Titanium is an alloy that releases oxide particles that triggers a “particle-induced inflammation” in the surrounding tissues.
These particles are ingested by giant cells (macrophages) which also produce molecules that trigger inflammation ( cytokines) and Osteoresorptive reaction. Since it can assimilate in a reliably poor quality bone, it gives a short-term healing rate. The end result is bone loss and inflammation (peri-implantitis), which affects 50% of implants within a period of 5 years. As a result, 15% of titanium implants fail and will need to be removed. In addition to implant failure, some patients develop immediate or delayed hypersensitivity to the titanium alloy implants. There is also the potential of corrosion, especially when dissimilar metals (mercury, nickel) are in the mouth and galvanic currents are created. Biologically speaking, the body has to continually react to this allergen that produces chronic inflammation in the body.
Ceramic implants, on the other hand, are made of high tech zirconia. It has no electrons on its surface so it is completely neutral and is biocompatible with the body. This gives the implant several advantages: it traps less plaque than natural teeth do, so it has a lower tendency to cause gum infection, compared to natural teeth. Unlike titanium implants, soft tissue and bone grow onto the implant surface and therefore forms a barrier where bacteria cannot penetrate the interphase between the implant and the surrounding soft tissue.
Zirconia implants assimilate only in healthy bone, so there is no risk of peri-implantitis, This greatly gives a better prognosis and a higher success rate than titanium implants.
The unique tapered design of the zirconia implant provides minimal bone reabsorption and, in some cases, provides placement of the implant in narrower bone areas. Zirconia implants have also proven to be more stable than titanium implants of the same diameter. This is due to the micro thread
design of the ceramic implant which allows for a smaller core diameter that can bear the same load as larger titanium implants. Multiple scientific publications on PubMed attest that “the literature research showed the benefits of zirconia and makes it an IDEAL implant in respect of biocompatibility, osseous integration, favorable soft tissue behaviors and aesthetics in terms of appearance and color.”