ORAL REHABILITATION
Cite this article:
Tartaglia G M, Sforza C.
Full-mouth Zirconia-based
Implant-supported Fixed
Dental Prostheses. Five
year - results of a Clinical
Pilot Study.
Stoma Edu J. 2014; 1(2):
138-143.
FULL-MOUTH ZIRCONIA-BASED
IMPLANT-SUPPORTED FIXED DENTAL
PROSTHESES. FIVE YEAR - RESULTS
OF A CLINICAL PILOT STUDY.
Gianluca Martino Tartagliaa,
Chiarella Sforzab*
LAFAS, Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale
dell’Apparato Stomatognatico, Dipartimento
di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Facoltà di
Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di
Milano, Milano, Italy
a. DDS, PhD, Assistant Professor and Consutant
b. MD, PhD, Professor
Abstract
Introduction: Full-mouth reconstruction using dental implants and CAD-CAM
prosthodontic procedure is a new option model in oral rehabilitation. One of the most
consolidated promising material is yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals,
usually called “zirconia”. It is chemically derived from zirconium sand, partially stabilized
with yttrium, and then mechanically pressed into zirconia blocks that are used for
CAD-CAM technology. In this paper we provide the 5-year results from a pilot study on
full-mouth implant-supported zirconia-based fixed dental prostheses (FMIZBRs).
Methodology: Five women aged 55-75 years had received FMIZBRs from the same private
practice. At the 5-year follow up visit, restorations remained in situ and were still in use.
Results: There were no failures and no biological complications during the follow-up
period (100% survival rate). Eight FMIZBRs experienced some minor porcelain veneer
fractures that were easily polished. None of the fractures impaired function or aesthetics.
The patients were fully satisfied with the treatment.
Conclusion: Results from this pilot study suggest that FMIZBRs can be a treatment
option that is rapidly shaping the coming dental rehabilitation area on implants.
Keywords:
Oral rehabilitation, zirconia, full-mouth prostheses, implants, chipping
Received: 30 August 2014
Accepted: 11 September 2014
* Corresponding author:
Professor Chiarella Sforza, MD, PhD
Dipartimento di Scienze,
Biomediche per la Salute,
Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia,
Università degli Studi di Milano,
Milano, Italy.
via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, I-20133 Milano, Italy.
Tel. +390250315385,
Fax +390250315387
e-mail: [email protected]
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INTRODUCTION
Full-mouth reconstruction using dental implants and CAD-CAM prosthodontic procedure
is a new option model in oral rehabilitation. This clinical option could be used to overcome
vertical and horizontal bone resorptions and it could include the gingival area. In this case
it is possible to regenerate or, as an alternative, to replace lost tissue using prosthodontic
reconstruction that restores the function and the esthetics of the gingiva and teeth. Various
materials and techniques have been proposed to manufacture this type of restoration.
During the last years the consolidate extensive evidence of the excellent long-term
results of traditional metal-ceramic prostheses (1) has started being compared with shortterm clinical analysis of implant-retained fixed prosthodontics manufactured from materials
different from gold alloys. The rationale of using alternative materials to conventional
metals is based on both the potential adverse reaction against gold (2) and the market
demand of materials with improved esthetics. One of the most consolidated promising
material is yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-ZTP), usually called “zirconia”.
It is chemically derived from zirconium sand, partially stabilized with yttrium, and then
mechanically (first axially and then isostatically) pressed into zirconia blocks that are used
for CAD-CAM technology.
Y-ZTP fixed dental prostheses have become popular for their biocompatibility, the limited
bacterial colonization and good aesthetic properties, and also for their predictable use with
STOMA.EDUJ (2014) 1 (2)