Skip to main content

What is a Ceramic Dental Implant?  

A ceramic or zirconia dental implant is a metal-free, hypoallergenic tooth replacement option made from white ceramic material. It is ideal for patients with metal sensitivities, autoimmune disorders, or those seeking a more natural-looking implant.

Zirconia implants are commonly used for:

  • Front tooth replacements
  • Molar tooth replacements
  • Full-mouth reconstructions (e.g., All-on-4, All-on-6)

They are made from a strong ceramic material called yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) and have been FDA-approved since 2007. Compared to traditional titanium implants, zirconia implants offer several benefits:
✅ No metal allergies
✅ No rust or corrosion
✅ White, natural-looking color
✅ Less plaque buildup
✅ Lower risk of inflammation
✅ High success rate—some studies report 100% success after 10 years

Note: Zirconia implants are made from Zirconia Dioxide (ZrO₂), not Zirconium (Zr), which is a metal.

Components of a Dental Implant

A dental implant consists of two main parts:

  1. The implant body – the portion that fuses into the jawbone
  2. The abutment – the part that connects the implant to the artificial tooth

Zirconia implants can come in one-piece or two-piece designs, depending on how the abutment and implant body are structured.

How Are Zirconia Implants Different from Titanium Implants?

The biggest difference is the material composition and structure:

  • Zirconia implants are often one solid piece or a two-piece design with a permanently cemented abutment. Some three-piece designs exist but are less common.
  • Titanium implants typically consist of three separate metal components:
    1. The implant base (fused into the jawbone)
    2. A metal abutment
    3. A metal screw that connects the abutment to the implant base

In some cases, a zirconia abutment can be attached to a titanium implant base using a metal screw.

Are Zirconia Implants as Strong as Titanium?

Yes, zirconia implants are extremely durable and have a very low fracture rate. According to a 2019 SDS Implant Assessment, the fracture rate for zirconia implants was just 0.2%, making them a reliable option.