Zirconia Dental Implants

There are several advantages to using zirconia implants. For example:

• Zirconia integrates with natural bone tissue the same way that titanium does. Osseointegration is essential for the long-term stability and success of your treatment.
• Because zirconia is white in color, these implants are more aesthetically pleasing than their titanium counterparts.
• Zirconia implants have been FDA-approved since 2011.
• There is a much lower risk of allergic reaction when placing zirconia implants.
• Research studies indicate that zirconia implants have a success rate of up to 98 percent.
• Some research suggests that plaque accumulation is less likely around zirconia implants.
• Zirconia resists corrosion.
• Zirconia is a poor thermal and electrical conductor. Therefore, there is no concern of battery or galvanic effects.

To qualify for dental implant treatment, patients must have sufficient jawbone density. During your initial consultation, we will take scans and x-rays to evaluate the health of the bone tissue and identify the nerves, sinuses, and other important landmarks.

If you have gum disease or tooth decay, these issues must be resolved first. Poor oral health can have a negative impact on the long-term success of your implants.

When you arrive the day of your procedure, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the treatment area. Your dentist then makes a small incision in the gum tissue to access the bone underneath. The implant site is carefully prepared using a series of specialized dental instruments. Finally, the zirconia dental implant is placed into the jaw, the gum tissue is repositioned, and the incision is closed.

While some patients may be able to receive a restoration on the same day, most individuals will need to heal for approximately three to six months following implant placement. This gives the bone plenty of time to fuse to the implant for optimal stability.

Following implant placement, initial healing usually takes less than one week. While most patients can resume normal activities the same day, we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours. This helps reduce the risk of excessive bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Patients should also keep the surgical site clean, and closely follow the postoperative instructions provided by our team.

Fortunately, maintaining the health of your implant doesn’t involve any more steps that normal brushing and flossing. An antibacterial mouthwash can also help keep harmful microbes at bay. Patients should also continue to see their dentist for routine exams and cleanings.