Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Zirconia has been proposed as a substitutive material for the next generation of implants. This study aimed to evaluate the osseointegration of a newly developed zirconia implant and compare its clinical parameters with titanium implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Beagle dog animal model were used for evaluation of two groups of zirconia implants, with one group subjected to a newly developed sandblasting surface treatment technique and the other using a commercially available zirconia implant. The implants were randomly placed in bilateral edentulous mandibular sites and evaluated at 4, 9, and 13 weeks. The bone-to-implant contact (BIC) ratio was calculated and the fluorescence labelling for evaluation of osseointegration.Clinical trials compared the peri-implant parameters of the zirconia implants with titanium implants to assess peri-implant tissue condition. RESULTS: Animal study indicated that zirconia implant osseointegration was observed between 4 weeks and 9 weeks, accompanied by osteoid deposition. A statistically significant difference was found between the 4-week and 13-week BIC ratio (P = 0.045). Clinical trials revealed that zirconia implants maintained minimal plaque postoperatively for up to three months, while titanium implants accumulated more plaque. In terms of plaque index, zirconia outperformed titanium implants. CONCLUSION: This study provides comprehensive insights into zirconia implants. During early osseointegration, bone cells exhibited affinity for the implant surface, emphasizing the role of surface treatment. Clinical trials suggest that zirconia implants may offer a slight advantage in maintaining peri-implant periodontal conditions compared to titanium implants.