One-piece zirconia oral implants for single-tooth replacement: Three-year results from a long-term prospective cohort study

AimThis 3-year report of a prospective long-term cohort investigation aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a one-piece zirconia oral implant for single-tooth replacement. Materials and MethodsSixty-five patients received a 1-stage implant surgery with immediate temporization. Standardized radiographs were taken at implant insertion, after 1year, and after 3years to monitor peri-implant bone levels. A univariate analysis of the association of different baseline parameters on marginal bone loss from implant insertion to 36months was performed. Soft-tissue parameters were evaluated at prosthesis insertion, after 6months, after 1year, and at the 3-year follow-up. ResultsAfter 3years, six posterior site implants were lost, giving a cumulative survival rate of 90.8%. The mean marginal bone loss was 1.45mm; 35% of the implants lost at least 2mm bone, and 22% more than 3mm. The univariate analysis did not identify any parameter associated with marginal bone loss. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding index increased over 3years, and plaque index decreased. ConclusionsThe low survival rate of the presented ceramic implant and especially the high frequency of advanced bone loss are noticeable but remain unexplained.