Zirconia Dental Implants – San Antonio, TX
Strong & Durable Holistic Tooth Replacement
Dental implants are often touted as the best form of tooth replacement. Indeed, they offer some remarkable benefits. However, some patients are a little concerned about the use of metal prosthetics. We understand that, which is why our San Antonio team offers zirconia dental implants as well as ones made out of a standard titanium alloy. What are zirconia dental implants, and how can you know if this holistic form of tooth replacement is right for you? This page explains.
Why Choose Orbis Dental Group for Zirconia Dental Implants?
- Strong Alternative to Titanium
- Precise Treatment Planning Process
- Beautiful, Natural-Looking Results
What Are Zirconia Dental Implants?
Zirconia dental implants may also be preferred to as zirconium oxide implants. They are small cylinders, or posts, which act as prosthetic tooth roots when they are placed into the jawbone. Zirconia is a type of ceramic, so it interacts differently with other metals and with the human body than titanium dental implants.
Zirconia vs. Titanium Dental Implants
Neither zirconia nor titanium dental implants are necessarily “better” than the other. Both options have unique advantages. Here is an overview of how they compare:
- Titanium implants have been used in dentistry for several decades, and there is an extensive body of research that supports their effectiveness. Zirconia implants are newer, so long-term research on them is quite limited.
- Titanium implants often last for 30 years or longer. Zirconia implants also have the potential to last for a long time, although research on their longevity is limited.
- Unlike titanium, zirconia implants will not corrode.
- Galvanic toxicity. Galvanic toxicity is a problem that occurs when different metals interact with one another in the mouth. This can rarely occur with titanium implants but never with zirconia.
- Strength and durability. Titanium implants are quite strong, and so are ones made of zirconia. Under extreme stress, titanium may bend, but zirconia is more likely to crack or break.
- In some cases, titanium implants can give a grayish cast to the gums. The white color of zirconia implants may make them more aesthetically appealing.
- Bacterial adhesion. The smooth surface of zirconia and its non-polar structure mean that bacteria cannot easily cling to it. Titanium implants often have an antibacterial coating to prevent bacterial buildup.
Are Zirconia Implants Right for You?
Zirconia implants may appeal to you if you have certain allergies or sensitivities to metals. They are also popular among individuals who are looking to keep their treatment as holistic as possible. Of course, titanium implants are great as well. When you come in for your consultation, our team can answer your questions about both options and help you settle on the one that is the best fit for your circumstances and personal preferences.