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Current Trends of Zirconia in Implant Dentistry: A Narrative Review


Authors : Arbaz Sajjad; Nurul Fathiah Binti Hj Awang Mahli; Jagjit Singh Dhaliwal

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/fxwemn55

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mvzhkt2a

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar904

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Abstract : Background: Dental implants have revolutionized modern dentistry by offering reliable solutions for tooth replacement. Zirconia dental implants have emerged as potential alternatives to titanium, driven by increasing demand for metal-free and aesthetically superior solutions.  Aim: This systematic review explores current trends in zirconia as a viable alternative dental implant material by analyzing recent advancements in mechanical properties, osseointegration potential, and clinical performance over the past decade (2015-2025).  Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed database (2015-2025) to identify systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and structured literature reviews examining mechanical properties, osseointegration, and clinical outcomes of zirconia dental implants. English-language articles with minimum 6-week follow-up periods were included, focusing on comparisons of implant designs and surface modification techniques.  Results: Zirconia dental implants demonstrate low fracture rates (0.65%), though performance varies with material composition, implant design, and surface modifications. Alumina-toughened zirconia (ATZ) exhibits superior mechanical stability compared to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP). One-piece implants show greater fracture resistance than two-piece designs. Surface modifications including acid etching and laser treatments enhance bone-toimplant contact, though improper application may compromise mechanical integrity.  Conclusion: Despite promising clinical outcomes, optimal surface modification protocols remain controversial. Zirconia implants demonstrate favorable results, particularly one-piece implants with adequate diameter (≥4.0 mm) and optimized surface treatments. Long-term clinical studies are essential to establish standardized protocols and confirm reliability as titanium alternatives.

Keywords : Zirconia Dental Implants, Mechanical Properties, Osseointegration, Clinical Outcomes, and Surface Modifications

References :

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Background: Dental implants have revolutionized modern dentistry by offering reliable solutions for tooth replacement. Zirconia dental implants have emerged as potential alternatives to titanium, driven by increasing demand for metal-free and aesthetically superior solutions.  Aim: This systematic review explores current trends in zirconia as a viable alternative dental implant material by analyzing recent advancements in mechanical properties, osseointegration potential, and clinical performance over the past decade (2015-2025).  Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed database (2015-2025) to identify systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and structured literature reviews examining mechanical properties, osseointegration, and clinical outcomes of zirconia dental implants. English-language articles with minimum 6-week follow-up periods were included, focusing on comparisons of implant designs and surface modification techniques.  Results: Zirconia dental implants demonstrate low fracture rates (0.65%), though performance varies with material composition, implant design, and surface modifications. Alumina-toughened zirconia (ATZ) exhibits superior mechanical stability compared to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP). One-piece implants show greater fracture resistance than two-piece designs. Surface modifications including acid etching and laser treatments enhance bone-toimplant contact, though improper application may compromise mechanical integrity.  Conclusion: Despite promising clinical outcomes, optimal surface modification protocols remain controversial. Zirconia implants demonstrate favorable results, particularly one-piece implants with adequate diameter (≥4.0 mm) and optimized surface treatments. Long-term clinical studies are essential to establish standardized protocols and confirm reliability as titanium alternatives.

Keywords : Zirconia Dental Implants, Mechanical Properties, Osseointegration, Clinical Outcomes, and Surface Modifications

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - March - 2026

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