Immediate, non-submerged, root-analogue Zirconia Dental Implants

Summary:

This case, which is part of a larger ongoing clinical trial, demonstrates that immediate placement of significantly modified, root-analogue, non-submerged
zirconia implants yields excellent results superior to previously described custom made root-analogue titanium implants with a uniform surface.

Detailed Abstract:

This report demonstrates the successful clinical use of a modified root-analogue zirconia implant for immediate single tooth replacement.

A right maxillary premolar was removed and a custom-made, root-analogue, roughened zirconia implant with macro-retentions in the interdental space was fabricated and placed into the extraction socket 4 days later. Four months after root implantation a composite crown was cemented. No complications occurred during the healing period. An excellent esthetic and functional result was achieved with the composite crown. No clinically noticeable bone resorption or soft-tissue recession was observed at 26 months follow up.

Significant modifications such as macro-retentions seem to indicate that primary stability and excellent osseointegration of immediate root-analogue zirconia implants can be achieved, while preventing unesthetic bone resorption. The macro-retentions must be limited to the interdental space to avoid fracture of the thin buccal cortex. This successful case warrants further clinical research in well controlled trials.

Authors:

Pirker W, Kocher A.

Source:

Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008 Mar;37(3):293-5. Epub 2008 Feb 12. Immediate, non-submerged, root-analogue zirconia implant in single tooth replacement.