I have to get a dental implant. My sister in law is really into natural health and has repeatedly told me that metal in our body can cause neurological ill-effects. I talked to my dentist about it and he said he believes I’d be safer with the titanium implants. I don’t know if that is because he only does titanium implants or he’s being honest. I thought it best to ask a dentist who is too far away for me to go to for business. So, what is your preference?

Kelly

Dear Kelly,

The reason your dentist is likely saying that the titanium dental implants are better is that they have been around longer and we have more data on their safety and longevity. Titanium is very biocompatible and has been used in body prosthetics for decades. While the zirconia dental implants may be just as good, they’re still fairly new and we don’t have the studies yet.

While I am sure your sister in law has good intentions, there are no reputable studies I am aware of linking titanium to neurological problems. Additionally, a blanket ban on metal in the body isn’t feasible. In fact, our body depends on certain metals to function properly. One such metal is iron. Without enough iron in your body, you can end up with heart failure.

There are patients who have severe metal allergies or are just uncomfortable with the idea of titanium. If that is you, I am certain you can find a dentist offering the zirconia option. I would start by looking at holistic dentists in your area or metal-free dentists. Either one can help you, as long as they have dental implant training.

I’m not trying to discourage you from zirconia. I just don’t want you to think we have the same data on both.

This blog is brought to you by Portage, MI Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.