Zirconia dental implants Archives - Atlanta Dental Implants

Titanium Versus Zirconia Dental Implants

Posted on April 16, 2020 by writeradmin.

I’m about to get implant-supported dentures. I’ve been reading a lot online (I know…Google isn’t a dentist), but it is a good place to come across information. I read an article which said that titanium implants can cause neurological problems. Yet, there are so many dentists who will only place those. So, is the article incorrect or are dentists not willing to admit the research? Which one should I do?

Perry

Dear Perry,

I will never fault someone for doing research and trying to increase their basket of understanding. Yes, there is a lot of misinformation on Google, but isn’t it great how much information we have access to? We have to think and be discerning. You’re being wise in seeking out some expert voices when you come across conflicting information.

Let’s start with the article you came across. I’ve heard about this from another patient. They’d read it in a natural news source. There was no source for a study done which verified their data. It was simply posited as fact. I will say, to date, there are no studies which even hint that titanium can cause neurological problems.

The opposite has more data. We’ve been using titanium as a prosthetic in bodies for decades— in dental implants, knee replacements, hip replacements, etc. It has been found to be very biocompatible.

Why Do Fewer Dentists Use Zirconia Dental Implants?

For the most part, dentists tend to stick with what they know until they’re convinced that something is better. Dental implants, are an advanced procedure. Knowing the titanium has a proven longevity gives them a sense of security.

The zirconia implants are metal-free. They are strong enough for even back teeth and may be just as good as the titanium ones in the long-term, we just don’t know yet. Not because there is anything necessarily wrong with them, but because they haven’t been around long enough for those type of studies. It’s just a matter of time before we know more.

Which Should You Do for Your Implant Overdnetures?

Implant Supported Dentures

With implant overdentures, you are anchoring a denture to four or six dental implants. It’s a decent-sized investment. If this is a stretch for you financially, you may feel safer going with the tried and true titanium. An exception to that would be if you are someone who suffers from metal-sensitivities. In that case, it may be worth it to go for the metal-free implants.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey. Ask about our affordable dental implant options.

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.

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.

My Dentures Ruined My Granddaughter’s Birthday

Posted on October 7, 2018 by writeradmin.

I was at my granddaughter’s 7th birthday party. We were singing the happy birthday song to her when my dentures fell out and landed directly on the cake. Her friends freaked out. She was humiliated. I felt horrible. How can I keep this from happening again?

Mary

Dear Mary,

Implant Supported Dentures are Much More Secure

I’m sorry this happened to you. I know you’re feeling awful about her party. Just know your granddaughter loves you. She’ll not hold this against you. What you’re facing isn’t your fault. I truly hope whoever extracted your teeth and gave you the dentures warned you about this possibility.

What you’re dealing with is known as facial collapse. When your teeth were extracted, your body began reabsorbing the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body. It does that because it thinks you no longer need that bone now that your teeth were extracted.

Unfortunately, after about ten years, there’s no longer enough bone to keep your dentures in. That’s why it fell out.

Implant Supported Dentures—the Solution to Facial Collapse

Ideally, your dentist or oral surgeon would have warned you about this and suggested you get implant supported dentures instead. This places either titanium or zirconia implants into your jawbone. This tells your body that your jawbone is still necessary to secure your tooth roots.

Then, your dentures are attached to these implants. This has the additional benefit of securing your dentures at the same time in which it keeps your jaw intact.

You’ve lost so much bone, there’s no longer enough to support the implants. In order to get the implant supported dentures, you’ll need to have bone grafting done first. Once your bone is built back up you can then have implants placed.

I hope this helps you. If you tell your granddaughter the reason it happened, it will probably help her understand that it wasn’t your fault.

This blog is brought to you 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,

Metal-free Zirconia Dental Implants in three shapes

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.