A Smiling Heart Dentistry in Bellevue, WA

Ceramic Dental Implants
Bellevue, WA

Rendering of an x-ray with ceramic dental implants from A Smiling Heart Dentistry in Bellevue, WA
Dental implants come with a variety of options, including the number of teeth being replaced, the prosthetic being attached, in size, and in material. The traditional implant is made from a titanium metal which is strong, durable and lightweight, but for patients with sensitivities, there are alternatives. At A Smiling Heart Dentistry, we offer ceramic dental implants using zirconia. We value your health, and understand that there is never one answer for everyone. If you have concerns about metals in your body, ceramic dental implants might be the answer you’re looking for.

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. We use them to rebuild the base, or tooth root, reestablishing the connection with the jaw bone. Ceramic implants can be placed as a single unit or as two separate pieces. The advantage of a single unit is having the complete tooth restoration completed in one day. The advantage of two separate pieces is being able to change the prosthetic device being attached; it can be a single crown or part of a bridge or denture system. Following your examination, we can review your options specific to your case and based on our future predictions.

Zirconia is the ceramic of choice in dental prosthetics including dental implants. It offers a strong, superior advantage over other ceramic products. Zirconium oxide implants provide our patients with an implant that is:

  • Metal Free: Zirconia contains metal atoms but is an unreactive ceramic — making it ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities.
  • Biocompatible: It integrates naturally with human tissue and offers the strength of titanium without the risks.
  • Healthier: Zirconia resists plaque and tartar buildup, helping keep gums healthier around the implant.
  • Light in Color: Especially helpful for front teeth or patients with thin gums — it avoids the dark shine-through that titanium can cause.

Surgical Placement of Your Ceramic Implant

Placing your ceramic dental implant is a minimally invasive procedure suitable for most patients. This includes medically delicate individuals as long as they can heal at an average rate. It’s important to disclose all medications, even if they seem unrelated. Healing is critical to treatment success.

Preparation is key. We will take a detailed digital x-ray to evaluate bone mass and map your treatment. If necessary, we may perform bone grafting or address gum issues before surgery can begin.

On surgery day, we ensure comfort using appropriate anesthetics. The procedure includes opening the tissue, creating space in the bone, placing the implant, and closing the tissue. Soft tissue heals in days, while bone will fuse with the implant over several months — a process called osseointegration.

Learn More About Dental Implants

If you’d like to learn more, give us a call at (425) 558-9998 or schedule an appointment today!