to the surrounding tissues. On the other hand, zirconia does not conduct heat. Once the implant has been installed in the jaw, the hard and soft tissue around the prosthetic will easily heal and will remain unaffected by the temperature of the body.
Better Osseointegration
Ceramic implants have been seen to have osseointegration that is similar to or even better than the osseointegration of titanium implants. This means ceramic implants are a good alternative for people who have had titanium implant failure and are looking for a more viable solution for their dental health issues.
Currently, about 1 percent of market belongs to ceramic implants; however, its demand is growing and it is estimated that it will grow up to 50 percent in the next five years. At A Smiling Heart Dentistry, we place just as much importance on aesthetics as functional value and offer white ceramic implants that can increase your confidence and encourage you to smile fully.
According to a research study published in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, ceramic implants were found to have a 97.6 percent success rate over five years. It was also noted in the same studies that patients remained free of implant-related conditions, thanks to the use of ceramic implants.
Learn More About Dental Implants
Deciding whether to have a ceramic or a titanium implant is something Dr. Tigran at A Smiling Heart Dentistry can help you with. We can examine your dental and oral health and find out whether you are a good candidate for dental implants and if so, what material suits your need. To schedule an appointment with us, call us at (425) 558-9998 today. |
