Holistic Ceramic Dental Implants for a Proven, Metal-Free Alternative
Surgically placed dental implants are the preferred method for permanently and beautifully restoring lost or damaged teeth. A typical metal dental implant is a small, medical-grade titanium post that is inserted into the jaw to support a custom-made crown for a complete and fully functional new lifelike tooth. Unlike other forms of dental restorations, such as fixed bridges and removable dentures, dental implants also protect your oral health by halting the jaw bone deterioration caused by tooth loss.
But what if you have concerns about the metal in traditional dental implants or are one of the 4% of Americans that have a titanium sensitivity? Dental implant patients with these concerns have a reliable and proven option at our practice—ceramic implants, also known as holistic implants or zirconia implants. Just like traditional titanium implants, ceramic implants fuse with the bone in the jaw for permanent and healthy tooth restoration. Not only that, but ceramic implants have some unique features that meet the needs of our patients and make them an excellent alternative to metal implants.
Metal Versus Ceramic Dental Implants
Titanium metal dental implants are the gold standard of the industry, and their benefits are clear—they are trusted, proven, and incredibly durable. Ceramic dental implants are relatively new, since 2007 in the United States and in Europe since the 1980s; however, the high-performance zirconia ceramic material used in ceramic implants has been used successfully in orthopedic surgery for over 35 years. This material is also utilized in the aerospace industry because of its enhanced hardiness and stability under extreme temperatures and pressure. With an equivalent 97.6% implant survival and success rate to traditional titanium implants, ceramic holistic implants are an innovative solution that possesses the natural aesthetics, quality, precision, strength, and clinical success of the traditional titanium metal alternative—while being completely metal-free.
The ceramic material used in holistic implants also has an aesthetic advantage of being ivory-colored like a natural tooth root with no risk of shining through the gums. Additionally, ceramic implants are proven to be every bit as strong as the titanium implants we proudly offer. In addition to sharing all the benefits of titanium metal implants such as strength, permanency, comfort, and protected jaw bone health, ceramic implants have the following benefits:
- Hypoallergenic. There is a growing number of people with allergies and compromised immune systems who must choose materials that are biocompatible with their bodies and are not potentially allergy-causing. The ceramic implants we use are proven to be both hypoallergenic and bioinert. Because of these attributes, they are a perfect tooth replacement solution for patients with sensitivities or for those who prefer to adhere to holistic health principles that may not align with metal implants.
- Soft-tissue compatibility. Outstanding proven ability to integrate with the soft tissues at the implant site (the gum tissue and ligaments surrounding the implant) for an ideal and healthy result.
- Proven osseointegration properties. Over 20 years of experience and more than 100 clinical and preclinical studies have shown that the ceramic implants we use in our practice have excellent jaw bone integration properties (similar to titanium). Integration with the jaw bone is the defining feature of both metal and non-metal dental implants as the only available true tooth replacement, root and all.
- Superior aesthetics. Non-metallic and white, ceramic implants are the color of natural tooth roots for a result that closely mimics nature—even for patients with thin or translucent gum tissue.
If you suspect you have a titanium sensitivity and are considering implants, there are tests available that can diagnose allergies to the metals in titanium alloy. Please seek the advice of your medical doctor regarding testing. When considering your options, it’s also important to note that ceramic implants are typically more expensive than the titanium option, and this may translate to additional out-of-pocket expense for dental implant patients. As always, we are happy to discuss the cost of your dental implant therapy as well as financial options at your consultation, where you will be provided with an estimate of cost along with your customized surgical treatment plan.
Ceramic Dental Implants in Charlotte and Fort Mill, NC
We use Straumann® PURE Ceramic Implants at our practice for the most advanced alternative to titanium dental implants available today. Ivory-colored like a natural tooth root for a highly aesthetic solution, and completely metal-free, ceramic implants are an excellent option for many of our dental implant patients. If you are interested in learning more about ceramic implants or any of the services we provide at our practice, we encourage you to contact one of our four Greater Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery locations to schedule a consultation with Dr. Amir Marashi or Dr. Jesse Ricciuti. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with the highest quality of care.
