Dental Implants Metal Allergy
Tooth loss impacts millions of Americans lives each year. Thanks to advances in technology, there are many tooth replacement treatment options to choose from. Dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacement treatments. In fact, over three million Americans have dental implants. A big reason for their popularity is that implants offer durability, stability, and security that other tooth replacement treatments do not. Dental implants are commonly made of titanium. If you have a metal allergy, or think you have a metal allergy, you may be wondering if you are still eligible for a dental implant. Fortunately, there are many options available to you and you will be able to join the millions of patients who have dental implants. Below is more information on dental implant treatments available for patients with metal allergies, including details on the many benefits of zirconia dental implants.
How Do Metal Allergies Affect Dental Implant Treatment?
It may seem that having a metal allergy can stand in the way of getting dental implants.
Approximately 13% of adults in the population are sensitive to nickel, cobalt or chromium. Some patients do not realize they may be sensitive to metal until they notice inflammation and/or a rash around the implant. In these cases, the implant may need to be removed or replaced. An allergy is the body's immune system response to a foreign substance. An allergic response can be as minimal as a minor rash or as serious as a shutdown of the body's organ systems. Metals play an important role in dental care, including being used in a common tooth filling made of a mixture of a precious metal. While dental amalgam has been used safely for decades, there have been rare cases of inflammation or rashes. If you believe you have an allergy or sensitivity to metal and you are concerned about getting dental implants, your provider can conduct a skin test to ensure the safety of the implant.
What are Zirconia Implants?
Zirconia dental implants are a non-metal alternative to metal implants. Zirconia is a ceramic material that is naturally white in color, similar to the natural color of teeth. For decades, metal implants, commonly made from titanium, have been the industry standard and years of research and development have led to them having a 95-97% success-rate. Zirconia implants were created as an alternative to titanium implants for patients who are allergic or sensitive to metal. For these patients, zirconia implants offer a great alternative. Recently, an increasing number of patients have been choosing zirconia implants for reasons beyond them being a non-metal alternative. Evidence suggest that zirconia implants may be just as successful as titanium implants.
Benefits of Zirconia implants
Deciding if zirconia implants are right for you is one of the first decisions that you and your dentist will need to make when you commit to a dental implant treatment. While titanium implants are more popular with most dental providers, there are many benefits of zirconia implants to consider. Zirconia implants are extremely strong and fuse well with the jawbone. It is difficult to say if zirconia implants are superior to titanium implants, however they are emerging as a promising alternative to conventional titanium implant systems. There are many benefits of zirconia implants reported by both patients and providers, including:
- Superior appearance: Due to the natural color of the implant material, zirconia implants can offer an appearance that is more aesthetically pleasing, reducing the risk of any dark lines below and around the gums. Titanium implants are dark in color and sometimes this dark color can be visible around the gums.
- Flexibility: For a while, zirconia implants were only available as a one-piece implant. This design limited their use and their versatility. However, now two-piece zirconia implants are available, allowing for more flexibility in their use.
- Less build-up of plaque and bacteria: According to recent data, it appears less plaque and bacteria buildups around the metal-free implants than with titanium implants, meaning zirconia implants may be healthier for gum tissue.
- Good osseointegration: Osseointegration, or the process of the implant fusing to the bone, is critical to the success of the dental implant. Recently, zirconia implants have shown to be as good or even better than titanium implants in terms of osseointegration.
- Corrosion resistant: Zirconia implants are resistant to corrosion and break down over time.
- Low electrical and thermal conductivity: Ceramic does not conduct thermal or electrical energy like metal does, meaning dental implants may offer improved comfort for the patient.
Disadvantages of Zirconia Implants
Despite the many benefits of zirconia implants, there are some disadvantages to consider. Due to their recent development, there is less research and evidence to support their long-term success, while titanium implants have years of evidence to back them up. Additionally, zirconia implants are more likely to fracture under excessive force caused by bending or flexing. If an implant does fracture it can cause complications and may need to be entirely replaced. Lastly, zirconia implants are not as popular for providers when a dental implant treatment plan is complex. More variety and flexibility are offered by titanium implant systems. Zirconia implants may be a better option for patients who are interested in replacing only one missing tooth or have a simple treatment plan.
If you have an allergy to metal and are questioning if dental implants are the right choice for you, there are many factors to consider. A big reason why dental implants are so popular is because patients who have made the investment are incredibly satisfied. For many adults, replacing a missing tooth with a replacement that looks natural, restores function, and improves the health of the tooth is worth the investment. Zirconia implants are a safe and valid non-metal alternative to titanium implants and can last just as long. Prior to committing to zirconia implants, it is essential to understand all of the potential benefits, limitations, and risks of the treatment. If you are wondering if a dental implant may be right for you, you should have a conversation with your dentist today.