Zirconia implants: The future of oral implantology?

Zirconia implants were initially used in cases of metal-free dentistry and for patients with known metal hypersensitivities. Studies have shown a prevalence of titanium allergy to be approximately 0.6 percent.

Initially, zirconia implants were only available as a one-piece implant, which had numerous disadvantages. The one-piece implant is susceptible to fracture, especially if the implant had to be altered because of non-ideal positioning. In addition, because of its one-piece design, it is susceptible to premature overload. However, recent research and development have led to the introduction of two-piece zirconia implants. These two-piece implants allow for abutments to be modified and customized to enhance esthetic results.

Two of the more popular two-piece zirconia implants available today are the Straumann PURE Ceramic Implant System and the NobelBiocare: NobelPearl.

Advantages:

• Ideal for patients with metal hypersensitivities.
• Increased esthetics.
• Retains less plaque and calculus (biofilm) in comparison to titanium
• Excellent flexural strength and fracture toughness.
• Favorable bone-implant-contact in comparison to titanium.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of long-term clinical studies.
• One-piece may be premature loaded.
• One-piece implants may require modification depending on positioning.
• Zirconia modification leads to the reduction of physical properties of the material.
• Slightly higher fracture rates than titanium.

In summary, zirconia dental implants are becoming a new and exciting development in implant dentistry. To date, limited preliminary studies have shown positive results with less inflammation, less biofilm accumulation, excellent esthetics, and a favorable bone-implant-contact. With the advent of two-piece zirconia implant systems, zirconia dental implants have the potential to become the ideal alternative to titanium alloy dental implants. However, only time will tell as longer-term clinical studies are needed.

(Source: Misch Implant Institute)

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