zirconia blocks are milled into dental implant components
zirconia blocks are milled into dental implant components

Dental implants are the most reliable and most durable replacement for missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants can also help prevent bone loss ( which happens with the loss of the teeth). Dental implants are considered a safe and predictable as replacements for natural teeth. Dental implants are not just for cosmetic enhancements but also work like your natural teeth thus improving your self esteem by providing you confidence while smiling and enjoying food when eating. Dental implants have been shown to be successful in > 95% of cases. Dental implants have been used for over 30 years to replace natural teeth. Dental implants are placed into your jawbone and function just like natural teeth

Titanium dental implant vs Zirconia dental implant

When you hear the word “dental implants’’ an image of a metal screw automatically comes to mind but did you know that there are few types of dental implant materials. Dental implants are constructed from a range of materials such as titanium, titanium alloy and zirconium oxide. Titanium dental implants are the most common and widely used form of dental implants. Newer materials like zirconia have shown promising results as an alternative to titanium alloy dental implants. Metal free zirconia implants are much harder than titanium dental implants; they are considered almost as strong as diamond in terms of hardness. It possesses tensile strength and is much similar in composition to the natural teeth thus supporting biological dentistry. Zirconium oxide ceramics are used in the manufacture of materials that work in aggressive environments such as extrusion dyes, valves and port liners for combustion engines. Zirconium oxide implants have outstanding mechanical properties, good stability, a high bio compatibility and a high resistance to scratching and corrosion.

Zirconia dental implant are said to be bio-compatible

The oxide is ivory in color making it similar to the color of the natural tooth, which is important for restoring teeth in the mouth especially in the front teeth. Furthermore its ability to transmit light makes it a suitable material in fillings that require aesthetics. Zirconia dental implant are said to be bio-compatible in that they are fully tissue friendly; there are no allergic reactions, no sensitivity to temperature and no impact on taste. The zirconium oxide ceramic shows no interactions with other dental materials and is electrically neutral. As compared to titanium dental implants, zirconia dental implants appear more natural since they are white and thus look the same as natural teeth; this makes the implant process aesthetic. Zirconia dental root implants could be a preferred choice to those patients who dislike the notion of having metal in their mouths or are prone to titanium allergies.

For more information please feel free to Contact Brighton Implant Clinic or Call us on 0800 111 6623.

2 Comments

  • elizabeth Knight says:

    Hi. Could you please inform me of the likely cost of having a dental implant – lower molar. I am interested in a Zirconia implant & crown. I do not believe that I would need bone augumentation. Thankyou.

    • Joanne Cowper says:

      Hi Elizabeth, thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately we do not currently offer zirconia dental implants at the Brighton Implant Clinic as we are only offering treatment for zirconia implant abutments and the final crowns, however the dental implant itself is still made of titanium. As dental implant treatment is going to vary between each patient the prices will vary. Please visit our price list for more information or contact the clinic to organise a free dental implant consultation with one of our dentists.

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