Ceramic Implants

Why would you consider ceramic implants?

Titanium implants have been the standard of care for many years. At this time, we are starting to see some issues with titanium that includes:

1. Corrosion of the metal surface which contributes to inflammation and changes in bacteria over time. This can cause peri-implantitis or peri-implant mucositis. Treatment is challenging once inflammation and bacteria affect the bone around the implants.
2. Allergic/sensitivity/immune effects-very few are allergic (about 6.5%), but we are starting to see hypersensitivity to titanium
3. Greying of the tissue

Because of these issues, there has become a need for an alternative biomaterial in implantology. Since osseointegration of zirconia and ceramic implants is comparable, zirconia implants provide a favorable alternative.

Benefits of using zirconia implants:

1. Excellent biocompatibility-zirconia oxide (old ceramic implants were aluminum oxide). It exhibits low thermal conductivity, high flexural strength, favorable fracture resistance and wear and corrosion resistance.
2. Low plaque affinity-bacteria biofilm accumulate less easily on zirconia. They have showed less inflammation over time around zirconia and better soft tissue adhesion. Therefore, the risk of peri-implantitis over time is decreased.
3. The Peri-implant biologic width is more collagen dense with less sulcular depth around zirconia (.76 vs 1.4 mm). There is more bone preservation. There is also more blood flow in the soft tissue around zirconia implants and is similar to natural teeth.
4. Superior esthetics-this is especially important with patients that have thin biotypes.

Why Have You Chosen To Offer Ceramic Implants?

There are many concerns now with the role of metals in the body. Many health conscious individuals would like a non-metal option. The ceramic implants we use are optimally tolerated by the body without the issue of allergy. The entire implant from the implant body to the crown is metal-free.

Ceramic implants have been an option for many years, however, they were only available as a one piece implant. They now offer two-piece implants which makes surgical and restorative options closer to the methods of a traditional implant. This makes collaboration with a restorative dentist more seamless.

What are some considerations for ceramic implants?

Placement of ceramic implants is more technique sensitive and should not be placed by just any surgeon. They also may be a bit more expensive, but over time, the risks of contracting peri-implantitis and those treatment costs will need to be outweighed by the initial increase in cost. Restoring zirconia implants is a bit different as well, but these systems are catching up quick! We can work with your general dentist to make the process streamlined.

If you have questions about what type of implant is right for you, please don't hesitate to ask. We understand this is a costly endeavor and want to set you up for success, now and in the future.

If you are interested in this therapy, please contact our office.