Effect of zirconia surface topography on epithelial attachment following diode laser-assisted crown lengthening: A controlled split-mouth animal study

To evaluate the effect of zirconia surface topography on epithelial attachment and peri-restorative soft tissue healing following diode laser-assisted crown lengthening. A controlled split-mouth experimental study was conducted in 12 Beagle dogs. Bilateral mandibular sites received CAD/CAM zirconia restorations with either glazed or micro-roughened cervical surfaces. Crown lengthening was performed using a diode laser, followed by full thickness mucoperiosteal flap elevation and osteoplasty. Clinical parameters and histomorphometric analysis were assessed at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. Micro-roughened zirconia surfaces demonstrated significantly enhanced epithelial attachment, improved collagen organization, and superior soft-tissue adaptation compared with glazed surfaces ( P < 0.05). At 2 weeks, inflammatory infiltration and disorganized collagen were observed. By 4 weeks, marked tissue maturation and epithelial integration were evident, particularly in the micro-roughened group. Zirconia surface topography significantly influences peri-restorative soft tissue healing. Micro-roughened surfaces promote superior epithelial attachment and tissue integration following laser-assisted crown lengthening. A controlled split-mouth experimental study in Beagle dogs evaluated the effect of zirconia surface topography on epithelial attachment following diode laser-assisted crown lengthening. Micro-roughened zirconia surfaces demonstrated significantly enhanced epithelial attachment, improved collagen organization, and superior soft tissue adaptation compared with glazed surfaces during early healing (P < 0.05).