How to Find a Zirconia Implant Dentist or Surgeon
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr. Yuriy May, DMD · Last reviewed
To find a zirconia implant dentist, look for surgical implant training such as AAID Fellowship, ask how many zirconia implants they have placed and restored themselves, confirm they do the surgery in house with 3D CBCT imaging, and ask to see before-and-after cases like yours. Being a biological dentist alone does not make someone a zirconia implant surgeon.
Zirconia dental implants differ from metal implants in several ways and, in the field of biological dentistry, are considered superior to titanium implants in terms of biocompatibility and longevity.
However, as the zirconia dental implant market for metal-free, white ceramic implants with a very low risk of allergic reaction, has gained growing attention from patients and traditional dentists alike, selecting an experienced, credentialed, and excellent zirconia implant dentist has become more difficult for the average patient.
Patients who have done the hard work of researching and determining that they prefer a zirconia implant now need to select the ideal ceramic dental implant practitioner. This resource guide will help you understand the minimum requirements for experience and credentials before and after photo verification of the caliber of the zirconia implant dentist you are choosing.
The guide below is meant to help you determine who you will see, and if you want the most experienced, credentialed, and skilled zirconia implant dentist, you might need to travel to Dr. May or someone equivalent.
In the hands of the right biological dentist, zirconia implants, which are considered the most premium, health-focused permanent tooth replacement solutions available made from zirconium dioxide, blend seamlessly within the jawbone to resemble real teeth in form and function. Zirconia implants can avoid inflammatory reactions associated with conventional metal dental implants, such as potential allergic responses and reactions, specifically because they avoid metal particle corrosion, galvanization, and systemic host-response reactions. With high success rates of 98.69% survival at 15 years, nearly 20 years of FDA clearance, and a selection of different zirconia implant types, patients can select treatment for single root canal replacement, full-arch zirconia implants, and the ideal use of the zirconia implant for front tooth implants, but only with the right experienced zirconia implant dentist.
Patients have found the solution for zirconia implants over titanium, but now they must select a trusted, experienced, and proven dentist to deliver those results with the goal of supporting long-term oral health and longevity.
Biological dentist requirements
Requirements for Selecting a Biological Dentist for Zirconia Dental Implants:
For the best zirconia implant dentist, clinical outcome, and experience, it is recommended that every checkbox below is checked off. If you have any doubts, ask Dr. May via the inquiry form.
This is your guide to selecting the best dentist for zirconia dental implants, who may be closer to your location than Dr. May.
- Credentialed & Vetted Biological Dentist
- AAID Fellow or Diplomat American Academy of Implant Dentistry (the authority on accreditation for dental implants)
- ANMCB Naturopathic Dentist or Doctor, American Naturopathic Medicine Certification Board
- IAOMT Accredited + S.M.A.R.T. Certified, International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology
- IABDM Certified Biological Dentist + Protect Protocol, International Academy of Biological Dental Medicine
- BGS 3.0 Advanced Surgery Certified, Biological Global Standard
- SDS Ambassador (equivalent to the top 9 zirconia implant dentists in the USA)
- Tufts University Biological Surgery Wound Healing Surgery Program Dr. Ghanatti (Level 2+ preferred)
- Functional Medicine Hyperbaric Certification, International Board of Undersea Medicine (IBUM) Accredited
- ALF Level II Orthodontics Certified, Certified in Functional Orthodontics & Airway by the ALF Institute
- IAOCI Member, International Academy of Oral Ceramic Implantology
- Not sure? Check with Dr. May
- Surgically Trained Biological Dentist
- Must perform their own surgery workdo not have another dentist performing surgery inside or outside the office
- Performs Sinus Lifts (vertical + lateral)
- Performs Cavitation Surgery
- Performs Titanium Implant Removal
- Performs GBR (large bone grafting)
- Performs Block Grafting
- Performs Gingival CTG Grafting
- Confirm that the dentist you are seeing is performing ALL the surgical procedures
- Experience with Zirconia Dental Implants minimums:
- Has placed and restored at least 500 zirconia implants
- Has ceramic implant placement experience with numbers published (on website, in emails, must be in print, avoid verbal numbers from staff)
- Before & After Zirconia Implant Portfolio (CRITICAL)
- Must have photo evidence in the photo and x-rays for each patient in the portfolio
- Must see at least 25 cases in the before-and-after zirconia implant photo and X-ray portfolio.
- Do not trust an office without before and after photos + X-rays showing the following elements:
- Photo before and X-ray before
- Photo of actual zirconia implants before they are restored (white abutments)
- Photo of final crowns on top of zirconia implants
- Office Equipment
- Fotona Lightwalker Laser
- Ozone Machine
- Piezo Surgery Machine
- PRF Centrifuges
- Ideally also:
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber
- Photobiomodulation Therapy (like ATP38, not Fotona)
- Hydrogen Gas Therapy
- Lecturing, Publications & Media
- Published Ceramic Implant Articles in Professional Dental Journals
- Authorship in Medical/Dental Textbooks
- Inclusion in International or National Media as Leading Zirconia Implant Expert
- Lecturing Nationally or Internationally at Major Conferences
- Online Presence on Instagram & Facebook
- This is important to help you understand whether the dentist you are seeing is an established authority on the topic of zirconia dental implants and in the realm of biological dentistry. While this is not a deciding factor, this element of authority in the field of biological dentistry and ceramic implants can give you an understanding of the caliber of ceramic implant dentist you are exploring services with.
- Avoid zirconia implant dentists who:
- Traditional oral surgeons placing surgically for a non-surgical biological dentist
- Anyone using Neodent or Nobel Pearl or Z-Systems (those are not the ideal zirconia implants for an experienced ceramic implant dentist)
- Also, place titanium implants (they are not truly biological or do not truly have expertise in zirconia implants)
- They are more “traditional” titanium implant dentists, and are supplementing with zirconia implants
- Dentists who do NOT perform their own surgery (have an on-staff periodontist or oral surgeon who comes to the office or refer out to a specialist for surgery)
- Dentist specialists who do not restore their own zirconia dental implants
- Have no publications or media and less
FINDING a Zirconia Implant Dentist Near ME
WHO places zirconia Implants?
Surgical Biological Dentists Only
The few dentists in the US who place zirconia implants in their practice are surgically trained biological dentists, like Dr. May. Unlike titanium metal implants, which are placed by 99% of all dentists in the US, including oral surgeons, periodontists, and general dentists, zirconia implants are placed by less than 1% of dentists. It is not recommended to use a non-zirconia-focused implant dentist who does not practice biological dentistry.
That 1% of surgically trained biological dentist the the US are the only selection for patients who want the best clinical results, and the most correct zirconia implant selected for their case. This will most likely be a biological dentist, although rarely patients may encounter some dental specialists like conventional oral surgeons and conventional periodontists that also place the most “titanium-like” zirconia implant models in conjunction with titanium implants.
Recommended zirconia implant dentist requirement for best results:
It’s very important that you select a true, experienced, and knowledgeable dental zirconia implant expert who has placed at least 500 ceramic implants and also restored them and who only does so with specific protocols such as ozone, PRF, and laser as part of the biological protocol.
Checklist for Zirconia Implant DEntist
Requirements for Selecting a Surgical Biological Dentist for Zirconia Dental Implants:
Credentialed & Vetted Biological Dentist
- IAOMT Accredited
- IABDM Certified
- IAOCI Member
- AAID Fellow or Diplomat
- BGS, Institute of Biological Dentistry Certified
- SDS Ambassador (preferred)
- Tufts University Biological Surgery Wound Healing Surgery Program Dr. Ghanatti (preferred)
- Not sure? Check with Dr. May
Experience with Zirconia Dental Implants
- Has placed and restored at least 500 zirconia implants
- Has experience numbers published on website (legal attestation proof, not phone)
- Has placed more than 3 brands of zirconia implants (less trained dentists typically only place one or a maximum 2 brands)
Before & After Zirconia Implant Portfolio (CRITICAL)
- Must have photo evidence in the photo and x-rays for each patient in portfolio
- Must see at least 25 cases in the before-and-after zirconia implant photo and x-ray portfolio
- Do not trust an office without before and after photos + x-rays showing the following:
- Photo before and x-ray before
- Photo of actual zirconia implants before they are restored (white abutments)
- Photo of final crowns on top of zirconia implants
Office Equipment
- Fotona Lightwalker Laser
- Ozone Machine
- Piezo Surgery Machine
- PRF Centrifuges
Ideally also:
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber
- Photobiomodulation Therapy (like ATP38, not Fotona)
- Hydrogen Gas Therapy
Avoid Zirconia Implant Dentists Who:
- Also place titanium implants (they are not truly biological or do not truly have expertise in zirconia implants)
- Are more “traditional” titanium implant dentists and are supplementing with zirconia implants
- Do NOT perform their own surgery (have an on-staff periodontist or oral surgeon who comes to the office, or refer out to a specialist for surgery)
- Are specialists who do not restore their own zirconia dental implants
- Have only ever placed one or two brands; an experienced provider has been placing zirconia implants long enough to have placed and worked with at least 4+ different zirconia implant brands in the USA.
WHO places zirconia Implants?
Surgical Biological Dentists Only
The few dentists in the US who place zirconia implants in their practice are surgically trained biological dentists, like Dr. May. Unlike titanium metal implants, which are placed by 99% of all dentists in the US, including oral surgeons, periodontists, and general dentists, zirconia implants are placed by less than 1% of dentists. It is not recommended to use a non-zirconia-focused implant dentist who does not practice biological dentistry.
That 1% of surgically trained biological dentist the the US are the only selection for patients who want the best clinical results, and the most correct zirconia implant selected for their case. This will most likely be a biological dentist, although rarely patients may encounter some dental specialists like conventional oral surgeons and conventional periodontists that also place the most “titanium-like” zirconia implant models in conjunction with titanium implants.
Recommended zirconia implant dentist requirement for best results:
It’s very important that you select a true, experienced, and knowledgeable dental zirconia implant expert who has placed at least 500 ceramic implants and also restored them and who only does so with specific protocols such as ozone, PRF, and laser as part of the biological protocol.
Checklist for Zirconia Implant DEntist
Requirements for Selecting a Surgical Biological Dentist for Zirconia Dental Implants:
This is your guide to selecting the best dentist for zirconia dental implants, who may be closer to your location than Dr. May.
Credentialed & Vetted Biological Dentist
- ANMBC Board-Certified Naturopathic Dentist
- IAOMT Accredited + S.M.A.R.T Certified
- IABDM Certified + Protocol Certified
- IAOCI Member
- AAID Fellow or Diplomat
- BGS Level 3 Clinic, Institute of Biological Dentistry 3.0 Certified
- SDS Ceramic Implant Ambassador (preferred)
- Tufts University Biological Surgery Wound Healing Surgery Program Dr. Ghanatti (preferred)
- Airway Trained / Functional Ortho Credentialled
- Not sure? Check with Dr. May
Surgically Trained Biological Dentist
- Performs Sinus Lifts (vertical + lateral)
- Performs Cavitation Surgery
- Performs Titanium Implant Removal
- Performs GBR (large bone grafting)
- Performs Block Grafting
- Performs Gingival CTG Grafting
- Must perform their own surgery work, do not have another dentist performing surgery inside or outside the office
Experience with Zirconia Dental Implants
- Fellow or Diplomat of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- Has placed and restored at least 500 zirconia implants
- Has experience numbers published on the website (legal attestation proof, not phone)
- Has placed more than 3 brands of zirconia implants (less-trained dentists typically only place one or a maximum 2 brands)
Before & After Zirconia Implant Portfolio (CRITICAL)
- Must have photo evidence in the photo and x-rays for each patient in portfolio
- Must see at least 25 cases in the before-and-after zirconia implant photo and x-ray portfolio
- Do not trust an office without before and after photos + x-rays showing the following:
- Photo before and x-ray before
- Photo of actual zirconia implants before they are restored (white abutments)
- Photo of final crowns on top of zirconia implants
Office Equipment
- Fotona Lightwalker Laser
- Ozone Machine
- Piezo Surgery Machine
- PRF Centrifuges
Ideally also:
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber
- Photobiomodulation Therapy (like ATP38, not Fotona)
- Hydrogen Gas Therapy
Avoid Zirconia Implant Dentists Who:
About Dr. Yuriy May: a Top Zirconia Implant Dentist
A LEADING ZIRCONIA IMPLANT DENTIST IN USA
Located just outside of New York and widely sought after for his precision and excellence in biological oral surgery and zirconia implantology, Dr. Yuriy May is recognized as one of the best zirconia implant dentists in the country, and some say internationally. With over 14 years of clinical experience, his work is defined by uncompromising standards, refined surgical execution, and outcomes that support both oral and systemic health.
Dr. May is one of the most credentialed biological dentists in USA leading with his extraordinary experience in zirconia implants, with over 1,200 placed and restored. He holds advanced certifications and training in zirconia implantology from programs ranging from SDS/SwissBiohealth/ISMI and Tufts University. Dr. May is one of the only AAID implant accredited biological dentists in the world, earning his Fellowship from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry while ONLY placing 100% zirconia implants (no titanium implants!), this is monumental as AAID is the highest authority on implant dentistry accreditation in the USA. He is also an ANMCB Board-Certified Naturopathic Dentist and a distinguished Ceramic Implant Ambassador for SDS, an honor reserved for clinicians shaping the future of ceramic implant science.
A respected educator and international lecturer, Dr. May has presented extraordinary ceramic implant cases to dentists worldwide, including the JCCI in Switzerland and AO in Washington DC and has served as an instructor in the Ceramic Implant Program at ACIMD. He lectures nationally, publishes complex ceramic implant surgical cases, and is a founding member of the IAOCI (International Academy of Oral Ceramic Implantology). Dr. May is a Fellow of the AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry), one of the few credentialed by the AAID focusing solely on zirconia dental implants, and has been an Accredited S.M.A.R.T. Certified member of the IAOMT for many years. He is also a Certified Biological Dentist with the IABDM, and Biological Global Standard certified in Advanced Surgery and biodentistry 3.0. Dr. May is a leading biological dentist featured as one of the best zirconia implant dentists in the world in an international Biohack Yourself documentary reflecting his commitment to removing root canal infections and to mercury-safe, evidence-based biological protocols.
Dr. May’s reputation, results, and excellence in ceramic implant dentistry have made him a destination provider for patients and referring clinicians seeking the highest level of ceramic implant surgery and biological dental care.
DMD, FAAID, IBDM, AIAOMT, CIABDM
Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry
ANMCB Board Certified Naturopathic Dentist
Frequently asked questions
What training should a zirconia implant dentist have?
Look for advanced surgical implant training, such as Fellowship or Diplomate status with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), plus courses in zirconia systems and bone grafting. Check credentials in each organization's online directory rather than relying on a logo on a website.
Is every biological dentist a zirconia implant surgeon?
No. Biological dentistry is about materials and protocols, such as metal-free restorations and safe amalgam removal. Placing zirconia implants is surgery that needs separate training and experience, so ask a biological dentist directly whether they place zirconia implants themselves.
How many zirconia implants should a dentist have placed?
There is no official minimum. Ask for the number of zirconia implants the dentist has placed and restored personally, and ask to see cases like yours. Dr. May has placed and restored more than 1,200 ceramic (zirconia) implants.
Does the dentist do the surgery or refer it out?
Ask whether the same dentist performs the extraction, bone grafting, sinus lift and implant placement, or refers parts of the surgery to another office. Doing it in one place means one plan and one person responsible for the result.
Should the same dentist place and restore my zirconia implant?
It is not required, but it helps. When one dentist plans the surgery and the crown together, the implant position is chosen with the final tooth in mind and there is one person responsible for the result.
What should I ask at a zirconia implant consultation?
Ask whether a 3D CBCT scan is taken in the office, which zirconia implant systems they use and why (one-piece or two-piece), whether bone grafting is done in house, how many cases like yours they have treated, and what the full cost covers.
Can I get a second opinion from Dr. May on another dentist's plan?
Yes. Send your inquiry and any recent scans or X-rays. Dr. May can review your situation and explain whether he agrees with the plan or sees other options.
Is it worth traveling for a zirconia implant dentist?
That depends on your case and what is available near you. Many of Dr. May's patients travel from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and further, and visits are planned to keep trips few.
What patients say
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 215 Google reviews of Natural Dentistry and Ceramic Implants, a biological destination clinic just outside of New York. Read all reviews on Google
IMPORTANT: Educational Information Only; Not Diagnosis or Treatment.
Content addressing the topics below is provided for general educational discussion only. It is not medical or dental advice, does not diagnose any condition, and does not recommend any treatment for any individual. You must not rely on this content to make healthcare decisions. Diagnosis and treatment decisions require an in-person evaluation, appropriate records, and a clinician’s professional judgment based on your specific facts.
No guarantees; outcomes vary. Any discussion of potential benefits, risks, timelines, or outcomes is general and not a promise, guarantee, or prediction for any individual.
No definitive causation claims. Where mechanisms, systemic effects, or cause-and-effect relationships are discussed, they may reflect hypotheses, evolving evidence, clinical experience, or differing views within the broader community; they are not statements of universal fact for every patient.
Implant material selection is individualized. Any discussion of ceramic/zirconia implants, titanium/metal implants, metal sensitivity/biocompatibility, corrosion, galvanic effects, inflammation, “toxicity,” or systemic effects is educational only. Implant material and design selection depends on patient-specific factors (including bone volume/quality, occlusion, medical history, risk profile, and restorative plan) and must be determined through an in-person evaluation.
No guarantee of biocompatibility or outcomes. No implant material, ceramic or metal, can be guaranteed to be “non-reactive,” “non-toxic,” complication-free, or suitable for every person. All implants carry risks and benefits that vary by patient.
Comparisons are not promises. Any comparisons between materials (including statements about advantages, longevity, immune response, corrosion, esthetics, or peri-implant tissue behavior) are not guarantees and should not be interpreted as claims of superior outcomes for any individual.