More and more of our patients want to understand how dental materials affect their overall health, not just their smile. Some have had old metal fillings replaced. Others want to avoid any reaction to the materials used in an implant. At MD Periodontics in Beverly Hills, we choose materials and techniques based on one thing: what is genuinely in the best interest of the patient in our chair.
This guide explains the real differences between titanium and ceramic implants, the honest pros and cons of each, and how to think about which one fits you. If you already know you want a metal free option, you can read our dedicated page on ceramic dental implants in Beverly Hills, where Dr. Moshrefi, a zirconia implant specialist, covers that option in depth.
There Are Two Types of Dental Implant Material
Dental implants are made from either metal, specifically titanium, or ceramic, specifically zirconia. Both have real advantages and real trade-offs, and choosing between them is one of the most common questions we answer. Neither is universally better. The right answer depends on your body, your bite, and your goals.
Titanium Dental Implants
Titanium dental implants have been in use since the 1960s, which gives the profession more than sixty years of data on how they perform. Most implant research and development is still built around titanium systems.
A titanium implant has three parts: a screw that anchors into the jawbone, a post called an abutment, and a porcelain crown on top. The screw fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a permanent, stable base.
Pros of Titanium Implants
Proven track record. With over sixty years of use, titanium is the most studied implant material in dentistry, and it is trusted by patients and specialists alike.
Durability. Titanium is strong and resistant to fracture. With good care, a titanium implant can last decades.
High success rate. Published research shows titanium implants with a ten year success rate around 97 percent.
Biocompatibility. Titanium integrates well with bone and gum tissue and resists corrosion.
Cons of Titanium Implants
Metal sensitivity. True titanium allergy is rare. One study found only about 0.6 percent of patients showed a titanium sensitivity. But when it does occur, it can cause inflammation, discomfort, and in some cases implant failure.
A possible gray line. In patients with thin or receding gums, the darker metal can sometimes show through at the gum line.
Two piece design. Because the screw and abutment are separate parts, there is a small junction where bacteria can potentially collect.
Slightly less natural. Titanium implants look very good, but they do not match the light-transmitting look of ceramic quite as closely.
Ceramic (Zirconia) Dental Implants
Zirconia is a tooth colored ceramic. It begins as the element zirconium, but once it is processed into zirconium oxide it becomes a ceramic, which is why these are called ceramic implants, and they are considered metal free.
More patients are choosing to keep metal out of their bodies, which is driving the rise of zirconia. Ceramic implants are FDA cleared and have a strong track record, though because they are newer than titanium, the very long term data set is smaller. Most ceramic implants are a single piece rather than a separate screw and abutment.
Pros of Ceramic Implants
Aesthetics. Zirconia is white throughout, so even patients with thin tissue or a receding gum line do not have to worry about a dark screw showing through. Placed well, a ceramic implant is essentially indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
Biocompatibility. Research shows ceramic implants produce a low inflammatory response and achieve osseointegration comparable to titanium.
Gum and oral health. Zirconia attracts and holds less plaque and bacteria than titanium, and a one piece design gives bacteria fewer places to gather.
Hypoallergenic. Because they contain no metal, ceramic implants are safe for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities.
Cons of Ceramic Implants
Technique sensitivity. A one piece design can be trickier to place at the perfect angle, which is exactly why experience matters so much with ceramic. Titanium’s two piece options allow easier angled placement in difficult cases.
Availability. Because zirconia is newer in the US, many practices do not offer it. At MD Periodontics, we were one of the first practices in the United States to place ceramic implants, so this is never a limitation for our patients.
Which Implant Material Is Best?
Both materials have high success rates, both are biocompatible, both are FDA cleared, and both change lives for people who have lost teeth. The honest answer is that the best material depends on your specific case.
For a single tooth, especially a visible front tooth, ceramic blends in beautifully. For very small diameter sites, titanium is often the safer choice because thin zirconia is more prone to cracking. For a full arch of missing teeth, titanium is frequently preferred. A thorough exam, including 3D imaging, is what turns this general guidance into a clear recommendation for you.
Titanium and ceramic dental implants both achieve success rates above 95 percent, but they suit different patients. Ceramic zirconia implants are metal free and ideal for patients with metal sensitivities or visible front teeth, while titanium remains the more established choice for very small sites and some full arch cases. At MD Periodontics in Beverly Hills, Dr. Abdy Moshrefi was one of the first periodontists in the United States to place ceramic implants.
Why Choose MD Periodontics for Your Dental Implants
At MD Periodontics, you are treated by a board certified periodontist on every visit, never a general dentist. Our approach is holistic, using biocompatible materials, advanced technology, and a calm, comfortable environment designed to take the stress out of implant treatment.
MD Periodontics is a leading Beverly Hills practice for dental implants, and our periodontists’ expertise draws patients from across Los Angeles and beyond. A consultation with Dr. Moshrefi or Dr. Daneshmand is the first step toward a healthy, natural looking tooth replacement.
To schedule a consultation, contact us or call (310) 859-9449. Our Beverly Hills office serves patients throughout West Los Angeles, Culver City, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Bel Air, Brentwood, and greater Southern California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lasts longer, titanium or ceramic implants?
Both are designed to last decades with healthy gums and good care. Titanium has the longer published track record at over sixty years, while zirconia has strong medium and long term data and is growing. Longevity depends less on the material and more on placement quality and ongoing periodontal maintenance.
Are ceramic implants worth the higher cost?
For patients who want a metal free option, a visible front tooth result, or who have metal sensitivities, many feel ceramic is well worth it. Cost is only one factor. At your consultation you receive a clear, itemized plan so you can weigh the options for your specific case.
Can I switch from a titanium implant to ceramic?
In some cases an existing implant can be replaced with a ceramic one, but this is a case by case decision that requires an exam and 3D imaging. Dr. Moshrefi evaluates the site, the bone, and the reason for the change before recommending anything.
Is one implant material safer than the other?
Both are biocompatible and FDA cleared. Titanium sensitivity is rare but possible, and ceramic is fully metal free, which is why patients with known metal allergies often choose zirconia. For most patients, either material is safe.
This article was written and reviewed by Dr. Abdy Moshrefi, DDS, MS, a board certified periodontist at MD Periodontics in Beverly Hills. Last reviewed August 2026.
