Titanium versus Titanium-Zirconium implants under immediate loading: a comparative study

Abstract

Aim or Purpose: To compare clinical outcomes of Ti-Zr and Ti dental implants under immediate functional loading in mandibular posterior regions.Clinical studies comparing titanium-zirconium (Ti-Zr) and titanium (Ti) dental implants subjected to immediate functional loading in the posterior region where higher occlusal forces are sparse. Materials and Methods: 40 participants fulfilling the predetermined selection criteria were randomly grouped based on the type of dental implants to be placed in the mandibular posterior region, Ti-Zr (20): Titanium-Zirconium and Ti (20): Titanium. Crestal bone loss (CBL), modified plaque index (MPI), probing depth (PD), and modified sulcular bleeding index (MSBI) around dental implants were measured at the baseline and follow-up visits (3,6, and 9 months). The crestal bone loss (CBL) was measured on the intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPAs) using image J software as a mean difference of the distance of first bone to implant contact from the implant-abutment junction on the mesial and distal side of the implant from baseline to follow up visit. Results: CBL was more in the Ti-Zr group as compared to the Ti group at 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months from the baseline but the difference was not statistically significant(P>.05). Mann-Whitney test revealed no statistically significant difference in MPI, PD, and MSBI of both groups at 3 months, 6 months and 9 months follow-ups from the baseline (P>.05). Conclusions: Immediately functional loaded Ti-Zr and Ti dental implants placed in the mandibular posterior regions might be similar in the amount of the CBL and periodontal parameters.