Zirconia (ZrO2) is a ceramic material with adequate mechanical properties for manufacturing
of medical devices. Zirconia stabilized with Y2O3 has the best properties for these
applications. When a stress occurs on a ZrO2 surface, a crystalline modification opposes the
propagation of cracks. Compression resistance of ZrO2 is about 2000 MPa. Orthopedic
research led to this material being proposed for the manufacture of hip head prostheses.
Prior to this, zirconia biocompatibility had been studied in vivo; no adverse responses were
reported following the insertion of ZrO2 samples into bone or muscle. In vitro experimentation
showed absence of mutations and good viability of cells cultured on this material.
Zirconia cores for fixed partial dentures (FPD) on anterior and posterior teeth and on
implants are now available. Clinical evaluation of abutments and periodontal tissue must
be performed prior to their use. Zirconia opacity is very useful in adverse clinical situations,
for example, for masking of dischromic abutment teeth. Radiopacity can aid evaluation
during radiographic controls. Zirconia frameworks are realized by using computer-aided
design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. Cementation of Zr-ceramic restorations can
be performed with adhesive luting. Mechanical properties of zirconium oxide FPDs have
proved superior to those of other metal-free restorations. Clinical evaluations, which have
been ongoing for 3 years, indicate a good success rate for zirconia FPDs. Zirconia implant
abutments can also be used to improve the aesthetic outcome of implant-supported
rehabilitations. Newly proposed zirconia implants seem to have good biological and
mechanical properties; further studies are needed to validate their application.