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Zirconia implants with improved attachment to the gingival tissue
Author(s) -
Shahramian Khalil,
Gasik Michael,
Kangasniemi Ilkka,
Walboomers X. Frank,
Willberg Jaana,
Abdulmajeed Aous,
Närhi Timo
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1002/jper.19-0323
Subject(s) - cubic zirconia , materials science , implant , biomedical engineering , dentistry , medicine , composite material , surgery , ceramic
Background Gingival tissue attachment is known to be important for long‐term prognosis of implants. This in vitro study evaluated the gingival attachment to zirconia implants and zirconia implants modified with sol‐gel derived TiO 2 coatings. Methods Zirconia endodontic posts (n = 23) were used to function as implants that were inserted into the center of full‐thickness porcine gingival explants (n = 31). The tissue/implant specimens were then individually placed at an air/liquid interface on a stainless‐steel grid in cell culture wells containing a nutrient solution. The tissue cultures were incubated at 37°C in a 5% CO 2 environment and at days 7 and 14, the specimens were harvested and analyzed by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) measurements under dynamic loading conditions mimicking natural mastication. Specimens were also analyzed by immunohistochemical staining identifying the laminin (Ln) γ2 chain specific for Ln‐332, which is known to be a crucial molecule for the proper attachment of epithelium to tooth/implant surface. Results Tissue attachment to TiO 2 ‐coated zirconia demonstrated higher dynamic modulus of elasticity and higher creep modulus, meaning that the attachment is stronger and more resistant to damage during function over time. Laminin γ2 was identified in the attachment of epithelium to TiO 2 ‐coated zirconia. Conclusions Both DMA and histological analysis support each other, so the gingival tissue is more strongly attached to sol‐gel derived TiO 2 ‐coated zirconia than uncoated zirconia. Immunohistochemical staining showed that TiO 2 coating may enhance the synthesis and deposition of Ln‐332 in the epithelial attachment to the implant surface.