Single Crown Restorations Supported by One-Piece Zirconia Dental Implants: Case Series with a Mean Follow-Up of 58 Months

Abstract

The main aim of this case series was to report the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 22 one-piece zirconia dental implants positioned in 19 patients to restore single edentulisms and followed up for at least 2 years. The mean observation period was 58.18 months. At the last follow-up visit, no issues, such as foreign body sensation, discomfort or pain, were reported by the patients. No implant showed signs of infection with suppuration or implant mobility. Marginal bone levels (MBL) were assessed through standardized dental radiographs and a dedicated software. The mean distance between the implant head and the first detectable bone to implant contact was calculated at the mesial and distal aspect of each implant. The mean MBL at baseline was 1.82 ± 0.63 mm while the mean MBL at the last follow-up visit was 2.57 ± 0.72 mm. The results obtained in the present case series over a mean follow-up period of 58.18 months (range 27–96) showed that one-piece zirconia dental implants could be an alternative option to support single crowns in patients requiring metal-free restorations. Nevertheless, further better-controlled research featuring an adequate study design and longer follow-up is needed in order to clarify advantages and limitations which are related to this treatment modality.