Carlsbad dentist explains the advantages of zirconia dental implants for a healthier mouth and body

If you are suffering from a dental infection, such as a root canal-treated tooth that still has lingering bacterial infiltration, it can cause both oral health problems as well as compromise the health of your entire body as it tries to manage the systemic inflammation from the underlying infection. Traditional options for replacing an infected tooth include the placement of a titanium dental implant or a bridge or denture. However, at the holistic dental practice of Dr. Al Fallah in Carlsbad, CA, your overall health and well-being are an integral component of every dental treatment that we provide. Zirconia dental implants, coupled with health-promoting treatments such as ozone therapy and platelet-rich fibrin treatment, are a biocompatible alternative to traditional methods for tooth replacement and offer several advantages for patients’ oral health and overall well-being.

THE ISSUES WITH TITANIUM

Titanium is an impure metal that includes a small percentage of other metals. In addition, a connecting piece called an abutment, which is made from a different type of metal alloy, must be placed on a titanium implant. When these different types of metals are in close proximity to each other in your mouth and are exposed to saliva, it can cause a galvanic reaction. This is an electrochemical reaction that creates an electrical current in your mouth, which can affect the meridian that is connected to that area. In addition, because titanium is a metal and we are nearly constantly exposed to energy in our environment (through cell phones, electromagnetic fields due to other modern technologies, etc.), this energy can heat up the metal in your mouth next to the bone structure. When this happens, the healthy bone starts to deteriorate and compromise its health.

The titanium also oxidizes in the oral environment. This results in the creation of titanium oxide, which is a rust product that is pitted and provides an optimal environment for microbes to proliferate in your mouth. The resulting chronic infection that can develop in your gums, called peri-implantitis, can lead to bone structure damage because your gums are providing a clear pathway for bacteria to infiltrate the area.

Another important issue with titanium is the aesthetic effect it has on your gums. Over time, titanium can cause a grayish appearance in the gums, particularly if they begin to recede, which can negatively impact the appearance of your smile.

BENEFITS OF ZIRCONIA DENTAL IMPLANTS

Zirconia implants are a metal-free, biocompatible alternative to titanium implants that benefit your oral health rather than detracting from it. Dr. Fallah has been placing zirconia dental implants for over 10 years and uses the Swiss Dental Solutions system for all implants that he places because it has a great delivery system and customizable placement options for patients who have a varying bone density at the recipient site. Zirconia implants have many advantages for patients:

• Zirconia implants provide a biocompatible base for your new tooth that naturally integrates with your bone and periodontal tissues
• Zirconia is a very clean material that the gum tissue loves—unlike titanium metal, zirconia oxide is a crystal (like a salt) that has a smooth surface, making it difficult for microbes to cling onto. This prevents microbes from creating a bacterial infection in the area of the implant and reduces the chances of developing peri-implantitis.
• Zirconia is a white-colored material, which means that if your gums recede over time, it will still look natural and aesthetically pleasing.
• When dental implants are placed in your mouth, it stimulates the bone structure and prevents the natural bone loss that typically occurs with tooth loss

Dr. Fallah also uses therapeutic treatments such as ozone therapy and platelet-rich fibrin to help sanitize previously infected areas and promote optimal healing during the placement of zirconia implants. Coupled with the biocompatible zirconia, patients can eliminate lingering infections and restore harmony to their bodies with this comprehensive, holistic approach.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ZIRCONIA IMPLANTS

To learn more about zirconia dental implants and whether they are right for your unique oral health needs, call the dental practice of Dr. Al Fallah today! Our Carlsbad, CA office can be reached at (760) 730-1600 and we look forward to answering your questions.