THE ROLE OF IMPLANT SUPERSTRUCTURE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ZIRCONIUM DIOXIDE AND CERAMIC MATERIALS

Abstract

The long-term success of dental implant therapy relies heavily on the mechanical stability and biological compatibility of the implant superstructure. This comparative analysis evaluates the clinical performance, physical properties, aesthetic outcomes, and biological responses of zirconium dioxide (zirconia) versus traditional dental ceramics (lithium disilicate and silicate-based glass-ceramics) utilized as implant superstructures. Synthesized from longitudinal data across a 5-year observation period, this study assesses marginal bone loss, fracture resistance, framework degradation, and soft tissue adherence.