Osseointegration of a Zirconia Implant: A Histologic Assessment

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the histologic and histomorphometric features of a retrieved, functional endosseous zirconia implant in a human subject. Materials and Methods: A maxillary zirconia implant (ZV3) placed in a 52-year-old man was retrieved after 2 years of uncompromised service and prepared for light microscopic evaluation. Results: Histologic examination demonstrated good osseointegration. Bone contact measurements revealed a mean percentage of bone-to-implant contact of 55.8% (SD 3.8%). Conclusion: The histologic data provide further evidence of the potential of zirconia implants to osseointegrate to a similar degree as titanium in humans.