Ceramic Dental Implants: An Overview of Materials, Characteristics, and Application Concepts

The clinical application of modern bioceramics is no longer limited only to prosthetic restorations. Zirconia is also successfully used as a dental implant material, enabling a metal-free restoration concept in most cases. The demand for such metal-free solutions is steadily rising mainly because of patients' increased health awareness. With the development of new materials, microrough surfaces, and improved treatment protocols, implants made of zirconium dioxide are already achieving results comparable to those of titanium. This advancement will enable clinicians to leverage the clinical advantages of ceramic implants in daily practice as an additional reliable treatment alternative to titanium implants. However, to successfully use ceramic implants, practitioners should have knowledge of the background of zirconium dioxide material and its particular features in clinical application, as presented in this overview article.