I am getting my third dental implant. The first two are titanium. I recently read that it is better to get zirconia implants because titanium dental implants can lead to neurological problems. I’m planning on getting a zirconia implant this time around. I finally found a dentist who does them. My question is should I remove the other two and replace them with the zirconia?
Flora
Dear Flora,
First, I want to put your mind at ease about your titanium dental implants. There are no reputable studies which show any connection between titanium and neurological problems. On the contrary, titanium is quite biocompatible and have been used for decades in all type of prosthetic replacements.
You can get the zirconia dental implants and should have no problems. The only reason you had a hard time finding a dentist who places them is they are fairly new to dental implant use. Titanium implants have been around for decades and have a great history. We have many follow up studies showing their longevity. There are no such studies with the zirconia implants yet. That doesn’t mean they aren’t as good. I’m sure in a few decades we’ll have as many studies showing their longevity as well.
Should You Replace Your Dental Implants?
It’s up to you whether or not you replace the titanium implants you already have. However, if you want my opinion, you shouldn’t. First, with dental implants, you can’t just replace them. If you had them removed, it would also remove the bone that is keeping the implants secure in your jawbone.
New implants will not stay unless you have an additional procedure done known as bone grafting. This replaces the lost bone. Then, when that is healed, you can have the new implants placed. However, even if the dentist does everything right there is no guarantee the new implant will integrate the way the old dental implant did. It’s a risk. If you combine that with the added expense of the bone grafting and the second implant surgery, I’m just not sure it is worth it.
This blog is brought to you by Des Moines Dentist Dr. Phelan Thomas.