The Effect of Immediate Anatomic Zirconia Implants on the Surrounding Soft Tissue (Clinical Study)

Abstract

Introduction: Zirconia was introduced successfully in the field of fixed prosthetics as well as in implants and their abutments since it possess 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 titanium 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, follow ups were performed after 1 year from restoring the implants in order to evaluate the keratinized gingiva width, gingiva recession, bleeding index and probing depth in both time points.

Results:

The average for keratinized gingiva width at the restoring time point was less than at implants insertion by 0.36mm. The average at the 1 year follow up was less than at the restoring time point by 0.42mm with statistical significance.

The average for bleeding index at the restoring time point was 0.78±0.80mm and at follow up was 1.04±0.78.

The average for gingival recession at the restoring time point was 0.37±0.63mm and at follow up was 0.97±0.82.

The average for probing depth at the restoring time point was 2.19±1.10mm and at follow up was 2.55±1.22.

Conclusions: Immediate anatomic zirconia implants have a supporting role for the surrounding soft tissues but have a negative effect on the biological aspect.