FAQs about zirconia vs. titanium implants … the next best thing to natural teeth!
As a holistic or biological dental practice, the materials that Dentistry for San Diego uses have been carefully selected for their biocompatibility, safety, and durability. So, you can have confidence that any materials placed in your mouth are “compatible” with natural tissues and are designed to support your best health, function, and aesthetics with little to no risk of adverse side effects or reactions. These materials include dental ceramics such as zirconia, which is an alternative to titanium metal popularly used in dental implants.
Why zirconia?
Zirconia implants are crafted from a high-performance non-metal, zirconium dioxide. Patients from across the Carlsbad, California, area appreciate that ceramic implants generally “check” all of the “boxes” for favorable characteristics that you might look for in a material that is being introduced to your mouth. Since they are white in color (not dark like titanium), zirconia implants are more aesthetically pleasing. They blend better in the smile and do not produce a characteristic dark shadow or discoloration at the gumline. As they have a high threshold for stress, zirconia implants may even be appropriate for chewing teeth and are made to last a long time with good care. They also “wear well,” as this quality ceramic is not vulnerable to the effects of corrosion over time. Individuals concerned about potential sensitivities or allergic reactions to metals also have great peace of mind due to the high degree of biocompatibility associated with zirconium dioxide. In all, zirconia implants are designed to look and function like natural tissues (enamel and bone).
How are zirconia implants placed?
At Dentistry for San Diego, implant placement is more than about precisely inserting these “artificial tooth roots” into the jawbone to support the replacement teeth or restorations. As true biological dentists, Drs. Al A. Fallah and Sergio Juca may complement the process with other staples of the holistic dental office. These options include the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), which is applied to protect any surgical sites and promote healing during a critical time (the first few days post-surgery). Additionally, they may use ozone therapy to destroy bacteria and other harmful microorganisms at the site of any extractions, a step that furthermore promotes implant success and minimizes the risk of complications. We also use only the highest quality implants by Swiss Dental Solutions. In part, these implants come in many different sizes. We can select the right one for you based on measurements derived from a CT scan taken prior to your procedure.
Is it true that zirconia implants are also “bacteria-resistant”?
Zirconia is less vulnerable to the destructive effects of harmful bacteria, in part because this type of implant has an incredibly smooth surface. The bacteria cannot adhere effectively to the implant. By minimizing these disease-causing substances, your risk of longer-term implant failures is also minimized. But that doesn’t mean your oral hygiene at home and routine professional care at our office in Carlsbad, California, should go on autopilot. You must support the lasting health and beauty of your new teeth with consistent and diligent oral care. We are here to help and can advise you on recommendations to better clean your teeth, gums, and other areas that harbor bacteria.
If you are due for a checkup or want to speak with a member of our team about implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures, call us at (760) 730-1600 today.
