A Histomorphometric Analysis of Zirconia/Alumina Implants in Rabbit Tibia

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to evaluate possibility of direct bone contact to zirconia/alumina composite ceramic implant by histomorphometric assessments, Methods: The osseointegration rate of a new zirconia/alumina composite ceramic implant material (Y,Nb)-TZP/ alumina was compared with conventional titanium implant in the rabbit model. Four different groups of threaded implant were compared after 4 and 6weeks healing period. The bone implant contact ratio and bone volume was evaluated by undecalcified histologic sections. The surface of each implant group was observed under SEM, Results:in 4 weeks specimens, there was no significant difference in bone-to-implant contact ratio among group A, B, D (Fig. 2). Group D showed significantly higher values than Group C (P=0.012). There was no statistical significant difference in bone volume after 4 and 6 weeks healing period (Fig. 3). In 6 weeks specimens, Group D showed highest bone-to implant contact values (P<0.05), Conclusions:Within the limitations of this study, Zr/Al composite ceramic implants demonstrated favorable bone response compared to titanium implant. This material demonstrated a possibility of an alternative to titanium dental implant. Further studies are needed to confirm this result,