Osseo-integration potential of zirconia versus titanium implants

The success of dental implants depends on osseo-integration because titanium (Ti) maintains good mechanical stability while zirconia (Zr) prevents bacterial adhesion. The early-stage adhesion of MG-63 osteo-blast-like cells to Ti surfaces reached 78% ± 2.5% during the initial period (p<0.05). However, Zr demonstrated superior long-term cell proliferation and mineralization throughout the analysis period (p<0.05). The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels at day 7 remained comparable between Ti (1.25 ± 0.09 U/mL) and Zr (1.18 ± 0.07 U/mL) while Zr showed better growth of mineralized surface at day 14. Nonetheless, additional testing using animal subjects are required to confirm Zr as a suitable substitute for Ti implants.