Ceramic Dental Implants

Better than Metal Dental Implants for Some Patients…

Dental implants are commonly used to replace missing teeth, and ceramic and titanium implants are the two most widely used types. While titanium implants have been the standard for many years, ceramic implants are increasingly preferred due to their superior aesthetics and lack of metal allergy triggers.

While Ceramic implants do have some clinical limitations, ceramic implants have other advantages over their metal counterparts.

Why Are Ceramic Dental Implants Considered Safer?

all ceramic dental implant in bone crossection

Dentists have been placing ceramic implants for about twenty years now, and they have proven to be a durable and highly effective alternative to metal implants. Patients concerned about metal allergies or the appearance of their implants may opt for ceramic implants. Our more holistic patients often refuse metal implants altogether due to reported allergies to certain metals and concerns about the long-term effects of metal in their bodies.

One major advantage of ceramic implants is their resistance to corrosion and triggering bacterial bone loss over time, which is a possible but significant drawback of titanium metal implants. Ceramic dental implants have also significantly improved mechanical strength and material consistency over time, making them a desirable option.

When are Ceramic Implants Used?

Straumann Visual Detail PURE Ceramic Implant Monotype

One major advantage of ceramic implants is their resistance to corrosion and triggering bacterial bone loss over time, which is a possible but significant drawback of titanium metal implants. Ceramic dental implants have also significantly improved mechanical strength and material consistency over time, making them a desirable option.
In addition to patient preference, ceramic implants may be used in specific cases where the restorative doctor requests or even requires this material. Pure or other ceramic implants offer a better color match than metal implants, which can be more desirable for patients. Since the base of the implant, where the crown meets the gum line, is white ceramic, there are almost no grey shadows or discoloration with ceramic implants. This also allows for some natural recession of your gums while maintaining the white tooth color. Studies in Europe show that ceramic implants have extremely high success rates, and although the majority of our implants are still titanium, the use of ceramic implants is increasing. All Ceramic Dental Implants are mostly placed on bicuspid teeth and molars. Often, anterior implants will still require titanium due to the thin bone and more difficult abutment angles.

Are there Clinical Limits to Ceramic Dental Implants?

However, it should be noted that ceramic implants may not replace titanium implants entirely due to their limitations. For instance, there is a critical limitation with zirconia implants in that the abutment position must be precise. Titanium implants allow for greater latitude when it comes to the abutment shape and size, as they can be angled where the abutment comes out of the tissue at a higher angle than ceramic implants.

For example, ceramic implants may not be an option in cases where the underlying bone is angled off-center. It is best to set up a consultation with our doctor to determine if the ceramic implants are right for your situation.

Are Ceramic Dental Implants Right for me?

Ceramic implants are an increasingly popular and superior alternative to metal implants due to their tooth-like aesthetics, corrosion resistance, biologically inertness, and lack of metal allergy triggers.

However, limitations such as abutment placement precision, nerve location, and occlusion angles should be considered when determining the ideal type of implant for each patient. We will evaluate your clinical data and any medical risks and concerns to help you better understand if ceramic implants are right for you.

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» All Ceramic Dental Implants
» Dental Implants, Bridges, Crowns, & Partial Dentures
» Bone Grafting & Sinus Lifts
» Second Opinions for Dental Implants
» Cracked Tooth Syndrome
» Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants
» How to calculate your dental insurance copays?
» Before and After photos of our patients
» Z-SYSTEMS^® All Ceramic Dental Implants

Have questions about all ceramic dental implants versus dental implants?

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Dr. Sherry Tsai provides all ceramic dental implants and oral surgery services such as ceramic dental implants and mini dental implants in Millbrae, San Bruno, Burlingame, San Mateo and the Bay Area