Zirconia abutments have excellent mechanical strength and reliability. The biocompatibility and microstructural properties of zirconia are well known. In addition to its favourable mechanical properties, the material is thought to accumulate less dental plaque compared to titanium. It is possible that the peri-implant soft tissues around zirconia may heal more quickly compared to peri-implant tissues in contact with titanium.
One reason for choosing a zirconia abutment is when a patient has a particularly thin gingival tissue or periodontal biotype. Where the gingival tissue is thinner, it can expose the greyish hue of a titanium abutment implant in the cervical third of the implant restoration. This can detract from even the most beautifully-made implant crown. A thin gingival tissue is unable to block the reflected light from metal abutments, therefore selecting a zirconia abutment can overcome these limitations. One simple way to test if a patient has thinner gingival tissue is to simply insert a periodontal probe into the gingival sulcus. If it is easy to see the probe through the tissue, then the patient has a thin periodontal biotype. Using a zirconia implant abutment will give a far more aesthetically-pleasing appearance when the patient's gum line needs to be considered. It also avoids the problem of trying to match the shade of adjacent teeth while hiding the colour of a titanium abutment.
