Not very long ago, tooth loss was treated in one of two ways: either with a dental bridge or with dentures. As anyone who has worn dentures knows, they can be very uncomfortable and, in some cases, not very functional. Bridges, used for the replacement of one or a few teeth, may not feel completely natural and require the alteration of healthy teeth for stabilization.

Over the past few decades, we have seen great things come of tooth replacement using an innovative technique: dental implants. Dental implants, which are tiny posts that are placed into the jawbone where they function like a natural tooth root, have paved the way for millions of people to restore confidence in their smile. Once healed and fully stabilized, the implant can hold a crown, bridge, or full denture (when multiple implants are placed).

Dental implant materials

The material most often used to make dental implants is titanium. This metal is also commonly used in hip replacement surgeries, so it has widely been considered safe for use in the mouth. The problem with titanium is that acidity causes this metal to corrode. Corrosion is hastened when dissimilar metals are also present, which is often the case in the mouth due to amalgam fillings or metal crowns.

We are proud to offer our patients an alternative to titanium with Zirkolith zirconia implants.

Zirconia implants are not necessarily new. They have been used around the world for more than a decade and were approved by the FDA twelve years ago. The clinical research and practical application of Zirkolith implants have returned very positive results.

Dental implant materials

With Zirconia implants, patients finally have a healthy, attractive way to replace missing teeth. More than that, they have a way to restore their lifestyle by removing inhibitions surrounding meals and speaking that come with tooth loss or less stable tooth replacement options such as dentures.

One of the benefits of zirconia dental implants is that they are white in color. This means the implant posts will look just like tooth material or natural bone, versus titanium which is a silver color and can lead to a grayish appearance in the gum tissue. Zirconia is also gentle to tissues, as it encourages soft tissue growth. This encouragement of soft tissue growth is a key element to longevity, as it decreases the risk of gum recession.

Because zirconia is a metal-free derivative of zirconia, Zirkolith dental implants do not have the same issue with corrosion as is seen with titanium. This means patients have a healthier mouth and the opportunity to enjoy lasting results from tooth replacement.

Our team is committed to providing healthy dentistry that achieves beautiful, long lasting results. Each of our patients receives individual care because we believe this is the best way to promote health and wellbeing. You can learn more about dental implant treatment with zirconia implants when you visit our Brookline dental office – call us at (617) 274-8494 to schedule your appointment today!