Survival rate and aesthetic outcomes of two-piece zirconia dental implants: A one-year single clinical trial of partially edentulous patients

Titanium dental implants, traditionally used for tooth replacement, face certain biological and aesthetic limitations. Recently, zirconia has become a notable alternative, valued for its aesthetics and biocompatibility. This study evaluated the efficacy of two-piece zirconia dental implants, particularly their impact on inflammatory cytokines and their survival rate over one year.

This study was a single-center, prospective trial and included adults aged 18 and above. 2021-2022, nine two-piece tissue-level zirconia implants were placed in eight patients. Following a three-month osseointegration phase, crowns were cemented. Over a year, we assessed Plaque and Gingival indices, Pocket Depth, and tissue color and texture. Peri-apical radiographs measured bone levels, and IL-1β in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) was quantified using ELISA.

Eight subjects (ages 31-63) participated. One implant failed after six months, resulting in a one-year survival rate of 88.8%. Plaque and Gingival indices rose, but peri-implant soft tissue remained stable in color and texture. At 12 months, average bone loss was minimal and insignificant compared to the baseline. IL-1β levels were similar to those at contralateral teeth, with no correlation between IL-1β, Pocket Depth, and Bleeding on Probing.

Two-piece zirconia implants emerged as a viable tooth replacement option, with an 88.8% one-year survival rate. They maintained stable soft tissue and bone levels, indicating their potential as effective dental restoratives.