
Oct
As an authentic provider of biological or holistic dentistry services, Gateway Oral Health Center stands by the safety and effectiveness of all of the products, technologies, and treatments available at our office in St. George, Utah. Everything here is carefully “vetted” by our qualified dental professionals. Fundamental to biological dental care is the biocompatibility of dental materials. The materials that dentists use must be compatible with natural tissues. You deserve to have your condition treated and your oral health restored; the materials introduced to your mouth should not present additional risks to your health and well-being.
Using non-metal (ceramic) implants to rebuild teeth is a shining example of biocompatible materials and processes in action. This metal-free material is safely and predictably used in other types of implants and medical devices due to its high biocompatibility and resistance to wear. Specifically, its ability to fuse or integrate to the surrounding bone once introduced to the body has led to an array of ceramic-based implants for shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle joint replacement and, of course, tooth replacement!
The implant itself is a cylindrical-shaped post made from a high-performance ceramic material. Implants are introduced to the jaw during a minor surgical procedure. After the implant has been positioned in the jaw, it fuses or osseointegrates with the surrounding bone. Unlike other implants mentioned here, the dental implant is designed to become a part of the body. With high biocompatibility, the process of joining with bone is predictable, safe, and low risk.
Ceramics have many unique properties that make them an appropriate option in dentistry and medical devices. They also complement our biological and holistic dentistry principles at Gateway Oral Health Center.
1. The material is strong without the bulk. Due to this strength and durability, implants made from ceramic can optimally support the artificial teeth that are attached to them.
2. Since they resist breakage so well, they are an appropriate option to replace teeth that really endure the most stress and pressure — those molars and premolars at the very back of the mouth. They are also highly cosmetic. So, there is no dark discoloration peeking through thin tissue in visible areas, such as the front teeth.
3. These metal-free materials are truly hypoallergenic. This feature makes ceramics a potential option for many different types of patients, including those with concerns about adverse reactions and sensitivities to metals.
If you are confused about the many modern options for implants and tooth replacement in general, we are here to help with credible information that you can trust. That way, you can make the most well-informed decision about treatment that is in the best interests of your smile and systemic health and wellness as a whole. Call our office at (435) 656-0255 to start the process toward a better smile and better health.
Dr. Bryce Eagar completed his undergraduate studies at the College of Southern Nevada and the University of Nevada in Las Vegas and attended dental school at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. He joined the Minnesota National Guard while in dental school and later transferred to the New Mexico National Guard. He retired from the US Army Reserves as a Major after serving for 13.5 years.                               Â
Dr. Eagar’s journey to becoming a biological dentist started with his and his family’s health. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health and a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine.
Dr. Matthew D. Geddes earned his BS in Zoology and Chemistry from Weber State University and his DDS from Dalhousie University dental school (in 2006). He has worked as an associate and owner of a general dentistry practice. He is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a Fellow and Diplomate of the American Orthodontic Society. Dr. Geddes began learning about sleep and TMJ dentistry in 2018, which prompted him to enter the area of biological dentistry.