Dental implants come in various types – but the overall concept is that a missing tooth is replaced by surgically implanting a biocompatible implant into the jawbone, where it becomes fused with the natural bone and provides a sturdy support for a prosthetic tooth. The tooth replacement looks and functions like a natural tooth and is indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Restore Lost Teeth with Ceramic Dental Implants
Dental implants are truly one of the most exciting developments in dental technology in decades and the technology continues to advance, with innovative developments coming on the market every year. Dr. Albert X. Chow, our founder, is a holistic dentist who uses ceramic implants, rather than titanium, for the health of his patients.
What is the Difference Between Ceramic Implants and Titanium Implants?
These two types of dental implants are similar in that both substances (titanium and zirconium) are called “bioinert” — unlikely to cause inflammation. In fact, many people have reported allergic reactions to titanium implants. Titanium implants are made up of an alloy of several metals, including nickel. Sensitivity to nickel is a very common. Dr. Chow believes his patients are far better served by having ceramic implants rather than titanium.
Zirconium Implants: Virtually Metal-Free
Ceramic implants (also called zirconium implants) are virtually metal-free, and at Model Smile Dentistry, we believe this type of implant to be far safer for our patients. Zirconium has advantages in patient health, as it avoids the risk of migration of the titanium, as well as the pain associated with metal conductivity. Zirconium is corrosion resistant and produces no chemical reaction with the body. Recent studies have revealed that titanium implants may encourage toxic or allergic reactions.
Fun Fact: Dental Implants
While dental implants became the treatment of choice starting in the mid 80s, they have been around for centuries. Research reveals that in about 300 AD, replacement teeth were carved from ivory and then held in place with gold wire. The Mayans were found to have used pieces of shell as implants placed into the jawbone in roughly 600 AD.
Thousand Oaks Dentist for Ceramic Dental Implants
If you have lost a tooth (or several teeth) and you want to have the healthiest possible tooth replacement, at our dental practice we believe that ceramic implants are a far safer option for our patients. As a holistic dental practice, we focus on providing our patients with healthier dental treatments and alternatives, including removing mercury fillings with advanced protocols. We ensure that the dental implants we place are manufactured from a substance that will not leach into the body and pose a future health risk.
Titanium Implant Safety in Question
A recent study in a scientific journal discussed in ScienceDaily revealed that titanium implants erode and degrade, causing the metal to leach into the body. Significantly higher levels of the metal have been detected in the blood of patients with titanium implants.
More on Ceramic Dental Implants
If you need to seek out a practice that offers holistic dentistry, including advanced dental implant technology, we invite you to visit Model Smile Dentistry, where your full body health is always the focus in what we do. If you have lost a tooth and want to replace it with an implant that is virtually metal-free, we are here to help you restore your smile – and stay healthier in the long term.
Why are Ceramic Dental Implants Superior?
Our ceramic implants have the following critical benefits:
- Biocompatible
- Metal-free
- Natural color
- Strong and durable
- Promotes gum growth
- No grey or dark line within the gum
The Procedure to Place Ceramic Dental Implants
This procedure is fast and our patients report it to have been pain-free. One of the benefits is the speed with which an implant can be placed. An artificial ceramic root is placed into the jaw to function as the mission root. For one tooth replacement, this procedure may require only about thirty minutes, while for several teeth it will obviously be longer. Your comfort is always a concern, and we know that less time in the dental chair is better. The look of these implants is natural and they also promote healthy gums – an important point for patients already suffering from tooth loss.
Malibu Dental Implants
As a leader in holistic cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Chow focuses upon finding healthier alternatives for his patients. We offer zirconium (ceramic) dental implants, not only for the health benefits, but for the more aesthetic outcome. With no risk of the metal showing through should the gums recede as the years pass, and less risk of a reaction to metal, Dr. Chow is confident that ceramic implants are a far superior method for replacing lost teeth. Not only are the restored teeth sturdy and function exactly like natural teeth, they appear more natural due to the translucent quality of zirconium – mimicking the appearance of a natural tooth.
Serving Thousand Oaks, Malibu, and Westlake Village
While our patients come from all walks of life, most of them have a high interest in receiving high quality dental treatments that are healthier and safer for the body. If you are considering a tooth implant, we invite you to meet with us for an exam to determine if a ceramic implant is the best procedure for your individual condition. With any implant, it is necessary to have sufficient bone, but if you have lost bone, other procedures can be performed to build up the area and create a base for a safe, natural looking replacement tooth.
A Healthier Implant Alternative
For patients who have a known metal sensitivity or worry about the risks associated with titanium leaching into the body, you are right to be concerned. The first step is a full evaluation of your teeth and gums to determine how to best proceed with treatment. The end result of ceramic dental implants is a fully natural look and a new tooth that functions like a natural tooth, manufactured from a substance that does not leach metal into the surrounding tissue or bloodstream – posing less risk of inflammation and speeding healing.
