Zirconia dental implants: a literature review

J Oral Implantol. 2011 Jun;37(3):367-76. doi: 10.1563/AAID-JOI-D-09-00079. Epub 2010 Jun 14.

Abstract

Titanium and titanium alloys are widely used for fabrication of dental implants. Because of potential immunologic and possible esthetic compromises with titanium implants, novel implant technologies are being developed. However, these novel technologies must maintain the characteristics that provide titanium implants with their high success rates. Zirconia implants were introduced into dental implantology as an alternative to titanium implants. Zirconia seems to be a suitable implant material because of its toothlike color, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and low plaque affinity. The aim of this study is to review clinical and research articles conducted on zirconia dental implants, compare them with titanium dental implants, and provide information on zirconia dental implant osseointegration and mechanical strength. Zirconia dental implants have the potential to become alternative dental implants to titanium dental implants, but they are not yet in routine clinical use.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Compressive Strength
  • Dental Implantation, Endosseous
  • Dental Implants*
  • Dental Porcelain*
  • Dental Prosthesis Design*
  • Dental Stress Analysis
  • Humans
  • Osseointegration
  • Surface Properties
  • Titanium
  • Zirconium*

Substances

  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Dental Implants
  • Dental Porcelain
  • Zirconium
  • Titanium
  • zirconium oxide