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Innovative Brookline practice discusses the benefits of Zirconia implants

Innovative Brookline practice discusses the benefits of zirconium implants

Search for “dental implants” and you get more than 10 million results. Many of these results explore the advantages of a dental implant-supported tooth versus traditional tooth replacement options like dentures.

These sources refer to the implant as a titanium post designed to serve as a new tooth root. You may think implants are only made from titanium. This lightweight yet durable material has many applications in the medical world. Medical-grade titanium is non-toxic and has the ability to fuse to the bone. As it relates to dentistry, the implant will naturally fuse with the underlying bone in a process called “osseointegration.”

As a practice built on the best techniques and materials that modern dentistry has to offer, Alpha Plus Dental Center patients benefit from another type of dental implant: zirconia.

What is zirconia?

Zirconia implants are also known as “non-metal” or “metal-free” implants. Zirconia is ceramic. Titanium is a metal. As a metal, titanium corrodes. When this process occurs, particles are released into the body. Some patients may be allergic to this metal. The body’s response can result in a wide range of symptoms such as:

  • Mouth tingling or burning
  • Skin rashes
  • Muscle pain
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Headaches

As it relates to dental implants, titanium allergies can cause failure of the implant.

As a ceramic material, zirconia does not contain any metals. There is no threat of corrosion. Zirconia is an alternative option for those patients who would not be suitable candidates for titanium implants due to metal allergies.

Ceramic is also more aesthetically pleasing than metal. While titanium is gray, zirconia is tooth-colored. Even though the implant is placed under the gumline, the zirconia blends with the color of the soft tissues (even in patients with thin gums).

Furthermore, since titanium is gray the implant may need to be placed deeper into the tissue to camouflage the metal color.

Ceramics also promote the health of soft tissues and are generally easier to clean than titanium-based implants. Titanium implants are also associated with the accumulation of bacteria, which can lead to another source of implant failures: peri-implantitis. This condition causes inflammation in the gums and bone around the implant.

The Zirkolith® implants used by Alpha Plus Dental Center have a 98 percent success rate. Built-in surface technology allows superior osseointegration, and the design promotes mechanical strength and stability.

To find out more about the benefits of zirconia implants, schedule an appointment in Brookline with Dr. Kovtun. Call (617) 274-8494.

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Dr. Kovtun and his team have helped thousands of patients
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Dr. Stan Kovtun DMD

A graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (with honors), Dr. Stan Kovtun is among the select few mercury-safe and biological dentists in Brookline, MA. With expertise in general, preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as periodontal disease procedures, Dr. Kovtun is committed to patient education and comprehensive treatment plans. So, patients keep their teeth for life.

Patients benefit from Dr. Kovtun's focus on long-term relationships, continuing education, and investments in lasers, digital imaging, ozone, and other technologies.

Testimonials

Successful Stories

I recommend alpha plus they will work with you when it comes to your teeth. They are very good with all their clients will make sure you are satisfied with the service. If you are on a budget they will try to make easy for you as best as they can. I been coming here since 2013 have not had one problem. Read More
Monica K.
I drive over an hour from Cape Cod for all my dental work because Dr. Kovtun is one of the few Biological dentists around. Not only is he a master at dentistry but he offers a healthier holistic approach to oral health that is so important to me. Often times, conventional dentists overlook at the importance or how oral health effects the entire body. He and his staff are super nice and I'm glad I found them!! Read More
Margarida R.
Have been a patient here for quite a while now. It was hard to find a dentist that I trusted in the area, but I've really enjoyed this practice. They tend to be conservative with their assessment, which I really value - no unnecessary treatments, and my teeth feel and look great. Read More
Monica O.
Dr. Kovtun is great. I chipped my 7-year molar, and he was able to fit me in the very next morning! He safely, quickly, and painlessly removed my old amalgam filling and prepped my tooth with a temporary fix while I wait for a beautiful new permanent one. He is knowledgeable, informative, and accomodating. The staff is super-competent and friendly. I will definitely be scheduling other dental procedures here. Excellent, excellent, excellent!! Read More
Meridith L.