Zirconium Implants
Ceramic tooth implants, specifically known as zirconium or zirconia dental implants, are one of the newer forms of dental implants. Tooth-colored, compatible with our tissues, and made of the hardest stuff next to diamonds, it is of no surprise to hear that zirconium implants are making their way to the U.S. after establishing themselves in the European market as a reliable option for oral surgery and dental implants.
Some of the benefits of zirconium implants include:
- Biocompatibility (completely tissue-friendly); there are no allergic reactions, no sensitivity to temperature and no impact on taste. The zirconium oxide ceramic shows no interactions with other dental materials and is electrically neutral.
- Because of a friendly gum reaction and due to dental plaque being less attached to them, the crown margin shows no symptoms of inflammation in the gums region. Better gum health minimizes the risk of losing an implant.
- Since zirconium is white and is much more similar to natural teeth, the aesthetics is more easily achieved than regular titanium implants. Even if soft tissue around the tooth recedes, which is possible over time, ceramic dental implants will not reveal ugly gray lines like in the case of titanium implants.
- Some patients dislike the idea of having metal in their mouths and some allergies to titanium have been reported therefore zirconium implants could be their preferred choice.
