Abstract
AIM To test whether titanium-zirconium (Ti-Zr) 3.3 mm diameter implants perform differently from titanium (Ti) 4.1 mm diameter implants with respect to marginal bone level (MBL) and clinical parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty patients in need of a single-implant crown in the anterior or premolar regions were enrolled in two centres. Following random allocation, either a Ti-Zr or a Ti implant was inserted. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns were inserted 6 months after implantation. Implant survival, change in MBL, clinical parameters, change in mid-facial mucosa and papilla levels, and the occurrence of biological and technical complications were assessed at the 3-year follow-up. RESULTS At 3 years, 32 of the 40 included patients were examined (15 Ti, 17 Ti-Zr). There were no implant failures. From the implant placement to 3 years, the median change in mean MBL amounted to 0.21 mm (mean: -0.31) in the Ti group and 0.10 mm (mean: -0.40) in the Ti-Zr group. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the change in MBL, the change in mucosa levels, and the occurrence of complications. CONCLUSIONS Ti-Zr implants with 3.3 mm diameter used for the support of single crowns in the anterior and the premolar regions did not differ from Ti implants with 4.1 mm diameter regarding the clinical performance over a 3-year period. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.