Success and survival rates of immediate anatomic zirconia implants: a prospective clinical and radiographic evaluation

ABSTRACT

Modern immediate titanium implants have two major drawbacks which are the black metal appearance that might be seen through the mucosa and the gap between implant and extraction socket. Immediate anatomical zirconia implants were introduced to match the shape of the extracted root and fill the socket without gaps while still providing better metal-free appearance. Aim: This study aims to investigate success and survival rates of immediate anatomical zirconia implants. Methods: This prospective interventional study was held between 2017 and 2020 in the faculty of dental medicine, Damascus University, Syria. The sample consisted of 27 immediate anatomical zirconia implants in 21 patients from both genders. Implants were designed and manufactured starting from CBCT image and prior to extraction. Specialized software applications were used to modify implant design. Implants went through different processing procedures to make them ready for insertion immediately after tooth extraction. Restorations were made after a minimum period of 3 months, clinical and radiographic follow ups were performed after 10 - 13.5 months from restoring the implants in order to evaluate their success/ survival. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess marginal bone loss, t test for probing depth assessment. Results: Immediate anatomical zirconia implants showed success in (n=17) 63% of total cases, satisfactory survival (n=3) 11.1%, compromised survival (n=2) 7.4% and they failed in (n=5) 18.5%. Conclusions: Immediate anatomical zirconia implants had low success/survival rates when compared to conventional immediate implants. Therefore, they cannot be considered as a predictable alternative in their current form