Zirconia, or zirconium oxide. is characterized as a “high-performance” ceramic used for decades in medical treatments. In dentistry, zirconia is an alternative to metal restorations.

Zirconia in Dental Implants

Dental implant-supported crowns and dentures are a preferred way to replace teeth. Many dentists have marketed dental implants as “biocompatible,” because these cylindrical posts fuse to bone when implanted in the jaw. The implant effectively becomes the tooth root, providing a solid foundation for the new tooth.
 
Dental implants may be made from medical-grade titanium or ceramics. While lightweight and strong, titanium is still a metal. Biocompatibility refers to materials that coexist harmoniously with living tissues. Dental implants have become popular in recent decades, and more patients have had negative reactions to titanium. Patients may find they are “incompatible” with this implant material when one or more of the following complications arise:

• Considerable plaque accumulation around the implant
• Development of peri-implantitis, an inflammatory process similar to periodontal disease
• Implant failure

Consider the opposite of each of the above characteristics and you will end up with a healthy alternative to conventional implants: the zirconia implant. Substantial less plaque is known to form around zirconia, and ceramics don’t corrode like metals. Implants used by Drs. Medlock and Keith also attach better to bone and soft tissues than those made from titanium, which aids in osseointegration and maximizes long-term success.
 
Though the titanium implants reside in the jaw, aesthetics remain a concern. As gums recede and teeth look more prominent, a gray ring may become visible. Zirconia is tooth-colored, so the appearance of your tooth won’t change over time even as tissues recede.
 
There are many reasons why zirconia dental implants in West Palm Beach may be right for you. Call (855) 883-0355 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith or Dr. Medlock.
 
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