If you have one or more missing teeth, you should certainly talk to your dentist about your tooth replacement options. They might suggest that you receive dental implants. But did you know that dental implants can be made of different materials? Titanium implants are extremely popular, but more and more patients are choosing zirconia implants instead due to their highly biocompatible nature. What should you know about the biocompatibility of zirconia dental implants? This blog post provides useful information.
Zirconia Is Biocompatible
What exactly is biocompatibility? Simply put, if a material is biocompatible, that means it works well within the human body. It is unlikely to cause irritation, allergic reactions, or other adverse effects.
Zirconia, a type of ceramic, features a high level of biocompatibility. When zirconia implants are placed into the jawbone, they tend to integrate well with the surrounding tissues. They do not contain any metal, so they strongly appeal to patients who have metal allergies and sensitivities.
The Benefits of Biocompatible Zirconia Implants
Many of the benefits offered by zirconia and titanium dental implants are the same. For example, both can provide decades of function, are incredibly strong, and can help to prevent deterioration of the jawbone.
A few benefits that are exclusive to zirconia implants include:
- Their metal-free nature precludes the possibility of galvanic toxicity. Galvanic toxicity is a problem that occurs when different metals in the mouth interact with one another.
- Gum tissue can grow around zirconia. In contrast, gum recession is more common around titanium implants.
- Zirconia does not corrode. Therefore, you will not have tiny fragments of your implants invading various parts of your body.
Should You Choose Zirconia Dental Implants?
For many patients, zirconia dental implants are an excellent form of tooth replacement. However, their titanium counterparts have a long track record of success that should not be ignored. A qualified dentist can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option so you can make a well-informed decision about how to rebuild your smile.
Meet the Practice
At Orbis Dental Group in San Antonio, patient wellness is always our top priority. We believe in offering a wide range of treatments and in educating patients so they feel empowered to make wise decisions about their oral health. We recognize the merits of both zirconia and titanium dental implants — we are happy to answer questions about both types of treatment! To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact us at 210-496-1919.