The effect of polishing and glazing on fibroblast cell adhesion and viability on zirconia frameworks

Abstract

Background: Dental implants face challenges such as bacterial infiltration and peri‑implantitis,
emphasizing the need for a robust mucosal seal to ensure long‑term success. This study aimed to
evaluate the impact of polishing and glazing zirconia on the adhesion and survival of human gingival
fibroblasts, which are critical for establishing this protective barrier.
Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 18 zirconia discs (2.5 mm thickness)
were prepared, sintered, and divided into three groups: polishing, glaze, and simple. The polishing
group underwent sequential polishing, whereas the glaze group was coated with glaze paste and
heated in a vacuum oven; the simple group remained unaltered. Cell survival was assessed using
direct and indirect 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays, and cell
adhesion was analyzed through fluorescence microscopy and quantitative fluorometry. Data analysis
was performed using SPSS version 26, employing the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for normality and
one‑way ANOVA (P < 0.05).
Results: Cell adhesion was significantly greater in the polished group compared to the simple
group (P = 0.001) and the glazed group (P = 0.002). Cell survival did not significantly differ between
the polished and plain groups (P = 0.111). However, the glazed group showed significantly higher
cell survival compared to both the simple (P < 0.001) and polished groups (P = 0.004).
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that polished zirconia
surfaces promote greater gingival fibroblast adhesion. However, fibroblast cell viability was higher
on glazed zirconia discs. These findings underscore the importance of zirconia surface treatments
in improving gingival integration.
Key Words: Bacterial adhesion, cell survival, dental polishing/adverse effects, dental polishing/ methods, dental porcelain, surface properties

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 Mohammad Reza Hosseini Kordkheili: Pubmed,Google Scholar