Abstract
Zirconia implants have become an alternative to titanium implants due to several advantages. The zirconia implant is relatively esthetic and highly resistant to bacteria. While biomaterial studies for zirconia implants have considerably accumulated, in vivo studies have not yet progressed. In the present study, the functional and biological properties of zirconia implants were analyzed thorough in vitro and in vivo studies. The proliferation properties of periodontal cells on the discs of machined surface titanium, hydroxyapatite coated titanium and zirconia were analyzed, and zirconia was shown to be favorable. In addition, small implant fixtures that can be applied to the jawbone of mice were manufactured and transplanted to C57BL/6 mice. The adhesion molecules expression patterns in peri-implant mucosa suggest a stronger mucosal seal and more adequate prevention of peri-implant epithelium (PIE) elongation in the zirconia implant when compared with other conventional materials. Differential laminin-332 expression in peri-implant mucosa of zirconia implants seems to regulate the PIE elongation. In conclusion, zirconia was found to be promising and advantageous with regards to the mucosal seal. And biological width (BW) of peri-implant mucosa is more desirable in zirconia implants compared to conventional titanium implants.