Soft tissue stability with zirconia abutments in the aesthetic zone

Aim: to evaluate the effect of zirconia abutments on soft tissues vertical stability at the facial aspect of dental implants. Methods: on 58 patients (30 women, 28 men, age range of 24 to 59 years, mean age 39 years, well-healthy and not smokers) 58 implants (Nobelreplace tapered groovy™, Nobel Biocare, Goteborg, Sweden) were placed in aesthetically demanding sites following 1-stage approach just after extraction. They were used Zirconia abutments (Procera, Nobel Biocare AB) and a provisional crown was placed at the same session while the definitive restoration after 2-4 months later. Endoral X-rays and digital photographs made perpendicularly to the facial aspect of the teeth were performed at the abutment placement, at 1, 3, 6 12, 18, 24 months and analysed by 2 different examiners. Vertical changes in soft tissue levels were measured and the definitive esthetic result was evaluated subjectively (poor to excellent). Results: vertical augmentation or no recession in soft tissue was observed in 88% of the situations and in no situation was recession greater than 0.6mm found. The gingival level remained stable at 12, 18, 24 months. The average esthetic outcome was rated as 4.5 (very good to excellent) on a 0- to 5-point scale. Conclusions: the abutments used in this study allowed soft tissue stability in the esthetic zone.