Frequently asked questions

It means the implant post placed in the jawbone — not just the visible crown — is made from a ceramic material like zirconia instead of titanium.

No single implant material is right for every patient. Bone density, bite forces, gum biotype, and the location of the missing tooth all factor into whether zirconia, titanium, or another approach is most appropriate.

This is an independent educational resource. It does not provide medical advice or diagnose conditions, and it does not accept payment in exchange for editorial claims about safety or efficacy.

No. It's designed to help you prepare informed questions for a licensed dental professional, not to replace an in-person evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment plan.

A zirconia implant uses a ceramic post (zirconium dioxide) in place of the titanium post used in conventional implants. The visible crown on top is typically ceramic in both cases — it's the post anchored in bone that makes the difference.

Typically 10–30% more than an equivalent titanium implant in the U.S., reflecting higher material and manufacturing costs. See our cost guide for current ranges.

Titanium implants have an extensive safety record spanning over 50 years of clinical use. Large-scale research has not established a link to systemic health problems in the general population. Patients with specific metal sensitivity concerns often discuss zirconia as an alternative.

Use our filterable provider directory to search by location and filter for zirconia implant availability. You can also look for practices affiliated with IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology).

Published 5–10 year survival rates for zirconia implants are broadly comparable to titanium over the periods studied. The main difference is that titanium has longer follow-up data simply because it has been in clinical use for longer.