Zirconia Dental Implants
There are a number of options available for patients who need to replace one or more missing teeth. One of the best ways is with dental implants! A dental implant is a titanium or zirconia post that is surgically placed directly into the jawbone and can be used to support an individual tooth or, with the use of multiple implants, an entire arch of teeth. Since about the 1960s, titanium has been the most commonly used material for dental implants but recently, zirconia has made its way into the dental field. In Europe, zirconia implants have been used for decades but only received FDA approval in the United States in 2011. One of the greatest benefits for zirconia implants is their biocompatibility which is comparable to that of titanium and allows treatment of patients with metal allergies who could not otherwise receive a dental implant.
The long-term success of zirconia implants has not been able to have adequate studies because it is so new to the scene whereas titanium implants have a proven success rate of 95% to 97%. Zirconia implants are often used in holistic dentistry but are gaining popularity in traditional dentistry. Zirconia is a white, ceramic crystal material that can be color matched to the patient's natural teeth. Zirconia is derived from zirconium which is a metal in the titanium family but is still safe and successful for patients with metal allergies since they are metal-free.
Benefits of Zirconia Dental Implants
Zirconia implants have displayed osseointegration properties comparable to those of titanium implants. What this means is that zirconia implants are able to fuse with jaw bone structure just as well as, if not better, than titanium. Patients who prefer metal-free dentistry really only have zirconia as their option for implants but it could also be the healthier option! Zirconia retains less plaque and calculus buildup than titanium, making it better for the health of gum tissue.
Zirconia implants are more aesthetically pleasing for a longer period of time than their titanium counterparts. Over time, metal can begin to show through at the gum line as the patient ages. Since zirconia implants were initially fabricated as one piece, it is all the same color as the implant crown, which matches the rest of the teeth! As advances have been made in the field of dental technology and design, zirconia implants now come in two pieces, which allows for a customized implant and abutment and a more individualized result for each patient.
One downfall of zirconia implants is low-temperature degradation. This degradation could result in the mechanical properties of the implant reducing the strength, durability, and density of the material. Unfortunately, because zirconia is still so new, there are not many clinical studies available to exhibit the long-term success of zirconia. Next, we will compare the advantages and disadvantages of zirconia and titanium implants.
Advantages of Zirconia Implants
Biocompatibility
Zirconia has proven to have biocompatibility properties comparable to that of titanium with the added advantage of resisting corrosion. The surface of a zirconia implant is able to resist plaque accumulation, which helps prevent peri-implantitis and periodontal disease, both of which can ultimately lead to implant failure.
Aesthetics
Zirconia implants are completely tooth colored so there is no risk of metal showing through at the gum line. Titanium implants run a risk of tissue discoloration or a gray appearance at the implant site as the patient ages.
Holistic Properties
Patients seeking metal-free dental restorations have a great alternative in zirconia restorations and zirconia implants. Patients with metal allergies may have difficulty with dental restorations that contain metal properties, even though titanium allergies are rare. Zirconia is not a pure metal, which is what causes titanium implants to be problematic for some patients, and can be a great option for such patients to restore their smile!
Disadvantages of Zirconia Implants
Durability
Zirconia is incredibly strong but it is also more brittle than titanium which means that it is more susceptible to fracture when forces are applied that can cause the implant to flex or bend. Because it has a lower fracture strength and a lower flexural strength and is also smaller in diameter than titanium, zirconia implants are not as strong and durable as titanium.
Longevity
Zirconia implants are still considered to be very young in the world of dentistry and do not have the studies to show long-term success like those for titanium implants. Titanium implants have a proven success rate between 95% and 97% and have the studies to show for it.
Design
Zirconia is at a disadvantage to titanium because of the limits zirconia impose on your Dentist’s ability to design and customize your implant. Because zirconia implants are still so new, design improvements have only been made in the past few years. Limitations on design availability and the availability of different zirconia parts can pose a challenge to your Dentist as they try to provide you with the best possible custom results. Patients that require intensive dental restorative treatment may not have zirconia as an option.
Since titanium implants have been used for so long, they have the supporting studies that show their biocompatibility and success. Not everyone is comfortable with a new product but zirconia implants have proven to be a promising alternative to titanium for patients who prefer non-mental dentistry and for those who have metal allergies. With biocompatibility and osseointegration abilities comparable to those of titanium, zirconia implants are a safe alternative available to patients who need or want the option.
Your dentist will review all of your options and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both zirconia implants and titanium implants. For now, it all comes down to personal preference. Until zirconia implants are able to be studied at length, you will have to decide with your dentist what type of implant is best for you and your individual case and lifestyle.