I already have two dental implants and may need a third. I recently read somewhere that the titanium implants can lead to some neurological problems. This leads me to two questions. First, is one better than the other? Two, if the zirconia is better, should I switch out the other two dental implants I already have for the zirconia?
Melody
Dear Melody,
I honestly would recommend you stick with the titanium implants. I don’t know what article you read, but I am unaware of any scientific research that talks about any neurological effects of titanium. There are a lot of articles going around online that really have no scientific basis.
Titanium has been in use for decades and there is a lot of data that backs up their safety and longevity. It is very biocompatible. The proven factors they have make it my first choice. This doesn’t mean I think there is anything sub-par about the zirconia implants. They make be equally fine. Because they are newer we don’t have the data on how long they will last.
I would say the time to use zirconia implants is if you have a known titanium allergy. Then, having metal-free dental implants would be a given. Obviously, if you want them go ahead and get them. They’re strong enough to support your biting forces. The one thing I would absolutely say not to do is remove the dental implants you already have.
When dental implants are removed or fail, it takes bone structure with it. Then, the only way to replace the dental implants is to add an additional procedure known as bone grafting. This is an unnecessary expense and risk.
I hope this helps. This blog is brought to you by Sugar Land Dentist Dr. Siny Thomas.
Read about when to get a dental bridge versus a dental implant.