Changes in Bone Dimensions around Immediate Anatomic Zirconia Implants (Radiographic study)

Abstract

Abstract:

Introduction: Zirconia was introduced successfully in the field of fixed prosthetics as well as in implants and their abutments since it has good mechanical properties and biocompatibility.  

On the other hand, immediate screw-shape implants have different shape and dimensions compared to the extraction socket, therefore, a gap will still exist. Custom-made implants were introduced to match the shape of the extracted root and fill the socket without gaps.

Immediate anatomic zirconia implants may provide a good solution to both having metal in implants and having a gap between the socket and implants in immediate implantation. Vertical and horizontal bone loss around this type of implants is still unknown and this study aims to cover this topic.

Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 27 immediate anatomic zirconia implants for 21 patients from both genders. Implants were designed and manufactured starting from CBCT image and prior to extraction. Specialized software applications were used to modify implants design. Implants went through different processing procedures to make them ready for insertion immediately after tooth extraction. Restorations were made after a period of 3 months minimum, radiographic follow ups were performed after 1 year from restoring the implants in order to evaluate the vertical and horizontal bone loss in both time points.

Results: The average for vertical bone loss in all directions between implant restoring and implant insertion was 0.70± 0.61mm. The average became 1.38± 1.15mm between implant restoring and the 1 year follow up with no statistical significance between the two periods.

The average for horizontal bone dimension at the restoring time point was less than at implants insertion by 0.18±0.09mm. The average at the 1 year follow up was less than at the restoring time point by 0.12± 0.16mm with statistical significance.

Conclusions: Immediate anatomic zirconia implants have no proved role in stopping or reducing vertical bone loss after tooth extraction, whereas they reduce horizontal bone loss.