Dental implants are an effective and permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. While Titanium-based implants are the most commonly used, our Zirconia implants in Keysborough provide a metal free Dental Implant alternative made from a ceramic material called Zirconium Dioxide. Zirconia has been used for many years in various dental procedures, such as crowns and implant restorations, due to its natural look and compatibility with the body.
There are several reasons why you might opt for Zirconia dental implants. One of the most common is if you have an allergy or sensitivity to metals, particularly the alloys found in Titanium implants. If metal allergies are a concern, they can be identified through allergy testing, and Zirconia can serve as an ideal solution without triggering any adverse reactions.
Additionally, some may prefer Zirconia implants for personal or aesthetic reasons, especially those who prefer to avoid any metal in their mouth. Zirconia offers a more natural, tooth-like appearance, making it especially desirable for those who need an implant in the front of their mouth where the cosmetic outcome is important. If you have thin gums, Zirconia can also provide a more seamless integration with your natural gum line.
Zirconia implants are made from a strong, white ceramic material, providing a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance. These implants are designed to resemble screws and are carefully affixed to the jawbone, where they integrate over time. Due to the ceramic composition, Zirconia implants lack the metallic shine of Titanium, offering a more discreet and natural look, especially for front teeth.
Titanium is the most widely used material for dental implants, and it’s been thoroughly researched over several decades. This wealth of information has provided evidence of Titanium’s strength, reliability, and long-term success in implant dentistry. Titanium implants are particularly known for their ability to withstand pressure and stress, thanks to their higher flexural strength and thermal conductivity.
Zirconia, however, is a newer material and lacks the extensive research that Titanium has accumulated. Despite this, Zirconia implants are becoming increasingly popular for patients who prioritise aesthetics and want to avoid metal implants. While Zirconia may not be as mechanically strong as Titanium, it’s still a durable and biocompatible material that works well for many patients.
Ultimately, the best implant option depends on several factors, such as the location of the implant, your personal preferences, and the quality of your bone. It’s important to discuss these options with your dentist, who can guide you through the process and help you choose the right material for your needs.
Interested in a Zirconia Implant solution? Book a consult now to find out more at Dental at Keys!
Zirconia implants have a similar cost to our titanium implants. As Zirconia implants are not as popular as their titanium counterpart, there may be an increase in wait-times before we can order it in.
The main difference is the material: titanium is a metal, while zirconia is a ceramic. Both are biocompatible and integrate well with the jawbone, but zirconia implants are completely metal-free, making them an excellent choice for patients with metal sensitivities or those who prefer a holistic option. Additionally, zirconia implants are naturally white, which can make them more aesthetically pleasing in areas where the gums are thin or prone to recession.
Yes. Zirconia is a highly biocompatible material, meaning it is well-accepted by the body and integrates strongly with the jawbone. It is also resistant to plaque build-up, which may help maintain healthy gums around the implant. For patients concerned about potential allergic reactions or sensitivities to metal, zirconia offers a safe and reliable alternative.
When placed correctly and cared for properly, zirconia implants can last many years — often decades. Their strength and durability are comparable to titanium implants. However, just like natural teeth, their success depends on good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and healthy lifestyle choices such as avoiding smoking.
Most patients who are suitable for titanium implants can also consider zirconia implants. You may be a good candidate if you:
Have missing teeth and want a long-lasting replacement
Prefer a metal-free or holistic option
Have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone for implant placement
Are free from uncontrolled medical conditions that could affect healing
Your dentist will assess your oral health, bone structure, and treatment goals to determine if zirconia implants are the right choice for you.
Heard about a Dental implant but not sure what it is? To put it simply – dental implants are special titanium cylinders that are placed in your jaw which allow us to replace missing teeth.
Dental Implants are specially manufactured root replacements for a tooth/teeth. They are usually made of titanium, which is an excellent material at sticking to bone (just like hip and joint replacements!). Implants are usually shaped like a screw and are placed in the jaw where the missing tooth is. A special customised crown is then attached to the top of the implant. The finished product is almost exactly like a new tooth, albeit without the sensitivity!
When would you need a Dental Implant?
Implants are a great option to replace missing teeth. There is no need to remove it every night like a plate/denture and it is cleaned normally just like any other tooth in your mouth. Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. In more complex cases, a group of 4 or more implants can be used to replace an entire jaw of missing teeth.
How is a Dental Implant fitted?
Firstly, your health will have to be assessed to see if you are a suitable candidate for implants. You should be in good health, have no gum disease and have a suitable amount of healthy jawbone. Secondly, special 3D x-ray scans of your jaw are done to determine the optimum position of the implant. In some cases, we may take a few moulds of your teeth for a construction of a special 3D printed surgical stent. This advanced technology allows extremely accurate positioning of the implant in your jawbone.
The implant is then surgically placed in the jaw bone where the tooth once was. Depending on the quality of the bone, the implant may be left to integrate for a period of 2 to 6 months. Once the integration process is finished, moulds of your teeth are taken and a special customised crown is constructed and screwed or cemented in. If you are missing all your teeth in your jaw, a special full arch denture is made and screwed onto digitally designed titanium strengthening bars.
How long do Implants last?
There are many variables for this. Generally, studies have shown a 97% success rate over 15 years. If you are healthy and have good oral hygiene (ie. you brush and floss well), you can expect them to last a long time. However, that said, some patients despite all of this, still have complications with their implants.
Are there any complications?
As with any dental treatment, some patients have experience complications. Whilst implants have a great success rate, implants can still fail on even the healthiest patients. Implants are not immune to gum disease and if proper checks and cleans are not done on a regular basis, the implants can get infected causing their eventual failure (peri-implantitis). On rare occasions implants can also fracture if there is heavy grinding happening at night. Small amounts of bone loss around an implant is a fairly common complication however if it is managed well, it may affect the integrity of the implant system.
If you are interested in Implants or want to know more – why not give us a call to speak to one of our lovely staff to find out more? Contact us here.
