Zirconia Implants: A Dental Innovation

Zirconia Implants: A Dental Innovation

There is a discovery on the dental implant horizon, and it can prove to be a revolutionary step forward. According to the Dental Tribune, Zirconia implants, which FDA approved in 2011, have had a spike in popularity.

The increase in demand for the material is in addition to its toothlike color, partly because of its “excellent biocompatibility and favorable mechanical properties.” Considering, they are possibly poised to become the new wave in dental implants.

Studies have shown an increase of around .6 percent in titanium allergy. Zirconia Implants, initially used in patients who suffered from a metal hypersensitivity, has become an in-demand alternative altogether.

The makeup of the zirconia implant has evolved. The device emerged as a single-piece implant. The design had both advantages and disadvantages. The single implant is more vulnerable to damage and overload, and the risk increases if the implant has to be readjusted or isn’t correctly positioned. Further observations have led to recent developments of the zirconia implant. The developments emerged from the two-piece zirconia implants. The structure better allows for modifications and a better patient experience for a more aesthetic presentation.

The pioneer of zirconia implants is a company known as CeraRoot. They launched their fully ceramic zirconia dental implants in Europe in 2005. By 2011, the FDA approved the zirconia implants manufactured by ceraroot for use in the USA. Their zirconia implants have been used increasingly in place of titanium dental implants around the world.

Dental Tribune also notes two more prevalent two-piece implants which are available today. Straumann PURE Ceramic Implant System and the NobelBiocare: NobelPearl are both zirconia implants which as well have their pros and cons:

Their advantages:

A better choice for patients with metal hypoallergenic

More attractive appearance.

Better resists plaque and dental calculus than titanium

More structural flexibility and toughness

A more acceptable bone-implant-contact versus that titanium

Their Disadvantages:

Newer products and clinical studies

A risk of loading a single piece implant prematurely

Increased probability of future adjustments and modifications for a single piece implant

Zirconia modification can decrease the physical properties of the materials

Increased rate of fracture versus titanium

Please note that the risks mentioned above can be mitigated by having an implant surgeon that has extended experience in placing zirconia implants Not all implant surgeons are created equal. Most dental implants failures are caused by inexperienced dentist placing them.

All in all, The emergence of Zirconia dental implants is an innovative development in dentistry. Although limited, prelim studies have revealed positive outcomes – a decrease in inflammation, biofilm buildup, and attractive esthetics, in addition to a preferable bone-implant contact. With the introduction of the two-piece implant, Zirconia has gained the potential and momentum to be ahead of the market in implants, especially in comparison to titanium alloy implants.