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Zirconia Implants (Ceramic Implants)

Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for individuals with missing teeth, providing improved aesthetics, function, and oral health. They mimic the natural tooth structure and help maintain jawbone integrity, making them a popular choice for tooth replacement.

“While titanium has been the most commonly used material for dental implants due to its low allergy risk, recent scientific research has revealed potential concerns. These studies suggest that titanium may corrode over time, leading to the spread of fragments into surrounding tissues and even distant body areas. This corrosion can trigger inflammatory responses, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition to such reactions.”

particles from titanium implants

The arrows in the picture point to titanium particles detected in the tissue around the implant. These particles are recognised as “foreign” by the body and are engulfed by macrophages, which can trigger inflammatory reactions.
(source article: https://europepmc.org/article/med/29440784)

Since ceramic implants do not corrode like metals, they stand out as a more biocompatible material than titanium. Contrary to popular belief, “Zirkolith®” implants, which are obtained by converting zirconium metal into ceramic through processes requiring extremely advanced technology, are no longer “zirconium”. Technically, ceramicised zirconium is called “zirconia”.

ceramic tooth implant surfaces

Why Zirconia Implants ?

 

  • Bacterial plaque involvement in zirconia implants is extremely low. In this way, it reduces the risk of developing inflammation in the tissue around the implant.
  • The gingiva naturally tends to wrap around zirconia implants, and gingival insertion procedures, which may be required in titanium implants, are generally not required in zirconia implants.
  • This behavior of the gums is also a sign of the compatibility of the implant with body tissues.
  • Zirconia does not transmit electric current.
  • It is aesthetically more advantageous than titanium, as it is completely white.
  • When placed, it can be abraded as if it is your own tooth and taking measurements can be done. There is no need for complicated gauging and laboratory steps in titanium.
  • The success rate of zirconia  implants after 5 years is over 95%.
  • Zirconia is extremely strong and can withstand twice the maximum stress and strain loads that pure titanium and titanium alloys can withstand.
Ceramic/Zirconia teeth implants
two implants in the mouth, titanium implant on the left and ceramic implant on the right

On the left of the photo you can see the teeth made using titanium and zirconia implants (ceramic implant) on the right. It is possible to observe the difference in the structure and color of the gum.

”Zirconia / ceramic implants combined with the general treatment principles of biological dentists in search of biocompatible materials, created their own application protocol. Before and after implant application, a preparation and maintenance phase that will ensure the good functioning of bone metabolism, and practices that will positively guide bone and soft tissue healing during the application, without using foreign grafting materials, are taken care of. In short, zirconia implant application is much more than using an alternative material.

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