Ceramic Dental Implants Thousand Oaks

Working to provide patients with the best ceramic dental Implants Thousand Oaks has to offer, Dr. Chow focuses on advancements in modern dental procedures. These changes in the field have made it possible to replace lost teeth with implants that appear fully natural.

Ceramic dental implants are becoming the gold standard in holistic dentistry. Once in place, ceramic implants function and appear exactly like natural teeth. For patients who have lost a tooth or several teeth, it is beneficial to understand the different types of implants and why ceramic dental implants may be a far superior way to replace damaged teeth than traditional implants.

How Ceramic Dental Implants Are Different

It can be confusing to understand the differences between various types of implants and why one type may be better than the other. Many people have concerns about foreign substances being implanted in the gums and the risk of experiencing side effects. Ceramic implants (also called zirconia implants) are a one-piece design rather than two pieces -- which can lead to problems with titanium implants. Ceramic implant designs that allow the implant to be screwed into the bone structure, a one-stage solution for many patients. As Dr. Albert L. Chow is one of the top providers of ceramic dental implants Westlake Village has to offer, patients can rest assured that they are in good hands.

Titanium Allergies: What Are The Risks?

Both titanium and zirconia (used in ceramic dental implants) are considered to be “bioinert,” or unlikely to create inflammation or rejection. Titanium dental implants have been in extensive use for many years. The first titanium implant was placed in 1965, but this system of tooth replacement did not come into common use until the 1980s. A sensitivity to metals can lead to problems for some patients, particularly those who have a sensitivity to nickel – the most common of all metal sensitivities. Titanium implants are made up of an alloy of various metals (including nickel), and any patient who has a metal sensitivity is likely a far better candidate for ceramic dental implants. Some of the risks of exposure to titanium alloy include:

Can trigger or start autoimmune reactions
Metallic taste
Electrical charge sensation in teeth
Rejection
Bone loss
Implant failure
Fatigue
Skin rashes
Burning sensation in the mouth
Dull ongoing oral pain

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Ceramic Dental Implants: Biocompatible Tooth Replacement?

Ceramic implants (or zirconia implants) are virtually metal-free, and have the bone-fusing qualities that are so important in a successful tooth implant. These modern implants are designed in one piece, and the material has the benefit of appearing very natural – much like a natural tooth, with no dark metal beneath the gum line. Ceramic implants make it possible to avoid aesthetic problems – older patients with thinner gums often have a less attractive outcome with titanium, as the grey of the metal may show through the gums or become visible around the margin.

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Ceramic Dental Implants – The Benefits

Zirconia, the material used in ceramic implants, brings many powerful benefits, including:

Corrosion resistant
No heat conductivity
No electrical conductivity

Promotes healthier gums
No chemical reaction with body
Cannot migrate to other body areas (bloodstream etc.)

Easier to maintain and clean
White in color so thinner gums appear pink – not grey
Reduced risk of inflammation or rejection

Aesthetics – Ceramic Dental Implants Are Superior In Appearance

The zirconia used in the manufacture of ceramic dental implants is white in color, rather than the grey of titanium. Patients with thin gums or receding gums may have trouble with titanium showing through or being revealed as the gums recede (not uncommon in older patients). Ceramic dental implants look far more natural, with a tooth base color matching natural tooth structure for a better aesthetic outcome.

Why Choose Ceramic Dental Implants?

For health-conscious patients, ceramic dental implants make perfect sense. While many of our patients have taken the step of removing metal fillings to avoid mercury exposure, when a tooth implant is needed, they often turn to ceramic dental implants rather than the more traditional titanium.

Beyond the aesthetic advantages, ceramic implants may heal more quickly, as there is less risk of inflammation.

The Ceramic Dental Implant Procedure What To Expect

Step one is the removal of the damaged natural tooth. Some patients may need an added procedure to increase the bone structure beneath. The ceramic implant is then placed in the gum, where it will act as the new root of the tooth. Once it has integrated fully into the jawbone structure, the upper part of the implant will be placed.

The procedure involves either local anesthetic or oral sedation. Our dentist implants the one-piece into the gap in your gum. A typical procedure requires about 30 minutes to perform, or longer for some patients with more serious dental and oral problems. Most patients are able to return to work the next day and experience only minor discomfort, easily managed with pain medication. You will need to avoid chewing or pressure in the area while the implant is healing and becoming fused to the bone. One of the benefits is that for many patients, the ceramic dental implant can be placed the same day as a damaged tooth is extracted.

A Smile You Want To Share

The appearance of your teeth is a major factor in the beauty of your smile. Ceramic dental implants are the tooth replacement of choice for patients who want a more aesthetic look and who do not want to risk exposure to titanium and the other metals (including nickel) in the alloy used in titanium implants. These implants are durable, beautiful, and look and function like natural teeth for a long-term solution for damaged teeth that must be extracted.

Ceramic Dental Implants: Holistic Dentistry

For patients who are seeking a healthy alternative in implant dentistry, we urge you to speak with us about ceramic dental implants. We (and our many patients) are extremely pleased with the appearance of these implants and their higher degree of safety for the patient. Only a personal evaluation of your teeth, gums, and jaw will reveal exactly how the treatment will proceed in your case. We invite you to visit us and schedule a consultation to discuss your dental problems and find out more about ceramic dental implants. Thousand Oaks dentist and founder of our practice, Dr. Albert Chow, focuses on holistic dentistry and on methods of tooth replacement that are beautiful, natural-looking, and lasting. The excellent biocompatibility of zirconia makes it far better for many patients.