MD Periodontics · Beverly Hills

Flagship · Metal Free

The Practice's Signature Specialty

Ceramic & Zirconia Dental Implants

In Beverly Hills

Ceramic dental implants, also called zirconia implants, are a metal free way to permanently replace missing teeth. At MD Periodontics in Beverly Hills, Dr. Abdy Moshrefi was one of the first periodontists in Los Angeles to place ceramic implants, and after more than two decades he is recognized as one of the most experienced ceramic implant specialists in the United States.

If you have been told you need an implant but want to avoid metal in your body, ceramic implants were made for you. Patients travel from across the country for a tooth replacement that is strong, natural looking, and fully compatible with the body. This page explains how they work, who they help, and what to expect.

Request a Consultation (310) 859-9449

Smiling couple with natural looking ceramic dental implants in Beverly Hills

Metal Free · Natural · Permanent

2002

Serving Beverly Hills

1000s

Implants Placed

First

LA Periodontists to Place Ceramic

180+

Five Star Google Reviews

The Practice

MD Periodontics is a Beverly Hills periodontal practice specializing in ceramic zirconia dental implants. Founded in 2002 by board certified periodontists Dr. Abdy Moshrefi and Dr. Nazanin Daneshmand, the practice was among the first in Los Angeles to place metal free ceramic implants. Dr. Moshrefi has placed thousands of implants and lectures nationally on ceramic implant techniques.

01 · The Material

What Is a Ceramic Dental Implant?

A dental implant has two jobs. It anchors into your jawbone like a natural tooth root, and it holds a crown that looks and works like a real tooth. Traditional implants do this with titanium. Ceramic implants do the same job with zirconia, a medical grade ceramic that is white like a natural tooth and contains no metal at all.

Zirconia is not fragile like the word ceramic might suggest. It is one of the strongest materials used anywhere in medicine, hard enough that it is also used in artificial hip joints. Modern zirconia implants offer strength and longevity comparable to titanium, with two added advantages: they are naturally white, and the body accepts them exceptionally well.

Ceramic zirconia dental implant model showing the metal free implant post and crown

We place both two piece and screw retained zirconia implant systems, which allows us to match the implant design to your bite, your bone, and your restoration plan rather than forcing one solution on every patient. You can read more about how your new tooth attaches in our guide to screw retained versus cemented implant crowns, or explore all of our implant options on the dental implants page.

02 · The Case for Ceramic

Why Patients Choose Ceramic Over Titanium

Biocompatible

Completely Metal Free

For patients with metal sensitivities, autoimmune concerns, or a simple preference for keeping metal out of their body, zirconia is the answer. It is biologically inert, which means the body does not react to it.

Aesthetics

The Most Natural Appearance

Titanium implants are gray. In patients with thin or receding gums, that gray can show through as a dark line at the gum. A zirconia implant is white all the way through, so it looks natural even if your gums change over the years. For front teeth, this matters enormously.

Tissue Health

Healthier Gums

Plaque adheres less to zirconia than to titanium. Research shows the soft tissue around ceramic implants stays healthier, with less inflammation, which supports the long term success of the implant.

Philosophy

A Holistic Fit

Our practice takes a whole body approach to oral health. Ceramic implants fit that philosophy: a biocompatible material, no metal ions, and excellent tissue response. This is why holistic and biological dentists so often refer their patients to us.

If you want a deeper comparison, our post on ceramic versus metal implants walks through the differences point by point.

03 · Candidacy

Who Is a Good Candidate for Ceramic Implants?

The honest answer about candidacy requires an examination. Dr. Moshrefi evaluates every ceramic implant case personally, using CBCT cone beam imaging to measure your bone in three dimensions before recommending anything.

You are missing one or more teeth, or have a failing tooth that needs replacement
You have a known metal sensitivity or allergy
You prefer a holistic, metal free approach to your health care
You are replacing a front tooth where appearance matters most
You have thin or receding gums where a gray implant could show
You have enough healthy jawbone, or are a candidate for bone grafting

Our Standards

The Implant Systems We Trust

Not all zirconia implants are equal, and we are selective about what we place. Dr. Moshrefi works with Z-Systems, the Swiss company that pioneered modern zirconia implantology, and lectures at the Z-Systems Global Symposium on ceramic implant technique.

04 · The Process

What to Expect: The Ceramic Implant Process

Consultation & 3D Imaging

We examine your mouth, take CBCT cone beam images, and review your health history. You get an honest assessment of whether ceramic implants fit your case, and a complete, transparent treatment plan before anything begins.

Placement

The implant is placed in a precise, minimally invasive procedure. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is. For added comfort we offer nitrous oxide, oral, and IV sedation.

Healing & Integration

Over the following months, the zirconia implant fuses with your jawbone, the same osseointegration process that makes implants so stable.

Your New Tooth

A custom, all ceramic crown is attached. No metal anywhere, and a result that matches your natural teeth so well that most people will never know which tooth is the implant.

Most single implant placements take under an hour, and the majority of our patients return to normal activity within a day or two.

05 · The Specialist

Why Patients Travel to Us for Ceramic Implants

Dr. Abdy Moshrefi, DDS, MS, is a board certified periodontist and former Assistant Clinical Professor of Periodontics at USC who has placed thousands of dental implants and lectures nationally on ceramic and zirconia implantology, including at the Z-Systems Global Symposium and the Holistic Dental Association.

Ceramic implantology is technique sensitive. Dr. Moshrefi was one of the first periodontists in Los Angeles to offer ceramic implants, at a time when most specialists still placed only titanium, and that head start matters. Zirconia handles differently than titanium during placement, and experience is the difference between an implant that lasts a decade and one that lasts a lifetime. That experience is why holistic dentists across the country refer their patients to our Beverly Hills practice, and why patients fly in from out of state for treatment they could not find at home.

“

★★★★★

I just received the most amazing treatment at MD Periodontics. Dr. Moshrefi placed a single non metal implant to replace my missing lower molar. After completing all the diagnostic work up and administering the anesthetic, the actual placement of the implant took less than an hour. I had no pain and was able to totally relax, which was unlike any other routine dental appointment I have ever had. Fast forward 12 hours, I feel great and have not needed even a Tylenol. The fear and concerns I had about having this procedure done were totally unwarranted.

Dian O.

Verified Google Review

“

★★★★★

Dr. Moshrefi is truly an outstanding periodontist. From the very first consultation, it was clear that he operates at a different level of skill, knowledge, and professionalism. His surgical precision and attention to detail are remarkable. The results are not only healthy but beautiful and natural looking. If you are looking for a doctor who is highly skilled, ethical, meticulous, and truly invested in long term outcomes, Dr. Moshrefi is exceptional. I would recommend him without hesitation.

Lizzeth

Verified Google Review

Read all of our 180+ five star Google reviews, or call (310) 859-9449 to schedule your consultation.

06 · Questions

Ceramic Implant FAQ

Are ceramic zirconia implants as strong as titanium?

Yes. Modern zirconia implants offer strength and long term survival comparable to titanium implants. Zirconia is one of the hardest materials used in medicine. The key is proper case selection and experienced placement, which is exactly why patients seek out a specialist for ceramic implants.

How long do zirconia implants last?

With healthy gums and good home care, a ceramic implant is designed to last decades, and often a lifetime. Published studies show zirconia implant survival rates comparable to titanium at the ten year mark. Regular periodontal maintenance protects your investment.

How much do ceramic implants cost in Beverly Hills?

The cost depends on your case: whether bone grafting is needed, how many teeth are being replaced, and the type of crown. At your consultation you receive a fully transparent, itemized treatment plan before any work begins. We accept most major insurance plans and offer financing options.

Are ceramic implants safe for people with metal allergies?

Yes, this is one of the main reasons patients choose them. Zirconia contains no metal, releases no metal ions, and is biologically inert. It is the implant of choice for patients with metal sensitivities, autoimmune conditions, or a preference for metal free dentistry.

Do ceramic implants look more natural than titanium?

For visible teeth, usually yes. Zirconia is white throughout, so there is no gray metal that can show through thin gums or appear at the gum line over time. For front teeth and for patients with thin gum tissue, ceramic gives the most natural result available.

What is the difference between ceramic and zirconia implants?

They are the same thing. Zirconia is the specific ceramic material that modern metal free implants are made from, so the terms ceramic implant and zirconia implant are used interchangeably.

Does insurance cover ceramic implants?

Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for implant treatment, and coverage for ceramic implants generally follows the same rules as titanium. We accept most major insurance plans and our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins.

Beverly Hills Ceramic Implant Specialist

Talk to a Ceramic Implant Specialist

You deserve a straight answer about whether ceramic implants are right for you. Schedule a consultation at our Beverly Hills office and Dr. Moshrefi will examine your case personally, show you your options, and give you an honest recommendation with no pressure.

Request an Appointment (310) 859-9449

Since 2002 · Thousands of Implants Placed · 180+ Five Star Reviews

Ceramic implant treatment at MD Periodontics is performed by Dr. Abdy Moshrefi, DDS, MS, a board certified periodontist. This page was last reviewed by Dr. Moshrefi in August 2026.

Talk to a Ceramic Implant Specialist

Request an Appointment (310) 859-9449

Since 2002 · Thousands of Implants Placed · 180+ Five Star Reviews

Ceramic implant treatment at MD Periodontics is performed by Dr. Abdy Moshrefi, DDS, MS, a board certified periodontist. This page was last reviewed by Dr. Moshrefi in August 2026.

Ceramic & Zirconia Dental Implants

What Is a Ceramic Dental Implant?

Why Patients Choose Ceramic Over Titanium

Completely Metal Free

The Most Natural Appearance

Healthier Gums

A Holistic Fit

Who Is a Good Candidate for Ceramic Implants?

The Implant Systems We Trust

What to Expect: The Ceramic Implant Process

Consultation & 3D Imaging

Placement

Healing & Integration

Your New Tooth

Why Patients Travel to Us for Ceramic Implants

Ceramic Implant FAQ

Talk to a Ceramic Implant Specialist

FAQ

Talk to a Ceramic Implant Specialist

What brings you to MD Periodontics?

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