Zirconia Dental Implants: Features, Pros and Cons

Zirconia dental implants are placed into the bone to substitute for missing teeth. For those who are allergic to metals, have sensitive tissues, or feel discomfort during implantation, these implants are frequently recommended. Their white hue makes them particularly suitable for enhancing the aesthetics of front teeth, offering a highly natural look.

Features of Zirconia Dental Implants

When it comes to methods for restoring dental health, dental implants stand out as one of the leading and most effective solutions available. In the past, titanium implants were the primary choice, but nowadays, zirconium implants are gaining more popularity. Titanium has been favored for its high survival rate and low likelihood of causing allergic reactions. Nevertheless, pure titanium is relatively soft, prompting the addition of various elements to enhance its properties. Unfortunately, these additives may have adverse effects on the surrounding tissues.

Zirconium has gained significant popularity in the field of dentistry. The creation of zirconia implants is a process that is entirely automated. Initially, a scanner together with specialized software generates a three-dimensional model. After this, the information is sent to a milling machine, which shapes the implant structure. In the final step, a bioactive coating is applied to enhance the frame.

Full mouth zirconia implants are designed to resemble natural teeth closely and are particularly beneficial in certain situations, such as:

• Allergies to metallic materials, especially titanium and its derivatives;
• Concerns related to gum health;
• Achieving exceptional aesthetics in dental restorations;
• Placing bridges in areas that are visible when smiling.

Additionally, the all-on-4 zirconia implants present an economical choice, enabling patients to receive a fixed full-arch prosthesis on the same day of surgery, anchored by four implants. The process of prosthetic restoration for multiple teeth using implants is pain-free under local anesthesia and involves the same osseointegration period as a single tooth restoration. The service life of this design, typically ranging from 10 to 15 years, can vary depending on operating conditions, hygiene levels, and other factors.

Zirconia Dental Implants Pros

There is no other material in dentistry for restoring lost teeth with so many positive qualities and comparative advantages as zirconium dioxide. What are the advantages:

• high resilience;
• lightweight and user-friendly;
• natural-looking color and transparency;
• total biocompatibility and allergen-free;
• resilient to physical and chemical changes;
• durability.

Due to their numerous advantages, non-metal dental implants are gaining popularity among patients and dentists alike. Their aesthetic appeal and biocompatibility make them a preferred option, offering reliability, durability, comfort, and a natural look.

Zirconia Dental Implants Cons

Despite the absence of chemical reactions and compatibility with the tissues of teeth and gums, it is not always possible to install zirconium oxide dental implants. In what cases is it recommended to refuse them:

• in the presence of mental disorders;
• during pregnancy;
• in case of serious malocclusion;
• with insufficient natural height of teeth.

Furthermore, a contraindication for zirconium implants is the presence of conditions like bruxism or night-time teeth grinding.

Additionally, several disadvantages may impact the choice of this implant type for a patient. It is crucial to take these factors into account when making treatment decisions:

• high cost;
• susceptible to damage;
• insufficient clinical evidence;
• installation complications;
• complicated repair process.

When opting for a zirconia implant, your crown choices become limited. To achieve the desired aesthetic without metal, you must decide between a zirconium implant and metal-ceramics.

Such crowns do not require special care. Brushing your teeth after dentures should be done in the same way as before. The NYC dentist will recommend choosing pastes with a minimum abrasive content, which can damage the ceramic layer. You should also use dental floss and mouthwash for maintenance. A good solution would be to purchase an irrigator that removes plaque and food debris using water supplied under pressure.