Zirconia implants are a modern type of dental implant utilized for tooth replacement, known for their superior aesthetics and metal-free composition.

Introduced in the early 1990s, zirconia implants gained popularity rapidly due to their strength and natural look. In Turkey, zirconia implants are widely chosen as a preferred option for permanent tooth replacement.

Cost of Zirconia Dental Implants in Turkey

One of the most appealing aspects of healthcare in Turkey is its affordability. Turkey offers significantly lower prices compared to many Western countries, while maintaining a high standard of healthcare. This affordability is attributed to various factors, including lower living costs in the country compared to the West and government subsidies for the healthcare system, particularly private clinics. As medical tourism plays an important role in Turkey’s economy, strict quality requirements are imposed by the government to ensure excellent medical care.

What Are Zirconia Dental Implants in Turkey?

Zirconia implants are dental implants made of zirconium, a ceramic material containing zirconium. Although zirconium is a metal, zirconia is an oxidized form of zirconium and therefore non-metallic. Zirconia exhibits unique properties as a non-reactive and biocompatible material, offering both strength and a natural tooth-like appearance. Unlike implants made from other materials, zirconia implants have no reported cases of allergic reactions and provide enhanced aesthetic outcomes. Different types of implants are available to suit various needs and use cases.

Dentists can use dental implants to replace lost or damaged teeth. In simple terms, implants consist of a screw-like component inserted into the jaw to replace the tooth’s root, with a dental crown attached to this screw. The dental crown, also known as a “false tooth,” is the visible part of the implant. It is possible to directly connect the dental crown to the screw, known as a one-piece implant, or use a connecting piece called an abutment. Most zirconia implants are designed as one-piece implants.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Zirconia Dental Implants in Turkey

Zirconia, a modern material, offers several advantages over other implant materials:

• It closely resembles natural teeth and can be easily color-matched to blend seamlessly.
• It is non-allergenic, non-toxic, and non-reactive. In contrast, titanium, the most common implant material, can cause allergic reactions in up to 5% of patients.
• Zirconia implants promote osseointegration, resulting in a stronger connection between the implant and the bone.
• Some evidence suggests that zirconia implants may exhibit greater resistance to bacteria compared to other materials.
• As gums recede with age, zirconia implants do not appear as gray areas under the crowns since the implant screws are white.

However, there are also a few disadvantages to consider:

• As a newer material, there is limited research and data on long-term effects and potential unknown disadvantages compared to more established materials.
• Most zirconia implants are designed as one-piece implants, but in certain cases, having an abutment is preferable for adjusting the crown angle.
• Zirconia implants tend to be slightly more expensive than titanium implants and have slightly lower strength.
• Zirconia ceramic cannot be used to create small-diameter implants as they are prone to fracture at smaller sizes.

Difference Between Zirconia and Titanium Dental Implants

Titanium implants are the most common type and have been in use since the 1960s. They are made of durable gray-colored metal or its alloys. Titanium implants offer the following distinctions compared to zirconia implants:

Titanium implants are generally more durable and available in a wider range of options. Zirconia implants may not be feasible in certain cases where a suitable angle is required.

Titanium can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals and inflammation in patients with diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or other health conditions.

The metallic gray color of titanium screws may be aesthetically undesirable if the patient has receding gums. It can also give the appearance of darker and grayer gums in individuals with thin gum tissue.

Dental Implantation Methods in Turkey

At EYLEM CLINIC, we offer various dental implantation methods based on the patient’s specific needs:

• Single-tooth implants are the most common and replace a single tooth in the jaw.
• All-on-4 dental implants are suitable for patients needing to replace most or all of their teeth in one jaw. This method utilizes four screws to support a full set of teeth.
• If there is insufficient bone in the upper jaw for a conventional implant, zygoma implants can be installed. These implants are attached to the cheekbones and replace all the teeth in the upper jaw, providing a secure attachment.