Why is zirconia used in dental implants?
Dental implants have become an increasingly popular option for patients who have lost teeth due to injury, decay, or other reasons. Zirconia and titanium dental implants are widely used as a replacement option for missing teeth, a ceramic material that is prized for its exceptional strength, durability, and biocompatibility.
However, in recent years, zirconia has gained popularity due to its many advantages over titanium. Let's take a closer look at why zirconia is considered better than titanium in dental implants.
Zirconia is highly durable
This makes it an ideal choice for dental implants, which need to withstand the pressure and stress of normal biting and chewing. Compared to other dental implant materials like titanium or stainless steel, zirconia is just as strong and resilient and is also less likely to corrode over time. This means that zirconia dental implants can last for many years without requiring replacement or maintenance.
Zirconia is esthetically pleasing
Another reason why zirconia is preferred over titanium is that it's a highly esthetic material. Zirconia can be colored to match the surrounding teeth' natural color, making it the perfect choice for replacing front teeth. Since titanium has a metallic appearance, it can be difficult to mask its presence in the mouth, which can detract from the overall esthetics of the smile.
Zirconia is biocompatible
This means that it is well-tolerated by the body and does not provoke an immune response or other adverse reactions. This is important because dental implants are designed to integrate with the surrounding bone tissue, creating a stable and permanent foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth. Zirconia implants have been shown to promote rapid osseointegration, meaning that the surrounding bone tissue grows tightly around the implant, locking it in place and providing maximum stability.
Zirconia can prevent bone loss
When a tooth is lost, the bone that was once supporting it tends to deteriorate. This can create a sunken and aged appearance in the face. Zirconia dental implants can help slow down this bone loss because they can be designed to mimic the shape and contour of the natural teeth roots. This means that they can help to maintain the bone structure, which can lead to better facial aesthetics.
Zirconia is hypoallergenic
Zirconia is hypoallergenic, which means that it's unlikely to cause allergic reactions. In contrast, titanium allergies are not uncommon, and those who have allergies to other metals are often advised to avoid titanium dental implants.
In conclusion
Zirconia is an ideal material for dental implants due to its strength, durability, biocompatibility, natural appearance, and resistance to bacterial infection. Patients who choose zirconia implants can enjoy the benefits of a stable, long-lasting, and natural-looking replacement for their missing teeth. If you are considering dental implants, be sure to talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about the benefits of zirconia and whether it is the right choice for your individual needs.