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Zirconia Implant


Photo of woman with a beautiful smile from Palani Center for Dental Implants in Rancho Palos Verdes, CAPalani Center for Dental Implants offers several types of dental implants to restore missing teeth, and improve your smile! A traditional implant consists of two parts: a titanium post (the component that mimics the root of a tooth), and an abutment (the support structure that attaches to a prosthetic). Recent technological advancements have led to a new kind of implant—a single structure made from zirconia.

Titanium Vs. Zirconia


Titanium implants have been the gold standard for tooth replacement treatment since the 1980’s. Titanium is one of the few elements that can fuse with living bone. During the process of osseointegration, the implant and your bone will fuse together to form a powerful bond—one that can support a restoration for decades, if not a lifetime. In fact, titanium implants have become one of the most successful dental appliances, with a long-term success rate of 95-98%.

Zirconia is typically considered a non-metal, “ceramic” material that possesses esthetic qualities most similar to your natural tooth enamel. For this reason and more, zirconia is most often used to fabricate the prosthetic itself. Interestingly enough, zirconium is a transitional metal with properties akin to titanium. Like titanium, zirconia will fuse to the living bone to form a powerful bond that can withstand the forces of chewing. Studies have shown that titanium and zirconia implants have a very similar bone to implant contact.

Titanium implants and abutments may cause esthetic issues in the long term. In some cases, titanium can show through the prosthetic, creating a greyish hue around the margin of the crown. Patients with translucent or receding gums may also experience a slight grey. Although titanium shows better corrosion resistance than other metals, it may still interact with living tissue over time. This can limit the strength of the implant and cause a mechanical failure. It is important to note that this is not a frequent occurrence.

Benefits of Zirconia Implants


Zirconia implants are increasing in popularity for some reasons:
•  Esthetics - Zirconia is a white, non-metal material that will provide a more natural look.
•  Hypoallergenic - Although it is extremely rare, some patients may experience an allergic reaction to titanium. With zirconia, sensitivity and allergy issues are not a problem.
•  Design - Most titanium implants are designed in two pieces. Bacteria can penetrate and accumulate between these parts which may produce a strong breath odor. Because of its one-piece design, zirconia implants are more resistant to bacteria growth.
•  Shorter process - Because the implant and abutment are placed at the same time, the process is much shorter than a titanium implant. Also, most zirconia implants are designed so they can be placed immediately after a tooth extraction.
•  Comfort - A less invasive procedure will result in a more comfortable healing process. The strength of zirconia also allows for greater function after the surgery.
•  No Corrosion - Zirconia implants are a nonmetal material that is completely resistant to corrosion, unlike their titanium counterparts. Also, Zirconia is not a conductor of electricity or heat.

Schedule a Consultation Visit


If you are interested in receiving a titanium or zirconia implant, schedule your consultation appointment today by calling (310) 894-8337!



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Zirconia Implant • Palani Center for Dental Implants
Palani Center For Dental Implants, 28358 S Western Ave, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 | (310) 894-8337 | drpalani.com | 11/30/2024 | Tags: Dental Implants Rancho Palos Verdes CA |