Month: December 2022

• Zirconia is the only feasible option for a patient looking to have dental implants but is concerned about metal-free dentistry. This inert material can be an excellent choice for people with known metal allergies or sensitivities.
• Zirconia implants are more aesthetically pleasing, eliminating the risk of dark lines around the gingival region.
• In the beginning, they were only available as a one-piece dental implant, but introducing two-piece zirconia dental implants allows abutments to be fully customized, creating the best outcomes.
• A zirconia implant could be healthier for the soft tissue because it retains less plaque and calculus than titanium implants.
• Zirconia has excellent flexural strength and is known to be superior to other ceramics in resistance to fracture. It is a desirable choice for implant and holistic dentist due to its material being white in color, having low thermal conductivity, and a low modulus of elasticity.
• Studies show zirconia dental implants are good or even better than titanium in terms of osseointegration. This finding is due to the high level of contact between the dental implant and the jawbone, allowing the bone to fuse tightly with the implant, resulting in osseointegration.

Cons Of Choosing Zirconia Implants

• Low-temperature degradation could potentially result in the material’s mechanical properties degrading, reducing the material’s strength, density, and toughness. There haven’t been a significant amount of clinical studies on the long-term success of these products.
• Aseptic loosening causes a majority of the recorded failures for two-piece dental implants. Due to minimal research into two-piece zirconia dental implants, some physicians may prefer one-piece dental implants. Still, you need to consider the limitations of these systems.
• Additionally, positioning a zirconia dental implant in a less-than-optimal location could negatively affect the material’s physical properties.
• Single-piece zirconia implants also require a load-free healing period. This load-free healing period can sometimes be tricky to achieve in specific clinical situations.

Overall, clinical studies show the cumulative survival rates of the zirconia implant is equal those of titanium dental implants.

Contact SmileHaven Dental Center Today!

At SmileHaven Dental Center, we provide patients with a complimentary dental implant consultation to discuss the best course of treatment as well as the benefits of zirconia dental implants on your overall health and wellness. Call our La Mesa dental team today at (619) 464-2801 to schedule your metal-free dental implant consultation with Dr. Stephen Chan. We treat patients with Zirconia metal-free dental implants from La Mesa, Tierrasanta, Santee, Mission Valley, El Cajon, Hillcrest, downtown San Diego, and from many areas throughout San Diego.

Many of our patients wonder if they can still get dental implant treatment even if they have a metal allergy or sensitivity. Yes, anyone with an allergy to metal can get dental implants.

Usually, dental implants are made of pure titanium or titanium alloy, which are biocompatible with the bone and stimulate bone growth and attachment to the implant. These metals are similar to those used in orthopedic knee and hip replacements.

At SmileHaven Dental Center, we offer a metal-free dental implant and dental crown option for patients with metal allergies. During your free implant consultation with Dr. Stephan Chan, we will discuss the benefits of Zirconia Dental Implants, the metal-free alternative to traditional dental implants.

How Do Metal Allergies Affect Dental Implants?

The metal utilized in dental implants is extensively tested. As a result, the FDA has approved it as a safe medical-grade material. However, metal allergies can stand in the way of getting traditional dental implants.

Did you know that 13% of people are sensitive to nickel, chromium, or cobalt? These metals have the highest possibility of metal allergy. Metal allergy is suspected when there is chronic inflammation or rash around the implant site. Although not entirely unheard of, dental materials have a low chance of side effects.

Dr. Stephen Chan uses the highest quality, state-of-the-art metal-free dental implants, known as Zirconia or Ceramic dental implants.

Suppose you’re concerned about a potential metal allergy before getting dental implants. In that case, your physician can perform a skin test or allergist to ensure the implant’s safety to your body.

Zirconia: An Alternative to Traditional Dental Implants

I always take precautions upfront, so patients can avoid adverse reactions to dental implant treatment. However, there are many ways to ensure that even patients with metal allergies can undergo safe and effective dental implant placement.

An excellent alternative for patients with metal allergies is a Zirconia dental implant. Some of the benefits include:

• Inert, with a low risk of an allergic reaction
• Strong
• No corrosion
• Hygienic – less plaque accumulation
• Aesthetic – white material; no metal casting that can darken the gum; good for anterior restorations

I consider numerous factors when recommending the right kind of implant for you. Unfortunately, not all providers offer the option for Zirconia dental implants, and I’m glad to have this option available for La Mesa patients who can not tolerate metals.

Schedule A Personalized Consultation Today!

Call our dental team at (619) 464-2801 to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Stephan Chan! We can discuss all the different possibilities and see what option is best for you. We treat patients with Zirconia dental implants and crowns in La Mesa, Santee, Lakeside, Mission Valley, El Cajon, Hillcrest, Tierrasanta, and throughout San Diego County.