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Titanium Versus Zirconia Implants

Titanium Versus Zirconia Implants

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I have two dental implants already. Both of them are titanium. I recently read an article in a natural news magazine that said it could cause neurological problems. I now need a new dental implant. Will a zirconia implant cause the same type of problems or be a better option for me? If it is a better option for me, should I remove my old implants to trade them out for the zirconia implants?

Adrianne

Dear Adrianne,

Zirconia Versus Titanium Implants

 

I am curious if this magazine backed up their insinuation with actual studies that they’ve documented and referenced so you can check them? My guess is they did not. I have seen no studies that showed there were any biological ill effects with titanium. In opposition to that, there are decades of evidence showing titanium is very biocompatible. It’s been used as a prosthetic in many parts of the body with no ill effects. Because of that, I am comfortable with titanium. However, that does not mean you cannot get a zirconia implant.

If that is what you want, you will have to do a little searching to find a dentist who is offering them. The reason for that is they are fairly new, especially compared to their titanium compatriots. There is less data on their longevity. That does not mean they are less long-lasting, just that we do not have the data to back it up yet. You will have a better chance of finding a dentist who will work with them by looking for a holistic dentist who also has significant dental implant training.

As to whether you should remove and replace your other two dental implants, I would say don’t do that. Here’s why. When you remove your implants, it is going to take your bone with it. This will require that you have an additional procedure done, known as bone grafting. This is not only an additional expense and surgery but also an unnecessary risk. Right now, you have two successful dental implants. If you remove them, you take the chance their replacements will fail.

This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Dentist Dr. Tostado.

Multiple Dental Allergies

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I have multiple allergies to dental materials including dental cement, formaldehyde, cobalt, chromium, titanium, and many chemicals. I have a significant amount of dental work I need done, but I need a dentist willing to work around my allergies. What is the best way to go about finding a dentist who is familiar with Type IV allergies?

Pam

Dear Pam,

woman holding aloe plant in her palms

This is a tricky one. While some of your allergies are common, you have others, such as the allergy to titanium, that are quite rare. I think it would be better for you if you changed what you’re looking for in the dentist. Instead of looking for a dentist familiar with type IV allergies, I’d look for a holistic dentist. These dentists have a philosophy of treating the whole body and not just the teeth. They will be much more willing to work around your allergies. You can try doing an internet search using the term holistic dentist. If that doesn’t turn anything up, call around and see which dentists consider the results of Cliffords tests. If they take that seriously, they’ll work with you. If they don’t, they honestly will not be the best dentist for you.

You said you needed a significant amount of dental work but didn’t say what you needed done. Here are some of the metal free services available with the right dentist:

  • Mercury-free fillings. The old silver amalgam fillings have tons of metals in them, so you’ll want to avoid those at all costs. A mercury-free dentist will offer composite fillings, which is metal-free.
  • All-porcelain crowns. Some dentists will do porcelain fused to metal crown. Make sure you don’t get one with a metal base.
  • Zirconia implants. If you need to replace a tooth, dental implants are the best replacement. Traditionally, they are made from titanium. Given your allergy, that won’t work. Fortunately, we now have zirconia available as an option for implants. Not every dentist is using them yet, but I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone.

This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Dentist Dr. Gilberto Tostado.