Ask virtually any dentist, and they will tell you that dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. They are incredibly strong, can preserve the jawbone, and have the potential to last for a lifetime.
Did you know that dental implants can be made out of different materials? Most commonly, they are constructed out of titanium, but research suggests that zirconia implants are even better. What exactly are zirconia dental implants, and how can they benefit you? This blog post explains.
The Downsides of Titanium
The titanium alloy that is usually used to construct dental implants is incredibly strong, and it has an impressive track record of success. However, it is not perfect.
One downside of titanium is that its surface can attract bacteria. As the bacteria grow and thrive, they can lead to a dangerous infection known as peri-implantitis, which can eventually cause dental implant failure.
Another caveat of titanium is that it can interact with other metals in the mouth, causing a reaction known as galvanic toxicity. Galvanic toxicity is associated with insomnia, a metallic taste in the mouth, and other health problems.
As a metal, titanium implants can corrode in the oral environment. This corrosion can affect the surrounding tissue by changing the electrical current, altering how cells behave, causing a change to the chemical environment and altering cell metabolism. An oxide layer is applied to titanium implants to prevent this corrosion, but it is not always effective.
Zirconia Dental Implants: A Better Alternative
Given the potential risks of titanium dental implants, more and more holistic dentists are turning to zirconia dental implants. Zirconia is a type of ceramic that has been shown to be extremely biocompatible (meaning that it works well within the human body). Here are some of the ways in which it is better than titanium:
- As a metal-free material, zirconia does not cause galvanic toxicity.
- Zirconia’s surface attracts fewer bacteria than titanium, so the risk of peri-implantitis is lower than it is with traditional titanium implants.
- Zirconia is not as strong as titanium, but it is incredibly durable. It can stand up to all the challenges of everyday eating and drinking, and it has the potential to last for many decades.
- Zirconia implants are white, meaning that they offer better aesthetics than their titanium counterparts.
Which Should You Choose?
It is important to note that, even though titanium implants have more potential risks than zirconia, they are successful for a large percentage of patients. Talk to your holistic dentist about both options so you can have realistic expectations for your tooth replacement journey. Whichever path you choose, you can look forward to finally achieving a complete and strong smile!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Paige Prather is a holistic dentist in Franklin who is proud to offer start-to-finish-dental implant treatment. If you have questions about your tooth replacement options, she and our team would be happy to speak with you. Get in touch with our office.
