Is Zirconia Safe for Dental Implants?
Missing teeth is usually a nightmare to many people. Dental implants provide individuals with missing teeth a chance to smile again and regain their teeth. Titanium was standard for dental implants until the emergent of zirconia.
Zirconia has emerged as an alternative to metal in conducting dental implants in the recent past. It resulted from extensive research after finding out that metallic dental implants could pose risks that would result in complex health conditions. You can receive zirconia dental implants near you.
The FDA approved the material in 2011 and has gained traction gradually. Currently, a lot of clinicians are performing zirconia dental implant procedures. Their wide adoption and success in Europe were boosted when making the switch. Even so, many people doubt the safety of the material. This article explores whether it’s safe to receive zirconia dental implants or not.
Can zirconia be used on the implant?
Massive research conducted has ascertained the use of zirconia in dental implants. It’s critical due to aesthetic appeal apart from the structural formation. Some of the factors that make zirconia ideal for implants include:
- Osseointegration
Osseointegration is one of the most crucial aspects of success in implant treatment. Bone apposition occurs on different implant surfaces, influenced mainly by the implant’s surface roughness. Studies have also proved that zirconia favors bone apposition when used as titanium coating.
In addition, bone healing is better around zirconia implants than titanium and alumina. Zirconia implants are also capable of withstanding occlusion loads for an extended period.
- Biocompatibility
Zirconia is biocompatible since it does not induce a pseudo-teratogenic effect. It has no cytotoxic effect on osteoblasts and no bone reaction. The material does not generate any inflammatory reactivity, thus making it ideal for implants.
- Favorable soft tissue response
The soft tissues respond well around zirconia abutments. Although the healing process is slightly longer, the surrounding soft tissues have no side effects. Fiber orientation around the implants was parallel to the implant surface.
- Non-sensitivity
Zirconia is leading in metal-free dentistry, thanks to its utterly inert nature. It is, therefore, a good option for some people with metal allergies and sensitivities.
- Aesthetics
Zirconia implants are visually appealing, eliminating the risk of dark lines around the gum. With the introduction of two-piece zirconia implants, abutments can be fully customized, producing the best outcome.
How long do zirconia dental implants last?
Zirconia dental implants are relatively strong and thus can last for a lifetime. Since they are very durable and have inflexibility properties under pressure, they can last long.
Additionally, zirconia is a bioinert material and thus corrosion resistant. It does not trigger chemical reactions which may interfere with your oral health. It is also a non-conductor of both electricity and heat.
Zirconia dental implants last longer than titanium implants which corrode when placed in wet environments such as the mouth. Also, the presence of fluoride available naturally in some water sources and artificially in toothpaste increases the corrosion rate.
Benefits of zirconia dental implants
- Strength
Zirconia implants are solid and endure tremendous masticatory forces.
- Non-heat conductor
Ceramic does not conduct heat which may damage the surrounding soft tissues, as is the case with titanium.
- Comfort
Due to its biocompatibility, zirconia implants are comfortable. Also, it does not cause a metallic taste in your mouth, which makes it even more comfortable. Metallic taste is usually a result of corrosion and oxidation, which do not occur in zirconia.
- Corrosion-resistant
Since zirconia is corrosion resistant, it’s more durable and friendly in the mouth.
Conclusion
Initially, zirconia implants gained popularity due to their aesthetic quality. However, after researchers discovered that metallic implants could cause health risks, they explored other vital material characteristics. It’s now popular due to its non-allergic, non-corrosive, and non-conductivity properties.
The implants are biocompatible and do not trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities. They are also non-corrosive and thus ideal for dental implants. However, there are no long-term studies on zirconium implants. The current implants studies are short-term studies. Sacramento Natural Dentistry offers zirconia dental implants in Citrus Heights, CA. Book an appointment now and get the help of highly skilled dentists.