Clinical Study, February 2026: Cultural Differences in Patient Experiences with Immediate Zirconia Implants
12.2.2026 · 4 min
Patient Perspectives on Immediate Zirconia Implant Therapy: Long-Term Multicenter Study
Introduction
Patient satisfaction is increasingly recognized as a critical measure of implant success alongside traditional clinical outcomes. A European multicenter study examined immediate zirconia implant treatments in Spain, Austria, and Germany, highlighting notable cultural differences in patient-reported outcomes (PROMs). These insights help dentists tailor care to diverse patient populations and improve clinical and psychosocial outcomes.
Objectives
- Assess patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) before and after immediate zirconia implant therapy
- Evaluate patient satisfaction across Spain, Austria, and Germany
- Examine the impact of clinical factors such as implant number, augmentation, and loading time on patient perception
Methodology
A total of 54 patients (272 SDS zirconia implants) from Spain, Austria, and Germany were treated following a standardized surgical protocol. PROMs were collected using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before implantation (T0) and after final prosthetic restoration (T1), covering functional, psychological, physical, and social aspects. When indicated, PRF or bone/collagen augmentations were used. The study followed patients over a long-term period, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of outcomes.
Clinical Relevance
Patient satisfaction significantly increased from 77.9% to 95%. Chewing and speech function, aesthetics, and pain perception improved markedly. All implants demonstrated stable osseointegration throughout the follow-up, with a 100% survival rate. Clinical factors like implant diameter, total implant number, and timing of loading influenced subjective patient experience, emphasizing the value of personalized treatment planning.
Key Cultural Differences
- Spain: Patients reported higher initial oral health impairment but achieved the largest improvements, reflecting a tendency to report concerns pre-treatment and value the intervention highly.
- Austria: Lower initial complaints but higher post-treatment physical pain, suggesting careful perioperative pain management is crucial.
- Germany: Moderate baseline complaints, with more pronounced functional and psychological challenges post-treatment, highlighting the need for targeted communication and support strategies.
These findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive care and tailored communication in implantology, especially for multinational or multicultural practices.
Conclusion
Immediate zirconia implants provide long-term, functional, and aesthetic results with high patient satisfaction. Recognizing and integrating cultural differences in patient perception allows clinicians to align biological success with meaningful improvements in quality of life. PROMs are essential tools for modern, patient-centered implantology, guiding clinicians toward better-informed, culturally attuned treatment strategies.
References
For more information, visit frag-pip.de
The full study can be requested by email at marketingsds@swissdentalsolutions.com or purchased via PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40566728/
Co-authors of the study:
