Zirconia implants have lower survival rates and higher rate of mucositis than conventional titanium implants

This study aimed to investigate the survival and biological and mechanical complications of one-piece and two-piece zirconia implants at five years of loading.

Consecutive patients receiving zirconia implants were studied, collecting data at five years of loading on their clinical history, peri-implant health status, mechanical complications, esthetic results, and patient related outcomes.

Results

• The study included 18 patients with 29 implants.

• The survival rate was 86% in implant-based analysis and 78% in patient-based analysis.

• There were no cases of peri-implantitis, but mucositis was present in 53% of implants. A mean of 4.1 ± 0.81 mm was obtained for probing depth and 1.6 ± 0.9 mm for crestal bone loss (radiographic assessment).

• There were no implant fractures. Major (10%) and minor (10%) prosthesis complications were observed.

• The esthetic outcome was moderate to almost perfect, with a high level of patient satisfaction.

• No significant association was found between survival rate and the presence of mucositis around one- or two-piece implants or any other study variable.

The survival rate is low for one- and two-piece zirconia implants. Both types of implants demonstrated a low mechanical complication rate. The incidence of periimplantitis is low but mucositis is present in 50%. Patient satisfaction related to esthetics and function is moderate to high. They represent a good option for patients requiring an alternative to titanium implants. Zirconia implants appear to be an alternative to the titanium option and may be indicated for patients requiring “metal-free” restorations.

Reference:

Sala, L, Zufía, J, Blasi, G, Carrillo-de-Albornoz, A. Clinical evaluation and patient related outcomes of one- and two-piece zirconia implants at five years of loading: A case series study. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2022; 1- 9. doi:10.1111/jerd.13002

Keywords:

Sala, L, Zufía, J, Blasi, G, Carrillo-de-Albornoz, A, Clinical evaluation, patient, related, outcomes, one- and two-piece, zirconia, implants, five years, loading, Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry