What Are Metal-Free Dental Implants?

Ceramic Metal-Free dental implants are identical to standard titanium dental implants, except they are made of a ceramic or glass-like substance. No metal exists in these dental implants, which is a significant advantage for people who prefer to have non-metal implants placed. Ceramic dental implants have been used in Europe for many years and are FDA-approved here in the United States. We have seen excellent success using ceramic implants in our practice.

Why Do We Recommend Zirconia Over A Titanium Implant?

We let the patient choose on a case-by-case basis as the zirconia and titanium implants are equally successful, and we’re confident in using both styles. On occasion, the titanium dental implant is preferable because there are currently more options, pieces, and parts available for dentists to handle very complex restorative problems. However, that only exists in a small percentage of our cases.

How Does A Metal-Free Ceramic Implant Function As A Replacement For A Tooth?

A ceramic dental implant is identical to a titanium implant in that it replaces the root portion of the tooth or teeth that the patient is missing. The dental implant is placed into the upper or lower jawbone and allowed to heal (integrate) into the bone for some time. Integration generally takes three months. Then we will schedule the patient to see their restorative dentist to have their teeth or tooth fabricated on top of the implant. The waiting time is for osseointegration to occur. Osseointegration is when the surrounding bone fuses to the wall of the ceramic implant and locks it in place so it can function like your other permanent teeth.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Non-Metal, Zirconia Dental Implants?

There are no actual disadvantages to using a zirconia ceramic dental implant over a titanium implant. The advantage is that we can provide an equally successful option to replace teeth for patients who prefer non-metallic implants. A secondary benefit is that ceramic dental implants are generally white in color. In situations where the gum is very thin and, on occasion, there can be some shine through to the implant surface. A white implant surface will look more tooth-like than a traditional titanium surface with more gray coloring.

Schedule A Implant Consultation at Miles Of Smiles Implant Dentistry

Contact our team at Miles of Smiles Implant Dentistry at (301) 588-0768 for a zirconia dental implant consultation to discuss a metal-free dental implant option for your smile. With years of experience, Dr. Sammy treats many patients with metal-free dental implants from Silver Spring, Burtonsville, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Potomac, Germantown, Bethesda, Darnestown, Clarksville, and throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.