OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different titanium zirconium (TiZr) alloy surfaces on primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) for improved soft tissue integration of dental implants. METHODS:TiZr polished, machined and machined+HCl/H2SO4 acid-etched surfaces were modified by cathodic polarization and/or HNO3/HF acid etching. Contact angle of surfaces was measured. The influence of modified TiZr surfaces on HGF was evaluated through the analysis of cell number, morphology, recovery after a wound (wound healing assay) and the expression of several genes, including matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) and metallopeptidase inhibitor-1 (TIMP1). RESULTS:Modification of TiZr surfaces decreased its hydrophilicity. Hydride implementation on TiZr surfaces via cathodic polarization increased TIMP1 expression and decreased MMP1/TIMP1 mRNA ratio. Cathodic polarization of machined surfaces promoted cell attachment. Cells on machined and machined+cathodic polarization surfaces grew aligned to the microgrooves whereas on all polished surfaces they grew randomly. Acid etching of polished and machined surfaces did not improve HGF function. CONCLUSIONS:Hydride implementation on TiZr machined surfaces may be used as new dental implant material for improved soft tissue integration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Enhancing dental implant surfaces' bioactivity by hydride implementation may promote soft tissue attachment and sealing around the implant and reduce peri-implantitis related to ECM-destruction compared with conventional machined surfaces.