Clinical performance of two‐piece zirconia implants in the posterior mandible and maxilla: a prospective cohort study over 2 years. Issue 1 (6th May 2015) - Becker, Jürgen
Abstract: Objectives: To assess the clinical performance of two‐piece zirconium implants over a period of up to 2 years. Material & methods: A total of 52 patients with single‐tooth gaps in the posterior mandible or maxilla received the same type of a two‐piece zirconium implant system with customized heights of the transmucosal aspect. Fibreglass abutments were cemented and restored with fixed all‐ceramic single crowns using a conventional loading protocol. The cumulative survival rate (primary outcome) was calculated according to the life table method, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to estimate the survival function. Covariates (gender, implant position, implant diameter/length, oral surgeon) were tested using log‐rank tests. Results: A total of two target implants in 2 patients were lost after a functioning time of 8 months. The cumulative survival rate was 95.8%, and the mean survival time amounted to 32.9 months. Log‐rank tests revealed a significant association for the covariate "oral surgeon" ( P = 0.047). The Kaplan–Meier estimates of mechanical/technical and biological complications amounted to 2.1% and 37.5%, respectively. All implant sites revealed a marked increase of the vestibular mucosal level and gain of keratinized tissue at 24 months. Conclusion: Within the limitations of a prospective cohort study, it was concluded that this two‐piece zirconium implant/fibreglass abutment system can be successfully used in the clinical indication investigated.