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Dental Nation
Material guide

Zirconia Implants (Ceramic Fixtures)

Zirconia implants are ceramic fixtures anchored in jawbone; healing can take months before permanent replacement teeth are attached.

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The short answer

Zirconia implants are ceramic fixtures placed in the jawbone, where bone healing anchors them before replacement teeth are attached.

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Zirconia Implants (Ceramic Fixtures) dental educational illustration

What are zirconia implants?

Zirconia and titanium implant materials
MaterialDocumented distinction
ZirconiaCeramic material studied for survival, aesthetics, biological and mechanical outcomes.[1][2]
TitaniumHas superior mechanical properties, while treated zirconia and titanium can show comparable osseointegration.[2]

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What is special about the material?

The material is assessed alongside titanium for aesthetic, radiographic, clinical, biological and mechanical outcomes. Zirconia can inhibit bacterial adhesion better than titanium and both materials show similar soft-tissue adhesion in the reviewed comparison.

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Where are zirconia implants used?

The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. After bone healing, it can support a custom crown for one missing tooth, or a bridge or denture when more than one tooth is being replaced.

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What happens during implant treatment
StageWhat happens
Surgical placementThe implant is placed into the jawbone, followed by healing and osseointegration.[1][2]
Replacement teethA crown, bridge or denture is attached after integration, sometimes after a wait of several months.[1][2]

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What is the main alternative?

Titanium is the principal material used for comparison. Titanium has stronger mechanical properties, while surface-treated zirconia and titanium can show comparable osseointegration.

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What does the treatment involve?

Bone grows around the implant during osseointegration and holds it in place. Soft foods, cold foods and warm soup may be recommended during healing, and a temporary crown, bridge or denture may be used while permanent replacement teeth are made.

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What risks and healing issues matter?

Implant studies assess biological and mechanical complications as well as survival and success. Chronic illness such as diabetes or leukemia may interfere with healing, and tobacco use can slow healing after surgery.

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Frequently asked questions

How long can it take before teeth are attached to a zirconia implant?

Some patients wait up to several months for osseointegration before replacement teeth are attached, while others receive implants and replacement teeth in one visit.

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Keep reading

symptomPain or Swelling Around an ImplantconditionMissing TeethtreatmentDental Abscess Drainage