Current status of zirconia restoration

Genotoxicity test of self-renovated ceramics in primary human peripheral lymphocytes

Zirconia-based ceramics is widely used in dentistry. Different compositions of ceramics have different features. Our self-renovated ceramics become more machinable without scarifying its dental restoration properties after adjusting ratio of lanthanum phosphate (LaPO4)/yttrium oxide (Y2O3). In order to evaluate its safety, here, we tested its genotoxicity in primary human peripheral lymphocytes. The human lymphocytes cultured on three groups of different ratios of LaPO4/Y2O3 diphase ceramics for 6 days showed little effect of growth inhibition and similar effect of growth trend to the negative control. Furthermore, single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) indicated that there was no significant difference of the value of tail moment between the tested ceramics and negative control, the IPS Empress II (P > 0.05). Our findings implicate that our self-renovated ceramics do not induce DNA damages in human peripheral lymphocytes and support their future clinic application.

Overview of Zirconia: Application as Denture Base Material Substituting for Metal

Zirconia has recently been clinically applied as an ideal tooth color material which acquires superior mechanical properties with high stability without water absorption and dissolution with the progression of the CAD/CAM technique. Dental prosthetic materials have recently evolved to those for metal-free restoration because of the strength, esthetics and environmental protection concerning rare metals. In addition, the increase in demands for metal-free restoration is not limited to fixed prosthesis and dental implants, and it is also directed to application for removable prosthesis. The load-bearing ability of zirconia has been shown to be comparable to that of Co-Cr alloy. Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite (NANOZR) with strength, toughness, and thermal stability comparable or superior to those of previously used yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) has been clinically applied, suggesting its applicability as a denture base material substituting for metal.

How to cite this article

Takano T, Sakurai K. Overview of Zirconia: Application as Denture Base Material Substituting for Metal. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(4):153-156.