Zirconia for my Dental Implant Restoration?

Question

I am missing my left upper 6 and am getting a dental implant. I am wondering what material is the best to use for the restoration on the implant. I have read about Zirconia. Is Zirconia a better material to use than others? Thanks.

Answer 1

Titanium implants are the gold standard for dental implants. Zirconia implants are much newer materials and there is not long term studies on them. However, they are an option.

Dr. Kazemi

Dr. H Ryan Kazemi
Bethesda , MD
www.facialart.com

Answer 2

It depends on the application.
Zirconia is used in the anterior where esthetics is a primary concern. This material is enamel like, and therfore far superior in appearence than titanium.
There are  3 components to an implant restoration.

1) Titanium implant placed in the bone.
2) Titanium or Zirconium abutment which is usually threaded into the implant and provides the supportive link from the implant to the replacement tooth.
3) The replacement tooth which is usually bonded to the abutment.

Ther are other methods but suffice it to say that the Zirconia materials will be used in the esthetic parts of an implanted tooth replacement. This material is a bit more $$ but an excellent choice material in the esthetic zone.

Michael E. Corsello DMD
Pittsburgh, PA
www.northlanddentalimplant.com/
412-367-7400