The assessment of periimplant soft tissue condition with morse taper abutment connection: a rapid review

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the clinical assessment results of periimplant soft tissue with morse taper (internal abutment connection). Methods: The study was conducted using a rapid review by searching the articles from PubMed NCBI and Cochrane by using keywords. All articles were selected by the year, duplication, title, abstract, full-text, and finally, all selected articles were processed for final review. Following clinical parameters were included; Periimplant Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Plaque Score (PS), modified Plaque Index (mPI), Mucosal Thickness (MTh), Gingival Height (GH), periimplant mucosal zenith, Pink Esthetic Score (PES), Bleeding On Probing (BOP), Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI), and modified Gingival Index (mGI). Results: 9 selected articles were obtained from the initial literature searching count of 70 articles. The overall samples included 326 morse taper implants. Based on the evaluation, 3 out of 4 articles reported pocket depth < 4 mm, no bleeding was reported in 2 out of 4 articles. 4 out of 4 articles reported low plaque accumulation, low soft tissue recession was reported in 3 out of 3 articles, and 4 out of 4 articles reported acceptable PES values. Conclusion: The evaluations indicate that the morse taper (internal abutment connection) has favorable assessment results based on various clinical parameters

Three-dimensional misfit between Ti-Base abutments and implants evaluated by replica technique

Abstract An important factor affecting the biomechanical behavior of implant-supported reconstructions is the implant-abutment misfit. Objective: This study evaluated the misfit between Ti-Base abutments and implants by means of polyvinyl siloxane replica technique using microcomputed tomography (μCT). Methodology: Volumetric and linear (central and marginal) gaps of four Ti-base abutments (n=10/group): (i) Odontofix LTDA (OD), (ii) Singular Implants (SING), (iii) EFF Dental Components (EFF), and (iv) Control Group (S.I.N implants) compatible with an implant system (Strong SW, S.I.N Implants) were measured using μCT reconstructed polyvinyl siloxane replicas. Results: The results showed significantly lower volume gap for Control S.I.N (0.67±0.29 mm3) and SING (0.69±0.28 mm3) Ti-base abutments relative to OD (1.42±0.28 mm3) and EFF groups (1.04±0.28 mm3) (p<0.033), without significant difference between them (p=0.936). While gap values were homogenous in the central region, EFF presented a significantly higher marginal gap. Accordingly, the Control S.I.N and Singular Ti-base abutments showed improved volumetric and marginal fit relative to Odontofix and EFF. Conclusion: The method of manufacturing abutments influenced the misfit at the implant-abutment interface.

Avaliação da interface entre o componente protético reto e a conexão interna tipo Cone Morse do implante dentário por meio da microscopia eletrônica de varredura / Evaluation of the interface between the straight prosthetic component and the Morse Cone-type internal connection of the dental implant in cross section by scanning electron microscopy

Resumo Introdução A interface implante-pilar protético e a formação dos seus microgaps são aspectos relevantes na transferência das cargas e na resposta biológica, estando ligadas ao sucesso da reabilitação. Objetivo Avaliar microgaps na interface entre a conexão interna do implante do tipo Cone Morse e a superfície do componente protético por meio da microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Material e método Foram utilizados 20 implantes dentários de tamanho 3,75 × 11,0mm do tipo Cone Morse com seus respectivos pilares protéticos da Singular® (Singular Implants, RN, Brasil). Os munhões retos foram acoplados aos implantes com torque de 32N/cm2 e o conjunto resultante foi emergido em base de Resina Epóxi ES260, para permitir secção longitudinal da amostra. As amostras foram analisadas e os microgaps mensurados no MEV (JEOL JCM-5700, MA, USA), e posteriormente os dados foram analisados. Resultado A média e o desvio padrão dos maiores microgaps foram observados na parte apical do implante nos lados direito e esquerdo, sendo 1,44±2,68 e 1,16±1,49 μm, respectivamente. Os menores microgaps foram na parte superior do implante nos lados direito e esquerdo, sendo 0,60±0,73 e 0,66±0,67 μm, respectivamente. Contudo, no teste de Kruskal-Wallis, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as regiões dos implantes, tanto para o lado esquerdo (p=0,692) como para o direito (p=0,865). No teste de Mann-Whitney, não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os lados para as diferentes regiões dos implantes. Conclusão Mesmo com a presença de microgaps na interface implante-pilar protético, estes apresentam tamanho inferior ao que causaria problemas biológicos e mecânicos. As amostras analisadas quanto à sua compatibilidade de encaixe foram satisfatórias.

Abstract Introduction The implant-prosthetic abutment interface and the formation of its microgaps are relevant aspects in load transfer and biological response and are linked to the success of the rehabilitation. Objective To evaluate microgaps at the internal connection interface of the Cone Morse implant and the prosthetic component surface by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Material and method Twenty 3.75 x 11.0 mm Cone Morse dental implants with their respective Singular® prosthetic abutments were used (Singular Implants, RN, Brazil). The straight trunnions were attached to the implants with a 32N/cm2 torque and the ES260 Epoxy Resin-based set emerged to allow longitudinal sectioning of the sample. The samples were analyzed and the microgaps measured in SEM (JEOL JCM-5700, MA, USA), and later the data were analyzed. Result The mean and standard deviation of the largest microgaps were observed in the apical part of the right and left side 1.44±2.68 and 1.16±1.49 μm, respectively. The smallest microgaps were on the upper implant right and left sides 0.60±0.73 and 0.66±0.67 μm, respectively. However, in the Kruskal-Wallis test there was no statistically significant difference between the implant regions, both for the left side (p=0.692) and right side (p=0.865). The Mann-Whitney test, there were no statistically significant differences between the sides for the different regions of the implants. Conclusion Even with the presence of microgaps in the implant-post interface, it presents a smaller size than the one presenting biological and mechanical problems. The samples analyzed for their fitting compatibility were satisfactory.

Prótese Parcial Fixa em Cantilever, uma opção de tratamento: Revisão da Literatura / Fixed Partial Denture with Cantilever an option for therapeutic: Literature Review

Hoje em dia no consultório a indicação de uma prótese fixa em cantilever, ainda gera muitas dúvidas, levando o clinico inseguro, muitas vezes a sua contra indicação. Com intuito de esclarecer as características relacionadas à prótese parcial fixa em cantilever realizou- -se uma revisão de literatura. Uma busca foi realizada nas bases de dados Scielo e Pubmed usando-se as palavras-chaves: Prótese fixa, cantilever, dentes suportes. Os artigos dentro do escopo do estudo foram selecionados e pode-se concluir que estas próteses são uma excelente alternativa conservadora para restabelecimento de dentes perdidos, porém para obtenção de resultados satisfatórios com boa longevidade, especial atenção deve ser desprendida aos princípios biomecânicos dos preparos e um controle rigoroso de placa bacteriana deve ser estabelecido.

Actuality the use of Fixed Partial Denture with Cantilever until causes many doubts, making de dentist do not indicate this treatment. To making clear the characteristics relation to this prosthesis, was done a literature review. A search was performed in the Scielo and Pubmed databases using the keywords: Fixed prosthesis, cantilever, supporting teeth. The articles within the scope of the study were selected and it can be concluded that these were an alternative excellent to reestablish the follow teeth, therefore to obtain the good results with respect long-term prosthetic appliances, special attention should be dispensed to the biomechanics principles and optimal hygiene with plaque control should be established.

Effect of Consecutive Removal and Placement of Abutments during Prosthetic Procedures on an Increase in Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels around Dental Implants

Objective: To evaluate the effect of repeated removal and placement of abutments during prosthetic stages on increasing proinflammatory cytokine levels around dental implants. Material and Methods: All the patients with dental implants, referring to the prosthodontics private office during a 3-month period, were examined in relation to the health of the implants and included in the present study based on inclusion criteria; the patients had a multi-unit abutment on one side of the jaw and a conventional healing abutment on the implant on the other side of the jaw. Samples of gingival crevicular fluid were taken from all the eligible subjects for immunological analyses. The samples were taken from the sulcus around each implant in each subject. The samples were sent to the immunology laboratory for determination of IL-6 and IL-1ß proinflammatory cytokines with the use of an ELISA kit. Data were analyzed with SPSS 16 and Descriptive statistics and T-test was used. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The results showed that the mean concentrations of IL-1ß and IL-6 in the group with multi-unit abutment were less than those in the conventional abutment group. In addition, comparison of the means of IL-6 and IL-1ß concentrations showed that in both groups the concentration of IL-6 was higher than that of IL-1ß. Conclusion: The use of multi-unit abutments resulted in less inflammation compared to the use of conventional two-segment abutments, which require repeated removal and placement during the prosthetic stage.

Advance and review: implant-abutment microgap / 中华口腔医学杂志

Implant-abutment microgap (IAM) exists in two-piece implant systems. Researchers have proved that IAM influences success rate of dental implants in the long term. The relationship between IAM and the biological, mechanical complication of dental implants has been proven in some studies. Implant-abutment connection type, abutment material and insertion torque may all have impact on IAM size. On the other hand, ways to reduce or seal this gap are discussed in some literature. The relationship between IAM and bacteria colonization, long-term implantation complication and its influencing factors are discussed in this review.

Post and core build-ups in crown and bridge abutments: Bio-mechanical advantages and disadvantages

Dentists often place post and core buildups on endodontically treated abutments for crown and bridge restorations. This article analyzes the bio-mechanical purposes, advantages and disadvantages of placing a core or a post and core in an endodontically treated tooth and reviews literature on post and core biomechanics. The author assesses the scientific rationale of the claim that the main purpose of a post is to retain a core, or the claim that posts weaken teeth. More likely, the main function of a post is to help prevent the abutment, on which a crown is cemented, from fracturing such that the abutment separates from the tooth root, at a fracture plane that is located approximately and theoretically at the level of the crown (or ferrule) margin. A post essentially improves the ferrule effect that is provided by the partial fixed denture prosthesis. This paper also explores the difference between bio-mechanical failures of crowns caused by lack of retention or excess taper, versus failures due to a sub-optimal ferrule effect in crown and bridge prostheses.

Post and core build-ups in crown and bridge abutments: Bio-mechanical advantages and disadvantages

Dentists often place post and core buildups on endodontically treated abutments for crown and bridge restorations. This article analyzes the bio-mechanical purposes, advantages and disadvantages of placing a core or a post and core in an endodontically treated tooth and reviews literature on post and core biomechanics. The author assesses the scientific rationale of the claim that the main purpose of a post is to retain a core, or the claim that posts weaken teeth. More likely, the main function of a post is to help prevent the abutment, on which a crown is cemented, from fracturing such that the abutment separates from the tooth root, at a fracture plane that is located approximately and theoretically at the level of the crown (or ferrule) margin. A post essentially improves the ferrule effect that is provided by the partial fixed denture prosthesis. This paper also explores the difference between bio-mechanical failures of crowns caused by lack of retention or excess taper, versus failures due to a sub-optimal ferrule effect in crown and bridge prostheses.

Corrosion behavior of zirconia in acidulated phosphate fluoride

ABSTRACT Objective The corrosion behavior of zirconia in acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) representing acidic environments and fluoride treatments was studied. Material and Methods Zirconia rods were immersed in 1.23% and 0.123% APF solutions and maintained at 37°C for determined periods of time. Surfaces of all specimens were imaged using digital microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Sample mass and dimensions were measured for mass loss determination. Samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) to detect changes in crystallinity. A biosensor based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to detect ion dissolution of material into the immersion media. Results Digital microscopy revealed diminishing luster of the materials and SEM showed increased superficial corrosion of zirconia submerged in 1.23% APF. Although no structural change was found, the absorption of salts (sodium phosphate) onto the surface of the materials bathed in 0.123% APF was significant. EIS indicated a greater change of impedance for the immersion solutions with increasing bathing time. Conclusion Immersion of zirconia in APF solutions showed deterioration limited to the surface, not extending to the bulk of the material. Inferences on zirconia performance in acidic oral environment can be elucidated from the study.

Biocompatibility study of lithium disilicate and zirconium oxide ceramics for esthetic dental abutments

PURPOSE: The increasing demand for esthetically pleasing results has contributed to the use of ceramics for dental implant abutments. The aim of this study was to compare the biological response of epithelial tissue cultivated on lithium disilicate (LS₂) and zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) ceramics. Understanding the relevant physicochemical and mechanical properties of these ceramics will help identify the optimal material for facilitating gingival wound closure. METHODS: Both biomaterials were prepared with 2 different surface treatments: raw and polished. Their physicochemical characteristics were analyzed by contact angle measurements, scanning white-light interferometry, and scanning electron microscopy. An organotypic culture was then performed using a chicken epithelium model to simulate peri-implant soft tissue. We measured the contact angle, hydrophobicity, and roughness of the materials as well as the tissue behavior at their surfaces (cell migration and cell adhesion). RESULTS: The best cell migration was observed on ZrO₂ ceramic. Cell adhesion was also drastically lower on the polished ZrO₂ ceramic than on both the raw and polished LS2. Evaluating various surface topographies of LS2 showed that increasing surface roughness improved cell adhesion, leading to an increase of up to 13%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that a biomaterial, here LS2, can be modified using simple surface changes in order to finely modulate soft tissue adhesion. Strong adhesion at the abutment associated with weak migration assists in gingival wound healing. On the same material, polishing can reduce cell adhesion without drastically modifying cell migration. A comparison of LS2 and ZrO2 ceramic showed that LS2 was more conducive to creating varying tissue reactions. Our results can help dental surgeons to choose, especially for esthetic implant abutments, the most appropriate biomaterial as well as the most appropriate surface treatment to use in accordance with specific clinical dental applications.

Bacterial microleakage at the implant-abutment interface in Morse taper implants

AIM: To evaluate the microleakage at the implant-abutment (I-A) interface of Morse tapered implants inoculated with different volumes of bacterial suspension. METHODS: Morse tapered I-A sets were selected and divided in two groups depending on the type of abutment: passing screw (PS) and solid (S), and then subdivided into four subgroups (n=6) according to the suspension volume: PS1: 0.1 µL; PS3: 0.3 µL; PS5: 0.5 µL; PS7: 0.7 µL; S1: 0.1 µL; S3: 0.>3 µL; S5: 0.5 µL and S7: 0.7 µL. A control test was performed to verify the presence of external contamination during the inoculation and the implants were incubated for microbiological analysis. The microleakage was evaluated every 24 h for 7 days by the clarity of solution. After this period, the implants were disassembled for confirmation of bacterial viability. RESULTS: All the specimens with 0.7 µL and one sample of S5 presented turbidity in the control test indicating external contamination, and were excluded from the study. After 7 days of observation, none of the specimens presented positive results for microleakage and the bacterial viability was confirmed in all specimens. The 0.1 µL and 0.3 µL volumes did not present bacterial microleakage, meaning that these volumes may be inadequate for analysis. CONCLUSIONS: None of the sets evaluated showed bacterial microleakage at the I-A interface and the volume of 0.7 µL exceeded the internal capacity of the implants...

A short-term assessment of angulated abutments for the implant denture restorations in posterior teeth / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:As the rapid development of oral implantation and restoration techniques, as wel as the increasing enlargement of indications, angulated abutments have been widely used. Posterior teeth region, as the weight-loading region of occlusion, can bear great force from the implants, the assessment of angulated abutments in posterior teeth region has clinical value. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy of angulated abutments on the implant denture in posterior teeth region. METHODS:From January 2008 to January 2013, 114 patients with 175 ITI implants in the posterior teeth region were included in this study and they al underwent single-crown restoration. The involved patients were divided into angulated abutment group and straight abutment group. Periodontal probing depth, modified plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index and peri-implant crestal bone loss in two groups were recorded at 6 months and 2 years after restoration. Cumulative survival rate of the implant denture was calculated by life-table analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There was no significant difference in periodontal probing depth, modified plaque index, and modified sulcus bleeding index between two groups (P>0.05). The annual crestal bone loss showed no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). Moreover, the 5-year cumulative survival rate with 15° and 20° abutments was 95.6%, and that with straight abutment was 96.4%. The angle of abutments has no correlation with peri-implant soft tissue and peri-implant crestal bone loss, implant restorations with 15° and 20° angulated abutments may be successful y used in the posterior region, whereas the long-term effects need further research.

The reliability of an easy measuring method for abutment convergence angle with a computer-aided design (CAD) system

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability of three different methods using a drawing protractor, a digital protractor after tracing, and a CAD system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four artificial abutments that had been prepared by dental students were used in this study. Three dental students measured the convergence angles by each method three times. Bland-Altman plots were applied to examine the overall reliability by comparing the traditional tracing method with a new method using the CAD system. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) evaluated intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability. RESULTS: All three methods exhibited high intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (ICC>0.80, P<.05). Measurements with the CAD system showed the highest intra-rater reliability. In addition, it showed improved inter-rater reliability compared with the traditional tracing methods. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, the CAD system may be an easy and reliable tool for measuring the abutment convergence angle.

Factores biomecánicos en el estado de las rehabilitaciones implantosoportadas de carga inmediata / Biochemical factors in the state of implant-supported rehabilitations of immediate charge

Se realizó una investigación observacional descriptiva, de corte transversal en el servicio de Prótesis del Hospital Universitario “Arnaldo Milián Castro”, Villa Clara, entre septiembre de 2008 y abril de 2010, para evaluar la posible influencia de los aspectos biomecánicos en el estado de las rehabilitaciones implantosoportadas de carga inmediata. El universo estuvo constituido por aquellos pacientes con rehabilitaciones sobre implantes de carga inmediata del sistema Trinon Q- Implants. La muestra se tomó aleatoriamente y estuvo constituida por 100 rehabilitaciones: 16 unitarias y 84 puentes. Se identificaron relaciones significativas entre los factores biomecánicos y el estado de las rehabilitaciones implantosoportadas de carga inmediata; estas fueron favorables en la mayoría de los casos, así como entre el tipo y el estado de las rehabilitaciones. Los factores más influyentes fueron la dirección de las fuerzas incidentes y la relación extensión de la rehabilitación con el número de implantes.

A descriptive observational research of transversal type was made in prosthesis service of “Arnaldo Milián Castro” University Hospital, between September, 2008 and April, 2010 in order to evaluate possible influence of biochemical aspects in the state of implant-supported rehabilitations of immediate charge. The universe was constituted by those patients with rehabilitations over implants of immediate charge of Trinon Q - Implants' System. The sample of 100 rehabilitations was randomly taken: 16 single-implant rehabilitations and 84 bridges. Significant relations between biochemical factors and state of implant-supported rehabilitations of immediate charge were identified; they were mainly favourable in most of the cases, as well as, between type and state of rehabilitations. The most influential factors were direction of incidental forces and relation between extension of rehabilitation and implant numbers.

Micro-leakage at the implant-abutment interface with different tightening torques in vitro

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the microleakage at the implant/abutment interface of external hexagon (eH) implants and abutments with different amounts of bacteria and tightening torques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A bacterial suspension was prepared to inoculate the implants. The first phase of this study used nine EH implants and abutments that were divided into three groups with different amounts of bacterial suspension (n=3): V0.5: 0.5 µL; V1.0: 1.0 µL e V1.5: 1.5 µL, and tightened to the manufacturer's recommended torque. The second phase of this experiment used 27 assemblies that were similar to those used in the first phase. These samples were inoculated with 0.5 µL of bacterial suspension and divided into three groups (n=9). T10: 10 Ncm; T20: 20 Ncm and T32: 32 Ncm. The samples were evaluated according to the turbidity of the broth every 24 hours for 14 days, and the bacteria viability was tested after that period. The statistical evaluation was conducted by Kruskal-Wallis testing (p<.05). RESULTS: During the first phase, groups V1.0 and V1.5 was presented with bacterial contamination in all samples after 24 h. During the second phase, two samples from group T10 and one from T20 presented positive results for bacterial contamination. Different amounts of bacterial solution led to overflow and contamination during the first 24 h of the experiment. The tightening torques did not statistically affect the microleakage in the assemblies. However, the group that was tightened to 32 Ncm torque did not show any bacterial contamination. CONCLUSION: After 14 days of experimentation, the bacteria were proven to remain viable inside the implant internal cavity.

Connecting accuracy of interchanged prosthetic abutments to different dental implants using scanning electron microscopy

The present study evaluated the interchangeability of prosthetic components for external hexagon implants by measuring the precision of the implant/abutment (I/A) interface with scanning electron microscopy. Ten implants for each of three brands (SIN, Conexão, Neodent) were tested with their respective abutments (milled CoCr collar rotational and non-rotational) and another of an alternative manufacturer (Microplant) in randomly arranged I/A combinations. The degree of interchangeability between the various brands of components was defined using the original abutment interface gap with its respective implant as the benchmark dimension. Accordingly, when the result for a given component placed on an implant was equal to or smaller then that gap measured when the original component of the same brand as the implant was positioned, interchangeability was considered valid. Data were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis test at 5% significance level. Some degree of misfit was observed in all specimens. Generally, the non-rotational component was more accurate than its rotational counterpart. The latter samples ranged from 0.6-16.9 µm, with a 4.6 µm median; and the former from 0.3-12.9 µm, with a 3.4 µm median. Specimens with the abutment and fixture from Conexão had larger microgap than the original set for SIN and Neodent (p<0.05). Even though the latter systems had similar results with their respective components, their interchanged abutments did not reproduce the original accuracy. The results suggest that the alternative brand abutment would have compatibility with all systems while the other brands were not completely interchangeable.

O presente estudo avaliou a intercambiabilidade dos componentes protéticos de implantes de hexágono externo medindo-se a precisão da interface implante/pilar com microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Foram utilizados dez implantes para cada uma de três marcas (SIN, Conexão, Neodent) com seus respectivos pilares (base metálica de CoCr , rotacional e não rotacional) e um de marca alternativa (Microplant) em um arranjo com todas as combinações de implante/pilar possíveis. O valor de referência para a intercambiabilidade das várias marcas de componentes foi definido pela diferença do pilar original para com seu respectivo implante. Dessa maneira, a intercambiabilidade foi considerada válida quando o resultado para um dado pilar colocado sobre um implante fosse igual ou menor que a diferença medida quando o pilar da mesma marca do implante fora posicionado. Os dados foram comparados pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis com nível de significância de 5%. Um grau de desajuste foi observado em todos os espécimes. De uma maneira geral, o pilar anti-rotacional foi mais preciso do que o rotacional. Estes variaram de 0,6-16,9 µm, com mediana 4,6 µm; enquanto o anti-rotacional foi de 0,3-12,9 µm, com mediana de 3,4 µm. Os espécimes com o pilar e o implante Conexão tiveram uma diferença maior que o conjunto original para SIN e Neodent (p<0,05). Apesar destes últimos apresentarem resultados semelhantes com seus respectivos pilares, quando trocados não mantiveram a mesma precisão original. Os resultados sugerem que a marca alternativa seria a única que apresentaria compatibilidade com todos os sistemas, enquanto as outras marcas não seriam completamente intercambiáveis.

Bacterial adhesion and colonization differences between zirconia and titanium implant abutments: an in vivo human study

PURPOSE: Several parameters have been described for determining the success or failure of dental implants. The surface properties of transgingival implant components have had a great impact on the long-term success of dental implants. The purpose of this study was to compare the tendency of two periodontal pathogens to adhere to and colonize zirconia abutments and titanium alloys both in hard surfaces and soft tissues. METHODS: Twelve patients participated in this study. Three months after implant placement, the abutments were connected. Five weeks following the abutment connections, the abutments were removed, probing depth measurements were recorded, and gingival biopsies were performed. The abutments and gingival biopsies taken from the buccal gingiva were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction to compare the DNA copy numbers of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and total bacteria. The surface free energy of the abutments was calculated using the sessile water drop method before replacement. Data analyses used the Mann Whitney U-test, and P-values below 0.05 find statistical significance. RESULTS: The present study showed no statistically significant differences between the DNA copy numbers of A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, and total bacteria for both the titanium and zirconia abutments and the biopsies taken from their buccal gingiva. The differences between the free surface energy of the abutments had no influence on the microbiological findings. CONCLUSIONS: Zirconia surfaces have comparable properties to titanium alloy surfaces and may be suitable and safe materials for the long-term success of dental implants.

Associação entre implantes odontológicos e próteses parciais removíveis: revisão de literatura / Association between implants and removable partial dentures: review of the literature

Introdução: A prótese parcial removível de extremidade livre unilateral ou bilateral apresenta complexa biomecânica. Seus movimentos em diversas direções, juntamente com a forma do rebordo alveolar e a resiliência da fibromucosa, podem levar a forças danosas sobre as estruturas de suporte. A associação entre implantes e prótese parcial removível visa proporcionar melhores propriedades mecânico-biológicas ao sistema estomatognático. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão de literatura e discussão quanto ao uso dessa alternativa de reabilitação. Revisão de literatura e conclusão: Estudos têm evidenciado que essa associação oferece maior suporte, retenção e estabilidade às próteses, limitando seu movimento de aproximação em direção aos tecidos de suporte e propiciando conforto funcional e psicológico aos pacientes.

Introduction: Unilateral or bilateral distal-extension removable partial dentures present complex biomechanics. The movements in different directions, associated with the alveolar ridge shape and soft tissue resilience can lead to damaging forces on the supporting structures. The association between implants / removable partial denture aims to provide better mechanical and biological properties to the stomatognathic system. Objective: The aim of this paper was to review the articles about the effect of implant support on distal extension removable partial dentures. Literature review and conclusion: Studies have shown that this combination provides greater support, retention and stability to the prosthesis, thus limiting their approach movement toward supporting tissues and providing functional and psychological comfort to patients.

The use of definitive implant abutments for the fabrication of provisional crowns: a case series

PURPOSE: The anterior region is a challenge for most clinicians to achieve optimal esthetics with dental implants. The provisional crown is a key factor in the success of obtaining pink esthetics around restorations with single implants, by soft tissue and inter-proximal papilla shaping. Provisional abutments bring additional costs and make the treatment more expensive. Since one of the aims of the clinician is to reduce costs and find more economic ways to raise patient satisfaction, this paper describes a practical method for chair-side fabrication of non-occlusal loaded provisional crowns used by the authors for several years successfully. METHODS: Twenty two patients (9 males, 13 females; mean age, 36,72 years) with one missing anterior tooth were treated by using the presented method. Metal definitive abutments instead of provisional abutments were used and provisional crowns were fabricated on the definitive abutments for all of the patients. The marginal fit was finished on a laboratory analogue and temporarily cemented to the abutments. The marginal adaptation of the crowns was evaluated radiographically. RESULTS: The patients were all satisfied with the final appearance and no complications occurred until the implants were loaded with permanent restorations. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the definitive abutments for provisional crowns instead of provisional abutments reduces the costs and the same results can be obtained.

Comparison of retentive forces of temporary cements and abutment height used with implant-supported prostheses / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Recent data regarding the effects the cement type and abutment heights on the retentive force of a prosthetic crown are inconsistent and unable to suggest clinical guidelines. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study evaluated the effects of different types of temporary cements and abutment heights on the retentive strength of cement-retained implant-supported prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prefabricated implant abutments, 4 mm in diameter, 8degrees taper per side, and light chamfer margins, were used. The abutment heights of the implants were 4 mm, 5.5 mm and 7 mm. Seven specimens of a single crown similar to a first premolar were fabricated. Six commercially available temporary cements, TempBond, TempBond NE, Cavitec, Procem, Dycal, and IRM, were used in this study. Twenty-four hours after cementation, the retentive strengths were measured using a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The cementation procedures were repeated 3 times. The data was analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and a Tukey test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: The tensile bond strength ranged from 1.76 kg to 19.98 kg. The lowest tensile strengths were similar in the TempBond and Cavitec agents. Dycal showed the highest tensile bond strength (P<0.01). More force was required to remove the crowns cemented to the long abutments (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: TempBond and Cavitec agents showed the lowest mean tensile bond strength. The Dycal agent showed more than double the tensile bond strength of the TempBond agent.