Should I Ask for Titanium or Zirconia Dental Implants?

Zirconia dental implants

Are zirconia implants better than titanium? I want to change from removable to implant dentures. I read that CeraRoot zirconia implants prevent the neurological effects that titanium might cause. Thanks. Gina

Gina,

Thank you for your question.

Nickel, cobalt, and chromium are metals that most commonly provoke reactions. But what about titanium?

Titanium vs. Zirconia Dental Implants

How do you know whether to choose titanium or zirconia dental implants? Titanium has a long history of success. But if you have metal allergies or sensitivities and test positive for titanium, zirconia might be the alternative you need.

Titanium

Titanium has a long record of success in dental implants for its strength and biocompatibility. For decades, doctors have used titanium in orthopedic joint and bone replacement surgeries throughout the body and dental implants. We are not aware of research suggesting that titanium causes adverse neurological or biological effects in humans.

Additionally, an International Journal of Implant Dentistry article on titanium toxicity reports that reactions to titanium implants rarely occur. Still, doctors must be aware of problems from titanium reactions and alert to any change their patients may experience due to sensitivities.

Zirconia

Although zirconia implants are newer, there isn’t as much experience with them, and there is a lack of long-term clinical data on them.

People with metal allergies or sensitivities are often interested in metal-free dental implants. If you are hypersensitive to metals, you may choose to get a skin test from your allergist to check for sensitivity or an allergy to titanium. But it isn’t justifiable to condemn all metal in the human body. Metals like zinc and iron are essential ingredients of our diet and biological functions.

If you have a history of metal sensitivities, talk with an implant dentist about them. Consult with at least two experienced dentists to discuss your concerns and options for implant dentures.

As a precaution, you may choose to get tested for metal sensitivities.

Dr. Steve Siri, an Elgin Illinois dentist, sponsors this post.