A Prospective, Open-Ended, Single-Cohort Clinical Trial on Early Loaded Titanium-Zirconia Alloy Implants in Partially Edentulous Patients: Up-to-24-Month Results

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate biologic and prosthetic outcomes of titanium-zirconia alloy implants supporting fixed prostheses. Materials and Methods: A total of 52 titanium-zirconia alloy implants were placed in 23 consecutive patients with partial edentulism. All implants were subjected to an early loading protocol by means of single-unit or up-to-four-unit fixed partial prostheses and observed between 7 and 24 months. The radiographic marginal bone loss and peri-implant soft tissue scores (Plaque Index, Bleeding Index, and Calculus Index) were recorded. In addition, prosthetic complications were recorded during the period of the study. Results: Early or late implant failures were not observed, resulting in 100% implant survival and success of the implants. No prosthetic complications were observed. The mean (standard deviation) of marginal bone loss for 52 implants was 0.315 mm (0.24 mm). There were no signs of excessive bone loss with or without swelling or suppuration of the peri-implant soft tissue, and the soft tissue scores indicated good soft tissue integration. Conclusions: Titanium-zirconia alloy implants supporting fixed prostheses showed optimum radiographic, clinical, and prosthetic outcomes in an up-to-24-month assessment period.