Why Ceramic Implants are the biological Choice
Throughout the decades, the materials that have been used for the dental treatments have been made with metal. The main reason was to give mechanical strength and therefore add to the longevity of the treatment. Over time, the scientific research contributed enormously to the improvement of the ceramic’s mechanical strength. In the beginning, ceramics were introduced into the patients mouth because of its fabulous aesthetic properties. However, the latest research shows that the aesthetic quality is not the most important characteristic of this material. Ceramics due to their non-corrosive and nonallergic properties, are actually many times more beneficial to the patient than any other dental material ever made. We therefore encourage patients to demand treatments without metal.
10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE FOR METAL-FREE ZIRCONIA DENTAL IMPLANTS
1. Biocompatibility: Ceramic implants are made from zirconia—a biocompatible, ceramic material that promotes complete assimilation into jaw bone.
2. Allergies & Sensitivities: Ceramic zirconia implants are hypoallergenic, which is not the case with metal implants. Surprisingly, many cases of titanium implant sensitivity show up years after surgery when itchiness and inflammation develop around implant sites. It’s a perfect setup for bone loss and the potential failure of an implant.
Today, there’s a growing number of people who have allergies, skin sensitivities and compromised immune systems; therefore, implantation of metal devices should be seriously scrutinized beforehand, especially since the removal of a titanium implant from jaw bone is not a simple procedure.
3. Aesthetics: The inherent problem that frequently arises with titanium implants is an aesthetic one. Patients with thin, translucent gums or those who are prone to gum recession (as are many aging people) may end up with the gray gums or titanium showing around the margin of the crown. Since zirconia is non-metallic and white, it is much more natural looking than titanium. It’s a perfect base color that closely mimics what nature created in the first place.
4. Corrosion resistant: Zirconia is biocompatible material that is resistant to chemical corrosion, nor will it conduct electricity or heat. It will never trigger chemical reactions, travel to other sites in the body or interfere with the maintenance of optimal oral health.
Titanium is another story. It’s been scientifically proven that a titanium implant will corrode in the wet environment of a mouth, especially if there is more than one metal in the vicinity (such as amalgam fillings, alloy metal crowns, bridges or gold onlays / inlays) to trigger reactions. Metal corrosion is even more active in the presence of fluoride that is free flowing in some water supplies, toothpastes and mouthwashes. It literally attacks the surface of the titanium implants. Many scientific articles have cited that titanium will not only travel from the implant site into surrounding tissues but even into nearby lymph nodes.
5. Non-conductivity of zirconia: The fact that zirconia does not conduct an electrical charge is a big benefit. Bacterial growth on the surface of a zirconia implant is far less likely to adhere due to its non-conductivity, thus creating an oral environment that promotes much healthier gums.
6. Holistic-friendly: Zirconia implants do not interfere with the movement of energy though the body’s meridians. And since zirconia implants are bioinert, they’re a perfect tooth replacement solution for patients who adhere to holistic health principles.
7. Strength: The long-term success of zirconia implants is one of the most important features of this innovative system. Designed to withstand tremendous forces, zirconia implants mimic the best of nature with a variety of tooth-like contours and bioinert composition. Zirconia is well known for its durability and inflexibility under pressure – an excellent combination of traits for dental devices.
8. One-piece design: Traditional titanium implant systems consist of two metal components (the implant that’s lodged into the jaw and the abutment that sits above the gumline) joined together with a fixation screw. Micro-movement can occur where these pieces meet when under the extreme pressure of chewing, thus creating warm, moist places where bacteria have an opportunity to grow. It’s a perfect setup for an unfortunate series of events to follow: the bacteria release toxins, inducing inflammation around the implant, which can eventually lead to bone loss and the possibility of implant failure.
Over the past decades, more ceramic components have been incorporated into dentistry due to their clinically proven strength and aesthetic benefits. Not only is there a trend to include all-ceramic crowns and implant abutments in treatment plans, but the implant itself is now available in a one-piece design made from biocompatible zirconia. Zirconia implants set the stage for the ultimate in optimal function, superior health and natural beauty.
9. One-stage surgery: Zirconia implants are designed for the immediate placement after tooth extractions. This one-stage surgical approach minimizes implantation time and maximizes comfort. Moreover, a less invasive surgery (one without incisions or suturing) may be possible when there’s no infection and sufficient bone is present at the implant site.
10. Comfort: Overall, zirconia implant patients experience a shorter implant process, along with the potential for a significant increase in comfort and function afterward due to biocompatibility and the strength of zirconia. With zirconia, the odds are in favor of long-term success.
