Zirconia Implants in SLC, Utah 801-255-7645

Zirconia Dental Implants Vs. Titanium Implants

Dental patients are becoming increasingly concerned with the materials coming into contact with their bodies and the impact this can have on their health. When placing dental implants, it is always ideal to use the least reactive and least toxic material possible. It is also important to evaluate the strength, clinical success, and other relevant factors of such materials.
Over the years, the trend has been towards avoiding putting metals in our body. An alternative material to titanium exists in the form of zirconia for dental implants. Health-conscious patients frequently ask, “Are zirconia dental implants better than titanium?” The answer to this question is not simple, as it is important to understand the potential benefits, limitations, risks, and other factors.

What are zirconia implants

Dental implants are medical devices used to replace missing teeth. Since the 1960s, titanium implants have been the industry standard. With decades of clinical success and innovation, titanium implants have become one of the most successful medical devices in all of medicine with long-term success rates of 94-97%. Zirconia implants are an alternative to titanium implants. They were released in 1987 and have recently gained more attention along with holistic dentistry.

What are zirconia implants made of

Zirconia dental implants are typically marketed as a non-metal, “ceramic” material that is white in color like natural teeth and has all the same advantages as traditional titanium implants. Interestingly enough, Zirconium has an atomic number of 40 making it a transitional METAL. Zirconia implants come in the form of Zirconium Oxide (which is often referred to as Zirconia). Every ceramic has a crystal structure containing both metallic and non-metallic atoms, but the combination is never referred to as a metal. The addition of the oxide changes its composition structure, behavior, and name.
Traditional Titanium implant surfaces are used in Titanium Oxide form, so why are they considered a metal? This is because titanium implants are a grey metal color and zirconia implants are white. The simple difference in color is one of the main reasons these implants were developed and have gained popularity from the general public. There are many claims of non-esthetic implant restoration caused by the grey color of the titanium implant. However, with proper placement through a 3D guided surgery protocol and utilizing white zirconia for the abutment material, we can repeatedly get highly-esthetic results for our patients.

Dental Implants in Salt Lake City or Provo 801-255-7645

One of the most improved fields of dentistry is holistic and biomimetic dentistry.  Biomimetic/holisitc dentistry involves treatment techniques designed to help you maintain healthy teeth with preventive measures to reinforce them, ultimately reducing the risk of future decay and the need for major dental work.  Biomimetic literally means to copy what is natural. Biomimetic dentistry aims to copy your teeth’s natural processes using advanced technology, ultimately helping to:

• Protect against bacteria
• Reduce the risk of infection
• Prevent loss of teeth
• Reinforce the teeth so that dental work lasts longer
• Reduce the potential for decay and problems later in life that may require significant dental treatment

As people get older, their teeth tend to become more susceptible to serious dental issues that require crowns, root canals, or extractions and dental implants. Dr. Scott Hamblin, a  dentist with offices in Sandy, Utah and Las Vegas, is using the latest biomimetic materials and techniques to help preserve and protect the natural structure of teeth and prevent the need for these more invasive procedures.  Dr. Hamblin focuses on conserving and strengthening teeth that have become compromised by damage or decay with long-lasting results that look natural.

Dr. Hamblin feels that biomimetic materials have many advantages over traditional metal materials.  In addition to having toxic mercury in your mouth, metal fillings can actually allow bacteria to re-enter the tooth cavity, cause more decay, or even lead to tooth loss.  However, biomimetic fillings can bend and flex with the tooth, offering enhanced strength and protection.

As a holistic/biomimetic dentist, Dr. Hamblin uses biomimetic techniques to preserve as much of the patient’s natural tooth structure as possible when remedying substantial tooth decay. For example, using a fine fiber/kevlar mesh, he is actually able to line the tooth structure from the inside out for improved strength. Traditionally, a dental crown would be used to resolve this condition, necessitating that the tooth be filed down in order to properly receive the crown.