Metal Free Dental Implants Archives - Atlanta Dental Implants

CT Scans for Dental Implants

Posted on April 9, 2020 by writeradmin.

I’ve had tons of x-rays over the years and want to get a dental implant on an upper tooth. I’ve had consultations with two of them. One wants to do a CT scan and the other says it isn’t necessary and will save me money. Is there any reason to go ahead with the CT scan? A follow-up question has to do with the metal in the dental implants. Would it be better to get the non-metal ones?

Amy

Dear Amy,

I would absolutely get the CT scan. Placing dental implants is a 3-dimensional procedure and really requires 3-dimensional x-rays. Especially on an upper tooth, the dentist risks perforating your sinus cavity, which happens way too often. Some dentists try to get around that by using shorter implants. However, those do not hold up over the long term. You’ll want a dental implant that will last.

You can always find dentists willing to cut corners in order to keep their prices lower and draw in more customers, but that isn’t what is best for a long-term successful outcome.

Metal-Free or Titanium Dental Implants

As to whether or not metal-free dental implants are better than titanium, there isn’t enough data on that yet. We have decades of data with titanium implants. We know they’re very biocompatible and have a long lifespan.

Metal-free dental implants are made from zirconia. That is a very strong substance and is sometimes called ceramic steel. The only downside, if there is one, is that they haven’t been in use for very long. We don’t have any studies on their longevity. That doesn’t mean they aren’t going to last.

Not all dentists are using the zirconia implants yet, but you can certainly find a great dentist who is if that is what you want.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.

Allergic to Titanium in Dental Implants

Posted on August 31, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’ve lost two teeth due to a car accident. The accident also left me with burns on my arm and shoulder. At the moment I do not feel attractive at all. My dentist put in a dental flipper at first just so my teeth wouldn’t drift, but I need a permanent replacement. I hear dental implants are the best and I want the best. From what I can see, they’re all made of titanium, which I have an allergy to. What is my next best option if I can’t have the dental implants?

Beatrice

Dear Beatrice,

I am very sorry for all you have been through. You have suffered so much. Fortunately, I think I have a great solution for you. Let’s say there was a worst-case scenario and you were not a good candidate for dental implants. In that case, the next best thing would be to get a dental bridge. Though, if your two lost teeth are adjacent to one another, that would mean you’d need a four-unit bridge. The more units you add to a bridge, the greater the stress on your teeth and greater risk of problems.

The good news is, you can still get dental implants, which will be a far superior treatment. There are metal-free dental implant options. Instead of getting titanium implants, you can get zirconia.

Zirconia is very strong and is dubbed ceramic steel. The main reason dentists are still using the titanium implants is because of the longevity of data we have with them. Because they’ve been in use for decades, we know they have a great lifespan. We have no evidence the zirconia options don’t. They just haven’t been around as long.

Your current dentist may not do them, but you will be able to find a dentist or periodontist who does. They’re out there and doing just fine.

Cosmetic Considerations with Dental Implants

You mentioned not feeling attractive at the moment. That’s perfectly normal given what you’ve been through. This may be the time to give yourself a little boost. Once the crowns for your dental implants are completed, the color is permanent. I generally encourage people to whiten their teeth before getting the porcelain crowns.

Teeth whitening is an affordable way to make your smile look years younger both quickly and affordably. Then, your crowns can be made the new brighter color. It will give you a smile you will be proud to share with the world.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. William Pumphrey.

Can You Get Titanium-Free Dental Implants?

Posted on May 3, 2019 by writeradmin.

I have serious metal allergies, including dental cement and even titanium which I hear is rare. My dentist said because of that I cannot get dental implants. Instead, he wants me to get a five-unit bridge. I’m really not crazy about this idea. Do I have no other option?

Greg

Dear Greg,

Yes, there are metal-free dental implants. However, you may have to go to a different dentist to get one. Based on your metal allergies, you would likely be better served with a dentist willing to do some research to work around the limitations you have. It doesn’t sound like your current dentist is willing to think outside the box.

These dental implants are made from zirconia. It is quite strong and is nicknamed liquid steel. Some dentists still steer away from them because they haven’t been around as long. There isn’t as much documentation as to how long they last, though I don’t think you’d have anything to worry about.

I wouldn’t recommend a five-unit bridge for three reasons. One, it will put a lot of undue pressure on the anchor teeth, putting them at risk. Two, those teeth will be unnecessarily ground down even though they are likely perfectly healthy. Three, if one part of the bridge is damaged or fails, the entire unit will have to be replaced.

Cosmetic Considerations with Dental Implants

The implant crowns can be made to match any color, so they can blend in naturally with your natural teeth. However, their color will be permanent. If you’ve even considered getting your teeth whitened, it will save you money to do it before your porcelain crowns are made for your implants.

You don’t have too. However, if you decide to have teeth whitening done at a later date, only the natural tooth structure will whiten. That will require you to have the dental crowns re-made to get them to match. This creates an additional cost that would be unnecessary if you whiten first.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.

Dentist Said No to Metal-Free Dental Implants

Posted on December 25, 2018 by writeradmin.

I have metal allergies and my dentist is refusing to let me get zirconia implants. His reasonings were as follows: First, according to him, no one is allergic to titanium. Second, he feels the zirconia implants do not have enough of a track record. The thing is I don’t want to do is spend a fortune and have surgery that I end up being allergic to. Is he correct? Should I just get a large dental bridge? I have to replace three teeth.

Camille

Dear Camille,

While your dentist is overstating his case, he is not being a complete liar. Don’t panic though. You can still get metal-free dental implants. I just want to go over his reasoning so you’re aware of where he’s coming from.

Titanium and Metal Allergies

I don’t think your dentist can say with true certainty that no one is allergic to titanium. While it is more bio-compatible than most metals and has been used for years in surgeries such as hip replacements, there is bound to be someone allergic to it.

However, if you’re concerned, he should take that seriously. Maybe YOU ARE allergic even though he hasn’t had a patient who has been in the past. It sounds as if he’s blowing off your concerns.

The Longevity of Metal-Free Dental Implants

Here’s where he’s coming from with his second concern. Titanium implants have been in use for decades and have a proven track record. Zirconia implants are fairly new in comparison. While there isn’t the backed up evidence that they’ll last as long as traditional implants, there’s not yet evidence they won’t either.

What we do know is they’re extremely strong. Zirconia is nicknamed ceramic steel. It will not fail because of strength.

Getting Your Metal-Free Dental Implants

If you’re a good candidate for traditional dental implants, you shouldn’t have any trouble with their metal-free counterparts. That being said, you will need to see a different dentist to have them done. This one isn’t going to listen to you.

You may want to see if you can find a dentist or periodontist who has a lot of experience in placing dental implants. This will give you a better chance of a successful outcome.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.

Are Non-Metal Implants Weak?

Posted on September 12, 2018 by writeradmin.

I’m going to replace a tooth with a dental implant. It looks like there are two types: metal and non-metal. I like the idea of non-metal, but I’m worried they’re not as strong. Will they last as long?

Bruce

Dear Bruce,

Metal-free Zirconia Dental Implants in three shapes

Zirconia is metal-free and dubbed “ceramic steel”

The metal dental implants are made from titanium. They have a long track record and are very reliable. It’s what most dentists use.

The non-metal dental implants are made from zirconia. They haven’t been around as long. However, they are strong. In fact, they are nicknamed ceramic steel. Those who’ve used it have had no problems. Quite the opposite in fact. Metal-free dental implants have been a lifesaver for patients with metal sensitivities.

Succesful Dental Implants

What’s more important when it comes to dental implants is who places them. You want someone who can do both the surgery and the implant restoration. That cuts down opportunities for miscommunication errors which can happen when there are two practices involved in treatment. Periodontists have the surgical skill necessary.

All that being said, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. You’ll want to see a periodontist to ensure you are actually a good candidate. For instance, if you have gum disease you need to deal with that first. In fact, it should be your highest priority. Leaving it untreated will cost you more teeth.

The next consideration is if you have enough jaw bone. If you don’t, you can have bone grafting done to build it back up.

Finally, if you’re a smoker, you’ll want to consider either quitting or cutting back dramatically. It can lead to infection and dental implant failure. Infection is the leading reason implants fail so you want to give them the best chance possible. Smoking cuts down your blood flow which makes healing more difficult. It’s also one of the reasons smokers have a much higher case of gum disease than non-smokers.

This blog is brought to by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.

Will My Dental Implants Rust?

Posted on July 21, 2018 by writeradmin.

I lost a visible tooth and need to get it replaced. I keep hearing dental implants are the best replacement, but the idea of putting metal in my body worries me. Will the implant start to rust and make me sick?

Laura

Dear Laura,

Zirconia is metal-free and dubbed “ceramic steel”

The most common dental implants are made of titanium, which has a fantastic biocompatible track record. Because of their TiO2 (titanium oxide) layer, these aren’t like other metals and are extraordinarily resistant to rusting. This is the same material used in things such as hip and joint replacements. There have been decades of use with minimal problems. So, I’d say you’re perfectly safe getting the titanium implants.

However, there’s no absolute guarantee that oxidation won’t take place. There are too many factors. If you are concerned, you do have options.

Options to Metal-Based Dental Implants

Your first option is not to get a dental implant at all. You could get a dental bridge. They won’t require any metal, especially if you decide on an all-porcelain crown. However, that also means placing crowns on the two adjacent teeth. If there’s nothing wrong with them, that means grinding down healthy tooth structure. Something which is rarely recommended.

Your second option is to get a metal-free dental implant. These are made from zirconia and is very strong. In fact, its nickname is ceramic steel. However, there are drawbacks. This technology is newer, which means two things. One, we don’t have the amount of research we do with titanium implants to tell you they’ve been used successfully for decades. Two, they have to be handled differently and not all dentists know the newer techniques required.

Dental Implant Failure

Unless you have a severe metal allergy, your biggest concern about dental implants shouldn’t be the material base as much as the dentist who places them. You want an experienced dentist with a high success rate. Dental implant failure is real. You don’t want to invest all that time and money on such an advanced procedure with an inexperienced dentist to save money only to have the whole thing fail and you have to start over.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. David Pumphrey.

Dental Implants with Metal Allergies

Posted on May 12, 2018 by writeradmin.

I’ve been sick for years. I finally went to a doctor who would listen to me and he ran a bunch of tests. He determined I have a severe metal allergy. I convinced my dentist to remove my amalgam fillings and switch them with composites. I even had my dental crowns switched to all-porcelain crowns. The only thing that’s left is one dental implant. Yet, my dentist insists nothing can be done about that. He also says that he knows of no patients who have a metal allergy to titanium. That being said, I do have an allergy to titanium. So… is there anything I can do or am I stuck with something I’m allergic to? I know I could get a bridge, but I really like having an implant. It’s like having a real tooth again.

Corinna

Dear Corinna,

Zirconia is metal-free and dubbed “ceramic steel”

I’m sorry for all you’ve suffered and very glad to hear you found a doctor who actually listened to you! I’ve had friends with mysterious illnesses themselves and they struggled to find medical practitioners who would listen to them. When they finally did, it was like a balm to their bodies and encouragement to their spirits.

I don’t know where your dentist has been, but there are metal-free dental implants. Zirconia hasn’t been used in implants for as long as their titanium forbearers, but they’ve had remarkable success and are as strong. In fact, they’re often nicknamed ceramic steel because of their strength.

I’m not telling you to leave your dentist but I do think you’d be better served by a dentist who keeps up with dental developments. It’s their job to give you all your options. To do that well, they actually need to know them.

Replacing Titanium Implants with Metal-Free Dental Implants

I know you’ve decided against getting a porcelain bridge. That’s absolutely fine. I understand why you’d want to keep the comfort and convenience of implants. I just want to be certain you have all the information. It’s not simply a matter of taking out the current dental implant and replacing it with the zirconia one. You won’t have enough bone to just pop in the new one.

You’ll start with removing your current implant. The next step will be to have bone grafting done. That’s now a one-day procedure, which is quite simple. The technology has greatly improved. Once your bone grafting is healed, then you can start your new dental implant procedure. It will take a skilled dentist to do all of these procedures correctly, so do your research on the dentist’s training and success rate.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. David Pumphrey.