I need some advice. I need to replace a tooth and I want to get a dental implant. However, I have allergies to nickel and cobalt. Because of my metal allergies, I’m hoping to get a dental implant which won’t affect that. Are there any non-metallic dental implants?

Kaylie

Dear Kaylie,

There are two possible routes you can go when it comes to getting the dental implant you want. While you do have some metal allergies, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get traditional dental implants. They are made of titanium, which is very biocompatible. It’s been used for decades for body replacements, such as hip replacements.

You likely won’t have any problem with the implant. However, if you are concerned, there is another option. There is a newer type of implant known as a zirconia implant. Instead of titanium, it uses zirconia. This is very strong. It’s even been nicknamed ceramic steel.

Titanium or Zirconia Dental Implants

Most dentists prefer placing the titanium implants. They have decades of data showing their longevity. It is their history which gives dentists confidence in them.

There is no evidence that says the zirconia implants won’t have the same longevity, they just haven’t been in use long enough for us to have the data to know. There are dentists who place them. If this is the route you want to go, you’ll have more success with a dentist who is more understanding about allergy concerns such as a holistic dentist.

Best of luck to you. This blog is brought to you by Metal-Free Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.