Missing a tooth?  Not for long!

Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Implants
Ceramic Implants

Dental Implants have now become the standard for replacing older dentistry and missing teeth because they look and feel like your natural teeth and have a higher success rate than all other forms of tooth replacement. An investment in implant dentistry is an investment in overall health, appearance and well-being, as it involves preserving the integrity of facial structures, as well as replacing missing teeth. Get dental implants in Bingham Farms and Royal Oak, MI with Advanced Dentistry Center.

To properly chew food and speak, the tongue, upper teeth, and lower teeth must work together. When one or more teeth are missing, the bite becomes uneven and will cause shifting of the remaining teeth, as well as bone loss, and muscle deterioration. Missing teeth can cause:

  • Difficulty with eating and chewing

  • Difficulty with speaking

  • Bone resorption (bone loss)

  • Facial muscle deterioration (sunken cheeks)

  • Premature aging of the face

  • TMJ problems (jaw problems)

  • Chronic headaches

  • Loss of confidence

Replacing a Single Missing Tooth

An implant can replace a missing or hopeless tooth. First, an implant base is placed into the jawbone to act as the tooth root. After the jaw bone around the implant has healed, an abutment is screwed into the base of the implant to allow for a crown to be fitted on the top. Finally, a custom-made crown is placed over the abutment to act and look like a natural tooth.

Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth

multiple implantsImplant-Supported Bridge

Multiple tooth implants may be placed if you need or desire to permanently replace an extracted or lost tooth. Titanium implant bases are placed into the jawbone to replace the job of the tooth roots. We allow a period of time to allow for the jawbone to heal over the bases before fitting for a crown. Next, abutments are screwed into the bases of the implants to allow crowns to be attached. Finally, custom fabricated crowns are placed over the abutments and will function like a real tooth.

All-on-4

Full ImplantAll-on-4 (Implanted-Supported Denture)

An entire arch of teeth can be replaced with all-on-4 (four implants supporting all of the teeth in an arch).

An implant is a titanium “root” which can be placed into the jawbone. Once integrated with your bone, the implant can be used to support 

  • crowns

  • bridges

  • to secure a complete denture

Dental implants may be used to eliminate partial plates and dentures. The success rates for dental implants are extremely high which is due in part to the fact that root-form implants are made of a biocompatible material, either titanium or ceramic. Dental implant treatment represents a slightly greater investment than a conventional bridge or denture; however, the benefits of implant therapy for most patients outweigh the minor additional cost involved. 

Meet Our World-Class Surgeon

Dr Suhail MatiSuhail Mati, DMD, DABOI, FAGD, AFAAID, DICOI
  • Board Certified Implantologist

  • Diplomate, American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry

  • Associate Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry

  • Diplomate, International Congress of Oral Implantologists

  • Fellow, Academy of Dentistry

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Dental implantClick on toggles below to view videos

Differences and Similarities between the Ceramic and Titanium Implants

Features

Titanium Implants Ceramic Implants
Material Type: ■ Made from titanium, a strong and lightweight metal.
■ Has been widely used and well-established in dental implantology.
■ Can be made from materials like zirconia, alumina, or other ceramics.
■ Offers a tooth-colored option for a more natural appearance.
Aesthetics: ■ Typically silver or metallic in color and may show through thin or translucent gums. ■ Zirconia, a common ceramic material, closely mimics the appearance of natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result.
Biocompatibility: ■ Titanium is generally well-tolerated by the body, and allergic reactions are rare. ■ Ceramic materials, like zirconia, are also known for their biocompatibility.
Strength and Durability: ■ Titanium is known for its high strength and durability.
■ Established a track record for long-term success.
■ Zirconia, a common ceramic material, is known for its high strength and
durability, making it suitable for dental implants.
Conductivity: ■ Conducts heat and electricity. ■ Zirconia, a common ceramic material, is a poor conductor of heat and
electricity.
Manufacturing Process: ■ Machined or produced using various methods, including computer-aided design and manufacturing. ■ Commonly fabricated using CAD/CAM technology.
Cost: ■ Generally, titanium implants may be more cost-effective. ■ The cost may vary, and ceramic implants, especially zirconia, may be
on the higher end.

Considerations

Consultation: Discuss with your dentist to determine the most suitable material based on your oral health, aesthetic preferences, and any potential allergies.
Aesthetics vs. Functionality: Balance your desire for a natural appearance with the strength and functionality required for dental implants.
Long-Term Success: Both titanium and ceramic implants can provide successful long-term results, but individual factors may influence the choice.

Ultimately, the choice between titanium and ceramic implants depends on individual preferences, health considerations, and the advice of your dental professional.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ceramic and Titanium Implants

Features

Advantages

Disadvantages

Titanium Implants

Aesthetics: Ceramic implants, especially those made from zirconia, can closely mimic the color and translucency of natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result.

Biocompatibility: Ceramic materials are generally well-tolerated by the body, and allergic reactions are rare.
Low Conductivity: Ceramic implants, including zirconia, are poor conductors of heat and electricity.
Non-Corrosive: Unlike metals, ceramics do not corrode, which can be an advantage in the oral environment.

Metal Visibility: The metallic nature of titanium may be visible through the gums, particularly in individuals with thin or receding gum tissue.
Allergic Reactions: While extremely rare, some individuals may have allergic reactions to titanium.

Ceramic Implants

(Including Zirconium)

Aesthetics: Ceramic implants, especially those made from zirconia, can closely mimic the color and translucency of natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result.

Biocompatibility: Ceramic materials are generally well-tolerated by the body, and allergic reactions are rare.
Low Conductivity: Ceramic implants, including zirconia, are poor conductors of heat and electricity.
Non-Corrosive: Unlike metals, ceramics do not corrode, which can be an advantage in the oral environment.

Fragility: Ceramics, including zirconia, can be more brittle than titanium, and there is a potential risk of fracture, especially in thin implant designs.
Limited Long-Term Data: While ceramic implants have shown promising results, they have a shorter history compared to titanium implants, and long-term data may be limited.
Manufacturing Challenges: The manufacturing process for ceramic implants can be more complex, and not all ceramics may have the same mechanical properties.
Potential Wear on Opposing Teeth: In some cases, ceramic materials may cause more wear on natural teeth in the opposing jaw compared to titanium.

Considerations

Patient Preferences: Consider your aesthetic preferences, as well as any concerns or sensitivities you may have to certain materials.
Cost: The cost of ceramic implants, including zirconia, may be higher than titanium implants, so financial considerations are essential.
Consultation: Consult with your dentist to assess your specific needs, oral health, and any potential risks or benefits associated with each material.

The choice between titanium and ceramic implants depends on individual factors, and your dentist can help guide you based on your unique situation and preferences.