Current prospect of dental zirconia recycling: A scoping review

Purpose: This scoping review aimed to identify and discuss the recyclability of dental zirconia residuals along with the factors influencing the properties of dental recycled zirconia.

Study selection: In vitro studies written in both English and Chinese that evaluated the recyclability of dental zirconia residue were selected. A literature search was conducted in Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases with no restrictions on the publication year.

Results: Sixteen studies were included in this review. Residual dental zirconia can be recycled. Cold isostatic pressing improved the density of recycled zirconia compared with uniaxial pressing. Recycled zirconia powder with fine particles enhanced the performance of recycled zirconia compared with coarse particles. A presintering temperature of 950 to 1100°C was suitable for preparing recycled zirconia presintered bodies. Recycled zirconia may require a higher sintering temperature (≥1500°C) compared with commercially available zirconia. Additionally, recycled zirconia powder can enhance the properties of polymethylmethacrylate as a reinforcing filler and can be combined with alumina powder to obtain an alumina/zirconia composite material.

Conclusions: Despite a limited body of literature, the recycling and reutilization of dental zirconia residuals are feasible and reliable, and can reduce economic and environmental losses. Nevertheless, several factors influence the recycling effect, including the particle size, molding techniques, and sintering parameters. In addition, recycled zirconia powder can act as a reinforcing filler, potentially enhancing the mechanical properties of other materials. To realize commercially viable recycled zirconia materials, further studies are essential to comprehensively explore and understand their recycling performance.