I lost my 1st molar tooth. What is the best choice for me Ceramic or Zrrconia?

You have a few ways you can replace a missing 1st molar.Option #1 - You could get a bridge. This would be the most cost effective way and fastest way to replace this tooth.  Additionally, you can expect your bridge to last you a good 30 years, if it is made of zirconia.  Zirconia is the substance that makes up man-made diamonds (known as cubic zirconia).  Zirconia is very, very durable and works extremely well for posterior (back teeth) bridges.  Zirconia can very easily be made to match your current tooth color.  I would not get a ceramic bridge for the back teeth.  Metal bridges like gold, are pretty outdated and unsightly to most people.Option #2 - You could get a titanium implant in place of the missing tooth.  This is the most expensive option because it would require an implanted post titanium post (usually cost at about $5,000 by itself).  Then you have to get a special crown made for your implant, which will cost about double the cost of a regular crown.  Bridges can be placed in 1-2 appointments, but implants may take months for bone to heal.  Also, undergoing an implant procedure is a lot more painful than the relatively pain-less bridge.  It often takes patients weeks to heal from implants and usually takes months before they are completely stable.Option #3 - You can get a partial denture for that one tooth.  This is the least expensive option, but I would not recommend this option if you can afford a bridge.Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMD

If you are considering a dental implant in this position, then the implant is made of three parts:the implantThe connector (abutment)The crown (the visible tooth part)Any of these parts can be made from zirconia. I have not used zirconia implants, but it is accepted that this material is more brittle than the standard titanium, so in the molar region, I would just go with normal titanium implants and abutments.For the crown, in my opinion, it doesn't really matter, normal ceramic is better looking, and zirconia is stronger. If it was my tooth, I would go with normal ceramic, as there is less chance that it will wear the opposing tooth (although this should not be a problem if the crown is made correctly)I hope this helpsKind regardsGurs

You did not say how old you are.  If you are the 20-50 year old range I would strongly suggest an implant that will preserve bone and replace the tooth and is easier to care for than a bridge.If you are older both can give you lifetime service.  Overall periodontal health and your caries index should be considered as well.  If you lose a tooth under a bridge things begin to get complicatedGold is the most friendly material to the mouth as it is soft.  The retired dentists I treat always ant gold but there are obvious esthetic concerns.  Porcelain and high noble gives excellent margins but not quite as esthetic as E-max or Zirconia.  Both of those materials are very hard.  Harder to adjust and polish.  Zirconia is a ceramic state of metal.  E-max is a very attractive ceramic.