A Guide to the Pros and Cons of Dental Implant Materials
September 22, 2023

Knowing your options regarding dental implant material is essential to making the right decision. Learn more in this guide as we cover the pros and cons.

Tooth loss is a painful experience that comes with many physical and emotional challenges. Aside from the difficulty of eating, individuals may feel self-conscious because of the gaps in their smiles.


Luckily, dental technology has come a long way in improving quality of life.


Dental implants are a popular and effective method to restore teeth and self-esteem. Many prefer this conservative approach for its guaranteed results. Dental implants have a 98% success rate.


Imagine eating your favorite foods and laughing without hesitation. The world is your oyster, and all you have to do is choose the right dental implant material. Read on for a guide on common implant materials and discover which one is right for you.


Titanium Dental Implants

Titanium is the traditional material used for dental implants. It consists of a metal screw merged into the jawbone, creating a secured base for the implant. Titanium implants have been around for a long time, making them a tried and true method for restoring teeth.


Pro: Biocompatibility

Dental implants involve the use of natural or synthetic materials. To ensure effectiveness and safety, they must show biocompatibility. This means that the material must serve its purpose without harming the body.


The body must accept the implant without seeing it as a foreign invader. Titanium has outstanding biocompatibility with bone and gum tissues. Moreover, titanium implants can resist external forces, allowing them to last for years.


Con: Local Inflammation

Titanium implants release metal ions. The metal ion can activate an inflammatory response, causing mucosal changes and hypersensitivity.


If you suffer from autoimmune conditions, you can experience local inflammation and irritation. This includes Chron's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.


Pro: Ability to Ossify

Osseointegration is crucial for implant stability. It is a process where the material integrates with the bone tissue.

Titanium implants have a high success rate of osseointegration. It guarantees secure implants and prevents complications. If your implants are unable to ossify, you need to get them removed.


Con: Metal Allergy

Despite having a high success rate, titanium implants can fail if the patient has a metal allergy. If you have a metal allergy, choosing titanium as your dental implant material can trigger it.


Symptoms include inflammation in the digestive system, airways, and skin. In severe cases, allergies can trigger life-threatening conditions. Before getting titanium dental implants, take a metal allergy assessment.


Pro: Low Thermal Conductivity

In some cases, eating cold or hot food causes sharp pain. This can make simple activities like eating, drinking, and brushing painful. When you get titanium implants, you never have to experience tooth sensitivity.


One of the implant material properties of titanium is its low thermal conductivity. Unlike natural teeth, the material is not sensitive to temperature changes. You can enjoy cold or hot foods without getting irritated.


Con: Poor Aesthetics

If you have thin gums, the dark metal may show through your smile. When this happens, the look of your mouth can appear unflattering.


Zirconia Dental Implants

Another material used for dental implants is zirconia. It is a crystal material designed to look like a tooth.


Converting zirconium into zirconium oxide turns it into a ceramic. This is why some people refer to zirconium implants as ceramic implants. Today, this material is gaining popularity because of its metal-free properties.


Pro: Low Bacterial Attraction

For excellent oral health, choose zirconia implants. The material is less susceptible to plaque buildup. With proper hygiene, you can keep yourself safe from tooth and gum issues.


Failing to brush and floss your teeth can result in plaque formation. As time passes, the bacteria it contains release acid and attack the enamel, resulting in tooth decay and gum issues. It's also crucial to observe proper hygiene to prevent plaque. Although it has low bacterial attraction, zirconia implants are not immune to plaque.


To prevent oral health problems, consider zirconia implants as your tooth replacement treatment. There is also a lower chance of triggering allergies because it is biocompatible.


Con: Risk of Fracture

Despite their durability, ceramic implants can break when exposed to extreme pressure. Eating meat and grinding your teeth can damage the synthetic material. If you opt for this type of dental implant, avoid putting too much pressure on chewing to make the implants last.


Compared to titanium implants, there is a greater risk of fracture with ceramic implants.


Pro: Metal-Free Option

Unlike titanium implants, zirconia implants are free of metals. Their implant material properties make them popular among patients with metal allergies or those conscious of metal exposure. Moreover, they offer outstanding soft tissue healing properties.


Zirconia implants provide excellent mechanical and tensile strength. However, because of this, zirconia implants are also one of the hardest materials to work with. You would need an experienced technician to create these implants, as it would be difficult to make adjustments later on.


Con: Higher Cost

Between titanium and zirconia, the latter is more expensive. However, it can differ from one location to another.

The level of expertise an oral surgeon delivers can influence the cost as well. Before you agree to oral surgery, consider your budget. Weigh the difference between the materials and determine which suits you best.


Pro: Good Aesthetics

Another pro you can consider when choosing zirconia implants is their aesthetic. Compared to titanium implants, these implants blend in better with the natural color of the teeth.


Con: Lack of Research

Zirconia implants hit the market in the early 2000s. However, these implants only began getting recognition in 2011 when they received FDA approval. There are no long-term studies that indicate how long they can last.


Although there is a lack of data on their longevity, you can guarantee that ceramic implants are effective. Look for an excellent oral surgeon to increase the success of the operation.


Choosing the Right Dental Implant Material For You

Whether you've lost your teeth to injury, decay, or any other reason, there's hope in restoring your smile. Dental implants provide a path to a better and happier life.


TERSA offers implants, oral surgery, and other treatments to improve your oral health. Contact us today to find out which dental implant material is right for you.

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A recent study by Rojas et al. (2025) found that individuals who received implants as part of their treatment reported significantly improved comfort and quality of life compared to those who used dentures, highlighting the inherent benefits of implants. However, implants are no longer limited to single-tooth installations, as you can now receive an All-on-4 implant, which replaces an entire arch of teeth. With both dental implant options available, which one is best for your needs? Let us help you make that decision. Below, you will find information on single implants vs arch reconstruction, including: Types of implants offered by TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery The benefits of each option How the dentist determines suitability Step-by-step walkthrough of the procedure Healing timelines Learn what each requires, as well as its costs. Our expert guidance can help you decide which dental implant option is best for you when you come for a consultation with us. Dental Implant Options Offered by TERSA There are several different types of dental implants that TERSA offers to our clients, all of which provide different benefits, including: Treating traumatic dental injuries Offering All-on-4 full-arch implants Using guided surgery with computerized scans Individual dental implants Single-tooth implants are ideal for individuals who have only a single missing tooth, provided all adjacent natural teeth are still healthy. This means that we can focus purely on the single area and also try to recreate the bone's interaction with its previous tooth as much as possible. Through mimicking the root with the implant itself, you also preserve the jaw's density . These need minimal preparation compared to many other processes. However, if you have more than one or two teeth that need replacement in this way, it may be wise to explore alternatives . Why the Dentist Needs to Assess Suitability Dr. Guerra has gained a great deal of knowledge over his 15 years of education , as he discussed with Laker/Lutz News, which he applies to every patient, ensuring that you receive the highest-quality care possible. For example, he will start by imaging the area where the implant will be placed, as well as assessing local nerves and sinus cavities to ensure that the implant will not interfere with them. By reviewing your medical history, he can also discuss various risk factors with you that may impact bone healing, such as diabetes or a history of smoking, helping you avoid complications . The doctor also has a keen understanding of the mechanics of an implant. He will want to ensure that your implant can withstand functional forces, such as chewing, without overloading the surrounding tooth and jaw. This means he has the experience to discuss the issue with you in great detail . Preparing Yourself for Surgery After consultation, and if you choose to go under IV-sedation, be aware that your surgery will require you to not eat for around six hours before the surgery, and not drink anything for two hours before. If the dentist has any specific other requirements or recommends a different amount of time, he will inform you. The dentist may also request that you take other steps , such as: Using a mouth rinse beforehand to reduce mouth bacteria Scheduling your work so that you only have light duties for up to 72 hours after the surgery Arranging a driver to take you home or ensure you can travel for a day after surgery Ensure you have already collected any necessary medication Step-By-Step Dental Implant Procedure During the surgery, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure that the area is numb and unable to feel the effects of the surgery. However, they may also offer you sedation to ensure your comfort . After you are appropriately prepared, they will make a careful incision to expose an area of your gums and jawbone, then carefully create a space in which to insert a small titanium implant . After the implant is in place, they will suture the space closed, allowing the gum to heal and the jaw to start accepting the titanium post. Once the surgery is completed, you will need to wait up to three or four months for your jaw to adapt to the existence of the post. It will undergo a period of "osseointegration", in which your body will start building natural structures around it and your bone fuses with it, preventing the implant from moving. Healing Timeline for Working Floridians While every individual is different, you should expect the timeline to look something like this: Day 1: Apply an ice pack to your jaw after surgery, and expect mild swelling. You may also experience discomfort, so be sure to have painkillers available. Avoid solid food if possible, and be cautious if not. End of week 1: At this point, you can switch to softer foods, such as yogurts and smoothies, or you can try to chew foods carefully, so long as you keep them on the non-surgery side of your mouth. End of month 1: Attend a check-up for your implant so that the dentist can ensure your body is accepting it. End of month 3: You should return to the dentist for the installation of a custom crown around this time. They will ensure that the shape and color of the implant matches the rest of your mouth, which ensures that the implant is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. The process may take more than one appointment, as the dentist must scan your gums and jaw following the surgery to ensure they get the shape of the crown correct. The dentist may request another check-up after one year, to ensure that everything is as it should be. Key Benefits of Dental Implants Dental implants are an excellent option for individuals concerned about their jawbone starting to lose volume. The additional load placed on the area due to eating and other activities will prevent atrophy, which is usually seen with missing teeth. An implant also acts just as your previous tooth did, ensuring that you can continue to chew with complete efficiency. It is also very common for them to survive for a significant period, with many lasting beyond the 25-year mark and into the remainder of someone's life. All-on-4 at TERSA One could think of the "All-on-4" as a "Denture implant". It is designed for patients with several failing or missing teeth, who would otherwise order a set of dentures but are worried about the upkeep and appearance of removable dental arches. Unlike a single implant, the All-on-4 system uses four angled implants that securely hold a large denture in place. These implants can even be used to hold a temporary denture between implant installation and the creation of the final arch. This way, you can have the benefits from day one that you would not have with a single-tooth implant. It also significantly reduces the cost of having a full row of single implants due to the reduced number of installations. Surgery Preparation Steps The preparation for an All-on-4 denture is similar to that of a single denture, except that it is more involved due to the dentist needing to check more areas in the mouth. However, they are also likely to check things that you would usually expect when doing a consultation for traditional dentures, like: Gum contouring Tooth proportions Full-mouth bite Residual root existence They will then create a custom-printed denture frame, using it to test your mouth's shape so that they can have a full denture immediately for surgery day. Additional Steps For All-On-4 Surgery Although the majority of the surgery is similar to four individual implants as described above, there are distinct differences: The dentist may remove other teeth to make way for the denture All implants will sit at different angles for more stability Postoperative scans will verify the alignment of the implants Advantages of All-On-4 Surgery As opposed to getting all of your teeth replaced, an All-on-4 implant will require you to have only four implants on which the denture sits. Fewer incisions and a reduced time taken mean that you can get a greater benefit more easily. The complete denture will also look perfectly natural, sitting comfortably in your mouth and secured by four posts that are angled to prevent slipping and reduce stress on each one. This option is ideal for individuals with slightly lower bone density who are still eligible for surgery. If you need a future upgrade throughout your life , such as a change in the material, you can also follow through with implant changes without as much hassle. The removal of old materials and replacement with new ones takes significantly less time, providing you with more options. Choosing Single-Tooth or All-on-4 Implants Whether you want to make use of a full arch or a single new tooth, Dr. Andrés Guerra of TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery is ready to bring his expertise to bear. In a procedure that demands precision, empathy, and in-depth knowledge, he will do everything necessary to ensure your comfort and confidence in the process.  We are ready to discuss your dental implant options and schedule a consultation for you . Reclaim your smile and ensure you are happy with the person you see in the mirror today.