Marginal Bone Level Changes Research Articles

Five-Year Survival of Short Single-Tooth Implants (6 mm): A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether 6-mm dental implants in the posterior segments of either jaw perform equally well in terms of clinical and radiographic outcomes when compared with 10-mm implants after 5 y of loading. Patients with single-tooth gaps in the posterior area who were scheduled for implant therapy were randomly assigned to a group receiving either a 6- or 10-mm implant. After a healing period of 10 wk, implants were loaded with a screw-retained single crown and followed up at yearly intervals. Of 96 patients, 86 could be recalled after 5 y. The implant survival rates amounted to 91% (95% confidence interval: 0.836 to 0.998) for the 6-mm group and 100% for the 10-mm group (P = 0.036). Median crown-to-implant (C/I) ratios were 1.75 (interquartile range [IQR], 1.50 to 1.90) for the 6-mm group and 1.04 (IQR, 0.95 to 1.15) for the 10-mm group, whereas the median marginal bone levels measured −0.29 mm (IQR, −0.92 to 0.23) for the 6-mm group and −0.15 mm (IQR: −0.93 – 0.41) for the 10-mm group after 5 y. The C/I ratio turned out to be statistically significant (P < 0.001), whereas marginal bone levels showed no significant difference between the groups. The 6-mm implants exhibited significantly lower survival rates than the 10-mm implants over 5 y, whereas there was no difference between upper and lower jaws in terms of survival (P = 0.58). Lost implants did not show any sign of marginal bone loss or peri-implant infection previous to loss of osseointegration. High C/I ratio and implant length had no significant effect on marginal bone level changes or technical and biological complications (German Clinical Trials Registry: DRKS00006290).

Crestal Bone Level Around Tissue-Level Implants Restored with Platform Matching and Bone-Level Implants Restored with Platform Switching: A 5-Year Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this randomized clinical trial with a 5-year follow-up was to assess the differences in radiographic levels of peri-implant bone crest between tissue-level implants restored with platform matching (control group) and bone-level implants restored with platform switching (test group) in the posterior region. To assess marginal bone level changes, periapical radiographs were taken at the moment of prosthesis delivery (baseline), at 1 year, and at 5 years after the definitive restoration. One hundred subjects, partially edentulous in the posterior region, were selected for this study. There were 54 men and 46 women between the ages of 25 and 70 years (mean = 50.5 years). A total of 202 implants were assigned to both groups using a randomized procedure (100 implants in the control group and 102 in the test group). The mean marginal bone level (MBL) changes for tissue-level implants restored with platform matching were 0.26 ± 0.55 mm at baseline to 1 year, 0.34 ± 0.54 mm at 1 year to 5 years, and 0.61 ± 0.73 mm at baseline to 5 years. The mean MBL changes for bone-level implants restored with platform switching were -0.03 ± 0.74 mm at baseline to 1 year, -0.17 ± 0.67 mm at 1 year to 5 years, and -0.20 ± 0.75 mm at baseline to 5 years. The mean difference between the two groups was 0.31 mm at baseline to 1 year, 0.53 mm at 1 year to 5 years, and 0.85 mm at baseline to 5 years. There was a statistically significant difference in MBL (P < .001). Both implant systems showed good and similar survival rates (98% for tissue-level implants restored with platform matching and 96.1% for bone-level implants restored with platform switching). In this randomized controlled trial, the following observations were made. Radiographic levels of peri-implant bone crest in tissue-level implants restored by platform matching were statistically significant in the three interval times. Meanwhile, MBL changes for bone-level implants restored with platform switching were not statistically significant in the different times studied. Nevertheless, the mean difference between the two groups was statistically significant.

Effects of lateral bone augmentation procedures on peri-implant health or disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review evaluated the evidence on the effect of the interventions aimed for lateral ridge augmentation (both simultaneously with implant placement or as a staged procedure) on peri-implant health or disease. A protocol was developed to answer the following PICO question: "In patients with horizontal alveolar ridge deficiencies (population), what is the effect of lateral bone augmentation procedures (intervention and comparison) on peri-implant health (outcome)?" Included studies were randomised controlled trials or controlled clinical trials with a follow-up of at least 12months after implant loading. Meta-analyses were performed whenever possible, including subgroup analysis based on follow-up. Twelve final publications from eight investigations were included. The results from the meta-analysis indicated that irrespective of the type of intervention, the inflammatory changes, based on bleeding on probing (%) were minimal, both at short- (n=1; weighted mean difference [WMD]=-1.00; 95% CI [-14.04; 12.04]; p=.881) and long-term (n=5; WMD=-5.63; 95% CI [-18.42; 7.16]; p=.881). When comparing different treatment modalities, no significant differences were observed (n=6; WMD=-3.36; 95% CI [-12.49; 5.77]; p<.471). Similarly, changes in probing pocket depth and marginal bone levels were not significantly different among groups. The incidence of peri-implantitis was evaluated in three investigations and varied from 16% to 26% after a follow-up period of 6-8years. The results from this systematic review and meta-analysis have shown that lateral ridge augmentation procedures can maintain peri-implant health over time with low mucosal inflammatory changes and a relatively small incidence of peri-implant bone loss.

Retrospective Study of 1087 Anodized Implants Placed in Private Practice: Risk Indicators Associated With Implant Failure and Relationship Between Bone Levels and Soft Tissue Health.

To evaluate risk indicators associated with implant failure and relationship between bone levels and soft-tissue health of anodized implants placed in private practice. Partially or completely edentulous patients who received an anodized implant between 2003 and 2013 were included. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to identify the relationship between study variables and implant failure. Mean marginal bone level changes (MBLΔ) were assessed using periapical radiographs. Periimplant soft tissue was evaluated using a modified bleeding index (implant mucosal index, IMI). A total of 1087 implants placed in 414 patients were followed for 3.9 ± 2.7 years. The cumulative implant survival rate after 10 years of function was 97.0%. Shorter (P = 0.0068) and maxillary implants (P = 0.0314) were associated with lower implant survival rate. Mean MBL decreased from -0.16 ± 0.43 mm at baseline to -0.53 ± 0.53 mm 8 to 10 years later. Implants with healthier mucosa were associated with less bone loss. Implants with an anodized surface showed a high long-term survival rate in a daily practice. Longer implants and implants placed in the mandible were associated with greater survival. Immediate loading and tapered design did not affect implant survival. Profuse multipoint bleeding and suppuration on recall were associated with greater bone loss.

Epicrestal and subcrestal placement of platform-switched implants: 18month-result of a randomized, controlled, split-mouth, prospective clinical trial.

To evaluate the changes in marginal bone levels (MBL) and soft tissue dimension around platform-switched implants with the implant-abutment junction (IAJ) placed at the crest or 1.5-2mm subcrestally. In all, 96 platform-switched implants were placed in either the posterior maxilla or mandible in 48 partially edentulous patients in a split-mouth study. All implants were provisionally restored after 4-5months and definitively after 6months (T6). Radiographic assessment of MBL was assessed at implant placement (T0), T6, 12months (T12), and 18months (T18) after placement. Mid-buccal soft tissue and papilla measurements were performed at T6, T12, and T18. In all, 43 patients with 86 implants completed the study. The T18 examination showed an implant survival rate of 100% in both groups. Analysis showed that MBL varied as a function of IAJ location, which indicated more coronal bone levels with subcrestal (2.39±0.08mm) than with epicrestal placements (0.88±0.08mm) (p<.05). Greater average marginal bone loss was found in the subcrestal group (0.40±0.07mm) compared to the epicrestal group (0.13±0.08mm) although no statistically significant difference was found at T18 (p>.05). Levels of mid-buccal soft tissue had no significant changes over time, regardless of group (p>.05). There was a significant difference in increase in papilla between T6 and T12 and T18 (p=.005 and .001), but not between T12 and T18 (p=.61). These papilla levels and changes were similar between groups (p>.05). The MBL changes around platform-switched implants with same geometry were not affected by the epicrestal or subcrestal location of the IAJ. Furthermore, the location of the IAJ did not affect the implant survival and soft tissue dimensions. However, no bone loss was located apical to the IAJ when the implants were placed subcrestally.

Peri-implant conditions and marginal bone loss around cemented and screw-retained single implant crowns in posterior regions: A retrospective cohort study with up to 4 years follow-up.

The aim of the present study was to identify the peri-implant conditions (bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket probing depth (PPD), modified plaque index (mPI)) and marginal bone loss (MBL, marginal bone level change between follow-up and occlusal loading) around cemented and screw-retained posterior single crowns on tissue-level implants. The study was a retrospective cohort study with up to 4 years (mean 2.5 years) follow-up. Patients with either cemented or screw-retained crowns in posterior regions were included. Implant survival, technical complications, BOP, PPD, mPI, MBL, biologic complications (peri-implant mocositis and peri-implantitis) were evaluated. Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the difference between the screw-retained group (SG) and cemented group (CG). 176 patients (SG: 94, CG: 82) were included. The implant survival rates were 100% in SG and 98.8% in CG. Prosthetic screw loosening was found in 8 restorations (8.7%) at follow-up visit. Peri-implant mucositis rate was significantly higher in the SG group (42.1%) than that in the CG group (32.2%) (P = 0.04). Six patients (6.38%) in the screw-retained group and 5 patients (6.10%) in the cemented group were diagnosed with peri-implantitis, the difference did not reach statistical significance (P>0.05). No significant difference of PPD, mPI and MBL were found between two groups (P = 0.11, 0.13 and 0.08, respectively). High implant survival rates were achieved in both groups. Cemented single crowns on tissue-level implants showed comparable peri-implant conditions in comparison with two-piece screw-retained crowns. Well-designed prospective cohort or randomized controlled clinical trials with longer follow-up are needed to confirm the result.

Immediate provisionalization in the esthetic zone: 1-year interim results from a prospective single-cohort multicenter study evaluating 3.0-mm-diameter tapered implants.

The aim of this interim analysis of a 5-year prospective multicenter study is to evaluate clinical and radiological performance of immediately provisionalized 3.0-mm-diameter tapered implants. Patients needing implant rehabilitation of maxillary lateral incisors or mandibular lateral and central incisors were treated with 3.0-mm-diameter implants placed in extraction or healed sites and immediately provisionalized. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at implant insertion, 6months thereafter, and are ongoing. Marginal bone levels and changes, complications, the papilla, plaque, and bleeding indices, and the pink esthetic score (PES) were evaluated at each follow-up visit. Of 112 enrolled patients, 77 patients (91 implants) met the inclusion criteria. Seventy-one patients with 82 implants completed the 1-year follow-up. Three implants failed yielding a CSR of 96.7%. All failures occurred within the first 3months after implant insertion. Marginal bone level changes from insertion to 6months was - 0.57 ± 1.30mm (n = 75) and from insertion to 12months - 0.25 ± 1.38mm (n = 72). Fifteen non-serious complications were recorded. Papilla index score and PES improved at the 1-year follow-up. Plaque formation and bleeding-on-probing showed no statistically significant differences between the 6-month and the 1-year visit. This 1-year analysis demonstrated high survival, stable bone levels, and healthy soft tissue with 3.0-mm-diameter implants. Narrow diameter implants are a safe and predictable treatment option in patients with limited bone volume and/or limited interdental space and eligible for immediate loading protocols.

Influence of subcrestal implant placement compared with equicrestal position on the peri-implant hard and soft tissues around platform-switched implants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this article is to systematically review the effect of subcrestal implant placement compared with equicrestal position on hard and soft tissues around dental implants with platform switch. A manual and electronic search (National Library of Medicine and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) was performed for animal and human studies published up to December 2016. Primary outcome variable was marginal bone level (MBL) and secondary outcomes were crestal bone level (CBL), soft tissue dimensions (barrier epithelium, connective tissue, and peri-implant mucosa), and changes in the position of soft tissue margin. For primary and secondary outcomes, data reporting mean values and standard deviations of each study were extracted and weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. A total of 14 publications were included (7 human studies and 7 animal investigations). The results from the meta-analyses have shown that subcrestal implants, when compared with implants placed in an equicrestal position, exhibited less MBL changes (human studies: WMD = - 0.18 mm; 95% CI = - 1.31 to 0.95; P = 0.75; animal studies: WMD = - 0.45 mm; 95% CI = - 0.66 to - 0.24; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the CBL was located at a more coronal position in subcrestal implants with respect to the implant shoulder (WMD = - 1.09mm; 95% CI = - 1.43 to - 0.75; P< 0.001). The dimensions of the peri-implant mucosa seem to be affected by the positioning of the microgap and were greater at implants placed in a subcrestal position than those inserted equicrestally (WMD = 0.60mm; 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.95; P < 0.001). While the length of the barrier epithelium was significantly greater in implants placed in a subcrestal position (WMD = 0.39mm; 95% CI = 0.19 to 0.58; P < 0.001), no statistical significant differences were observed between equicrestal and subcrestal implant positioning for the connective tissue length (WMD = 0.17mm; 95% CI = - 0.03 to 0.36; P = 0.10). This systematic review suggests that PS implants placed in a subcrestal position have less MBL changes when compared with implants placed equicrestally. Furthermore, the location of the microgap seems to have an influence on the dimensions of peri-implant soft tissues. Clinical relevance When compared with PS placed in an equicrestal position, subcrestal implant positioning demonstrated less peri-implant bone remodeling.

Clinical Significance of the Use of Resonance Frequency Analysis in Assessing Implant Stability: A Systematic Review.

To assess any correlations between resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and other clinical measurements, namely changes in marginal bone level. A systematic review was performed to investigate the relationship between RFA and changes in marginal bone level. Clinical studies published up to May 1, 2018, were searched in electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane, using the following MeSH terms: resonance frequency analysis; implant stability quotient; RFA; and ISQ, in combination with marginal bone level; marginal bone loss; and marginal bone resorption. A total of 62 articles were included in this review after all abstracts and full-text articles were examined according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The Results and Discussion sections of investigations reporting both marginal bone level changes and RFA measurements were presented. Relevant findings regarding relationships between RFA and bone quality or insertion torque were also summarized. Most articles reported an overall increase in ISQs over the observation time; however, contradictory findings were found regarding the relationships between RFA measurements, marginal bone loss, and other parameters. A definitive conclusion could not be made, as mixed results were found in the few articles that reported significant associations and correlations between RFA measurements and bone loss, while others concluded the opposite. Heterogeneity between the studies further complicated interpretation. Longitudinal RFA measurements may still be valuable for evaluating implant stability when applied as a supplementary tool to radiographic assessments and other clinical examinations.

Chronological Age as Factor Influencing the Dental Implant Osseointegration in the Jaw Bone.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate osseointegration of dental implant in the jaw bone in the young and elderly population and comparing the results to assess indicators and risk factors as age for the success or failure of dental implants. A retrospective study of 107 implants (Impladent, LASAK, Czech Republic) was prepared. The patients at implants surgery were divided in three groups. The patients were followed-up for a 7-year period. We evaluated osseointegration from long term point of view as a change of marginal bone levels close to dental implant. Marginal bone levels were recorded and analysed with regard to different patient- and implant-related factors. An influence of chronological age on change of marginal bone levels during 6-year retrospective study vas evaluated. The study examined 47 patient charts and 107 implants from the Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol. We proved that young healthy patients with long bridges or Branemarks have the same progression of marginal bone levels changes. The chronological age hasn't therefore direct influence on the osseointegration from long term point of view. But we found that the length of dental suprastrucure-prosthetic construction negatively influences marginal bone changes, though these results weren't statistically significant. More extensive dental implant suprastrucure undergoes smaller osseointegration. On the other hand the length of dental suprastrucure (prosthetic construction) negatively influences dental osseointegration in both groups of patient.

The effect of resorbable membranes on one-stage ridge augmentation in anterior single-tooth replacement: A randomized, controlled clinical trial.

To evaluate the effect of resorbable membranes on one-stage ridge augmentation procedures in small (2-4mm) buccal bony dehiscences in anterior maxillary single-tooth replacement. Patients with a buccal bony dehiscence after implant placement in the esthetic zone were randomly allocated to one-stage ridge augmentation with (M+) or without a membrane (M-). Second-phase surgery was performed after 8weeks, and follow-up was performed 1, 6, and ≥12months after loading. Outcomes included implant survival and success, complications, clinical and radiographic parameters, esthetic results and patient satisfaction. Fifty-two patients were randomized to one-stage ridge augmentation with (n=25) or without use of a membrane (n=27). No significant differences in implant survival and success have been observed. The risk of having a small mucosal dehiscence was more than six times higher in the M+ group than in the M- group (RR 6.24, 95% CI 0.81 to 48.21). At the last follow-up, the bleeding index (BI) was marginally higher in the M+ group (14/9/2/0) compared to the M- group (24/2/0/0) (U=205, Z=-2.97, p=.003, r=.42). The median change in marginal bone level was statistically lower in the M+ group (0.06mm) than the M- group (0.60mm) at last follow-up (U=120, Z=-2.73 a p=.006 r=.42). Total pink esthetic index (PES) and white esthetic score (WES) and combined PES/WES were not significantly different between treatment groups at more than 12months after loading. Only the subcategory root convexity/soft tissue color scored significantly lower in the M+ group (1.5) compared to the M- group (2.0) at the last follow-up (U=172, Z=-2.34, p=.019 r=.34). No differences were found in patient satisfaction. The use of a resorbable membrane in small buccal bony dehiscences in anterior maxillary single-tooth replacement resulted in less marginal bone loss, but showed more mucosal dehiscences, higher bleeding scores and lower scores on root convexity and soft tissue color after at least one year of loading. No effect was seen on implant survival and success, overall esthetic results, and patient satisfaction. The research protocol was registered at the Dutch Trial Register (NTR) with ID NTR6137.

A prospective, multi-center study assessing early loading with short implants in posterior regions. A 3-year post-loading follow-up study.

Few prospective studies about early loading of short implant have been available and very little evidence exists on the outcomes longer than 3 years. To assess clinical and radiographic outcomes of 6 mm-short implants placed in the posterior maxilla and mandible applying an early loading protocol. Ninety-five short implants (6 mm-short, Ø 4 mm) were placed in 45 subjects at 3 study sites, 2 or 3 implants per subject, using a one-stage surgical procedure and loaded with a screw-retained splinted fixed prosthesis 6 weeks later. Follow-up took place at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after loading. Marginal bone level changes, implant survival, clinical variables, and adverse events were assessed. The survival rate for all implants placed was 95.8%. From implant loading to 3 years follow-up, mean marginal bone level changes were minimal (0.07 ± 0.49 mm) and the peri-implant soft tissue status was healthy. No major technical or biological complications occurred except for the 4 early implant losses. Three-year data indicates that the use of splinted 6 mm-short implants is a viable treatment in posterior regions with low marginal bone resorption. Early loading after 6 weeks should be taken cautiously in patients with known risk factors.

The One Abutment-One Time Protocol: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The use of definitive abutments (DAs) at time of implant placement has been introduced to overcome limitations of dis/reconnection of healing/provisional abutments (PAs). With little and inconsistent information in the literature regarding the effectiveness of using DAs, the aim of this systematic review is to examine marginal bone and soft tissue level changes, technical and biologic complications, and implant failure rate associated with use of DAs and PAs. This systematic review was prepared according to guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and online trial registers were searched for studies comparing use of DAs and PAs. The Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was used to assess selected studies, and meta-analyses were performed using statistical software. A total of 1,124 citations were identified. Of these, seven trials with 363 dental implants in 262 participants were included in the analysis. Pooled estimates for marginal bone level changes showed significant differences between the two prosthetic techniques in favor of using DAs. No significant differences were found in soft tissue level changes, technical and biologic complications, or implant failure rate. Within the limitations of this review, DAs appear to be a viable alternative to PAs at time of implant placement. However, favorable changes in peri-implant marginal bone level associated with use of DAs should be viewed with caution as its clinical significance is still uncertain.

The effect of one abutment‐one time, protocol on marginal bone level changes around dental implants: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

The effect of one abutment‐one time, protocol on marginal bone level changes around dental implants: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Immediate loading of two flapless placed mandibular implants supporting cross‐arch fixed prostheses: a 5‐year follow‐up prospective single cohort study

Purpose To evaluate the clinical outcome of two implants placed flapless in fully edentulous mandibles and immediately restored with metal-resin screw-retained cross-arch prostheses 5 years after loading. Materials and methods Eighty consecutive patients were recruited. To be immediately loaded, implants had to be inserted with a minimum torque of 80 Ncm. Forty-six laser-welded titanium and 34 cast silver-palladium frameworks with resin teeth were initially delivered within 8 and 48 h, respectively. Outcome measures, evaluated by two independent assessors included prosthesis and implant failures, complications, marginal bone level changes, implant stability quotient (ISQ) values and patient satisfaction. Results Five years after loading one patient did not return to the control and 10 prostheses were remade. Two implants failed early in two patients, but they were successfully replaced. Thirty-six complications occurred in 28 patients but were all successfully treated. After 5 years, mean marginal bone loss was 0.69 mm, mean ISQ values decreased from 75.4 to 73.8, and all patients were fully satisfied with the therapy. A post-hoc comparison between the outcome of laser-welded and cast frameworks showed that laser-welded frameworks were affected by significantly more complications (19 patients out of 46 and 6 patients out of 34, respectively; difference in proportion = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.43; Pearson's chi-square test, P = 0.032), therefore such a framework construction should be considered as a long-term temporary prosthesis and not a definitive prosthesis. Conclusions Immediately loaded mandibular cross-arch prostheses can be supported by only two implants up to 5 years, if made with a robust cast framework. Longer follow-ups (around 10 years) are still needed to know the prognosis of this treatment modality.

Maxillary implant-supported overdentures opposed by (partial) natural dentitions: a 5-year prospective case series study.

The aim of this study was to assess the 5-year treatment outcome of maxillary implant-retained overdentures opposed by natural antagonistic teeth. Fifty consecutive patients received maxillary overdentures supported by six dental implants. Implants were placed in the anterior region, if enough bone was present (n = 25 patients) Implant were placed in the posterior region if implant placement in the anterior region was not possible (n = 25 patients). Variables assessed included survival of implants, condition of hard and soft peri-implant tissues and patients' satisfaction. The five-year implant survival rate was 97·0% and 99·3%, and mean radiographic bone loss was 0·23 and 0·69 mm in the anterior and posterior group, respectively. Median scores for plaque, calculus, gingiva, bleeding and mean scores for pocket probing depth were low and stayed low. Patients' satisfaction after treatment was high in both groups. Within the limits of this 5-year study, it is concluded that six dental implants (placed in the anterior or posterior region) connected with a bar and opposed to natural antagonistic teeth result in acceptable results for clinical parameters and good outcomes for marginal bone level changes and patient satisfaction.

Narrow implants (2.75 and 3.25\xa0mm diameter) supporting a fixed splinted prostheses in posterior regions of mandible: one-year results from a prospective cohort study

BackgroundCan multiple splinted narrow-diameter implants be used as definitive implants in patients with insufficient bone ridge thickness in posterior regions of the mandible? With this aim, we evaluated their outcomes in this set up to 1 year after loading.MethodsForty-two patients with a mean age of 61.3 years old (range 49–73) in need of fixed prosthetic implant-supported rehabilitations in the posterior region of the mandible, presenting a thin alveolar crest, were selected. One hundred twenty-four narrow-diameter implants (2.75 and 3.25 mm diameter) were placed and splinted with a bridge. One implant for each missing tooth was requested to be inserted. Outcomes measured were implant survival, complications, and marginal bone level changes up to 1 year after loading.ResultsAt the 12-month follow-up, three implants failed. Two 2.75 mm diameter implants and one 3.2 mm diameter implant failed. The implant survival rate was 97.6%. Peri-implant bone resorption was 0.20 mm (CI 95% 0.14: 0.26) after 6 months and 0.47 mm (CI 95% 0.29; 0.65) after 12 months of loading, not different between 2.75 and 3.25 mm diameter groups (p = 0.786). Of the 42 cases, three had an episode of peri-implant mucositis (7.1%).ConclusionsWithin the limits of this study, preliminary short-term data (1 year post-loading) suggested that narrow-diameter implants (2.75 to 3.25 mm) can be successfully used as a minimally invasive alternative to horizontal bone augmentation in the posterior mandible. However, larger and longer follow-ups of 5 years or more are needed.

Use of definitive abutments may result in very small marginal bone-level change compared with use of provisional abutments in patients undergoing implant placement

Atieh MA, Tawse-Smith A, Alsabeeha NHM, Ma S, Duncan WJ. The “One abutment-one time” protocol: a systematic review and meta-analysis [published online ahead of print June 19, 2017]. J Periodontol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1902/jop.2017.170238.

A Prospective Case-Control Clinical Study of Titanium-Zirconium Alloy Implants with a Hydrophilic Surface in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

To evaluate prospectively the behavior of narrow-diameter (3.3-mm) titanium-zirconium alloy implants with a hydrophilic surface (Straumann Roxolid SLActive) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in single-unit restorations, compared with a healthy control group (assessed using the glycosylated hemoglobin HbA1c test). The patients evaluated in this study required single-unit implant treatment; 15 patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 14 patients were healthy (control group [CG]). Marginal bone level (MBL) change around the implants was evaluated using conventional, sequential periapical digital radiographs. Patient HbA1c was assessed in each check-up. Normality test (Kolmogorov-Smirnov), univariate and multivariate logistic regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. No differences in MBL change and implant survival and success rates were found between the diabetes mellitus group (DMG) versus the control group, either during the initial recording (DMG, 0.99 ± 0.56 vs CG, 0.68 ± 0.54; P > .05) or 6 months after restoration (DMG, 1.28 ± 0.38 vs CG, 1.11 ± 0.59; P > .05). No significant correlation between HbA1c levels and MBL change was detected in these patients (P > .05). Patients with glycemic control exhibit similar outcomes to healthy individuals with regard to the investigated parameters. In light of these findings, the titanium-zirconium alloy small-diameter implants can be used in the anterior region of the mouth in type 2 diabetic patients.

Plasma of Argon Cleaning Treatment on Implant Abutments in Periodontally Healthy Patients: Six Years Postloading Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this randomized, match-paired, triple-blinded, controlled clinical trial was to assess the 6-year radiographic changes around customized platform-switched abutments placed according to the one abutment-one time concept, with and without plasma of argon cleaning treatment. A total of 20 periodontally healthy patients received one maxillary implant between the premolars. Immediately before stage 2 surgery and abutment connection, patients were randomly assigned to the control (cleaning protocol by steam) or test group (plasma of argon treatment). Periapical standardized digital radiographs were taken at the time of crown connection (T₀) and at 12 (T₁), 24 (T₂), 48 (T₄), 60 (T₅), and 72 months (T₆) after the final restoration delivery. Primary outcome measures were the success rates of the implants and prostheses and the occurrence of any technical and biologic complications during the follow-up period. Secondary outcome measures were peri-implant marginal bone level changes, bleeding on probing, and plaque score. Two patients (one in test and one in control group) dropped out at the last follow-up. Neither implant nor prosthetic complications were detected in the analyzed patients of both groups during the 6-year follow-up examinations. Radiographic analysis revealed a statistically significant higher mean bone loss in the control group than in the test group at T₂ (0.4 ± 0.28 mm; P = .018), T₄ (0.52 ± 0.63 mm; P = .037), T₅ (0.61 ± 0.70 mm; P = .038), and T₆ (0.71 ± 0.66 mm; P = .011), but not at T₁ (P = .131). From baseline to the 6-year follow-up, intragroup comparisons showed an absence of statistically significant difference in the test group (P = .08). Conversely, significant differences were found in the control group (P = .01). All implants demonstrated successful periodontal parameters, with no significant differences between groups. The results of this present study indicate that contaminant and bacterial removal from abutments in two-stage implants using plasma of argon could represent a positive strategy to minimize peri-implant bone resorption and longitudinally stabilize esthetic outcomes.