Bone Level Changes Research Articles

Case Series on the Long-Term Effect of Three Different Types of Maxillary Implant-Supported Overdentures on Clinical Outcomes and Complications.

(1) Long-term data on maxillary implant overdentures (IODs) are scarce. This case series evaluated three types of IODs supported by six, four or three implants (Anyridge®, Mega’Gen Implant Co., Ltd., Daegu, South-Korea), after 3–5 years in function. (2) A total of 31 patients, with 132 implants, were non-randomly allocated based on available bone or financial limitations. IOD-6 received a telescopic overdenture; IOD-4 a bar; and IOD-3, non-connected implants with locator abutments. Implant survival, bone level changes, probing pocket depth (PPD), plaque index, bleeding on probing (BOP), and technical, biological and aesthetic complications were registered. Impact of suprastructures on bone loss and PPD was analyzed using mixed-effect linear regression models. Differences between groups were analyzed using the ANOVA test for BOP, and Kruskal Wallis test for complications. (3) In total, 23 patients participated in the follow-up (9 female, 14 male), with average age of 62.2 years; 7, 11 and 5 patients in IOD-6, IOD-4 and IOD-3, respectively. Implant survival after 4.4 years on average, was 98% in total; 100%, 97.8% and 93.3% for IOD-6, IOD-4 and IOD-3, respectively. Mean bone loss corresponded to 0.68 mm (SD 1.06, range −4.57–1.51), 0.39 mm (SD 1.06, range −3.6–2.43), and 1.42 mm (SD 1.68, range −5.11–0.74) for IOD-6, IOD-4 and IOD-3, respectively. A statistically significant difference was seen in bone level when comparing IOD-6 to IOD-3 (p = 0.044), and IOD-4 to IOD-3 (p = 0.018). Mean PPD was 3.8 mm (SD: 0.69; range 2.5–5.3), 3.5 mm (SD 0.59; range 2.33–5), and 3.2 mm (SD 0.56; range 2–4) for IOD-6, IOD-4 and IOD-3, respectively, and differed significantly between IOD-6 and IOD-3 (p = 0.029). Incidence of peri-implantitis was 1%. No differences were seen for complications between groups. (4) Maxillary IOD supported by four to six implants is the most reliable treatment regarding implant survival and peri-implant health. More research is needed in the clinical outcomes, in particular the peri-implant health, and complications of maxillary IODs, especially with a reduced number of implants.

Bone remodeling around dental implants after 1-1.5 years of functional loading: A retrospective analysis of two-stage implants.

ObjectivesThis study aims to retrospectively assess to what extent peri‐implant bone level changes occur from exposing the implant to the oral environment at the second stage of surgery (SSS) to the baseline assessment and, additionally, after 1–1.5 years of functional loading. Further, this study aims to examine the role of the emergence angle in marginal bone changes.Material and MethodsThis retrospective study included 46 patients treated between 2012 and 2019. These patients received 64 bone‐level dental implants. After implant placement, SSS, and baseline assessment, relevant clinical peri‐implant conditions and radiographical data were collected. A radiographic examination of the marginal bone level was performed after SSS, the baseline assessment, and 1–1.5 years of follow‐up.ResultsThe peri‐implant periodontal probing depth increased significantly from 3.08 ± 0.7 mm at the baseline to 3.27 ± 0.81 mm at the 1–1.5‐year follow‐up. The mean marginal bone level at the implant level was 0.12 ± 0.23, 0.35 ± 0.43, and 0.47 ± 0.47 mm at the SSS, baseline, and the 1–1.5‐year follow‐up, respectively. Most changes occurred at the implant's distal site. A significant relationship was found between the emergence angle and the extent of change in the marginal bone level between the SSS and baseline (r = .430, p ≤ .001).ConclusionsMost changes in the marginal bone level occurred between SSS and baseline assessments. For diagnostic purposes, it is advised to obtain a standardized radiograph after SSS to monitor peri‐implant bone‐level alterations.

The Effect of Two Different Doses of Astaxanthin on Alveolar Bone Loss in an Experimental Model of Periodontitis in Diabetic Rats.

This study evaluated the effects of astaxanthin (ASX) on alveolar bone loss, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) activity in ligature-induced periodontitis in diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced with 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal streptozotocin in 40 male Wistar rats. The Wistar rats were divided into six experimental groups: non-ligated (NL; n = 6); ligature only (L; n = 6); DM only (D; n = 6); DM + ligature (DP; n = 6); DM + ligature + 1 mg/kg/day ASX (ASX 1 group; n = 8); and DM + ligature + astaxanthin 5 mg/kg/day ASX (ASX 5 group; n = 8). Silk ligatures were placed along the gingival margin of the left mandibular first molar tooth. The study duration was 11 days, after which the animals were euthanised. Changes in alveolar bone levels were clinically measured, and RANKL and OPG activities were immunohistochemically examined. Alveolar bone loss was the most significant in the DP group (p < 0.05). Decreased alveolar bone loss was observed in the ASX 5 group (p < 0.05). Although RANKL activity was highest in the DP group, it was observed at lower levels in the groups to which ASX was administered. OPG activity did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). The results of this study suggested that 1 and 5 mg/kg ASX administration reduced RANKL activity and alveolar bone loss in rats with experimentally induced periodontitis.

Using Different Low-Profile Abutments for Assisting Mandibular Implant Overdenture: A Split-Mouth Study.

Background Using a pair of different low-profile abutments to assist mandibular implant overdenture (MIOD) in limited restorative space is questionable due to the different morphology. Objective To investigate the marginal bone level (MBL) change and peri-implant-tissue health (PITH) around a pair of OT Equator® and Locator® suprastructures assisting MIOD. Methods Seventeen edentulous patients received MIOD assisted by OT Equator® and Locator®. MBL change was investigated at the implant loading (T1), after six months (T2) and twelve months (T3) of implant loading. PITH was evaluated at T2 and T3. Results There was within abutment significant difference in MBL change after T2 and T3 of loading for Locator (0.05 ± 0.02 and 0.32 ± 0.08, respectively) (P=0.01); and for Equator (0.11 ± 0.08 and 0.21 ± 0.09, respectively) (P=0.01). Also, there was a significant difference between Locator and Equator on the modified plaque index (MPI) after T3 (P=0.01). The significant results were recorded for the MPI at T2 and T3 for Locator (0.92 ± 0.26 and 1.5 ± 0.51, respectively) (P=0.01) and for Equator (0.82 ± 0.26 and 1.42 ± 0.51, respectively) (P=0.003). For modified bleeding index, there was significant difference at T2 and T3 for Locator (0.57 ± 0.19 and 1.14 ± 0.41, respectively) (P=0.03) and for Equator (0.46 ± 0.22 and 1.07 ± 0.41, respectively) (P=0.01). For gingival index, there was significant difference at T2 and T3 for Locator (0.57 ± 0.11 and 1.28 ± 0.35, respectively) (P=0.001) and for Equator (0.35 ± 0.21 and 1.1 ± 0.46, respectively) (P=0.001). Conclusions Using different pairs of the low-profile OT Equator® and Locator® abutments to assist MIOD is clinically acceptable based on the MBL change and PITH outcomes.

Marginal Bone Maintenance and Different Prosthetic Emergence Angles: A 3-Year Retrospective Study.

The aim of the present retrospective study was to assess marginal bone changes around implants restored with different prosthetic emergence profile angles. Patients were treated with implants supporting fixed dentures and were followed for 3 years. Marginal bone levels (MBL) measured at the prosthesis installation (t0) and at the 3-year follow-up visit (t1) were considered. The MBL change from t0 to t1 was investigated. Two groups were considered: Group 1 for restorations with an angle between implant axis and prosthetic emergence profile >30°, and Group 2 for those with an angle ≤30°, respectively. Moreover, peri-implant soft tissue parameters, such as the modified bleeding index (MBI) and plaque index (PI) were assessed. Seventy-four patients were included in the analysis and a total of 312 implants were examined. The mean EA in groups 1 and 2 was 45 ± 4 and 22 ± 7 degrees, respectively. The mean marginal bone level change (MBL change) of 0.06 ± 0.09 mm and 0.06 ± 0.10 mm were, respectively, in groups 1 and 2. The difference in the MBL change between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.969). The MBL change does not seem to be influenced by the emergence angle for implants with a stable internal conical connection and platform-switching of the abutment diameter.

A prospective, multicentre study of 6-mm short implants in posterior alveolar bone supporting splinted crowns: A 5-year follow-up study.

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 6-mm short implants, placed in the posterior jaws and supporting splinted crowns, at 5 years after early loading. Forty-five patients with 95 implants (diameter: 4 mm; length: 6 mm) were enrolled at three centres. Two to three implants were placed in either the maxillary or the mandibular posterior region in each patient and restored with screw-retained splinted crowns at 6 weeks later. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at implant placement, at loading, and at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 60 months after loading. Biological and mechanical complications were recorded. Marginal changes in bone level in relation to clinical parameters were evaluated using a generalized linear mixed model. During the 5 years of follow-up, the mean change in the marginal bone level (MBL) was 0.04 ± 0.14 mm. Four implants in four patients were lost before loading, one implant in one patient was lost at the 5-year follow-up, and two patients were lost to follow-up. The survival and success rates were 88.4% (38/43) at the patient level. The incidence rates of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis were 29.4% and 7.0%, respectively. The rate of technical complications was 14.0%. Over a 5-year period, 6-mm short implants supporting early loaded splinted crowns in maxillary or mandibular posterior regions showed stable MBLs and acceptable technical and biological complication rates.

Immediate implant placement with or without socket grafting: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To assess the effect of grafting the gap (SG) between the implant surface and alveolar socket on hard and soft tissue changes following single immediate implant placement (IIP). Two independent reviewers conducted an electronic literature search in Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane databases as well as a manual search to identify eligible clinical studies up to August 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IIP with and without SG were included for a qualitative analysis. Meta-analyses were performed when possible. Out of 3627 records, 15 RCTs were selected and reported on 577 patients who received 604 single immediate implants (IIP + SG: 298 implants in 292 patients; IIP: 306 implants in 285 patients) with a mean follow-up ranging from 4 to 36 months. Two RCTs showed low risk of bias. Meta-analysis revealed 0.59 mm (95% CI [0.41; 0.78], p< 0.001) or 54% less horizontal buccal bone resorption following IIP + SG when compared to IIP alone. In addition, 0.58 mm (95% CI [0.28; 0.88], p< 0.001) less apical migration of the midfacial soft tissue level was found when immediate implants were installed with SG. A trend towards less distal papillary recession was found (MD 0.60 mm, 95% CI [-0.08; 1.28], p= 0.080) when SG was performed, while mesial papillae appeared not significantly affected by SG. Vertical buccal bone changes were also not significantly affected by SG. Insufficient data were available for meta-analyses on horizontal midfacial soft tissue changes, pink esthetic score, marginal bone level changes, probing depth and bleeding on probing. Based on GRADE guidelines, a moderate recommendation for SG following IIP can be made. SG may contribute to horizontal bone preservation and soft tissue stability at the midfacial aspect of immediate implants. Therefore, SG should be considered as an adjunct to IIP in clinical practice.

The Effect of Nonaugmentative Approaches in the Surgical Treatment of Peri-implantitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

This systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) were performed to compare the clinical effects of nonaugmentative adjunctive approaches in the surgical treatment of peri-implantitis. A systematic search of six electronic databases was performed up to June 20, 2020. Additional relevant literature was identified through gray literature and hand searches. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of surgical treatment of periimplantitis with nonaugmentative adjunctive approaches were included. Probing depth (PD) changes, marginal bone level (MBL) changes, and treatment success rates were extracted and assessed. Pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian NMA were performed. This review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020191113). The search yielded 7,419 articles, of which 10 studies with 11 articles were included in the quantitative analysis. In the NMA of mechanical approaches and photodynamic therapy (PDT), compared with hand curettes, implantoplasty provided significant additional PD improvement at the 6-month follow-up evaluation (mean difference [MD]: 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17, 2.38) and 12-month follow-up evaluation (MD: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.74). In the NMA of antiseptics and systemic antibiotics, adjunctive use of antiseptics and/or systemic antibiotics did not provide significant improvement in PD or MBL. In the NMA of all adjunctive approaches, no significant differences were found in PD improvements. Within the limitations of this systematic review and NMA, implantoplasty is more effective than hand curettes in improving PD in the surgical treatment of peri-implantitis. Chemical antiseptics or systemic antibiotics have a limited effect on improving PD and MBL.

Unsplinted Attachment Systems and Peri-implant Outcomes in Two-implant-retained Mandibular Overdentures: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

The purpose of this review is to compare randomized clinical trials evaluating the peri-implant tissue outcomes using different unsplinted attachment systems in two implant-retained mandibular overdentures. Literature lacks information on various unsplinted attachment systems and their effect on peri-implant tissue health. A focus question (as per PICOS) was set as follows: Does one particular unsplinted attachment system (I) compared with another (C) results in better peri-implant outcomes (O) in two implant-retained mandibular overdentures (P) using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (S)? The literature search was conducted in the PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases between January 2011 and December 2021. The keywords used were "denture, overlay," "denture," "overlay" AND "dental prosthesis, implant supported," "dental implants," "dental implant abutment design" AND "jaw, edentulous," "mouth, edentulous" AND "mandible." Only RCTs on two implant-retained mandibular overdentures using unsplinted attachment systems measuring peri-implant tissue outcomes with minimum 1-year follow-up were selected. In total, 224 studies were identified in initial search, and 25 were shortlisted for full-text evaluation. Four studies were included for systematic review upon considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias was evaluated using Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 (RoB 2.0). A total of 41 patients received ball attachments (in 3 studies), 36 patients received low-profile attachments (in 3 studies), 16 patients received magnet attachments (in 1 study), and 13 patients received telescopic attachments (in 1 study). All four studies used standard sized implants, however, differed in implant manufacturers. Two studies which compared ball attachments low-profile attachments revealed-similar peri-implant tissue health parameters but differed in crestal bone-level changes. One study compared ball with telescopic attachments and revealed similar results in crestal bone-level changes and all four peri-implant tissue health parameters. Single study compared magnets with low-profile attachments and shown lesser bone loss with magnet attachments. Single study was judged to have low risk of bias, single with some concerns, and remaining two to have high risk of bias. Gingival index and bleeding index of the patients were not influenced by any of the unsplinted overdenture attachment (stud, magnet, telescopic) system. Inconclusive results found among the studies evaluated comparing crestal bone loss and plaque index. This review manuscript has simplified comparative analysis of different unsplinted attachment systems used in two implant mandibular overdentures to help clinicians choose correct system in such situation.

Alveolar bone remodeling in virtually planned, bone-grafted vs non-grafted guided flapless implant surgery in the anterior maxilla: a cross-sectional retrospective follow-up study

PurposeIn patients who underwent virtual planning and guided flapless implant surgery for teeth missing in the anterior maxilla, we compared buccal bone loss between those treated with and without autogenous bone augmentation.MethodsOf 22 patients with teeth missing because of trauma or aplasia, 10 (18 implant sites) were reconstructed with buccally placed bone graft harvested from the mandibular ramus, and 12 were non-reconstructed (16 sites). Baseline cone-beam computed tomography allowed for implant planning using the NobelClinician® software and was performed again at 1 year after functional loading. The marginal bone level was assessed radiographically at post-implant baseline and at follow-up.ResultsAt follow-up, buccal bone loss differed significantly between groups at the central level of the implant (p = 0.0005) but not at the coronal level (p = 0.329). The mean marginal bone level change was 0.6 mm, with no significant between-group difference (p = 0.876). The actual implant position often deviated in the vertical or sagittal plane by an average of 0.3–0.6 mm from the planned position.ConclusionCompared with non-reconstructed patients, reconstructed patients experienced significantly more buccal bone loss at the central level of implants. The groups did not differ at the coronal level or in marginal bone loss, possibly because of the more augmented bone at the central level among reconstructed patients. Differences between planned versus actual implant positions should be considered in situations of limited bone volume at the planned implant site.

Airflow for initial nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis may help in reducing microbial load and inflammatory parameters. The potential clinical benefits of using different treatment approaches, in the initial nonsurgical treatment phase, particularly the airflow, are still not clear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analyses was to evaluate the outcomes of nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis using airflow method in terms of changes in periodontal parameters, peri-implant marginal bone level, postoperative pain/discomfort, and patient satisfaction. Electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared airflow with mechanical debridement using ultrasonic/curettes. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. Data were analyzed using a statistical software program. A total of 316 studies were identified, of which, five RCTs with 288 dental implants in 174 participants were included. Overall meta-analysis showed more reduction in probing pocket depths at 1-3 months (mean difference [MD] -0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.50-0.05; p=0.10) and 6 months (MD -0.04; 95% CI -0.34 to 0.27; p=0.80) in favor of airflow, but the difference was not statistically significant. The use of airflow was associated with significant reduction in bleeding on probing and increase in peri-implant mucosal recession. The differences in plaque score, peri-implant marginal bone level changes, and patient reported outcomes between airflow and mechanical debridement were not statistically significant. The short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes following nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis using airflow or mechanical debridement were comparable. The airflow has short-term positive effects on reducing bleeding on probing. Further evidence from RCTs are still required to substantiate the current findings.

Radiographic Evaluation of Crestal Bone Level Changes for Allografts or Xenografts Placed during Implant Placement: A Retrospective Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate initial peri-implant crestal bone level changes when the allografts and xenografts were placed simultaneously during the implant placement. This retrospective study was planned with the convenient sampling total of 77 implant sites that were bone grafted either with allografts (group I) or xenografts (group II). Using the periapical radiographs obtained after placement of bone grafts as baseline, the changes in the alveolar crestal bone around the implants were evaluated by comparing periapical radiographs taken at 3 months and 6 or 8 months after the surgery. The alveolar bone loss at crestal region at the time of placement of bone grafts were -1.85 ± 1.26 mm at the xenograft sites and -1.75 ± 1.51 mm at allograft sites, respectively (p = 0.791). At the time of reentry, 3 months after tooth extraction and ridge preservation, the bone dimensions were 1.17 ± 0.83 mm for xenograft and 1.00 ± 1.14 mm for allograft (p = 0.523). At the final reentry, bone-grafted sites were divided into after 6 months and after 8 months postoperatively. After 3 months, the allografts showed lesser bone resorption (0.9 ± 0.52 mm) as compared with the xenografts (1.25 ± 1.00 mm). The bone loss after 8 months for the allografts was spiked to 1.83 ± 0.42 mm as compared with the xenografts 1.37 ± 1.12 mm with no statistically significant difference (p >0.05). Both allografts and xenografts present comparable crestal bone level changes around dental implants when simultaneously placed during implant placement surgery. Both allografts and xenografts are suitable for the preservation of the alveolar ridge regarding crestal bone level changes. Selection of allografts and xenografts may not be carried out based upon the crestal bone level changes.

Cemented versus screw-retained zirconia-based single-implant restorations: 5-year results of a randomized controlled clinical trial.

ObjectivesTo compare cemented and screw‐retained one‐piece zirconia‐based restorations in terms of clinical, radiographic, and technical outcomes 5 years after insertion.Materials and methodsThirty‐four patients with single‐tooth implants were randomly restored with either a cemented lithium disilicate crown on a one‐piece customized zirconia abutment (CEM, 17 patients) or a screw‐retained crown based on a directly veneered one‐piece customized zirconia abutment (SCREW, 16 patients). All patients were recalled for a baseline examination (7–10 days after crown insertion) and then annually up to 5 years. The following outcomes were assessed: marginal bone level (changes), technical, and clinical (bleeding on probing, plaque control record, probing depth, and keratinized tissue) parameters. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to assess differences between the two groups.ResultsAt 5 years, 26 patients (13 in each group) were re‐examined. The survival rates on the implant and restorative levels were 100% and 82.4% (equally for both groups), respectively. At 5 years, the median marginal bone level was located at −0.15 mm (IQR: −0.89 mm; 0.27 mm) (CEM) and −0.26 mm (IQR: −0.38 mm; 0.01 mm) (SCREW) below the implant shoulder (intergroup p = .9598). The median changes between baseline and the 5‐year follow‐up amounted to −0.23 mm (CEM; intragroup p = .0002) and −0.15 mm (SCREW; intragroup p = .1465) (intergroup p = .1690). The overall technical complication rate at 5 years was 15.4% (CEM) and 15.4% (SCREW) (intergroup p = 1.00). Clinical parameters remained stable over time (baseline to 5 years).ConclusionsAt 5 years, screw‐retained and cemented restorations rendered largely the same clinical, technical, and radiographic outcomes. Technical complications were frequent in both groups.

The role of systemic diseases and local conditions as risk factors.

The role of systemic diseases and local conditions as risk factors.

Laser Treatment of Peri-Implantitis: A Systematic Review of Radiographic Outcomes.

(1) Background: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of laser therapy on radiographic bone level (RBL) changes in peri-implantitis defects. (2) Methods: A literature search with defined inclusion criteria was performed. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched through September 2020. The evaluated primary outcomes were RBL changes. In studies that reported RBL data, corresponding secondary clinical outcomes were probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and clinical attachment level (CAL). (3) Results: Thirteen articles were selected for data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Eight studies showed evidence of RBL gain in the laser groups compared to baseline, but did not report the statistical significance. Eight of these 13 studies reported comparisons to control. Five of the eight studies did not show RBL gain in the laser groups compared to control. In the laser groups compared to baseline, 11 of 13 reported reduced PD, and 6 of 13 reported significantly reduced BOP. Compared to the control, eight of the eight reported reduction of PD, and three of six reported significantly reduced BOP. Statistical significance was not consistently reported. (4) Conclusions: Within the limits of this systematic review, laser treatment may promote bone gain in peri-implantitis defects, may reduce BOP and PDs, and may be comparable to mechanical therapy. However, definitive conclusions can only be made with statistically significant data, which were found lacking in the currently available studies. This systematic review was registered with the National Institute for Health Research, international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42020207972.

Monolithic zirconia single tooth implant-supported restorations with CAD/CAM titanium abutments in the posterior region: A 1-year prospective case series study.

PurposeTo assess the clinical, radiographic, and patient‐reported outcome measures, including the success of screw‐retained monolithic zirconia implant‐supported restorations with CAD/CAM titanium abutments in the posterior region during a 1‐year follow‐up.MethodsIn a prospective case series, 50 molar sites in the posterior region of 46 patients with a minimum age of 18 years and sufficient bone volume and anatomical conditions for placing an implant (≥8 mm) and an anatomical restoration were included. Parallel‐walled implants with a conical connection were inserted in a two‐stage surgical procedure. Implant uncovering and healing abutment placement occurred 12 weeks after insertion. Two weeks after mucosa healing, a screw‐retained monolithic zirconia restoration with a CAD/CAM titanium abutment was placed. Clinical, radiographic, and patient‐reported outcome measures were collected at baseline before implant placement and then during the 1 month and 1 year follow‐ups.ResultsAt the 1 year follow‐up, 49 restorations could be evaluated. The plaque accumulation, presence of calculus, bleeding tendency and peri‐implant inflammation indices were low, representing healthy peri‐implant conditions. The mean marginal bone level change between the 1 month and the 1 year follow‐up was −0.17 ± 0.46 mm. The mean patient satisfaction was high. The restoration success was, according to the modified USPHS criteria, 95.9%.ConclusionMonolithic zirconia implant‐supported restorations with CAD/CAM titanium abutments have very good clinical, radiographic and patient‐reported outcomes after 1 year in function.

Prospective Pilot Study of Immediately Provisionalized Restorations of Trabecular Metal-Enhanced Titanium Dental Implants: A 5-Year Follow-Up Report

Porous tantalum trabecular metal biomaterial has a similar structure to trabecular bone, and was recently added to titanium dental implants as a surface enhancement. The purpose of this prospective pilot study was to describe 5-year survival results and crestal bone level changes around immediately-provisionalized Trabecular Metal Dental Implants. Eligible patients were adults in need of ≥1 implants in the posterior jaw. A non-occluding single acrylic provisional crown was in place for up to 14 days before final restoration. Clinical evaluations with radiographs were conducted at each follow-up visit (1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 to 5 years). The primary endpoint was implant survival, characterized using the Kaplan-Meier method. The secondary endpoint was changes in crestal bone level, evaluated using a paired t-test to compare mean crestal bone levels between the baseline, 6-month, and annual follow-up values. In total, 30 patients (37 implants) were treated. Mean patient age was 45.5 years, and 63% were female. There was one implant failure; cumulative survival at 5 years was 97.2%. After the initial bone loss of 0.40 mm in the first 6 months, there were no statistically significant changes in crestal bone level over time up to 5 years of follow-up.

A 5-year randomized controlled clinical trial comparing 4-mm ultrashort to longer implants placed in regenerated bone in the posterior atrophic jaw.

Short implants (up to 5-mm long) have shown good results when compared to longer implants placed in augmented bone. To evaluate if 4-mm ultrashort implants could also be an alternative to bone augmentation in the severely atrophic posterior jaws. The primary aim of the study was to compare implant survival rates between study groups. Eighty partially edentulous patients with posterior atrophic jaws (5-6 mm of bone above the mandibular canal and 4-5 mm below the maxillary sinus) were included: 40 patients in the maxilla and 40 in mandible. The patients were randomized to receive one to three 4-mm ultrashort implants or one to three implants at least 10-mm long in augmented bone. Results are reported 5 years after loading with the following outcome measures: implant and prosthetic failures, complications and peri-implant marginal bone level changes. Thirty-two complications were reported for the control group in 18 patients versus 13 complications in 10 patients in the test group, the difference being not statistically significant (p= 0.103). In the augmented group, 12 implants failed in 6 patients versus 7 short implants in 6 cases, and 9 prostheses failed in the control group while 4 in the test one, without statistically significant differences (p= 1.000 and 0.363, respectively). At 5 years after loading, short implants lost on average 0.58 ± 0.40 mm of peri-implant marginal bone and long implants 0.99 ± 0.58 mm, the difference was statistically significant (p= 0.006). Four-millimeter ultrashort implants showed similar if not better results when compared to longer implants placed in augmented jaws 5 years after loading. For this reason, their use could be in specific cases preferable to bone augmentation since the treatment is less invasive, faster, cheaper and associated with less morbidity. However, longer follow-ups and larger trials are needed.

Lateral Sinus Floor Elevation in the Severely Atrophied Maxilla: Concentrated Growth Factors Versus Bone Substitutes. A Controlled Clinical Trial

The present study clinically and radiographically compares the outcome of implants inserted in maxillary sinuses augmented with concentrated growth factors (CGFs) or demineralized bovine bone matrix (DBBM) in a one-stage lateral approach. In 20 patients with a residual bone height of 1 to 4 mm, lateral sinus floor elevation was performed, using CGFs or DBBM as the sole grafting material, with simultaneous implant placement. Outcome variables were implant and prosthesis failures, complications, subjective satisfaction, and radiographic changes in marginal bone level (MBL) 12 months after surgery. The patients were consecutively recruited: 10 to the CGF group and 10 to the DBBM group. No implant failed in either group at 12 months postsurgery, and there were no complications. There was no statistically significant difference in MBL change between the CGF and DBBM groups (difference of -0.3 mm, favoring the CGF group; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.8 to 0.2; P = .18). There was no statistically significant difference in satisfaction (difference of 0.2, favoring the CGF group; 95% CI: -0.2 to 0.6; P = .29). Within the limitations of the present study, the lateral sinus floor elevation performed with the use of CGFs as the sole grafting material showed implant survival rates and marginal bone level changes comparable to DBBM grafting.

Randomized Controlled Study on Effect of Concentrated Growth Factors on Crestal Bone Levels and Peri-implant Bone Density in Dental Implants.

Introduction:Modern dentistry aims to restore the comfort and health of the stomatognathic system. Dental implants have emerged as a promising option for this purpose. Concentrated growth factors (CGFs) have been suggested to enhance the healing of bone grafts and enhance the integration of implants into the bone. Growth factors are proteins which regulate the complex process of wound healing. They play an important role in cell migration, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis in the tissue regeneration phase. CGF was first developed by Sacco in 2006. It can be used as a barrier membrane to accelerate soft-tissue healing. CGF does not require any chemical or anticoagulants, and hence, it is free from viral transmission diseases. Crestal bone levels, peri-implant bone density, bleeding, probing depth, mobility, occlusion factors, restoration adequacy, radiographic images, oral hygiene, and patient health status are some of the important parameters for determining longevity of success rates in implant dentistry. This study will assess the peri-implant bone density and crestal bone levels with and without the use of CGF.Aim:To evaluate the effect of CGFs on peri-implant bone density and in the preservation of crestal bone levels around dental implants.Materials and Methods: Sampling procedure: Random selection of population (Sealed envelope method)Number of groups: Two-Control group (Group 1) and Experimental group (Group 2)Sample size: 20 For Group 2, implants were placed with CGF. For Group 1, implants were placed without CGF. The peri-implant bone density and bone levels were measured by Digora and signora software.Results:The mean crestal bone loss on the mesial aspect of implants placed in Group 2 is 0.294 mm and Group 1 is 0.345 mm, and the mean crestal bone loss on the distal aspect of implants placed in Group 2 is 0.320 mm and in Group 1 is 0.331 mm. There are no many significant differences on mesial and distal aspects around implants between the two groups Intragroup comparison of bone density values in Group 1 shows the mean difference from baseline to 1 month is 0.6, and after three and 6 months periods are 1.1 and 1.1, respectively, which indicates not much significant improvement in bone density values in Group 1. Intergroup comparison shows a significant difference between both the groups starting from as early as the 1st month.Conclusion:The results of this study indicate that CGF is significantly better in the regeneration of bone around the implants when comparing with nonCGF groups. Although CGF showed improvement in bone formation, there are no many differences in crestal bone level changes on mesial and distal sides of the implants between the two groups.