Zirconia Implant

Dental implants remain the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, but for some people, a metal free alternative may be more compatible for their body.  At Ueno Center Dental Specialists in Campbell, California, which serves San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos, and surrounding areas, the team offers zirconia implants. Zirconia is a sturdy, durable and metal free (Ceramic) alternative to traditional titanium dental implants. Patients who have metal allergies or are holistic may benefit from ceramic implants.  To learn more about zirconia implants, call Ueno Center Dental Specialists or book an appointment online today.

What is a zirconia implant?

A dental implant is a thin, small post that is placed in your jaw bone and replaces your tooth root of your missing, or soon to be missing, tooth. If you have a missing tooth, the bone in that area will resorb over time if no implant is placed. The bone in your jaw needs stimulation to remain healthy and strong. Without the stimulation of your tooth roots, your jawbone breaks down and this bone resorption can lead to shifting teeth, additional tooth loss, and facial sagging.

While titanium is the most common dental implant material, it isn’t the best option for every patient. Individuals with metal allergies, cosmetic concerns, or oral health problems can find durability and aesthetic confidence in zirconia implants.

Ueno Center Dental is proud to offer Straumann® metal-free ceramic implants, which use zirconia materials instead of titanium to restore your tooth appearance and function. 

What materials make up a zirconia implant?

Zirconia implants contain a combination of ceramic and metal materials. Made from zirconium dioxide, zirconia’s atomic number of 40 means it’s a transitional metal. Its chemical structure classifies zirconia as a non-metal. While the implant itself is white and can blend in with the color of your teeth, its transitional metal materials make it sturdy and durable.

What are the benefits of zirconia implants?

Zirconia implants offer many benefits over their traditional metal options, such as:

Metal-free

If you have a metal allergy, the transitional metal materials inside zirconia implants are less likely to cause discomfort or irritation.

Aesthetics

Titanium implants can peek through the gum line, exposing their dark color. Since zirconia implants are white, they blend in with the natural shade of your teeth.

Durability

Like titanium, zirconia is a durable material that resists corrosion to keep your implants sturdy and intact. 

Oral health

Studies show that bacteria accumulation around zirconia implants is lower than with titanium implants, which can help prevent decay and periodontal disease.

Osseointegration

Osseointegration is the process in which your dental implant fuses to the jawbone. Similar to titanium, zirconia implants are biocompatible and integrate seamlessly with your bone and tooth-supporting tissues.

Zirconia implants may also stimulate blood circulation around the implant and tooth better than titanium implants, more closely resembling your natural teeth in function and aesthetics.

*Not everyone is a candidate for zirconia implants and they cannot be placed in every tooth site as we currently have limited sizes available for implantation as this is a newer technology.  Zirconia implants are also more technique sensitive to place and may incur higher fees on both the surgical and restorative side of treatment.  You will need a full workup at the Ueno Center which includes a 3D CBCT x-ray to ensure you are a candidate for a zirconia implant.

Call Ueno Center Dental Specialists or book an appointment online today to learn more about zirconia implants.