Osseointegration of zirconia and titanium implants in a rabbit tibiae model evaluated by microtomography, histomorphometry and fluorochrome labeling analyses.

All implants favored bone formation and consequently promoted primary stability. Bone formation around the threads was faster in RBM-Ti and M-Y-TZP implants than in M-Ti implants, but limited bone remodeling with M-Y-TZP implants over time can have significant effects on secondary stability, suggesting caution for its use as an alternative substitute for titanium implants.