Dental implants are one of the most common ways people choose to restore their smiles.
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry… This text opens a new tab to the AAID website… reported that roughly three million people have dental implants.
If you have a damaged or missing tooth, an implant can serve as a replacement for your tooth’s root.
This smile solution is incredibly popular because the implant permanently stays in your mouth. The post fuses with your jawbone, to act as one unit and provide the necessary support for regular functions.
That being said, you’re probably wondering:
“What are dental implants made of?”
Traditionally, the posts and abutments are made of titanium.
But now there’s another option:
In this blog, you’ll learn :
- What non-metal implants are
- How they compare to metal dental implants
- And more
What are non-metal dental implants?
Metal-free implants are made of high-quality zirconia (ceramic), which is bio-compatible.
This means they promote proper fusion into your jawbone.
Rather than the typical two-piece design of traditional implants (implant and abutment), zirconia implants are single cylindrical-shaped pieces.
This unique design reduces the risk of fracture due to chewing forces.
The zirconia allows for strong fusion between the implant and jawbone, which results in less inflammation.
And:
Zirconia is less susceptible to wear and corrosion with water and chemicals.
More and more people have been opting for this type of implant instead of the traditional type.
What are the benefits of non-metal dental implants?
Natural looking
One of the main benefits is that these implants maintain the same strength as the traditional ones without unsightly metal!
The zirconia implant is a tooth-colored cylinder that’ll be topped with a porcelain crown. It’ll blend in naturally with your smile.
Easy to maintain
Metal-free dental implants are more hygienic because zirconia doesn’t attract as much plaque and bacteria as titanium does.
Plus, cleaning your implant is easy. You should treat your implant like your natural teeth, by:
- Brushing gently twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Making regular visits to your dentist’s office
Allergy-free
Another big reason you may want to look into getting a non-metal implant is if you have a metal allergy or sensitivity.
Recent studies… This text opens a new tab to the NBCI website… have shown traditional metal implants can cause allergic reactions among other issues.
Throughout the integration process with titanium posts and the surrounding tissues, the posts can gradually cause inflammation, which could potentially lead to:
- Bone loss
- Implant failure
But luckily:
Zirconia is hypoallergenic, which minimizes these risks.
Fully functional
A non-metal implant will restore your smile’s function.
You’ll finally be able to smile, speak, and enjoy your favorite foods without any trouble.
When you have a tooth that’s been weakened or is missing, your mouth compensates by placing stress on the other teeth.
Your implant will support your jawbone, making your smile feel normal again.
And:
It’ll prevent a sunken-in look! You’ll look and feel younger and more confident.
High success rate
Research… This text opens a new tab to the PubMed website… has shown the one-piece zirconia dental implants have an overall success rate of 95%.
How much do zirconia dental implants cost?
The cost of the procedure will vary depending on:
- Your geographical location
- The dental practice you choose to place the implant
- If you need any preparatory procedures (like bone grafting or tooth extraction)
- If you require sedation during the procedure
Thanks to advanced dental technology and techniques, non-metal implants can be comparable in cost to traditional dental implants.
Zirconia implants are a cost-effective choice, considering the premium materials used and all the benefits of this modern smile restoration method.
Does dental insurance cover dental implants?
Your insurance policy may cover a portion of the cost.
Additionally, your dentist may offer financing options like a monthly payment plan to help you pay for your smile investment more conveniently.
How long do zirconia dental implants last?
Metal-free dental implants are extremely durable. They don’t break or chip easily!
And they can last a lifetime with proper care.
You can preserve the longevity of your restoration by:
- Maintaining a thorough oral health routine
- Avoiding bad habits, such as chewing ice or biting your fingernails
- Avoiding using tobacco products
Who is a candidate for non-metal implants?
Typically, anyone who has a badly broken, severely decayed, or missing tooth can get zirconia dental implants.
Regardless of your reason for needing a replacement tooth, a non-metal implant can be placed to give you a smile you feel proud to show off.
Are zirconia dental implants worth it?
Yes! Many patients say getting a non-metal dental implant helps boost their self-esteem and it gives them their smile back!
You can take pictures, eat with friends, speak closely with others, and genuinely smile with confidence.
Here at Smiles by Design, we strongly feel this type of implant is worth it and we think you’d be happy with one.
Our dental practice incorporates accelerated healing cell therapy in the treatment process to:
- Cut down on your healing time and place the crown or restoration sooner
- Reduce pain you may experience after the implant surgery
With cell therapy, you may recover in about 1/3 to 1/4 of the usual time it takes!
And after the procedure, you’d likely only need ibuprofen to ease any discomfort, if any.
Considering getting a non-metal dental implant?
We offer CeraRoot… This text opens the CeraRoot website in a new tab … zirconia implants here at Smiles By Design.
Our dental implant expert, Dr. Shawn Keller, uses non-metal implants for the sake of your overall health and to provide you with a better experience.
Dr. Keller is the only dentist in Washington state and one of the few in the country who provides this holistic approach to implant dentistry.
To determine if non-metal dental implants are right for you, schedule a complimentary consultation.
Request an Office Consultation
Request a Virtual Consultation
Or contact us by:
- Phone: 425-558-1515
- Email: info@shawnkellerdds.com
Smiles by Design is located in Kirkland, WA,… This text opens a new tab to our Google listing… and serves patients from the Seattle-Bellevue area and out of state.