In Germany more than 50 different implant
systems for dentistry are available. They are very
largely similar to one another, since they are
primarily two-part rotation-symmetrical screws
[19]. Very large agreement prevails among the
systems especially with regard to the implant
material used, namely titanium [19].
The question is posed whether optimum
material technical and biological properties
have already been established with the metallic
material of titanium, although there have been
repeatedly reports about titanium residues in
the tissue after titanium implant insertion [5, 17,
18, 20]. Recently implants made of ceramic are
experiencing a renaissance, since for the fi rst
time material properties of ceramics approaching
those of metals are achieved by zirconia
ceramics reinforced by yttrium oxide: High
hardness with simultaneously high bending
strength and crack resistance [12]. Although
many promising properties for dental
J. Mellinghoff
First clinical results of dental screw implants
made of zirconia (zirconium dioxide)
> 1
C ertif ication
ISO 9001 and 13485
SWISS