Why Get Implants at All?

There are a number of options out there for tooth restoration and replacement.  Is an implant really worth the expense and the surgical placement procedure?  Actually, you may be surprised at how much trouble can be averted by filling that oral vacancy with a dental implant.

Longevity is something else you should look at in deciding on your tooth restoration.  Even well maintained bridges and crowns typically need to be replaced every ten years or so.  Plus a natural tooth that acts as a post for a crown is very susceptible to additional decay, making more extensive treatment a likely eventuality.

Perhaps you’re a minimalist.  You still have plenty of good teeth left to chew with.  Why not just have your problem tooth pulled and carry on with the rest of your life?  Before deciding on that course of action, you should understand that empty tooth sockets are an ideal environment to harbor infection.  In addition the vacancy in your jaw where the tooth was anchored can be a catalyst for bone deterioration and muscle atrophy.  This leads to additional dental and orthodontic complications as well as sagging of the facial features.

One obvious benefit on dental implants is the practical functionality that is unmatched by other form of dental prosthesis.  You can eat, kiss and play the kazoo just the same as you did with all of your natural pearly-whites.  You don’t have to take them in and out, and there are no new daily maintenance or cleaning regimens to learn.

Concerns Related to Dental Implants

Despite the many virtues of getting dental implants, it is not a procedure to be undergone without proper consideration.  There are a number of factors to evaluate when deciding what kind of implant to get, or whether it is a good option for you at all.

The primary concern is that of integration with bone and soft tissue.  The act of bonding with the bone is called osseointegration.  While the vast majority of dental implants osseointegrate successfully, failed osseointegration can lead to the implant failing or coming out.  Integration with the gum tissue is a more common complication.

Dental implants have traditionally been comprised of a porcelain crown that sits atop a titanium abutment.  The micro gap that exists between these two pieces can be a source of inflammation to the gums.  Furthermore, the porous nature of porcelain and the rough texture of titanium make both materials ideal for plaque to glom on to.  There is also evidence that the titanium abutments begin to break down overtime, depositing trace amounts of the metal into your jaw bone.  People who are sensitive to the metal are vulnerable to additional complications.

Then there is the issue of aesthetic appeal.  As mentioned, porcelain is a porous material.  As such it stains rather easily.  It is also fairly common for the metallic grey of the titanium to show through the porcelain or even the gum tissue.

Lastly we have the matter of strength.  An implant that is too weak has obvious drawbacks; keeping your implant intact is clearly ideal.  While it’s important for an implant to be strong, it is also essential that it not be too hard.  Porcelain is very capable of causing wear and abrasion to the natural tooth that opposes the implant.

Why Zirconia is the Implant Material of the Future

The vast majority of implants placed by Dr. Noumbissi are comprised of a single piece of zirconia ceramic.  Zirconia is a much stronger material than porcelain and nearly as strong as titanium.  At the same time, zirconia implants are less abrasive to the natural teeth that they bite against than porcelain is.

The solid piece of tooth-colored zirconia is much more natural looking than the grey titanium abutments.  It isn’t a porous material like porcelain is, which means it is not only stronger, but far less susceptible to staining.  An added bonus is that the texture of zirconia makes it a much more difficult surface for plaque to adhere to than titanium and porcelain are.

When zirconia implants first came into the market, the primary concern was with osseointegration.  Thankfully, new implant technology has made the successful osseointegration of zirconia implants every bit as probable as that of titanium.

Gums attach better to zirconium than to porcelain or titanium, and the gum tissue tends to remain healthier over time.  This is due in part to the lack of a micro gap in the the one piece design, but zirconia is simply a more bio-compatible material.  You don’t have to worry about metal seeping into your body.  Allergies and adverse reactions are much less common also.

Dental implants are a revolutionary technology that has only been available for a few generations.  An implant can do wonders for your self image as well as your overall health.  It is a major decision however; we’re talking about something that will be a permanent part of you. Thoroughly researching the doctor you use and the materials that go into your body is the most essential step toward ensuring that your implant is successful and effective.