Metal-Free

Zirconia (Ceramic or Metal-Free) Dental Implants in Newport Beach

A holistic, metal-free ceramic implant — white rather than grey, with no metal for patients with sensitivity or thin gum tissue. Newport Beach Oral Surgery is one of a select few US centers placing them.

Metal-free
solid ceramic, no titanium
FDA-cleared
and available in the US
Since 1990s
in dental clinical use
ABOMS
board certified surgeon
Metal-free
solid ceramic, no titanium
FDA-cleared
and available in the US
Since 1990s
in dental clinical use
ABOMS
board certified surgeon

What are Zirconia (Ceramic / Metal-Free) Implants?

Zirconia vs titanium
Zirconia
Titanium
Material
Ceramic, metal-free
Metal alloy
Colour
White, no shadow
Grey, can show through
Metal sensitivity
Suits it
Well tolerated by most
Track record
Since the 1990s
Since the 1960s

Zirconia dental implants, also called ceramic dental implants or metal-free dental implants, provide a titanium-free tooth-replacement option for qualified patients seeking natural-looking esthetics and biocompatible implant materials. Made from strong, tooth-colored zirconium dioxide ceramic, zirconia implants are designed to integrate with the jawbone and support a dental crown or bridge while avoiding the gray coloration that may occasionally become visible through thin gum tissue around titanium implants.

Dr. Nader Salib, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Newport Beach, uses comprehensive evaluation, 3D imaging and digitally guided implant planning to determine whether a zirconia or titanium dental implant is best suited to each patient’s anatomy, health and restorative needs, providing individualized ceramic implant treatment for patients throughout Newport Beach and Orange County.

Dr. Salib is a Z-Systems Ambassador — Z-Systems is a pioneer of ceramic (zirconia) dental implants — and was among the earliest surgeons in the United States placing them. He also lectures to other clinicians on guided zirconia implant placement.

Advantages of Zirconia

Metal-free
A ceramic material with no metal at all, for a holistic option.
No grey shadow
White rather than grey, so nothing shows through thin gum tissue.
Biocompatible
For patients with a titanium sensitivity, a metal-free option matters.
Plaque-resistant
The surface resists plaque, supporting the gum around the implant.
Strong
Fracture resistance comparable to titanium in implant use.
Osseointegrative
Bone integrates with zirconia the same way it does with titanium.

The Placement Process

01
A 3D CT scan and consultation decide whether zirconia suits your case.
02
The implant position is planned against your bone and gum.
03
The zirconia implant is placed under your chosen sedation.
04
It integrates with the bone over 3 to 6 months.
05
A zirconia crown completes the all-ceramic restoration.

The Placement Process

01A 3D CT scan and consultation decide whether zirconia suits your case.
02The implant position is planned against your bone and gum.
03The zirconia implant is placed under your chosen sedation.
04It integrates with the bone over 3 to 6 months.
05A zirconia crown completes the all-ceramic restoration.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Known or suspected metal sensitivity
A holistic or biological approach to treatment
Thin gum tissue, where a titanium shadow would show through
A preference for a metal-free option
Where the angle or staging calls for it, titanium may still be better

What Do They Cost?

The cost of zirconia dental implants, also called ceramic or metal-free dental implants, varies according to the number and location of teeth being replaced, the zirconia implant system selected, the complexity of surgery and whether treatment requires tooth extraction, bone grafting, 3D-guided implant planning, a temporary restoration or sedation for oral surgery. Because ceramic implant treatment must be carefully planned around each patient’s jawbone anatomy, bite, gum tissue and restorative needs, an examination and 3D imaging are necessary before an accurate estimate can be provided.

Dr. Nader Salib, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Newport Beach, can determine whether a zirconia implant is appropriate and provide a personalized treatment estimate, including applicable insurance benefits, payment options and financing for patients throughout Orange County.

Recovery

Recovery is like any implant — mild soreness for a few days, soft food, and back to routine within a week, while the implant integrates with the bone over 3 to 6 months before the crown is placed.

First 48 hr rest, soft food~1 week back to routine3–6 mo integration, crown
PRP Therapy — heal faster →

Aftercare

First 48 hours: rest, ice and soft food
Eat on the other side while the implant integrates
Brush and floss gently around the site as directed
No smoking — it slows healing
Keep your follow-up and hygiene visits

Call Us If

Bleeding does not slow with steady pressure
Swelling worsens after day three
The implant feels loose
You develop a fever or a foul taste

Frequently Asked Questions

Are zirconia implants better than titanium?
Better for some patients, not for all. Zirconia is the right answer where metal sensitivity, thin gum tissue or a preference for a metal-free option is the deciding factor. Titanium has the longer track record and more restorative flexibility on complex angles. Dr. Salib will tell you which applies after the scan.
How long do zirconia implants last?
With good hygiene, comparable to titanium — decades. The crown on top is the wearing part.
Do zirconia implants cost more?
Generally yes, because of the material and component range, not the surgery itself. You get the full figure in writing at the consultation.
What are the symptoms of a titanium allergy?
Uncommon, but can include persistent inflammation or irritation around a metal implant, or a known metal sensitivity elsewhere. A metal-free option removes the question.
How do I clean zirconia implants?
Brush and floss as you would natural teeth, plus regular hygiene visits — the plaque-resistant surface helps.
Are zirconia implants FDA approved?
Yes. Once available only in Europe, zirconia implants are now FDA-cleared and available in the United States.

What Our Patients Say

“I had an exceptional experience with Dr. Salib and the entire team. From the very first consultation, I felt genuinely cared for and confident that I was in the right hands. Dental procedures like implants, dentures, and bone grafting can feel overwhelming, but Dr. Salib took the time to explain every step in detail, answer all of my questions, and make sure I was comfortable with the plan. The staff is truly outstanding—friendly, patient, and incredibly professional. Every visit felt welcoming, and they went above and beyond to make sure I was at ease. You can tell they genuinely care about their patients, not just the outcome but the overall experience as well. Dr. Salib’s expertise and attention to detail are remarkable. The implant and bone grafting procedures were handled with such precision, and my recovery was much smoother than I expected. The results exceeded my expectations—everything feels natural, secure, and looks amazing. My dentures fit perfectly, and I finally feel confident smiling again. What stood out the most was the level of care and communication throughout the entire process. I was always informed, never rushed, and truly felt like a priority. I highly recommend Dr. Salib and his team to anyone considering implants, dentures, or bone grafting. Their professionalism, skill, and kindness make all the difference. Thank you for giving me my smile and confidence back!”

Karolina Woloch · implants, dentures & bone grafting

“Dr. Salib is the best!! My daughter got her wisdom teeth pulled and we couldn’t have been happier with the experience. Everyone in the office was so friendly and made it way less scary for my daughter. Highly recommend!!!”

Tatiana Beebe · wisdom teeth

“I had the best experience with this office! I went in to remove all 4 of my wisdom teeth and was nervous prior to the procedure. Dr. Salib was so patient and walked me through the entire procedure. I didn’t feel a thing! It was the best experience! And the front staff was just as friendly and kind as he was. They answered all of my questions and made me feel at ease. One of the cleanest offices I’ve been to…. I even had a great view from my treatment room! Truly a wonderful and great experience. I’m so happy this is where I came to get my treatment completed. Highly recommend this office! Thank you so much Dr. Salib!”

Christian Gorgy · wisdom teeth

“I HAD THE BEST EXPERIENCE HERE! I am 23 years old and was kind terrified at my age to get them out due to higher bleeding risk. Due to me being in my 20s on my own I researched several people and did a consult here. I was super impressed and decided to choose him. Yes he was pricier but to me worth every penny!! He is priced higher for a reason in my opinion. Cause his healing after surgery was so fast!! The pain was minimal. The procedure itself was so quick and well done. He sent me home with all the supplies I needed, answered any and all questions. Sent the person taking me home with any aftercare instructions. The PRP after the procedure is more of a cost and honestly I wasn’t gonna do it. But I decided okay let’s try it.. it was sooo worth it. My sister did hers without this and took her over a week to heal and was in so much pain going to another oral surgeon doctor. Whereas I went here to Dr salib and did the PRP and was okay to resume activities in less than 2 days and has minimal pain. Highly highly recommend this doctor!! Choose him to get your wisdom teeth out for sure :)) great experience”

Sydney Jade · wisdom teeth with PRP

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