I have one dental implant currently and need to get another one. My sister-in-law insists I need to switch my titanium dental implant for a zirconia as well as get zirconia for the second one. She’s one of those naturopaths or whatever they’re called. However, she was touting the dangers of amalgam fillings before anyone else realized they were dangerous, so I’m hesitant to blow her off completely. She seems to feel the titanium poses a neurological risk. Am I putting myself at risk with the metal implants?
Kristin
Dear Kristin,
It is always a wise person who does not dismiss information outright. It is also wise to not believe everything and do some investigating. You are showing both qualities. That is fantastic.
Traditional dental implants, made from titanium, have been used for decades. I do not know of even one study that shows there to be any neurological issues resulting from its use. It is one of the most biocompatible materials around and has been used for decades as prosthetics in various parts of the body, including hip replacements.
While we understand your sister’s concern about amalgam fillings and offer mercury-free fillings at our office, I think she is getting bad information regarding the titanium. My guess is she read a natural news article online. I have found these to consistently make blanket health statements, without any references to any medical sources or studies.
If you are nervous, you can get the zirconia implants. Not as many dentists use them, but that is just because they are newer. There is not as much data on their longevity. It does not mean they are inferior, just they we don’t have as much information on them.
That being said, I do not recommend that you switch out the implant you already have. To do that you would have to remove the implant, which will take bone with it. In order to place a new implant there, you will need to have some bone grafting done or the new implant will have nothing to integrate with. After that heals, it will be time to place the new implant, which always has a risk of the new implant failing. You already have a secure implant. I don’t think you want to go through all those unnecessary procedures to risk something that might not work. Though, that is your decision.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.