Osseointegration of one-piece zirconia implants compared with a titanium implant of identical design: a histomorphometric study in the dog

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate osseointegration of one-piece zirconia vs. titanium implants depending on their insertion depth by histomorphometry. Material and methods: Four one-piece implants of identical geometry were inserted on each side of six mongrel dogs: (1) an uncoated zirconia implant, (2) a zirconia implant coated with a calcium-liberating titanium oxide coating, (3) a titanium implant and (4) an experimental implant made of a synthetic material (polyetheretherketone). In a split-mouth manner they were inserted in submerged and non-submerged gingival healing modes. After 4 months, dissected blocks were stained with toluidine blue in order to histologically asse…