Comparison of Cytomorphometry and Early Cell Response of Human Gingival Fibroblast (HGFs) between Zirconium and New Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Ceramics (ZLS)

Abstract

New zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramics (ZLS) could be a viable alternative to zirconium (Y-TZP) in the manufacture of implantological abutments—especially in aesthetic cases—due to its good mechanical, optical, and biocompatibility properties. Although there are several studies on the ZLS mechanical properties, there are no studies regarding proliferation, spreading, or cytomorphometry. We designed the present study which compares the surface, cellular proliferation, and cellular morphology between Y-TZP (Vita YZ® T [Vita Zahnfabrik (Postfach, Germany)]) and ZLS (Celtra® Duo [Degudent (Hanau-Wolfgang, Germany)]). The surface characterization was performed with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical profilometry. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were subsequently cultured on both materials and early cellular response and cell morphology were compared through nuclear and cytoskeletal measurement parameters using confocal microscopy. The results showed greater proliferation and spreading on the surface of Y-TZP. This could indicate that Y-TZP continues to be a gold standard in terms of transgingival implant material: Nevertheless, more in vitro and in vivo research is necessary to confirm the results obtained in this study.