Zirconium Implants: Any recommendations?

I know there have been numerous discussions on OsseoNews about zirconium restorations, but I wanted to get some feedback on the zirconium (zirconia) implant. The FDA has approved, I believe, two zirconia dental implant systems. Although it is really a metal oxide most patients understand it to be a ceramic material and hence ‘non-metal’. I have many patients who want to have implants but will not have any metal in their mouth, so it would seem that zirconium implants would be a great options for these patients. I know these zirconium implants have been used in Europe and have appeared in some publications. Have any of you tried these and what are your recommendations (especially those in Europe who may have more experience with these types of dental implants)?

6 Comments on Zirconium Implants: Any recommendations?

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CRS
5/13/2013
I personally would not base using these on being "metal free" just because a patient doesn't' want that, but would find out why the patient has this viewpoint. Sometimes we are all vulnerable to marketing claims, that said I am curious to learn from those who have placed these. The old HA ceramics were used for ridge augmentation but it was always fibrous in growth vs new bone. The zirconium is very difficult to work with in abutments very hard. Time will tell if his takes off in the US versus just another gadget, look at all the advertising claims in dentistry today, I 'm just cautious and never jumped on the metal free bandwagon. There are practitioners out there making money on replacing restorations just because of the metal. I would be one to hearing other doctors experiences with this type of implant!
Tai
5/14/2013
I think that from biocompatibility zirconia is even superior to titanium . For sure if you have to use it at aesthetic zone you will get better aesthetic result. And yes I do agree with patients who choose to be in the metal free side especially if they ask for it. I personally have experience with zirconia implants but tailor made . The results are perfect from any point of view. To summarize if you make case selection correctly and work according to the protocol you and your patients will enjoy from the zirconia implants. Good luck
Alex
5/14/2013
I have heard form users that Zirc. implants have a 15% lower success rate than Ti.
Jim DDS
5/14/2013
I have placed three CeraRoot (Spain) implants (and about 500 titanium endosseous implants) in the molar/bicuspid region. Dr. Xavi Oliva (Oral Iceberg/CeraRoot) was very helpful in planning the cases and with clinical insights. The CeraRoot implant is 'one-piece': Advantage: No leakage or micro-movement at the platform level. Disadvantage: Limited ability to customize the abutment. All three osseo-integrated without problems. So far So good!
Bruno Nicoletti
11/19/2013
Zirconia implant are for longterm but oseo_integration is slow , to accelerate Place in situ of implant an autologous c.g.f. Fibrin block matrix
Olga
12/5/2013
I would most certainly recommend it. It is the healthiest option available on the market at the moment. MostI would go with CeraRoot vs, Z-systems. The material is the same, but CeraRoot is twice fired.

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