Zirconia Screw-Retained Implant in Dental Restoration

Introduction

Zirconia screw-retained implants represent a significant advancement in dental implantology, offering superior strength, biocompatibility, and aesthetic appeal. This case study examines the use of a zirconia screw-retained implant for a patient requiring a robust and visually pleasing dental restoration.

Patient Background

A 58-year-old female patient presented with a missing molar tooth, seeking a durable and aesthetically pleasing replacement. The patient had a history of metal allergies and expressed a preference for a non-metallic solution.

Material Properties

Zirconia Screw-Retained Implant:

1. High-Tech Biological Material: Zirconia is a biocompatible material widely used in medical applications such as hip joint replacements, ensuring its safety and suitability for dental implants.

2. Strength and Durability: Yttrium-stabilized zirconia ceramics used in these implants have high bending strength, often reaching 900MPa. This far exceeds the national standard for dental materials, set at 100MPa (yy0716-2009), making zirconia implants ideal for high-stress areas like molars.

3. Toughness and Stability: Zirconia exhibits excellent toughness, comparable to metals, reducing the risk of fractures and ensuring long-term stability under mechanical stress.

Clinical Procedure

The patient underwent a comprehensive evaluation to confirm the suitability of a zirconia screw-retained implant. The procedure involved the following steps:

1. Initial Assessment and Planning: Detailed imaging and planning were conducted to determine the precise placement of the implant. This included digital scans and 3D modeling to ensure optimal alignment and integration with the jawbone.

2. Surgical Placement: The implant site was prepared by drilling a pilot hole in the jawbone, followed by the insertion of the zirconia implant. The screw-retained nature of the implant allowed for secure and stable placement.

3. Osseointegration Period: The patient underwent a healing period to allow the implant to integrate with the bone tissue, ensuring a strong foundation for the prosthetic tooth.

4. Prosthetic Attachment: After successful osseointegration, a custom-made zirconia crown was fabricated and attached to the implant using a screw-retained mechanism. This provided a secure and aesthetically pleasing result.

Results

The patient reported high satisfaction with the zirconia screw-retained implant. The implant provided excellent functionality and a natural appearance, aligning with the patient's expectations and needs.

Benefits Observed:

• Biocompatibility: The patient experienced no adverse reactions, confirming the biocompatibility of zirconia, especially important given her history of metal allergies.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The implant and crown matched the patient's natural teeth in color and shape, providing a seamless integration with her smile.
• Durability and Functionality: The implant demonstrated exceptional strength and stability, withstanding the functional demands of a molar tooth without any complications during follow-up visits.

Conclusion

This case study highlights the advantages of zirconia screw-retained implants in dental restoration, particularly for patients requiring non-metallic solutions. The combination of biocompatibility, strength, and aesthetic appeal makes zirconia an excellent choice for dental implants. The positive outcome for the patient underscores the effectiveness of zirconia screw-retained implants in providing durable and visually pleasing dental restorations.