No one likes having a gap in their smile. From a gap making it more difficult to bite and chew to the long-term effects on a patient’s oral health, there are so many reasons to fill the gap with a strong and long-lasting tooth replacement. One of the best options for the replacement of a tooth or multiple teeth is dental implants.
Below is helpful information about dental implants, some of the advantages and disadvantages of zirconia, details about the placement process, and more.
About Dental Implants
Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that involves the placement of a rod or multiple rods into the jawbone of a patient to hold a prosthetic crown or crowns in place. Zirconia or titanium are the materials that are used to construct the implants—each having their advantages and disadvantages.
Zirconia Dental Implants and Their Advantages
Here are some of the outstanding advantages of zirconia dental implants:
- Longevity. Compared to other tooth replacement options, dental implants are among the longest-lasting. Zirconia dental implants are strong and secure, allowing them to last for decades.
- Appearance. Zirconia is a popular choice due to its more natural appearance. With titanium implants, a small grey line may be seen around the gum line. With zirconia, the implant blends seamlessly and is difficult to notice.
- Jawbone strength. What many people don’t know is teeth are extremely important for the strength of the jawbone. Without teeth, the jaw will begin to deteriorate over time, which can lead to sagging in the face. Dental implants help to keep the jawbone strong and prevent jawbone deterioration.
- Oral health. If a person has a gap between their teeth, the teeth will likely begin to shift over time. This leads to crowding, impacting, and crookedness. Not only is this an aesthetic issue, but it is also an oral health issue. Teeth that are crowded and crooked are much more difficult to properly brush and floss. This can lead to cavities, root infections, and more. If untreated, this can then lead to extractions—leaving a patient with even fewer teeth. Dental implants help to secure the surrounding teeth, keep them in place, and prevent teeth migration.
- Self-esteem. If you have a missing tooth or teeth, you may be afraid to smile wide. This, in turn, can affect your self-esteem, confidence, and even your mood. Dental implants are very aesthetically appealing and can blend perfectly with the rest of your smile—which can decrease your reluctance to smile and boost your self-esteem.
Zirconia Implants Disadvantages
While zirconia implants are a great option, they do come with their disadvantages.
It’s important to keep in mind ceramic material isn’t as strong and durable as titanium. This doesn’t mean they won’t last a long time; they just aren’t the better option between the two when it comes to strength.
It’s also important to note that the long-term success of zirconia implants is unknown. While they are considered a strong and secure solution, clinical studies are currently limited. With that said, evidence suggests they are a viable long-term solution.
Zirconia Versus Titanium Implants
While zirconia has a more natural color and can blend more seamlessly, they are often more expensive. Also, while titanium is generally stronger, some people have an allergy and are not good candidates for titanium implants.
The choice between zirconia and titanium implants is a decision that will need to be made between your dentist and you. Speak with your dentist to weigh out the pros and cons of each implant material to decide on the right type to meet your needs.
The Dental Implant Placement Process
The dental implant placement process begins with a trip to the dentist for a consultation and examination. If they determine you are a good candidate for an implant, they will discuss the implant system options with you (which will include the choice of zirconia or titanium implants). An appointment will then be set to begin the implantation process.
Anesthesia will be used to help ensure no pain occurs during the procedure (although there may be pressure). An incision is made, and a hole is drilled to place the rod. After the rod has been placed, time is allowed for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. Once this has occurred, the prosthetic tooth or teeth are placed via an abutment. This will involve a second, minor surgical procedure.
Bone Grafting for Implants
In an ideal scenario, the jawbone of the patient is sturdy and strong enough to hold dental implants in place. This isn’t always the case, though. The jawbone of a patient may deteriorate over time, and at a certain point, dental implants may no longer be a viable option without a bone grafting procedure.
A jawbone grafting procedure involves the use of bone material (often from the patient themselves or a donor) to increase the density and strength of the jawbone. This procedure takes a good amount of time and money but can allow for the placement of a dental implant—which can definitely make it worth the investment.
Contact Us
If you have a missing tooth or missing teeth that need to be replaced contact us today to learn more about dental implants. Your dentist will provide a thorough examination to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants. From there, they will provide you with a consultation and go over the different options for your dental implant system. This includes the materials used for the implants, tooth prosthetics, and more. Once the right system has been designed, your dentist can begin the process of placing your stunning new tooth or teeth.
We look forward to speaking with you about your tooth replacement options.
