The Benefits of Zirconia Dental Implants

Dental implants made from titanium and zirconia are the best solution to missing teeth, provided you have healthy jawbone and gums.

Dr. David DiGiallorenzo and Dr. Henry Hsu often prefer zirconia dental implants over titanium, due to the holistic approach that they take to dentistry. Zirconia has only been FDA-approved in the United States since 2011, and Dr. DiGiallorenzo was the first to market and utilize this technology with his integrative approach.

When Dr. DiGiallorenzo and Dr. Hsu consider dental implants, which are the only permanent solution to missing teeth, they consider what will be the strongest, most biocompatible option. Dental implant placement is ideal when periodontists are able to use the least reactive and least toxic material possible. Zirconia implants are metal-free, durable and have an excellent track record of long-term success. This makes them an excellent choice for patients who have a sensitivity to metals commonly used in dentistry. Metals induce galvanic reactions, which can influence meridians and cause cellular blocks, as well as toxicity, Dr. DiGiallorenzo said.

Zirconia implants also are known for their favorable mechanical properties and their decreased chance of accumulating plaque, according to the Journal of Oral Implantology.

Studies that investigated stress distribution patterns of zirconia implants have revealed that they are low and well-distributed, which means they are nondestructive.

Bone loss and gum recession sometimes uncover portions of metal implants, which reveals a bluish discoloration of the overlying gum tissue, the JOI article stated. Zirconia implants don’t carry this complication because they are white in color.

Zirconia’s color is appealing to periodontists who promote aesthetic restorations because once a zirconia implant is restored with a beautiful porcelain crown, there is no darkness to the tooth.

Who is a candidate for zirconia implants?

A metal-free approach is well tolerated by the human body. We routinely use PRGF to improve the healing process when using zirconium tooth replacements. Although zirconia implants aren’t right for everyone, the following are several characteristics of ideal candidates:

• Healthy gums.
• High-quality, healthy jawbone is required to allow implants to become integrated into the jaw and effectively serve as a tooth root.
• Commitment to a strong oral hygiene regimen to care for the implanted teeth and surrounding gums. Brushing and flossing daily is essential.
• Regular visits to the periodontist for follow-up are also important.

Critical criteria for success also include no metabolic diseases, no smoking, and ideal occlusal parameters and restorative parameters, Dr. DiGiallorenzo said.

Learn More

The best way to learn whether you can replace your missing teeth with dental implants is to schedule a consultation with one of our periodontists. We will conduct a thorough exam complete with X-rays so we can create a diagnosis and treatment plan designed to meet your unique dental health needs. Please call our office today to schedule an appointment.