Zirconia Dental Implants
While implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement, many patients are hesitant about placing titanium in their bodies.
Zirconia dental implants are an all-ceramic option that looks and feels like a natural tooth root. They are non-corrosive and highly stable.
Why should you consider choosing zirconia dental implants at Enlighten Dental in Vancouver, BC?
Zirconia Offers Aesthetic and Functional Benefits
Biocompatible & Non-Allergenic
Zirconia is a crystallized ceramic. It is inert, non-conductive, non-corrosive, and highly stable. Because it is even more biocompatible than titanium, the implants offer outstanding rates of osseointegration. The material is also non-allergic, making it a great option for patients with a titanium hypersensitivity.
Superior Cosmetics
Before it was discovered to be a structurally strong and viable alternative to titanium, zirconia was originally used for its highly lifelike qualities. It is totally white, so no visible metal could begin to show over time. Because zirconia implants are made from a single piece, bacteria growth is minimized which promotes better gum health and fresher breath.
Surgical Placement
We use ozone therapy and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) when placing zirconia dental implants to facilitate healing, disinfect the treatment area, and speed the recovery process. We also use zirconia drills, meaning that there is no metal touching your body during placement.
Impressive Success Rates
Because zirconia is non-corrosive, it maintains its structural integrity for a lifetime and boasts very high success rates. In a study published by the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 95 percent of the implants had an overall success rate at the five-year follow-up.
Schedule a Consultation
Our Enlighten Dental doctors combine the selected materials with techniques to provide incredibly durable, natural-looking tooth replacement solutions.
Learn more about your candidacy for zirconia implants by contacting us online or calling:
(604) 876-9228
But Are Zirconia Implants More Expensive?
Not necessarily. The final cost of your implant treatment will depend on several factors including the need for grafting, the number of missing teeth, your overall oral health, and the restoration materials that you choose.
Our doctors are constantly exploring new treatment options to provide the most cost-effective materials for our Vancouver patients.
Zirconia Implants Are a Great Option for Most Patients
Thanks to procedures such as bone grafting and newer restorative techniques, virtually anyone with missing teeth can be a good candidate for dental implants. However, zirconia dental implants are an even better option for patients who:
Have a Titanium Hypersensitivity
If you are extremely sensitive to titanium, you may experience discomfort, itchiness, or inflammation around the implant site even years after surgery. Meanwhile, zirconia is hypoallergenic.Are Concerned about Cosmetics
Zirconia implants are often recommended for patients who want a very discreet replacement for missing teeth. While titanium implants can sometimes be seen through the restoration or gums, zirconia implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural tissue.Want an Option With a Holistic Approach
Zirconia is always preferable for patients who do not want to place metal in their bodies. As dentists with a holistic approach, we recommend that patients at our Vancouver office choose metal-free materials like zirconia whenever possible.Want to Avoid Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting with bovine or human cadaver bone can often be avoided around zirconia implants due to their design and the zirconia implant’s customizable nature.
The Timeline Is Generally The Same as Treatment with Titanium Implants
Zirconia Implants Are the Most Natural-Looking Option
One of the main benefits of zirconia dental implants is their lifelike, white color. They are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Even if you have thin gums or your dental crown, bridge, or denture wears over time, your results will not be compromised by metal underneath the restoration. Exposed titanium also accumulates plaque, causing inflammation which can lead to bone loss and implant failure. Zirconia is so smooth that it does not grow bacterial plaque and is easy to maintain if recession occurs.
*The results in the photographs are examples only and do not imply any certainty of the result of a procedure, and all outcomes are subject to the circumstances of the individual patient.
Caring for Zirconia Implants Is Simple
Just like titanium implants, zirconia implants are designed to last a lifetime. Because they are non-allergenic, you can also enjoy peace of mind knowing that your body will not have a negative reaction to the metal.
We also use ozone therapy and PRF during oral surgeries to help you heal faster and minimize your risk of complications. You can also take an active role in your recovery by:
- Taking your prescribed medications and supplements
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Not smoking
- Controlling your glucose levels if you have diabetes
With proper care, regular visits to our Vancouver practice, and a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy the benefits of your new zirconia implants for years to come.
Relax throughout Treatment Sedation Is Available
Our team works hard to make your procedure as comfortable as possible. In addition to local anesthesia, we offer oral sedation and nitrous oxide to help you relax during your treatment. Oral sedation is a highly effective medication that can help you feel relaxed leading up to and during your surgery.
Most of our patients have found nitrous oxide to wear off within minutes without any side effects. If you have felt nausea or other adverse effects from nitrous oxide in the past it is likely due to your body’s ability to methylate. Also, if you know you are MTHFR deficient, you are at high risk to experience negative side effects from nitrous for the same reason. By simply giving a methyl-B12 shot prior to nitrous oxide sedation, we can protect against its potentially harmful effects.
Discover the Benefits of Metal-Free Implants
Our team of doctors in Vancouver can discuss the benefits of zirconia implants during your in-office consultation. If you prefer an aesthetic option that has demonstrated impressive success rates, zirconia dental implants may be right for you.
Schedule your consultation online or call Enlighten Dental at (604) 876-9228 to learn more about your candidacy for this treatment option.
