Inverleith Dentalcare

A Complete Guide to Zirconia Dental Implants

As the general public becomes more health conscious and is able to access credible information thanks to the internet easily, they are searching for more natural healthcare methods and modalities that consider their whole-body health. This is opposed to solutions that might address one problem whilst contributing to the creation of more in other areas. A case in point is – medications.

Treating the cause, not the symptoms.

Medical drugs are often non-specific because they target a range of receptors or bodily processes (controlled by similar receptors). So, whilst they might “address” one of the issues, which is your presenting symptoms, they might end up switching off other functions. The result – you have addressed the symptoms of a presenting complaint and then set up further problems further down the line. Ideally, we need to treat the root cause, not just the symptoms.

How does this relate to our dentition?

Loss of the teeth due to the infections or diseases that can afflict our dentition is one of the most common ailments that the human being can suffer. We previously accepted this degradation due to loss of function as people lost teeth or attempted to replace the missing teeth with a plastic prosthetic alternative thus rendering them dental cripples. No teeth meant a shrinking away of the jawbone resulting in premature aging.

However, we’ve progressed to the point where we can predictably use the jaw bones to restore function like what it used it to be before the loss of the teeth. We discovered that we could insert titanium and the bone will grow and connect so that we can use these inserts to hold a tooth or teeth. Life enhancing but there is a caveat. Isn’t there always? We are using titanium and whilst this appears that most people are fine with this, more and more people are concerned about having metal in their jaws so close to their blood vessels. They are worried about interactions with heavy metals with their body. Is this a reasonable argument?

Here's an example...

Consider two people standing in a field surrounded by pollen. Whilst one enjoys the vista, the other one is plagued by fits of sneezes, steaming nose, itchy eyes – hay fever! So, is it the pollen or something else? Whilst the presenting symptoms may result from exposure to pollen, it has probably resulted due to a bombardment of multi-pollutants such as airborne heavy metals, food, chemicals that we are in contact with daily such as soaps, shampoos, creams, toothpaste, and many others.

What does this mean?

So again! What is this got to do with our dentition? Well, the gold standard to replace our failing or lost dentition is dental implants. The majority of the solutions are titanium based or alloys of therein. Why titanium? This material was accidentally discovered as having the ability to allow bone to grow and connect with it. That was 70 years ago and for many this life enhancing discovery has improved their quality of life markedly in terms of better health through better eating, confidence in communication and relationships as the prosthesis doesn’t need be removed like natural teeth.

But like any discovery first we use it in its purest form; then we try to improve its properties by treating the surface, so it attaches faster and better. In the case of titanium this was achieved using surface treatments such as acid etching, sandblasting, chemical treatments. Different implants, different methods. Some started using alloys to improve the properties such as aluminium, vanadium etc or even to develop cheaper products.

This resulted in rougher surfaces with greater surface area all with the purpose of stronger and tighter bone contact. What most people don’t realise is that your dentition regularly experiences loads of 90-100 kg. It’s designed to manage these comfortably. This is because the technology surrounding the humble tooth is exceptional. So exceptional that we still can’t recreate the whole structure. Each tooth has a periodontal ligament surrounding like a shock absorber. If stretched this would have the surface area of a football field! The tooth is suspended in the bone using millions of small collagen fibres. These fibres mean that within reason, you can put heavy loads on these teeth in different directions. The teeth have different types to of tissues such as enamel, dentine, root cementum all designed to impart different benefits. But the best of all they have a blood supply and nerve supply. This means nutrients to feed the structures as well warning if the structure is becoming overloaded. It’s like the fanciest pressure receptors.

What about Titanium Dental Implants?

Now looking at titanium implants – you get the bone connection which means the ability of heavy loading. But we can’t rebuild the periodontal ligament or the blood supply so that it is possible to overload the system without any pain feedback to stop you. But remember it gives you the ability to eat and taste like you did before without worrying about what’s on the menu; it gives you back your confidence to communicate and laugh without worrying about your teeth; it allows you to be confident without worrying about your teeth falling out or god forbid falling to your partner’s mouth!

What about metal allergies & sensitivity?

Now, whilst you know that we use titanium in implants and many structures because it is lightweight and well-functioning, did you know that it’s also used in many of the foods that you consume? Confectionary, cosmetics, toothpaste, bakery, and some cheese products. So, constant exposure to this ubiquitous material results in an assault on the immune system. People prone to the points discussed previously may start exhibiting these sensitivities. Furthermore, the surface treatments leave the implants very rough, with shards of metal sticking out. As discussed, this is done to improve the surface connection with the bone, but the downside is that these shards of metal can tear off into the bone, potentially starting an immune response event. Your immune army doesn’t accept tear-aways lightly. It will mount a response to deal with the miscreants by enveloping them within cells called macrophages and disposing of them. But now the immune system recognises, and so each interaction will be escalated.

So, what is the alternative?

You might have noticed zirconia being mentioned. That’s Zirconia (a crystalline, ceramic structure harder than metal), not zirconium, which is a metal.

It’s been available in its present form for approximately 20 years. It is a predictable metal-free solution. It is used much more in advanced dental societies such as Switzerland, Germany, Scandinavia, and parts of the US, but not so much in the UK.

What are the benefits of Zirconia Dental Implants?

It’s bioinert. It doesn’t react with the immune system.
It encourages the skin to connect with it thus forming an effective barrier like natural teeth.
It forms as strong a connection with the bone as a titanium-based implant.
It doesn’t corrode as it is a crystalline structure.
It is white and so very aesthetic. No greyness through the skin.
If a rough metal implant becomes exposed it will result in inflammation, pus, and bone loss. With a zirconia implant exposure does not cause or pus.
It encourages better blood supply surrounding it, closer to that of a natural tooth than a titanium implant.
When it comes to connections the tooth that goes on top is as bioinert above ground as is the implant, below ground. It can be cemented like a natural tooth.
Its surface can undergo similar treatments to metal implants as well as using lasers to modify the surface so no surface contaminants for the body to have to deal with.

Incorporating Zirconia Implants in UK dentistry

So, if it’s so great, why have the implant surgeons in the UK been slow to uptake? New technologies take time to show results, but there is 15-year solid data, and with each generation, it gets better. It was a similar situation in 1998 when I started to predominately offer metal-free composite solutions for dental restorations (fillings). Many of my colleagues questioned the need for this, especially since we had a product that had been used successfully for over 100 years (dental amalgam). But what about the 50% mercury content? “It’s bound up”, they said. But then why does it corrode? How can anything withstand crushing forces change in milli-seconds and extremes of heat and cold, not to mention the extremes in acidity and alkalinity (pH changes)? Why are more and more patients claiming sensitivity and numerous side effects? In the end, it was the patients that drove the change. It was banned in several countries but is still available in the UK. Thanks to social media, however, it is a dying breed for a different reason. The amount of readily available training courses on how to use metal-free restorations, coupled with the fact that grey metal teeth aren’t going to get many clicks on Instagram!

Is this the time for zirconia implants? After all, zirconia crowns have functioned for about 20 years and are regularly used as they can be thin (so little alteration of the tooth); they are stronger than metal and much more aesthetic. The public who votes with their feet will bring about change. Get ready for the revolution, and look into our implant solutions!

If you would like to find out more, please contact our team by calling 0131 552 4830 or emailing info@inverleithdentalcare.co.uk.

To book a consultation, you can use our direct online booking system by clicking here.

We look forward to welcoming you to Inverleith Dentalcare.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Inverleith Dentalcare

4.9

Based on 349 reviews

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Clara Gore

08:29 11 Feb 25

What a great gentle experience! Thank goodness for a lovely dentist

billy darling

08:21 11 Feb 25

Outstanding service as always

Amanda Robbins

08:15 10 Feb 25

Thomas Chan

11:20 07 Feb 25

David is very gentle and considerate with his patients. He explained every steps during the treatment. Very satisfied.

Gordon Clayton

10:00 06 Feb 25

Although a double appointment with the Hygienist is not my idea of fun, Rihanna and her Assistant were as usual very pleasant and took care to carry out the various procedures with care and ensure my comfort and provide good advice for future dental hygiene. Inverleith Dental practice can be recommended for care. .

chris fowles

15:27 30 Jan 25

I had an excellent hygiene appointment today with Brianna and Peter.They were very professional and the level of cleaning was second to none. I appreciated the advice that was given at the end of the appointment regarding my at home care.Thanks!

Brian Mulholland

14:23 06 Jan 25

I had a great experience at Inverleith Dentalcare. John McAleavey was very thorough during my check-up and used a camera system to create a 3D scan of my teeth, showing where plaque had built up, which was really helpful. Briana, the hygienist, did an excellent job, leaving my teeth feeling very clean. Overall, I was very pleased with the service and would recommend Inverleith Dentalcare, especially John and Briana.

Iwona Walkowiak

11:29 19 Dec 24

I was able to secure an emergency appointment as a new patient and was impressed by the friendly and welcoming reception staff. The dentists were both positive and highly professional, ensuring a smooth and painless removal of my wisdom tooth. Thank you so much for the exceptional care. I highly recommend their services.

Dona Easton

10:16 02 Nov 24

I cannot recommend this practice highly enough!It is a delight to visit. I am treated with courtesy, friendliness and respect from the reception staff. Likewise, my excellent dentist - Dr Chris Fowles, who is highly skilled and takes time to explain all the procedures to me, often on screen, which ensures my complete understanding of all my treatments.

David Wilson

20:26 15 Oct 24

Excellent service. Emergency appointment as lost a filling away from home. Staff were exceptionally helpful and supportive. From Reception through to Treatment it was a very positive experience. Should I move to Edinburgh I would be extremely happy to apply to join their books. Many thanksDavid Wilson

Jean Kenyon

18:00 12 Aug 24

David Neilson

16:45 08 Aug 24

Great dentistry. I would definitely recommend.

Susanne Goetzold

13:57 25 Jul 24

Really happy with this dental practice. Chris Fowles is an excellent dentist. He takes time to explain treatment and options and also explains what he is doing during check ups and treatments, so nothing comes as a surprise. Great for anxious patients. He also has a great sense of humour. Staff always really friendly and helpful.

Mariam Aziz

08:46 25 Jul 24

I would very highly recommend the Inverleith Dental clinic. They are very professional and really knowledgeable. The admin staff is very helpful and will get you the information that you need to make a decision abo the best treatments you need. Dr. John McAleavy is excellent. He was also very knowledgeable about my TMJ issues and he was really understanding during the appointment and he sign posted me to the tools I needed; this made me feel that he cares about my progress and the best outcome for my case. Overall, I had a great experience and I can confidently say that will come back to Inverleith for any follow ups and future dental needs.

mattias nuella

20:16 24 Jul 24

The staffs were nice and big ups to Dr. Chris, my consultation session with him was good and he was friendly.

Sandra Johnson

19:00 24 Jul 24

Could not ask for better treatment! Thank you so much for all your care, attention and kindness for my son Jay who is having treatment with Chris Fowles he has Cerebral palsy and cannot make it up the stairs so they use a room downstairs to support Jay, Chris has been so thoughtful and makes Jay feel at Ease and explains everything he is doing before he does it this really means a lot. Highly recommend to anyone.

Jo Nash

17:14 17 Jul 24

I met with Dr John McAleavey as a new patient for a consultation about my complex dental health situation. I'm a nervous patient and was instantly at ease on entering the practice. John really listened to my background story and quickly spotted the source of my problems that had been missed by other dentists. My assessment was the most rigorous I've ever received, yet very gentle. John took the time to explain everything thoroughly and clearly. I left the practice with a sense of peace that I'd found the answers I'd been seeking, and confident I was in the hands of expert professionals. I'd recommend them to anyone.

Rosemary Jamieson

19:58 05 Jul 24

I was anxious before my first appointment with Inverleith Dental - my dentist of 25 + years had retired and I needed a practice nearer home - but I should not have worried!The welcome from the receptionist was lovely - The initial conversation with the dentist was very helpful - I learned about the ethos of the practice and felt I was being listened to - in addition this chat took place before the mouth examination so I was not in the reclining position which can put the patient at a disadvantage!The receptionist was most helpful with my mobility problems on leavingThe beautiful Georgian building is a bonus

Ookii Neko

11:50 09 Jun 24

I found Inverleith Dentalcare as I needed emergency dental treatment. They were very accommodating and managed to allocate an appointment the next day. Their service is second to none with professional and caring staff, dentists take the time to explain the procedure to the patient, and use modern standard techniques, materials and treatments. Worth every recommendation.