Are Zirconia Dental Implants Better than Titanium?

For decades, titanium dental implants have been the gold standard of tooth replacement. In recent years, though, a different type of implant — zirconia — has seen a huge rise in popularity, particularly among holistic health enthusiasts. Why are so many people drawn to zirconia dental implants, and are they really better than titanium? This blog post explores some important facts that you should keep in mind.

Potential Problems with Titanium

First off, it is important to note that titanium implants are not bad. They have proven successful for millions of patients, and there is a large body of research to support them as a reliable and strong tooth replacement option.

With that being said, there are a few potential problems with them:

• Metal allergies and sensitivities. Allergies to titanium are relatively rare, but they do occur from time to time.
• Metal interactions in the mouth. In some cases, saliva creates an electrical current between different types of metals in the mouth. This creates an issue known as galvanic toxicity, which may cause a range of neurological symptoms.
• Aesthetic issues. Titanium implants are rather dark in color. In some cases, this color is visible through the gum tissue, which can affect the overall appearance of a person’s smile.

The Advantages of Zirconia Dental Implants

Zirconia dental implants are made of a type of ceramic. Although they contain some metal atoms, they are generally regarded as being metal-free simply because they do not act like metal when placed in the human body. In fact, they are safe even for individuals with extreme allergies to metal. They also carry no risk of galvanic toxicity. Both of these factors make zirconia dental implants a favorite treatment among holistic dentists and cautious individuals who want to keep the risks of their procedure as low as possible.

It is also noteworthy that zirconia dental implants are white, so they look very natural in the mouth.

Which Should You Choose?

Whether you should get titanium or zirconia dental implants is largely a personal decision. Either option could help you to rebuild a strong and long-lasting new smile! Generally, though, Dr. Thomas and our team recommend zirconia implants due to their highly biocompatible nature. If you would like to learn more about the pros and cons of various tooth replacement options, simply ask us during your next appointment. We want you to be able to make well-informed decisions about your oral and overall health!

Meet Dr. Thomas

Dr. Preetha Thomas is an experienced holistic dentist who is proud to serve the Southlake, TX, area. She partners with local specialists to provide comprehensive dental implant services, and she is excited about the many advantages that zirconia implants have to offer. If you would like to speak with her about replacing your lost teeth, contact Enclave Dental at 817-912-1218 to request an appointment.