Biomechanical and Clinical Attributes of Zirconia Dental Implants — Two Case Reports

IntroductIon The last three decades have seen an increase in the use of dental implants to replace missing teeth. The use of Titanium root form implants in the rehabilitation of the partially or completely edentulous patient has been rooted in the work of Dr. Branemark in the late 1970s and is based on the fact that titanium implants “osseointegrate” with native bone and the material has the physical properties needed for oral function. It is widely accepted that the clinical outcome of titanium implants in terms of rigid fixation and long term functional success is good, however, negative aesthetic late complications and soft tissue recession are widespread especially in the esthetic zone.3 These late complications have led to many implant collar design changes and to the advent of white zirconia transgingival abutments in an attempt to minimize soft tissue recession and hide the metallic color and grey hue of the gingiva and in an effort to reduce aesthetic failures.10 A possible alternative to the use of titanium is the use of ceramic as the material for the dental implants. One such material is Zirconia (Y-TZP), possessing the capacity to osseointegrate1,2,11-13 and very favourable physical properties, such as flexural strength (900-1200MPa), hardness (1200 Vickers) as well as a favorable threshold stress intensity factor (10-12) all needed for long term stability and success.7,9 Moreover, the one piece design and white colour simplify esthetic rehabilitation of the partially edentulous. The following two case presentations will show how the acid-etched CeraRoot zirconia Implant (Oral Iceberg, Granoller, Barcelona) can be used to functionally and aesthetically replace both anterior and posterior teeth and achieve optimal soft tissues and health.