Can Zirconia Implants Corrode or Cause a "Metallic Taste" in the Mouth?

Patients considering dental implants London sometimes raise concerns about implant materials — particularly whether certain implants can corrode in the mouth or cause unusual taste sensations. These are reasonable questions, and they deserve clear, evidence-based answers.

Zirconia implants are sometimes described as a “metal-free” alternative to traditional titanium implants. But what does that actually mean in terms of corrosion and taste? Can a material that contains no metal still cause a metallic taste? And if not, what else might explain such a sensation?

This guide explores the properties of zirconia as an implant material, examines what the evidence says about corrosion and taste, and discusses the various factors that can influence oral sensations — helping you approach the topic with clarity rather than concern.

What Are Zirconia Dental Implants Made Of?

Understanding what zirconia implants are made from is the starting point for addressing questions about corrosion and taste.

Zirconium Dioxide Explained

Zirconia dental implants are made from zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂), a ceramic material. Although zirconium is a metallic element in its pure form, zirconium dioxide is a crystalline oxide — a ceramic compound — rather than a metal. This distinction is important because ceramics and metals behave very differently in the body.

Zirconium dioxide has been used in various medical and dental applications for decades, including hip replacements and dental crowns. It is valued for its strength, biocompatibility and tooth-like colour.

Ceramic vs Metal Distinction

The key difference between a ceramic implant and a metal implant lies in their chemical structure. Metals such as titanium are elemental or alloyed materials that can, under certain conditions, release ions into surrounding tissues. Ceramics like zirconia are oxide compounds that are chemically inert in most biological environments — meaning they do not undergo the same electrochemical reactions as metals.

This does not mean zirconia is without any considerations — no medical material is entirely risk-free — but its ceramic nature means it behaves differently from metals in the oral environment.

Why Material Properties Matter

The material an implant is made from can influence how it interacts with bone, gum tissue and saliva. Factors such as surface chemistry, biocompatibility and resistance to degradation all play a role in how an implant performs over time. Understanding these properties helps patients and clinicians make informed decisions about which material may be most appropriate for a given situation.

Can Zirconia Implants Corrode?

Corrosion is a topic that sometimes causes concern among patients, so it is worth understanding what it means in a dental context and how it relates to different implant materials.

What Does Corrosion Mean in Dentistry?

In dentistry, corrosion refers to the chemical or electrochemical degradation of a material in the oral environment. The mouth is a complex environment — warm, moist, with varying pH levels and the presence of bacteria, food debris and saliva. Metals placed in this environment can, in some circumstances, undergo corrosion processes that release metal ions into surrounding tissues.

This is not unique to dental implants — any metallic dental restoration (including crowns, bridges and orthodontic components) can theoretically be subject to corrosion, though clinically significant corrosion is uncommon with modern materials.

How Does Zirconia Behave in the Oral Environment?

Because zirconia is a ceramic oxide rather than a metal, it does not undergo traditional electrochemical corrosion in the way that metals can. Laboratory and clinical studies have consistently shown that zirconium dioxide is highly resistant to chemical degradation in biological environments.

This chemical stability is one of the reasons zirconia has been adopted as a material for dental implants and other medical devices. However, it is important to note that no material is entirely immune to degradation under all conditions, and long-term clinical data on zirconia implants continues to accumulate.

How Does This Compare to Metal Corrosion?

Titanium — the most widely used implant material — is also highly resistant to corrosion, thanks to a naturally forming oxide layer on its surface. The vast majority of titanium implants function without any corrosion-related issues. In rare cases, corrosion of titanium components has been reported in the literature, but this remains uncommon and is often associated with specific clinical circumstances.

The point here is not that one material is “safer” than another, but rather that both titanium and zirconia have strong track records of biocompatibility and chemical stability. Neither should be feared, and neither should be presented as risk-free.

Can Zirconia Implants Cause a Metallic Taste?

A metallic taste in the mouth is an experience that some patients report after dental treatment. But is it connected to the implant material itself?

Why Is a “Metallic Taste” Sometimes Reported?

Taste changes — including sensations described as metallic, bitter or unusual — can occur for a wide variety of reasons. Some patients associate these sensations with dental materials, which is understandable. However, in the case of zirconia implants, there is an important distinction: zirconia does not contain free metal ions and does not undergo ionic dissolution in the way metals can.

This means that a true “metallic taste” caused directly by a zirconia implant would be difficult to explain from a material science perspective.

The Absence of Metal Ions in Zirconia

Metal ions released from dental materials are sometimes cited as a potential cause of taste disturbances. Because zirconia is a ceramic compound, it does not release metal ions in the same way that metallic alloys can. This makes a direct causal link between a zirconia implant and a metallic taste unlikely, based on current understanding.

However, it is essential not to dismiss patient-reported symptoms. If a patient experiences a metallic taste after having a zirconia implant placed, the cause should be investigated — it may be related to other factors entirely.

Why Correlation Does Not Equal Causation

If a patient notices a metallic taste around the time of implant placement, it is natural to assume the two are connected. However, many other changes occur during and after implant surgery — including the use of medications, changes in oral hygiene routine, temporary inflammation and healing responses — any of which may contribute to altered taste perception. A thorough clinical assessment is the best way to identify the actual cause.

Other Possible Causes of a Metallic Taste in the Mouth

If you experience a metallic or unusual taste in your mouth, there are several possible explanations that are unrelated to implant material.

Medications

A wide range of medications can cause taste disturbances as a side effect. These include certain antibiotics, blood pressure medications, antifungal drugs and supplements such as iron or zinc. If you have recently started or changed a medication, this may be worth discussing with your doctor or dentist.

Oral Infections or Gum Disease

Infections in the mouth — including gum disease (periodontitis), abscesses or post-surgical infections — can produce taste changes. Bacterial activity and the inflammatory response can alter the chemical environment in the mouth, leading to unusual sensations.

Dry Mouth or Hygiene Factors

Reduced saliva flow (xerostomia) can concentrate substances in the mouth and alter taste perception. Similarly, changes in oral hygiene routine — such as using a new mouthwash or toothpaste — may temporarily affect how things taste.

Other Dental Restorations

If you have other dental restorations in your mouth — such as amalgam fillings, metal crowns or metal-ceramic bridges — these may be a more likely source of metallic taste than a ceramic implant. In some cases, the interaction between different metals (known as galvanic corrosion) can produce low-level electrical currents and associated taste sensations. This is a well-documented phenomenon in dentistry, though it is typically mild and often resolves over time.

How Do Zirconia and Titanium Implants Compare in This Context?

Patients sometimes ask how zirconia and titanium implants compare specifically in relation to corrosion and taste. For a broader comparison of implant materials, you may also find our titanium vs zirconia implant comparison helpful.

Material Behaviour Differences

Titanium is a metal that forms a stable oxide layer (titanium dioxide) on its surface, which protects it from corrosion. Zirconia is itself an oxide ceramic, so it does not rely on a surface layer for protection — its chemical stability is inherent to its structure. Both materials are highly biocompatible and both are widely used in implant dentistry with strong clinical evidence supporting their use.

Clinical Relevance of Corrosion Resistance

From a clinical perspective, both titanium and zirconia implants demonstrate excellent corrosion resistance. Instances of clinically significant corrosion with either material are rare. The choice between materials should be based on a range of clinical factors — including bone quality, implant site, aesthetic requirements and patient preference — rather than on corrosion concerns alone.

An Evidence-Based Comparison

It would be misleading to suggest that one material is categorically “better” or “safer” than the other. Both have strengths, both have limitations, and both are appropriate choices in different clinical scenarios. The evidence supports the use of both materials, and the decision should always be made on an individual basis with professional guidance.

When Should You Speak to a Dentist About Taste Changes?

While occasional taste changes are common and often resolve on their own, there are situations where professional assessment is advisable.

Persistent or Worsening Symptoms

If a metallic or unusual taste persists for more than a few days, or if it worsens over time, it is worth having it assessed. Persistent taste changes can sometimes indicate an underlying issue — such as an infection, a reaction to a material elsewhere in the mouth, or a systemic health factor — that may benefit from treatment.

The Importance of Clinical Assessment

Your dentist can examine your mouth, review your dental and medical history, and consider all possible causes of taste disturbance. This may include checking the health of the implant and surrounding tissues, reviewing your medications and assessing other restorations. An initial implant consultation London can be a good starting point if you have concerns.

Avoiding Self-Diagnosis

It can be tempting to search online for explanations and draw conclusions before seeing a professional. However, taste changes have many potential causes, and identifying the right one requires clinical evaluation. Self-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary anxiety or, conversely, to important symptoms being overlooked.

Choosing Implant Materials Based on Evidence, Not Fear

The internet contains a wide range of information about dental implant materials — some of it helpful, some of it misleading. Making decisions based on balanced evidence rather than fear is important.

Personal Preference vs Clinical Indication

Some patients have a strong preference for ceramic or metal-free materials, and this preference should be respected. However, material choice should also be guided by clinical factors — such as the position of the implant, the forces it will bear, the available bone and the overall treatment plan. Your dentist can help you weigh personal preference alongside clinical suitability.

It is also worth considering dental implant costs in London, as material choice may influence overall treatment pricing.

Professional Guidance

A good dental team will explain the properties, benefits and limitations of each material option without using fear-based language or making superiority claims. They will help you understand which material is most appropriate for your specific clinical situation and answer any questions you may have about safety, longevity and expected outcomes.

Balanced Decision-Making

The goal is not to find a “perfect” material — no such material exists — but to choose the option that best suits your clinical needs, personal values and long-term dental health goals. Both titanium and zirconia are well-supported by evidence, and both can be excellent choices in the right circumstances.

Dental Implant Material Consultations in London

At our CQC-registered practice in South Kensington, we understand that questions about implant materials can feel important and sometimes overwhelming. We welcome these conversations and take the time to address them thoroughly.

Our approach is to explain the available material options clearly, discuss the clinical evidence for each, and help you make a decision that feels right for your situation. We do not promote one material over another — instead, we assess your individual needs and provide honest, balanced guidance.

If you have concerns about corrosion, taste changes or material safety, we are happy to discuss these in detail during a consultation. We believe that informed patients make better decisions, and we are committed to providing the information you need without pressure or alarmism.

If you would like to explore tooth implant treatment in London and discuss which implant material may be most suitable for you, please book a consultation in London to arrange an initial appointment. We look forward to helping you make a confident, well-informed choice about your dental care.

This article provides general information about zirconia dental implant materials and is not a substitute for personalised clinical advice. Taste sensations and material responses vary between individuals and depend on multiple oral, medical and environmental factors. No specific material outcome, symptom resolution or treatment result can be guaranteed. Please consult your dentist for guidance specific to your situation.