Titanium- and zirconia-based implant-supported fixed dental prostheses. A randomized, prospective clinical pilot study

The aim of this study was to compare porcelain-veneered implant-supported FDPs based on zirconium dioxide and titanium respectively. Sixteen patients received 18 implant-supported partial fixed dental prostheses (FDPs); 8 titanium-based and 10 zirconia-based.The FDPs were randomized between the two material groups. Follow-up of the patients was performed at 3 months and thereafter once a year. An assessment protocol based on the California Dental Association (CDA) quality assessment system was used. Results: All patients were seen at follow-up.The mean time of clinical service at follow-up was 15,2 months (range 12-24 months). All restorations were in place and all patients were satisfied with the treatment. No technical complications were noted in either group. Minor biological complications, in the form of plaque and/or mucositis, not affecting the survival of the restorations were noted for six of the titanium-based restorations and two of the zirconia-based restorations.The difference between the two material groups was not statistically significant. The outcomes of both materials were comparable. Short term data from this study suggests that porcelain-veneered implant-supported partial FDPs based on zirconia and titanium are satisfactory and equal treatment options.This conclusion is however preliminary as it is based on a small number of patients and short-term follow-up. Long-term follow-up of larger groups of patients is needed before more definite conclusions can be made.