Influence of clinical zirconia surface treatments on microscopic characteristics and adhesion-proliferation behavior of human gingival fibroblasts

Abstract

Zirconia is favored in dental implant applications due to its biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and esthetic appeal, particularly in its interaction with soft oral tissues such as the gingiva. To optimize zirconia for clinical use, surface treatments like sanding and polishing are essential. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of clinical surface treatments on the microscopic characteristics of zirconia and the adhesion and proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence microscopy were utilized to examine the microscopic morphology and roughness resulting from various clinical surface treatment procedures on zirconia and to assess their impact on the microscopic appearance and behavior of HGFs. The results showed that the application of surface treatment procedures, particularly polishing treatments, resulted in the formation of a regular shallow groove morphology and a significant reduction in roughness in zirconia. This was accompanied by improved cell proliferation, cell adhesion, and the expression of integrin β1 in HGFs. The results suggest that smoother zirconia surfaces promote better cell-material interactions, potentially improving the clinical success of dental implants. This research contributes to our understanding of the optimal surface roughness for soft tissue adhesion and the effect of different micro-morphologies on HGF attachment.

Keywords: Cell adhesion; Cell proliferation; Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs); Surface treatments; Zirconia.