Ceramic Implants

At The Home of Biological Dentistry, we place a variety of Zirconium implants as we remove more and more titanium implants from immuno-compromised patients daily.

Dr Rojas was introduced to the Z-Lock Ceramic Implant system in 2005 by his mentor, Dr Piet Boshoff. Dr Rojas started to introduced more and more different other brands of Ceramic Implants to South Africa after further specialised training in Switzerland and Poland.

Advantages of Ceramic (Zirconium) Implants

  • Biocompatibility: No heavy metal allergies; safe for patients sensitive to metals.
  • Strength and Durability: High tensile strength, resistant to stress, strain, acids, and corrosion.
  • Non-Conductive: Zirconium is poor at conducting electricity, reducing risks from electromagnetic fields.
  • Aesthetic Benefits: No metallic grey showing through gums; ideal for patients with thin mucosa.

Why Avoid Titanium Implants

  • Titanium releases metal ions 24/7, potentially causing inflammation, autoimmune reactions, and metal sensitivities.
  • Titanium implants may act as antennas, absorbing electromagnetic radiation, and increasing temperature in surrounding tissues.
  • Cases exist of titanium-induced severe health problems, including chronic fatigue, neurological issues, depression, and, rarely, cancer.
  • Titanium in the mouth can create galvanic currents, contributing to corrosion, inflammation, and nerve or tissue damage.

Zirconia Implants as Safe Alternatives

  • Metal-free and highly biocompatible.
  • Osseointegration comparable or superior to titanium implants.
  • Proven long-term survival rates.
  • Used successfully in orthopedic surgery (e.g., hip replacements).
  • Eliminates risks of chronic metal exposure and associated health complications.

References:

To be supplied upon request 

Radioactivity of Ceramic Implants

  • Natural Radioactivity: Zirconium, like almost all natural elements, contains trace radioactive isotopes.
  • Minimal Risk: Implants are made from highly purified Zirconia; radiation levels are negligible, far below European and Australian safety limits.
  • Comparison: Zirconia implant (~1g) emits 0.01 mSv/year, compared to 2.4 mSv/year background radiation.
  • Absorption: In dense ceramics, radiation is absorbed into the material bulk; negligible exposure to surrounding tissue.
  • Safety Confirmation: Studies confirm zirconia implant radiation is similar to alumina and far below harmful levels.

Sources:

  • World Nuclear Association, Z-Systems USA, Dr. Owen Standard (University of New South Wales, 1995), National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, and others.

Previously, we used MELISA tests to determine potential bio-incompatibility with titanium. Today, we prefer not to place titanium implants, due to concerns about titanium ions being released into the body and the growing problem of Electro-Magnetic Sensitivity (EHS). Titanium’s conductivity may act as an antenna, attracting Wi-Fi, cellphone, and other electromagnetic radiation common in modern life.

Patient Story

From: EXXXXXXXXX

Sent: Friday, January 25, 2019 3:57 PM

To: info@southafricadentist.com

Subject: Opinion Titantium implants HPCSA

To recall in summary some of our conversation:

I commenced suffering from severe EHS (electric hyper sensitivity) shortly after having received implants that were placed in by a dentist in 2014.
He did not mention any side effects apart from possible rejection at the time of implant.


When I repeatedly contacted reporting side effects such as tingling sensations in the areas surrounding the implants, as well as vertigo, he denied that it could be the implants. I there after send information such as the following link: https://www.medhelp.org/posts/Allergy/titanium-vanadium-aluminum-dental-implant/show/1252386 (unfortunately this link does not open anymore).


Even though I send the link the doctor denied that titanium implants can cause side effects. He refused to take them out and I would’ve had to pay another third party approximately R10 000 to have them removed.


Finally I insisted that it is the implants. At the time I had severe tiredness, vertigo (not dizzy – completely drunk) and ringing in the ears. Various nasty symptoms gradually disabled me. That dentist forced me to sign a document where he states it is against his advice to have the implants removed. Then he finally agreed to remove them whilst constantly telling me what a terrible mistake I make.


I mentioned to the dentist that my problem might be Oral galvanism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oral_galvanism . Doctor maintained we do not have to take the implants out.


Within the first month after the surgery my symptoms began to improve dramatically. I had much less vertigo. The tingling sensation stopped. However some symptoms took much longer to clear up such as the glands under my ear in my jaw line took years to swell back. I still have some ringing in my ears and suffer tremendously from EHS (electric hyper sensitivity), that has a massive disabling effect on my life. The nervous system thus got injured.


Many doctors now agree that EHS are linked with heavy exposure to microwave radiation emitted from cell phones and wifi devices, coupled with heavy metal toxicity. This is seen as trauma to the body.


The WHO currently sees trauma as a possible causative agent for EHS. Speaking to several EHS support groups most sufferers will advice they suffer from EHS due to microwave radiation exposure coupled with heavy metal toxicity.


The doctor’s group EHCD (www.ehcd.com) based in the US also confirmed that EHS are often brought about metal toxicity of some sort. I refer below to part of our conversation per email.

From: cXXXXX


Subject: Re: EHS solutions

Date: 5 September 2017 18:52:33 GMT+2

We do feel that either toxic chemicals or toxic metals present in the body are responsible for EMF sensitivity. Have you ever had mercury fillings or a chemical exposure?

There is much written on the subject of titanium implant side effects on the internet.

I then requested that Dr. de Waal document my case and the side effects I experienced so that this can be part of brochure patients receive in the future. I did not want anyone else to have to suffer the way I did. When we received chemo therapy they showed a half an hour video of the side effects of chemo therapy.


When buying medicine one gets a pamphlet to mention possible side effects. This way one involves the patient in partaking in responsible decision making.
Furthermore it can be life threatening where side effects are not reported for the patient might get help too late not realising where their side effects came from. This was to a certain extent my case. I first had to go through two MRIs, much stress, developing a disabling condition like EHS prior receiving help due to the Dentist’s constant denial that the implant can pose risks such as the ones I complained about. Where the turning point came for me is when dr de Waal refused to document the case or the side effects.


He mentioned there is enough information on the internet about this. Where before, he denied any of the info on the internet, suddenly the internet were sufficient resource for information concerning titanium implants. He maintained many elderly people benefited from his services. I simply cannot agree for there is elderly people that suffer a lot due to titanium implants, simply thinking it is due to their age. Sometimes it takes those years and many visits to specialists to realise the causative agent were implant. It ruins the golden years of their life.

In life we have to care and be open, upfront and truthful about any findings we receive, whether it might mean a loss for us and a gain for others. Therefore I decided to bring the matter under the attention of the HPCSA so the matter can be resolved, and patients can be thoroughly informed in the future. This way they do not have to go for several MRI tests and suffer a lot of pain, financial losses, and finally disability due to implants that were removed to late due to wilful ignorance from the doctors side. For this side effects need to be reported and documented.

I believe you share a similar viewpoint than me, with a shade difference here and there. But I think we both like the idea of making the world a better place for all to live in.

Kind Regards,


EXXXXXX