Implantology is one of the dental fields experiencing the most rapid modernization and growth. In recent times, all the innovations introduced in these types of dental replacement techniques have allowed us, as professionals, not only to restore our patients’ smiles with greater success guarantees but also with better aesthetic results.
Dental implants, however, are not a recent invention, and there are studies suggesting that evidence of transplanted teeth between humans and animals, or inlays of precious stones and metals as replacements for missing teeth, were found in ancient Egypt.
In the early 19th century, the first models that could be considered more similar to those of our days were placed. Those primitive dental implants were intra-alveolar and sometimes made of gold, making them very expensive. Research in this area led to the use of new materials, and the emergence of titanium marked a revolution because it allows for osseointegration, meaning that the implanted piece can biochemically bond with the bone where it is placed, achieving fixation almost identical to that of an original dental piece.
More recently, the use of non-metallic substances has become widespread, and the search for alternatives has led us to zirconium, a material considered a ceramic that is also biocompatible. What is it, and what advantages does it offer? Let’s find out!
What are zirconium dental implants and why are they becoming so popular?
Zirconium dental implants are a type of tooth replacement pieces made of a non-metallic material. Zirconium is considered a type of ceramic, and its natural color is whitish, so they integrate particularly well into smiles with thinner gums, as the grayish color that can appear with metal models can be avoided.
Zirconium is a material in crystalline form extracted from zirconium, a mineral very abundant in the Earth’s crust and one of the oldest known. Thanks to its properties and durability, its use has become widespread in dentistry because despite its resistance, it is easily moldable.
As if that weren’t enough, zirconium has a high degree of biocompatibility, allowing it to integrate with the bone on which the implant is placed exceptionally well, just like titanium models.
Advantages of zirconium dental implants over other types
Here are some of the main advantages of zirconium dental implants compared to other types, such as titanium:
- Hypoallergenic properties: Perfect for patients with titanium allergies or those who are more reluctant to the use of metals. They are also beneficial for those who need to undergo nuclear magnetic resonance imaging more or less regularly.
- Biocompatibility: Osseointegration is better in complicated cases, and the risk of rejection is lower than with other types of dental implants.
- Adaptability and hygiene: Patient discomfort is reduced, and bacterial proliferation and plaque formation are much less likely, contributing to better hygiene.
- Resistance: They are very resistant and durable implants. They withstand temperature changes exceptionally well.
- Aesthetic appeal: Zirconium dental implants, being naturally white in color, are more aesthetic, and the graying of thinner gum areas is avoided. Even in cases where gum retractions may occur over time, the visual impact of the implant is less than with metallic implants, as they appear white instead of gray.
What zirconium implants do we use in our clinic?
In our clinic, we are experts in advanced implantology and bone recovery techniques to apply treatments for replacing missing teeth. Our team of professionals, led by Dr. Liñares, is responsible for restoring smiles to those patients missing one or more teeth, and for this, we rely on the Straumann System®.
This system is one of the most successful worldwide, reaching up to 98% survival rate, and in its over 30 years of scientific experience, it has also developed zirconium dental implants. Their Straumann® Pure Ceramic system offers a wide prosthetic and diameter versatility to adapt to the needs and anatomy of each patient precisely, meeting not only the high aesthetic expectations of those who want to avoid the use of plastic or metal but also the strictest standards of quality, durability, and biocompatibility.
Would you like to learn more about what zirconium dental implants are like and the implantology treatment we use in our clinic? Do not hesitate to contact us through our social networks or through the contact form you can find at the end of this page, request an appointment without obligation, and… smile again!