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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Should I choose zirconia or titanium implants?

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I have four missing teeth and am gradually replacing them with dental implants. My first two implants are titanium. But I read online that zirconia implants might be better because titanium can cause an allergic reaction or neurological issues. I will receive my next two implants in the fall. Should I ask for zirconia implants this time? Thank you. Oliver from RI

Oliver,

Thank you for submitting your inquiry to our office.

Titanium is one of the most biocompatible materials used for prosthetics in the medical and dental fields. Although people with specific metal allergies or sensitivities might benefit from zirconia implants, titanium is widely used. The human body contains various elements that help it perform essential functions, including zinc, iron, and copper. If a specific metal causes a reaction, it must be determined on an individual basis.

Are Zirconia Dental Implants Better than Titanium?

A December 2016 article, Zirconia Vs. Titanium Implants – Deciding Factors, was published in the Journal of Dentistry, Oral Disorders & Therapy. The report makes the following points:

Zirconia implants

Although zirconia is an ultra-strong ceramic, many implant dentists recognize its limitations:

  • An implant dentist or oral surgeon cannot usually leave zirconia implants to heal beneath the gums
  • Zirconia lacks the flexural strength of titanium and may crack under pressure
  • Adjustments to zirconia can lead to micro-cracks that can spread and result in dental implant failure
  • The small diameter of zirconia implants increases fracture risk
  • The one-piece design of zirconia implants is not conducive to using for full-mouth reconstruction

What If You Have A Titanium Allergy?

Photo of five dental implant screws. On both the left and right side is a single titanium implant, and three zirconia implants are between them.

Titanium (metal) and zirconia (white) dental implants

Although most people are concerned about an allergic reaction to titanium, only 6% of patients have titanium allergies. And some metal reactivity tests are unreliable. But if you have a confirmed titanium allergy—or if you simply prefer zirconia—zirconia dental implants may be an option.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation

We recommend that you begin with a consultation with a skilled cosmetic dentist who restores dental implants. He or she will explain your options for crowns or dentures on zirconia vs. titanium implants and the result you can expect.

Dentists who do not have advanced implant surgery training work with a periodontist (implant specialist) or an oral surgeon to plan for and place your dental implants.

 

Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA, sponsors this post.

Should you request titanium or zirconia dental implants?

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If you need dental implants, should you request titanium or zirconia implants? Consider a few facts about your options.

Titanium Dental Implants

The first titanium dental implant was placed in 1965. Since that time, there has been extensive research on titanium implants for their efficacy and biocompatibility. Titanium is also commonly used for joint and bone replacement throughout the body.

If the desire to receive metal-free treatment is motivating your search for alternatives to titanium implants, give consideration to the reasons you really want non-metal dental implants. Certain metals are essential for human life, including:

  • Calcium
  • Colbalt
  • Copper
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Zinc

Although titanium isn’t essential for life, it has proven to be biocompatible with human oral tissue.

A study published in the September 2018 issue of Clinical Oral Investigations shows that the success of dental implants is largely dependent on professional maintenance and practicing excellent oral hygiene at home. Patients who received follow-up care every three months after initial placement of an implant showed minimal signs of inflammation around the implant within the first year.

What about Zirconia Implants?

Zirconia implants were first used in 2005. In 2011, they were approved by the FDA for use in the USA. Zirconia, or zirconium dioxide, is a high-strength ceramic. Its recent introduction into implantology means that less research is available than with titanium implants. Additionally, since the technology is relatively new, fewer dentists and oral surgeons place zirconia dental implants.

Zirconium implants are white, so over time, they are more aesthetically pleasing than titanium, which can show through as a dark line at the gumline. Even if you choose titanium, a skilled cosmetic dentist will ensure you receive natural-looking results.

How Do Titanium and Zirconia Compare for Oral Health?

A 2016 study published in Clinical Oral Investigations compared zirconia and titanium implants. Plaque index (PI), gingival (gum tissue) index (PD), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing  (BOP) were examined in dental implants that had been integrated with the bone for at least 1.2 years, but on average 2.2 years. GI, PD, and BOP were higher around dental implants than around natural teeth. But no significant difference was found between zirconia and titanium implants.

  • Photo of five dental implant screws. On both the left and right side is a single titanium implant, and three zirconia implants are between them.
    Titanium (metal) and zirconia (white) dental implants

What Should You Do?

  • Schedule consultations with at least two skilled implant dentists to discuss your concerns. At least one of the dentists should have extensive experience with zirconia implants—or partner with an oral surgeon who has the experience.
  • If you think you have metal allergies or sensitivities, schedule an appointment with an allergist to find out if titanium will present any issues.
  • Depending on the number of teeth you’re replacing with dental implants, the implants will be restored with dental crowns or dentures. Find a cosmetic dentist to provide lifelike crowns or dentures.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.