Ceramic Dental Implants in Houston, TX
Modern dentistry offers an alternative to traditional titanium implants if you are missing one or more teeth in the form of ceramic dental implants. Also known as zirconia dental implants, ceramic dental implants offer a non-metal solution to replace missing teeth with a more natural-looking restoration.
At Perio Health, Dr. Michael K. McGuire is a board-certified periodontist with more than 40 years of experience and over 85 peer-reviewed, published scientific manuscripts. Along with his seasoned dental team, he will take a close look at your teeth, gums, and jawbone before recommending the most suitable implant option.
If you’re leaning toward a non-metal solution, or you simply don’t want to worry about discoloration in the future, ceramic implants are the ideal choice for you.
What Are Ceramic Dental Implants?
Zirconia is a durable material that is used in ceramic dental implants to help replace missing tooth roots. The procedure is the same as that of conventional implants, wherein the ceramic implants are placed in the jawbone.
The biggest difference between ceramic and titanium implants comes down to the material itself, where titanium is metal, but zirconia is not. If you’re looking for a metal-free option for your dental implant, ceramic is worth asking your implant specialist about.
Zirconia also has a cosmetic edge: it’s white, not gray. This matters most when an implant goes in an area where your gumline shows, since a white implant blends in far more naturally than a metal one would.
Benefits of Ceramic Dental Implants
Zirconia offers several advantages over traditional titanium implants, making it a strong choice for patients seeking a biological, metal-free approach to tooth replacement.
- Material that is compatible with your body’s tissue
- Increased gum adhesion, making it less stressful for the surrounding tissue
- Alternative to metal implants for people who are allergic to metals
- Tooth-colored appearance that remains natural even with a receding gumline
- No discoloration due to a gray appearance that is common with titanium implants
- Natural-looking appearance of your teeth for a long period of time
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Ceramic Dental Implants?
- Are missing one or more teeth
- Have adequate jawbone to support an implant, or are open to treatment that builds up bone support
- Have healthy gums or are willing to treat gum disease prior to proceeding with treatment
- Keep your mouth clean
- Have a well-developed jaw
- Are healthy enough to undergo implant treatment safely
- Select a metal-free implant option
- Are concerned about the visibility of implants, especially in areas where the gumline shows
- Are looking for a long-term permanent solution for missing teeth
Factors that can affect candidacy include smoking, uncontrolled medical conditions, poor oral hygiene, gum disease and insufficient bone.
These problems are not necessarily disqualifiers for treatment but may have to be addressed first. Our team will walk you through what to expect and help you get your mouth ready for a successful outcome.
Procedure for Ceramic Dental Implants in Houston, TX
Initial Consultation
We start with a comprehensive consultation, which involves a clinical assessment and digital X-rays to assess your jawbone density, gum health and overall oral health. This allows us to verify that you are a suitable candidate and to plan the exact placement of the implant, prior to any surgery.
Implant Placement
Next, the zirconia implant post is surgically inserted into the jawbone. An important distinction between traditional titanium implants and ceramic implants lies in the fact that the ceramic implants usually exist as a one-piece, combined construct. In contrast, the titanium implants consist of two different pieces.
Healing and Integration
Once the implant is placed, we close the site with sutures and allow time for it to bond with the surrounding bone: a process known as osseointegration. This healing period usually takes three to six months, though the exact timeline depends on factors like bone density and overall health.
Final Positioning of Restorations
When the osseointegration is complete, we move on to the final stage, which is the fitting of your custom-made crown onto the dental implant. We will devise a custom aftercare plan before you leave so your restoration can last.