Five‐year outcomes of a randomized controlled clinical trial comparing single‐tooth implant‐supported restoration with either zirconia or titanium abutments

Abstract

AbstractAimTo evaluate the influence of the abutment material (zirconia vs. titanium) on the long‐term aesthetic and clinical outcomes of implant‐supported restorations.Materials and MethodsIn 30 patients, a single implant‐supported restoration with either a zirconia or a titanium abutment was placed in the anterior maxilla (incisors, canines, and bicuspids). Aesthetic (Implant Crown Aesthetic Index or ICAI), clinical, radiographic, and patient‐centred outcomes were recorded at baseline (1 month after final restoration), 1 year, and 5 years of follow‐up. This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02315794).ResultsTwenty‐five subjects completed the follow‐up visits at 1 and 5 years. ICAI values showed statistically significant better aesthetic outcomes when zirconia abutments were used compared to titanium abutments. Between 1 and 5 years, the aesthetic sub‐analysis of the crown component worsened but the mucosal sub‐analysis improved. There were no significant changes in bone levels, but the plaque index, bleeding on probing, and probing depths worsened in both groups.ConclusionsAt 5 years, standard zirconia abutments achieved better aesthetic outcomes, although with similar clinical behaviour.