Stability Assessment of 85 Sandblasted and Laser-Etched Surface Zirconia Implant Using the Periotest Method over 4 Months of Bone Integration Time

Abstract

The stability of a series of 85 one-piece zirconia implants performed by the same surgeon between 2011 and 2015 has been analyzed retrospectively. The stability was measured using the Periotest device during 4 months of osseointegration. The implants had two type of endosseous surfaces: fully sandblasted and laser etched at the crest of the threads. Stability values were assessed starting at the time of placement, two, four, eight, 12 and 16 weeks. The pattern and timing of osseointegration and implant stability resulted in observations similar to that observed with sandblasted and coated titanium implants. As a result of laser etching, the implants displayed higher roughness with a bone like surface topography and appear to have faster osseointegration and higher values of stability in comparison with sandblasted implants.