On the osseointegration of zirconia and titanium implants installed at defect site filled with xenograft material

Kim, Sung Won; Cho, In Ho

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to compare zirconia implants with titanium implants from the view point of biomechanical stability and histologic response on osseointegration when those were placed with xenograft materials.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Specimens were divided into two groups; the control group was experimented with eighteen titanium implants which had anodized surface and the experimental group was experimented with eighteen sandblasted zirconia (Y-TZP) implants. At the tibias of six pigs, implants were installed into bone defect sites prepared surgically and treated with resorbable membranes and bovine bone. Two pigs were sacrificed after 1, 4 and 12 weeks respectively. Each implant site was sampled and processed for histologic and histomorphometric analysis. The stability of implants was evaluated with a Periotes(R). And the interfaces between bone and the implant were observed with a scanning electron microscope.
RESULTS
In stability analysis there was no significant difference between Periotest values of the control group and the experimental group. In histologic analysis with a light microscope after 4 weeks, there was new bone formation with the resorption of bovine bone and the active synthesis of osteoblasts in both groups. In bone-implant contact percentage there was significant difference between both groups (P<.05). In bone area percentage there was no significant difference between both groups. In analysis of both groups with a scanning electron microscope there was a gap between bone and a surface at 4 weeks and it was filled up with bone formed newly at 12 weeks.
CONCLUSION
When accompanied by xenograft using membrane, bone to implant contact percentage of zirconia implants used in this experiment was significantly less than that of the titanium implants by surface treatment of anodic oxidation. So, it is considered that the improvement of zirconia implant is needed through ongoing research on surface treatment methods for its practical use.