A Preliminary Study On Customized Root Analogue Zirconia Implant Fabricated By 3D Printing Technology

Objective:The purpose of this research was to investigate the feasibility of making zirconia RAI using 3D printing technology and preliminary evaluation of its biological performance.Methods:The spatial data of premolars were obtained by cone beam computed tomography(CBCT)from four Beagle dogs then 32 root-shaped zirconia implants were prepared by 3D printing technology..Optical model of implants were obtain to validate the accuracy,cells’ proliferation and elastic modulus were tested to detect mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility.12weeks after□implants placement,Ladewig staining was performed on the samples to observe the osseointegration at the implant-bone interface.Results:The printed RAI was dimensionally accurate with a root mean square(RMS)value of 0.0909 mm.The 3D printed zirconia was non-cytotoxic and the result of cell proliferation assays is superior to that of conventional zirconia(P<0.05).The elastic modulus(11.57±0.12 GPa)was closer to natural bone tissue than regular zirconia implants(205 GPa).No peri-implantitis and implant loss occurred in Beagle dogs before sacrificing and sampling.The histomorphometry data showed that the bone-implant contacts(BICs)was(31.7±0.09)%.Conclusions:The results indicate 3D printed zirconia RAI have good biocompatibility and mechanical characteristics,and osseointegration can be obtained in vivo experiment.