Oral Tissue Interactions and Cellular Response to Zirconia Implant-Prosthetic Components: A Critical Review

Abstract

Background: Dental components manufactured with zirconia (ZrO2) represent a significant percentage of the implant prosthetic market in dentistry. However, during the last few years, we have observed robust clinical and pre-clinical scientific investigations on zirconia both as a prosthetic and an implantable material. At the same time, we have witnessed consistent technical and manufacturing updates with regards to the applications of zirconia which appear to gradually clarify points which until recently were not well understood. Methods: This critical review evaluated the “state of the art” in relation to applications of this biomaterial in dental components and its interactions with oral tissues. Results: The physico-chemical and structural properties as well as the current surface treatment methodologies for ZrO2 were explored. A critical investigation of the cellular response to this biomaterial was completed and the clinical implications discussed. Finally, surface treatments of ZrO2 demonstrate that excellent osseointegration is possible and provide encouraging prospects for rapid bone adhesion. Furthermore, sophisticated surface treatment techniques and technologies are providing impressive oral soft tissue cell responses thus leading to superior biological seal. Conclusions: Dental devices manufactured from ZrO2 are structurally and chemically stable with biocompatibility levels allowing for safe and long-term function in the oral environment.

Enhanced osteogenic activity of titania-modified zirconia implant by ultraviolet irradiation

“…After extensive long-term research, zirconia has been confirmed to be suitable for application in dental implants ( Kunrath et al, 2021 ). A number of surface modification methods have been attempted to enhance the bioactivity of zirconia implants ( Rohr et al, 2020 ).…”

Dental Implant Treatment in Patients Suffering from Oral Lichen Planus: A Narrative Review

“…No data were reported on the usage of zirconia (ZrO 2 ) abutments in this systematic review. However, many in vitro and in vivo studies revealed clear advantages for zirconia implant-prosthetic components with regard to the interaction with soft tissue cells such as fibroblasts, blood cells, and epithelial cells, as well as protein adsorption, cell alignment, and biocompatibility [ 38 ]. Advantages in relation to periodontal seals were demonstrated by better attachment and alignment of collagen fibers with components developed in zirconia compared with other recognized dental materials.…”

The Impact of Early Saliva Interaction on Dental Implants and Biomaterials for Oral Regeneration: An Overview

“…It is well known that saliva has some influence on all biomaterials inserted in the oral environment, especially on those that are subjected to exposure for long periods of time such as dental implants and components for prosthetic rehabilitations [16,22]. However, the early influence of salivary interactions with biomaterials for oral regeneration remains poorly understood due to numerous innovative modifications in biomaterials and due to the difficulty of analyzing biomaterials directly after their application in the oral region.…”