Clinical Longevity of Zirconia Implants with the Focus on Biomechanical and Biological Outcome

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of the present review is to update the reader on the scientific background of zirconia ceramic implants. Clinical investigations using zirconia ceramic implants over the last couple of years have brought up some new developments and questions. Can we be confident in placing zirconia ceramic implants given the recently published data? Is there a difference in the application of one- and two-piece implants?Recent FindingsSystematic reviews on preclinical investigations of zirconia implants revealed that one-piece zirconia implants (> 4 mm) are sufficiently stable for clinical use. The same is true for some clinically available two-piece implant systems. Osseointegration and soft tissue integration are, according to the reviews, similar between titanium and zirconia implants with similar surface topographies. Regarding the cli nical outcome, a meta-review exists evaluating systematic reviews. The findings of the systematic reviews and the meta-review are that there are good short-term clinical results for one-piece zirconia implants. However, the data for two-piece implants is not robust.SummaryIn certain applications (single tooth restorations and small bridges), the results of zirconia implants are comparable with titanium implants in short-term studies. Some mid-term investigations support the short-term results. However, according to the current scientific data available, zirconia implants cannot yet be considered an alternative to tita...

Source: Current Oral Health Reports - November 7, 2020 Category: Dentistry Source Type: research