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help need tooth implant ...ceramic?

Hi, I had my tooth extracted today and the dentist told me she could recommend me to 18 dentist in Coleraine for an implant but I think she said they worked in metal not ceramic. After googling it I see the gum can recede in the metal ones and you see the metal - wouldn't be nice...whereas the ceramic ones cope with this more aesthetically. Please can anyone tell me your implant experiences/recommendations.....it would be really appreciated.
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Comments

  • metalgal
    metalgal Posts: 320 Forumite
    afaik all implants will have metal in them, other wise how would they stay in. i think you are maybe getting confused with crowns which have a metal core but when the gum recedes it exposes a tiny bit of metal at the top. best bet is to talk to some implant dentists and see what your options are.
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,092 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    As above. ^^^^^^^

    The 'Implant' is a titanium device that looks a bit like a screw. That goes into your bone, and you usually have to wait a few months for the bone to fuse with it.

    Once that is done, you then have a crown built onto the implant. This is the bit that looks like a tooth. (Until you're ready for that, you'll have something temporary in the gap like a simple denture, or a stick-on sort of bridge like a Maryland).

    The crown that is built onto the implant can be made of several materials, ceramic being one.

    The dentist doing it should go through all options though, with costs and aesthetic implications. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you need to there.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • facingthefuture
    facingthefuture Posts: 939 Forumite
    edited 17 April 2011 at 6:08PM
    Thanks for your responses.


    Toothsmith - great name!!!!:D

    My own dentist mentioned ceramic or titanium (though she is not qualified to do implants but will refer me)and I understand that if the gum recedes later then the meal rim can be exposed. I guess thats why some go for the ceramic but as I read....

    Zirconium dental implants are a one piece structure and you will need to see your dentist quite a few times over a period of 4 – 6 months for monitoring of the healing. Also, a one-piece implant can only work in one position, unlike a two-piece implant for which angled abutments are available.
    Zirconia implants may be subjected to hydrolysis whereby they can absorb water and become prone to fracture.



    So I guess they are not as strong as the titanium?????

    My other worry is that I can only wear earrings for a short while - I suspect I may have some sort of metal allergy.Saying that I have crowns and I think they have metal in them with no problem.

    Basically, trying to work out is ceramic better.....I know not all implant dentists use them and frankly I would like a response that is independent and not governed by a profit making motive.
  • londondent
    londondent Posts: 66 Forumite
    I think the best thing you could do is avoid choosing an implant system based on the brand/material. Zirconia implants may be more aesthetically pleasing, however i beleive they are relatively new to the market. Not sure what the long term studies (if there are any??) say about success rates.

    Its probably better to discuss your options with an implantologist (hopefully recommended to you by friends/dentist) and see what they feel would work best in your mouth.
  • Thanks so much. My dentist is just brilliant and I will go with her recommendation for the implant place/bloke and yes indeed I thoroughly take the point about titanium.
  • So how did you get on with your implant?
  • Did your Dentist also tell you, you could go to School of Dentistry at Queens and get your dental work for free?

    It's 5th yr Dental students and everything is fully supervised. I had mine done several years ago and haven't looked back. Saved my self over £2000 by going to Queens school of Dentistry.
  • leskerr
    leskerr Posts: 130 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    Did your Dentist also tell you, you could go to School of Dentistry at Queens and get your dental work for free?

    It's 5th yr Dental students and everything is fully supervised. I had mine done several years ago and haven't looked back. Saved my self over £2000 by going to Queens school of Dentistry.

    They do implants for free?

    I was expecting it to be just the basics.

    Les
  • brook2jack
    brook2jack Posts: 4,563 Forumite
    Did your Dentist also tell you, you could go to School of Dentistry at Queens and get your dental work for free?

    It's 5th yr Dental students and everything is fully supervised. I had mine done several years ago and haven't looked back. Saved my self over £2000 by going to Queens school of Dentistry.

    No necessarily. Only certain treatments will be done (not including implants, dentures,etc), you have to have an assessment first to see if you are suitable, then you are placed on a list with no guarantee you will be seen.

    You may be treated by a student from the second year upwards.

    Appointments will take alot longer, you have no little choice about when they will be and as treatment takes place in a large clinic within sight and sound of many others it will not be suitable for nervous patients.
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