Zirconia versus titanium abutments for single posterior implant restorations

Potential Influence of Pre-fabricated and Customized Anatomical Zirconia Abutments in the Peri-implant Region for Single-tooth Implant-supported Prosthetic Restorations

Not applicable Interventional University of Campinas, Brazil · NCT07456163

This study will test whether customized zirconia abutments or standard titanium abutments better protect the tissues, limit bone loss, and improve oral quality of life for adults receiving a single posterior implant crown.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment71 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Campinas, Brazil Academic / other
Locations1 site (Piracicaba, São Paulo)
Trial IDNCT07456163 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled clinical trial compares prefabricated titanium abutments with customized milled zirconia abutments in adults receiving single implant-supported posterior zirconia crowns after prior alveolar preservation and implant placement. After implant osseointegration, eligible participants from the earlier alveolar-preservation trial are randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either the standardized titanium abutment (TiB) or the customized anatomical zirconia abutment (ZiT), with all prosthetic and laboratory procedures standardized. Clinical and radiographic assessments target peri-implant soft tissues, implant biocompatibility, bone-level changes, and oral-health related quality of life at prosthesis delivery (baseline) and scheduled follow-up visits. Sample size was calculated with GPower and allocation is computer-generated to ensure adequate statistical power and concealment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults from the prior alveolar-preservation study who have healed, osseointegrated posterior implants without surrounding bone loss and can attend prosthetic visits at Piracicaba Dental School.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled systemic disease, current or former smokers, pregnant or lactating women, those on medications that interfere with bone healing, or implants with existing bone loss are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, customized zirconia abutments could reduce soft-tissue inflammation and radiographic bone loss while improving comfort and appearance around single posterior implants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and clinical studies have suggested zirconia abutments may give favorable soft-tissue responses and aesthetics versus titanium, but long-term randomized clinical evidence is still limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals aged 18 years or older;
2. Participants in the Master's Thesis entitled: "Dimensional Changes Following Different Alveolar Preservation Protocols in Posterior Regions: A Randomized Controlled Study";
3. Patients with implants and healing abutments from Bionnovation Biomedical in place at the time of prosthetic rehabilitation;
4. Implants without surrounding bone loss;
5. Signed informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with uncontrolled systemic diseases;
2. Pregnant or lactating women;
3. Smokers or former smokers;
4. Undergoing orthodontic treatment;
5. Using medications that interfere with bone healing, such as those for osteoporosis and bisphosphonates;
6. Implants with bone loss or failed implants.

Where this trial is running

Piracicaba, São Paulo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Peri-Implant HealthImplant ComplicationProsthesis and ImplantsDental ProsthesisConnection, Dental Implant-AbutmentDental PorcelainBiofilm
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.