Evaluation of soft tissue parameters around titanium and zirconia implants in the maxillary anterior region: A retrospective study

Background: Recent advancements in dental implant materials have highlighted zirconia as a promising alternative to traditional titanium implants. The soft tissue response is crucial for the long-term success and esthetics of dental implants. Therefore, this study aims to compare soft tissue thickness, pocket depth, bleeding on probing (BOP), and gingival color around zirconia and titanium implants. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled 60 patients 1 year post-implant placement, conducted at King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Dentistry in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from April to October 2024. Soft tissue parameters (thickness, pocket depth, BOP) around zirconia and titanium implants were measured using a UNC-15 periodontal probe. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27. Results: Significant differences were found between zirconia and titanium implants in terms of soft tissue thickness ( P = 0.031), color (P < 0.001), and BOP (P = 0.004). Zirconia implants were associated with thinner soft tissue (53.8%) compared to titanium implants (73.5% thick tissue). All patients with titanium implants experienced color changes, while 82.1% of zirconia patients reported no change. In addition, all titanium implant patients had BOP, whereas none of the zirconia implant patients did. Conclusion: Zirconia implants appear to be reliable replacements for situations wherein titanium is not a feasible choice or where esthetics are a priority. Further research is recommended to continue exploring the long-term outcomes and potential advantages of zirconia implants in diverse patient populations.