Straight teeth, a white smile and a firm bite: nowadays it is possible to always offer your teeth the utmost comfort. If this can no longer be guaranteed due to the loss of natural teeth, an implant can help. This completely replaces the tooth and tooth root and ideally creates artificial comfort in the oral cavity. The use of metal-free ceramic implants is particularly popular here.
As in other areas of medicine, dentistry has revolutionized enormously in recent years. The reason for this is the high value that is attached to the presence of a complete set of teeth, both functionally and aesthetically. This is where implantology comes into play: In dentistry, implantology is the area that takes care of inserting artificial roots into the jawbone, replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth, and anchoring removable dentures.
In the last few years, titanium has been used predominantly in the implantation process. The metal has proven to be very stable and tolerable, which is why it continues to be very popular with most patients. "Despite their popularity, implants made of pure titanium are not for patients who are afraid of allergic reactions or intolerance to metal loads in the body. Ceramic implants are a good and modern way to replace missing teeth," says Todd P. Briscoe, DDSA.
What is a ceramic implant?
Basically, a ceramic implant is the metal-free alternative to the usual titanium implant. The ceramic used is zirconium dioxide, the suitability of which has proven itself as an implant in medicine due to its stability and fracture resistance. In contrast to titanium implants, ceramic implants are used as a kind of one-piece system. Two-part systems are now also available in implantology.
Metal-free implants: advantages of modern ceramic implants
With so many different implants on offer, it can be difficult to find the best one for you. It is all the more important to find out about any implants and to read reports and specialist articles outside of the doctor's office. In the end, the priority in the choice should be a fixed denture. If titanium is not an option, ceramic implants offer a number of advantages:
1. Biocompatibility
As already mentioned, there is no metal pollution in the organism with ceramics. This means that when ceramic is used as an implant, no particles are released into the tissue. No harmful substances can be released through the saliva either. In addition, in contrast to the metal variant, no allergies and intolerances will develop.
2. Aesthetics
Another advantage of ceramics is aesthetics. The ceramic implant is white and, unlike a dark titanium implant, does not shimmer through the gums. If the gums recede for any reason, the ceramic implant is also less conspicuous here.
3. Better gum attachment
The gums also like to attach themselves to the zirconium dioxide used. Studies describe that gums grow better on ceramic than on natural teeth. Thus, the gingival recession, which often occurs with titanium implants, is excluded from the ceramic implants and prevents it.
4. Low risk of ignition
Gums love it, bacteria hate it - ceramic is a material most bacteria hate. This effect can largely prevent inflammation around the dental implant (peri-implantitis).
Requirements for a dental implant
Dental implant placement is a medical procedure which, like many others, is not suitable for everyone. The most important prerequisite, which should therefore be carried out by a doctor, is a comprehensive and well thought-out treatment plan. Precise planning when providing dental implants can be the key to successful treatment and is considered essential. The highest level of dental skill is also a prerequisite so that important structures are protected during the operation and the treatment can be as painless as possible.
Before having an artificial dental implant inserted, it is advisable to take enough time to choose the implant and to seek medical and specialist advice. In the case of a preliminary examination, the following points should also be assumed:
· The growing age must be completed and all bones must be fully grown.
· Must not have any heart disease or bone disease.
· Addiction to drugs or alcohol also speak against implantation.
· The dentures must be of a very high quality and fit firmly.
· Oral hygiene should be part of everyday life.
· The accuracy of fit should be determined by a doctor.
It is also recommended as aftercare to have the implants checked regularly every six months in the dental practice. In addition, professional tooth cleaning can support oral hygiene and long-term treatment success.
The cost of the implants
The costs of an implant or several implants cannot be said exactly in advance. This is because with each treatment there are different factors that affect the procedure as well as the cost. Among other things, this involves the number of implants and the bone structure in the lower or upper jaw.
Tip:
Statutory health insurance companies usually only cover the costs in exceptional cases. Depending on the selected insurance plan, in some cases the additional dental insurance (if available) covers a high percentage of the implantation costs.