LOS ALTOS, Calif., May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Bay Area dental
patients with missing or badly damaged teeth are increasingly
turning to next-generation, metal-free dental implants, reports the
Peninsula Center of Cosmetic Dentistry. The Los Altos-based, leading cosmetic dentistry
center announces today the availability of metal-free,
third-generation "zirconia" teeth implants, satisfying pent-up
demand from patients with metal allergies, or those simply living
the Bay Area's health-conscious lifestyle.
"In the Bay Area people are very forward-thinking and very
health-conscious, so we see a lot more demand for zirconia implants
than anywhere else in the state," said PCCD implant dentist Dr.
Joseph Field.
Zirconia implant installation is just as straight forward as a
metal implant, yet zirconia offers a number of advantages for the
same price as titanium at PCCD: zirconia implants accumulate less
plaque than titanium; and since titanium implants can darken gums,
white-colored zirconia looks nicer – especially in front teeth.
Zirconia also creates a much-needed option for the three percent
of the population allergic to titanium – the metal most-often-used
in dental implants. A titanium allergy can cause chronic
inflammation around the implant, or a general malaise, according to
Dr. Field. "It's just this whole feeling of being sick."
Health-conscious patients without allergies are also opting for
zirconium because they don't want metal in their body, and small
amounts of titanium can migrate from an implant. "We've been doing
metal-free dentistry for 15 years. The last link was just the
actual implant," he said.
Zirconia oxide is a type of ceramic first-used in hip
replacements, Dr. Field said. Zirconia tooth implants debuted in
Europe, and PCCD has waited until
their success rates rivaled titanium. Third-gen zirconia implants
received FDA approval in January, and Dr. Field has acquired the
additional training to roll out the option, making him a rarity in
the Bay Area.
"There's only a few of us taking the training to do it," he
said. "But it's huge. Titanium is all we've had to offer for over
30 years. It's a very significant advancement."
Millions of Americans need implants to replace missing teeth or
teeth damaged by root canals, crowns, and decay. Missing teeth can
cause bone loss, bite problems, tooth movement and pain. The sooner
an implant is placed, the better, Dr. Field said. Success rates for
zirconia implants now rival that of titanium – about 93 percent, he
said.
Zirconia implants have a healing time one month longer than
titanium, and patients wear an Invisalign-like guard over the new
implant until Dr. Field places a crown on top of it. PCCD performs
the entire process in-house, resulting in a perfectly sculpted
crown that ensures implant longevity. Other dental offices may
contract out crown sculpting or other steps, which can lead to
miscommunication and errors. "If an implant is not done properly,
then you're setting yourself up for failure," he said.
A well-placed, and properly maintained zirconia implant can last
a lifetime, and is available now at PCCD.
With thousands of patients and five years of double digit
growth, PCCD is a leading cosmetic dentistry center in the
country. The choice of beauty models and others in the
entertainment industry, PCCD specializes in cosmetic dentistry, IV
sedation, dental implants, Invisalign orthodontics, and general
dentistry.
For more information, zirconia implant photos, and interview
opportunities, please contact:
Tanya Hartley
Peninsula Center of Cosmetic Dentistry
(650) 948-5524
http://www.pccd.net
info@pccd.ent
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SOURCE Peninsula Center for Cosmetic Dentistry