Functional performance and impact on the quality of life of three treatment strategies for mandibular edentulism: Results of a parallel 3-group cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This parallel cross-sectional study compared masticatory function and patient-centered outcomes among 3 removable treatment strategies for mandibular edentulism. METHODS: Thirty-six edentulous participants rehabilitated using 3 removable treatment strategies for mandibular edentulism were allocated to one of the three groups (n=12): CCD (control), 2-IMO, and 3-IMO. Narrow diameter implants were installed using single-stage surgery and conventionally loaded with stud abutments. After 3 months of usage, the quality of life, maximum bite force, and masticatory function were evaluated. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc pairwise Mann-Whitney tests with Bonferroni correction (α=0.05). RESULTS: The 2-IMO and 3-IMO wearers did not show significant differences in any outcome, except for the 2 domains of 3-IMO wearers quality of life that obtained better Pain and General Performance scores. Both IMO groups presented significantly higher maximum bite force than CCD wearers. The 2-IMO wearers showed superior outcomes to the CCD group in all outcomes of the masticatory performance test and the X50, B and ME5.6 outcomes of the swallowing threshold test (p = 0.01), while 3-IMO participants only showed superior masticatory performance in terms of lower X50 values (19.86%, p = 0.02) and higher ME 2.8 (141.15%, p = 0.04) than CCD wearers. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to 2-IMO wearers, 3-IMO wearers report superior impact of treatment on daily living activities in the Pain and General Performance domains. 2-IMO and 3-IMO wearers showed no significant differences between them for all evaluated bite force and masticatory function parameters. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although overdentures retained by 3 implants (3-IMO) provide biomechanical advantages over those retained by 2 implants (2-IMO), superior clinical and functional effectiveness is not yet proven.

Prosthetic complications and quality of life among wearers of mandibular overdenture with the Facility-Equator system.

This longitudinal study aimed to assess the performance of the Facility-Equator system as mandibular overdenture (MO) retainers from a prosthetic perspective during 2 years of loading and to investigate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and whether prosthetic events can affect the OHRQoL. Twenty-four patients (68.1 ± 7.51 years) reported their OHRQoL through the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-EDENT) questionnaires before MO loading and after 1 and 2 years of usage. Prosthetic occurrences were recorded during this period. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman correlation coefficients. Of the 127 prosthetic events that occurred in the first year, the most frequent events were prosthesis adjustments (16.5%), dislodgement of the Equator attachment (14.17%), and O-ring replacement (11.8%). Eighty-seven prosthetic events were recorded in the second year, the most frequent events being prosthesis adjustments (27.6%), O-ring replacement (20.7%), and recapturing the female matrix (11.5%). All domains of the GOHAI and OHIP-EDENT questionnaires exhibited a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the baseline and 1- and 2-year evaluations, except in the Social Disability and Psychological Discomfort domains (p > 0.05) of OHIP-EDENT after 1 year. Complications related to prosthetic maintenance, such as fracturing of the prosthesis, Equator dislodgement, prosthesis rebasing, and new overdenture confection, affect the OHRQoL (p < 0.05), primarily the Physical Pain and Discomfort domains, especially in the first year of MO loading.

Clinical performance of narrow-diameter implants with hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces with mandibular implant overdentures: 1-year results of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare peri-implant clinical and radiographic parameters between hydrophilic and hydrophobic narrow dental implants in patients with mandibular implant overdentures for 1 year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, split-mouth study with a 1-year follow-up, sixteen edentulous participants received two narrow-diameter implants in the anterior mandibular region with 2 types of surfaces: hydrophobic (Neoporos surface, NS) and hydrophilic (Acqua surface, AS). During the osseointegration period and after loading with mandibular implant overdentures, the outcomes monitored were (i) peri-implant health: early healing index (EHI), visible plaque index (VPI), calculus presence (CP), peri-implant inflammation (PI), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP); (ii) implant stability quotient (ISQ), (iii) crestal bone loss (CBL) and bone level change (BLC); and (iv) implant success and survival rates. RESULTS: The PD in NS implants decreased by 31.78% between 15 and 30 days, while a similar reduction (-31.28%) occurred in the 3rd month in the AS group. The ISQ also decreased significantly during the 1st month in both groups: -10.95% after 7 days in the NS group and -7.46% after 15 days in the AS group. At 12 months, statistically significant differences were not observed; however, the AS surface presented 50.6% smaller CBL and 41.3% smaller BLC values. The success and survival rates were 62.5% for AS implants and 87.5% for NS implants. CONCLUSION: Narrow-diameter implants with hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces loaded with mandibular implant overdentures showed no differences in peri-implant healing, stability, and peri-implant bone remodeling in the 1st year of follow-up.

Effect of mandibular residual ridge regularization on peri-implant wound healing when narrow diameter implants are used as overdenture retainers.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Alveolar ridge regularization involves the smoothing and minimal reduction of rough alveolar bone ridge to achieve adequate bone thickness around the implant. The effect of this procedure on peri-implant health is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate whether bone regularization affects the clinical and biological parameters of peri-implant health when narrow diameter implants are placed as mandibular implant overdenture retainers during initial healing and after occlusal loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The need for mandibular ridge regularization in the anterior mandibular region was analyzed before the placement of 2 implants (2.9×10 mm, Facility; Neodent) in 21 participants provided with mandibular overdentures. Primary stability was measured by the insertion torque and implant stability quotient (ISQ). Clinical and biological evaluations measuring the plaque index, presence of calculus, probing depth, bleeding on probing index, gingival index, secondary stability (ISQ), and interleukine-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations in peri-implant crevicular fluid were measured during osseointegration on days 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 and after loading on day 180 after implant placement. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression analysis and the Kaplan-Meier test were used to analyze the data (α=.05). RESULTS: The ISQ values showed significant differences on days 7 (P<.001) and 15 (P=.002) with higher values and on day 180 (P=.008) with a lower value compared with the baseline value in the ridge regularization group. Additionally, a significant decrease in probing depth was observed on days 60 (P=.008) and 180 (P=.027) compared with that on day 15 after implant placement. In the nonridge regularization group, significant decreases in probing depth were observed on days 30 and 180. Moreover, TNF-α levels in this group were significantly lower on days 30 (P=.001), 60, 90, and 180 (P<.001) when compared with the value on day 7 (P<.001). The ridge regularization group presented with significant differences in TNF-α and IL-1ß levels on days 60 (P=.004) and 30 (P=.007), respectively, when compared with the values on day 7. The ISQ and probing depth in the ridge regularization group were associated with changes in TNF-α and IL-1ß levels; furthermore, bone type, duration of edentulism, and mandibular bone atrophy were correlated with the clinical outcomes and TNF-α release. The implant survival rate was 67% in the nonridge regularization group and 100% in the ridge regularization group. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular ridge regularization appeared to be beneficial for peri-implant healing during the early stages and after 3 months of occlusal loading in patients with an atrophic ridge, prolonged time since edentulism, and poor bone quality.

Prosthetic complications and quality of life among wearers of mandibular overdenture with the Facility-Equator system

Abstract This longitudinal study aimed to assess the performance of the Facility-Equator system as mandibular overdenture (MO) retainers from a prosthetic perspective during 2 years of loading and to investigate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and whether prosthetic events can affect the OHRQoL. Twenty-four patients (68.1 ± 7.51 years) reported their OHRQoL through the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-EDENT) questionnaires before MO loading and after 1 and 2 years of usage. Prosthetic occurrences were recorded during this period. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman correlation coefficients. Of the 127 prosthetic events that occurred in the first year, the most frequent events were prosthesis adjustments (16.5%), dislodgement of the Equator attachment (14.17%), and O-ring replacement (11.8%). Eighty-seven prosthetic events were recorded in the second year, the most frequent events being prosthesis adjustments (27.6%), O-ring replacement (20.7%), and recapturing the female matrix (11.5%). All domains of the GOHAI and OHIP-EDENT questionnaires exhibited a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the baseline and 1- and 2-year evaluations, except in the Social Disability and Psychological Discomfort domains (p > 0.05) of OHIP-EDENT after 1 year. Complications related to prosthetic maintenance, such as fracturing of the prosthesis, Equator dislodgement, prosthesis rebasing, and new overdenture confection, affect the OHRQoL (p < 0.05), primarily the Physical Pain and Discomfort domains, especially in the first year of MO loading.

Clinical Versatility of the Facility-Equator Implant System as Mandibular Overdenture Retainers.

The use of mandibular overdentures (MO) for the rehabilitation of totally edentulous individuals with limited bone availability is widespread and has proven clinical success. Narrow diameter implants (NDI) are available on the market as MO retainers to solve problems related to limited bone availability and bone thickness, providing a low-cost, minimally invasive treatment option. This technique evolved over the years, and changes frequently involved the number of implants used as MO retainers, as the adoption of a smaller number of implants can generate biomechanical disadvantages, contributing to the increased stress in peri-implant tissues, which may accelerate marginal bone loss (MBL), in addition to reducing masticatory capacity and satisfaction with rehabilitation. Some studies pointed out that the use of 3 or more implants as MO retainers improves the biomechanics. Thus, the objective of this study was to report 3 different clinical cases where 3 or more NDI were adopted to retain mandibular overdentures in association with diverse loading protocols: (i) 3 implants adopting conventional loading, (ii) 4 implants using progressive loading, and (iii) 4 implants with hybrid loading. The case with 4 implants and progressive loading showed a slight worsening of masticatory function at 1 year, in addition to a more pronounced MBL compared to other cases, but with improvements in satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life. Thus, NDI can be used as MO retainers with predictability and clinical success, using different numbers of implants and loading protocols.

Evaluation of Bite Force and Masticatory Performance: Complete Denture vs Mandibular Overdenture Users.

This cross-sectional observational study with 24 patients evaluated differences in bite force (BF) and masticatory performance (MP) between conventional complete denture (CCD) and implant mandibular overdenture (IMO) users and the correlation between these variables. The BF test was performed bilaterally with an occlusal force device. During the MP test, patients were asked to chew Optocal particles for 40 cycles. The Shapiro Wilk test was employed to verify the normality of the data, the student t test to identify differences between groups, and Pearson's correlation to investigate interrelationships between variables. A multiple linear regression was subsequently performed via the stepwise method. P values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. Unlike IMO users, CCD users presented a significant difference (25.6%) in BF between the dominant and non-dominant chewing side (p=0.04). IMO users presented significantly higher BF (p=0.01) without presenting a dominant side (p=0.38), and also performed significantly better for the following MP parameters: MPX50 values decreased by 27.25% in IMO users (p=0.01), MPB decreased by 48.38% (p=0.01), and ME 5.6 decreased by 53.25% (p=0.02), while ME2.8 increased by 151.57% (p=0.01). The BF and MPX50 in the IMO wearers group were negatively correlated (-0.57; p=0.05); this correlation coefficient was the only parameter included in the multivariate regression model. IMO users have higher BF and better masticatory performance than CCD users, especially in terms of chewed particles size reduction. MP is correlated with a higher BF in IMO users through better particle trituration.

Evaluation of bite force and masticatory performance: complete denture vs mandibular overdenture users

Abstract: This cross-sectional observational study with 24 patients evaluated differences in bite force (BF) and masticatory performance (MP) between conventional complete denture (CCD) and implant mandibular overdenture (IMO) users and the correlation between these variables. The BF test was performed bilaterally with an occlusal force device. During the MP test, patients were asked to chew Optocal particles for 40 cycles. The Shapiro Wilk test was employed to verify the normality of the data, the student t test to identify differences between groups, and Pearson's correlation to investigate interrelationships between variables. A multiple linear regression was subsequently performed via the stepwise method. P values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. Unlike IMO users, CCD users presented a significant difference (25.6%) in BF between the dominant and non-dominant chewing side (p=0.04). IMO users presented significantly higher BF (p=0.01) without presenting a dominant side (p=0.38), and also performed significantly better for the following MP parameters: MPX50 values decreased by 27.25% in IMO users (p=0.01), MPB decreased by 48.38% (p=0.01), and ME 5.6 decreased by 53.25% (p=0.02), while ME2.8 increased by 151.57% (p=0.01). The BF and MPX50 in the IMO wearers group were negatively correlated (-0.57; p=0.05); this correlation coefficient was the only parameter included in the multivariate regression model. IMO users have higher BF and better masticatory performance than CCD users, especially in terms of chewed particles size reduction. MP is correlated with a higher BF in IMO users through better particle trituration.

Resumo Este estudo observacional transversal com 24 participantes teve como objetivo avaliar as diferenças na força de mordida (FM) e na PM (performance mastigatória) entre usuários de prótese total convencional (PTC) e de overdenture mandibular (OM) e a correlação entre essas variáveis. O teste de FM foi realizado bilateralmente com um dispositivo de força oclusal. Durante o teste de PM, os pacientes foram solicitados a mastigar uma porção padronizada de Optocal por 40 ciclos mastigatórios. O teste de Shapiro Wilk foi empregado para verificar a normalidade dos dados, o teste T de Student para identificar diferenças entre os grupos e os coeficientes de correlação de Pearson para investigar inter-relações entre variáveis. Uma regressão linear múltipla foi realizada pelo método stepwise. Valores de p≤0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. Diferentemente dos usuários de OM, os usuários de PTC apresentaram uma diferença significativa (34%) na FM entre o lado dominante e o não dominante (p=0,04). Os usuários de OM apresentaram FM significativamente maior (p=0,01) sem apresentar um lado dominante (p=0,38) e obtiveram PM significativamente melhor nos seguintes parâmetros: os valores de PMX50 diminuíram 27,25% (p=0,01), PMB diminuiu em 48,38% (p=0,01), e EM 5.6 diminuiu 53,25% (p=0,02), enquanto EM2.8 aumentou 151,57% (p=0,01). A FM e PMX50 no grupo de usuários da IMO foram negativamente correlacionados (-0,57;p=0,05); esse coeficiente de correlação foi o único parâmetro incluído no modelo de regressão multivariada. Os usuários da OM possuem maior FM e melhor performance mastigatória do que os usuários de PTC, observados principalmente na redução do tamanho das partículas mastigadas. A PM está correlacionada com um maior FM nos usuários da OM através de uma melhor trituração de partículas.

Mapping of inflammatory biomarkers in the peri-implant crevicular fluid before and after the occlusal loading of narrow diameter implants.

OBJECTIVE: To monitor the cytokine release patterns in the peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) and to investigate which factors affect the success rate of narrow diameter implants (NDI) during the first year. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mandibular implant overdentures (IOD) retained by 2 NDI were installed in 16 clinically atrophic edentulous patients. The following parameters were monitored during the first year: (i) peri-implant health parameters (plaque index (PI), calculus presence (CP), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BoP); (ii) cytokine concentrations in the PICF (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10); (iii) implant stability quotient (ISQ); (iv) marginal bone level (MBL) and bone level change (BLC); (v) implant success. The insertion torque, bone type, mandibular atrophy, time since edentulism, and smoking habits were also recorded. All data were analyzed using multivariable multilevel mixed-effects regression models. RESULTS: The variability in the TNF-α release patterns temporarily reduced at weeks (w) 8-12, while the IL-1ß concentrations remained low until they peaked at w48 [p < 0.05; + 177.55 pg/µl (+ 96.13 - + 258.97)]. Conversely, IL-10 release decreased significantly at w48 [p < 0.05; - 456.24 pg/µl (- 644.41 - - 268.07)]. The PD and ISQ decreased significantly (p < 0.05) over the follow-up period, while the MBL was stable after w48 with a BLC of 0.12 ± 0.71 mm. The overall success rate was 81.3%, and was influenced by TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-10, PI, GI, PD, smoking, and time since edentulism. CONCLUSION: Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine release was balanced during the first 24 weeks. The GI, smoking, and time since edentulism are the most important factors determining the implant success. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study contributes to the understanding of the osseointegration process in a clinically atrophic population rehabilitated with IOD, and highlights the importance of monitoring clinical peri-implant health-related parameters, smoking habit, and time since edentulism to predict implant success rates.

Treatment of experimental periodontitis with chlorhexidine as adjuvant to scaling and root planing.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether subgingival irrigation with 0.12 % or 0.2 % chlorhexidine (CHX) immediately after scaling and root planing (SRP) enhances periodontal tissue repair compared to irrigation with saline solution (control). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Periodontitis was ligature-induced in rat molars for 7 days. Animals were distributed into three groups: 1) SRP group, SRP and irrigation with 0.9 % saline (n = 30); 2) SRP + 0.12 % CHX group, SRP and irrigation with 0.12 % CHX (n = 30); 3) SRP + 0.2 % CHX group, SRP and irrigation with 0.2 % CHX (n = 30). Animals were killed at 7, 15, and 30 days after treatment. Furcation region was histometrically analyzed to determine the bone area. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed for receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). RESULTS: Both chlorhexidine groups presented less inflammation and improved tissue repair along the entire experiment when compared with the SRP group. In the histometric analysis at 7, 15 and 30 days, SRP group (4.58 ±â€¯2.51 mm2, 4.21 ±â€¯1.25 mm2, 3.49 ±â€¯1.48 mm2), showed statistically less bone area than groups SRP + 0.12 % CHX (1.86 ±â€¯1.11 mm2; 0.79 ±â€¯0.27 mm2; 0.34 ±â€¯0.14 mm2) and SRP + 0.2 % CHX (1.14 ±â€¯0.51 mm2; 0.98 ±â€¯0.40 mm2; 0.41 ±â€¯0.21 mm2). Both chlorhexidine concentrations modulated the expression of TRAP, RANKL and OPG. CONCLUSIONS: Subgingival irrigation with chlorhexidine contributed for a quicker shift from a proinflammatory destructive profile to healing of periodontal tissues.

Influence of Insertion Torque on Clinical and Biological Outcomes before and after Loading of Mandibular Implant-Retained Overdentures in Atrophic Edentulous Mandibles.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of primary insertion torque (IT) values of narrow dental implants on the peri-implant health, implant stability, immunoinflammatory responses, bone loss, and success and survival rates. METHODS: Thirty-one edentulous patients received two narrow implants (2.9x10mm, Facility NeoPoros) to retain mandibular overdentures. The implants were categorized in four groups according to their IT: (G1) IT > 10 Ncm; (G2) IT ≥ 10Ncm and ≤ 30 Ncm; (G3) IT >30Ncm and < 45Ncm; (G4) IT ≥ 45Ncm, and all implants were loaded after 3 months of healing. The following clinical outcomes were evaluated 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after implant insertion: (i) peri-implant tissue health (PH), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), calculus presence (CP), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP); (ii) implant stability quotient (ISQ) by resonance frequency analysis; and (iii) IL-1ß and TNF-α concentration in the peri-implant crevicular fluid. The marginal bone level (MBL) and changes (MBC) were evaluated. The Chi2 test, Kruskal-Wallis test, mixed-effects regression analysis, and the Kendall rank correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis (α = 5%). RESULTS: G1 presented the highest PD at all evaluated periods. G2 presented higher PI at month 6 and 12. G4 showed increased GI at month 3 and 12 and more CP at month 1 (p=.003). G2 and G4 had higher ISQ values over the study period, while those from G1 and G3 presented lower ISQ values. The IL-1ß concentration increased until month 12 and was independent of IT and bone type; G4 had a higher IL-1ß concentration in month 3 than the other groups (p=.015). The TNF-α release was negatively correlated with IT, and TNF-α release was highest in G1 at month 12. The MBL immediately after surgery and the MBC at month 12 were similar between the groups, and G4 presented a positive MBC at month 12. The survival and success rates were 75% for G1, 81.3% for G2, 64.3% for G3, and 95% for G4. CONCLUSION: The IT did not influence the clinical outcomes and the peri-implant immunoinflammatory responses and was weakly correlated with the narrow dental implants primary stability. The observed success rates suggest that the ideal IT for atrophic fully edentulous patients may deviate from the standardized IT of 32 Ncm.

Influence of facial patterns on the masticatory function and quality of life of completely edentulous patients during the transition to implant-retained mandibular overdentures.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although implant-retained mandibular overdentures (IMOs) provide functional benefits, the influence of the vertical facial pattern (FP) and the anteroposterior skeletal discrepancy (ASD) on the masticatory function and patient-centered outcomes during the transition to IMOs is still uncertain. PURPOSE: The purpose of this interventional clinical study was to evaluate the influence of the FP and ASD on the masticatory function, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and satisfaction of completely edentulous patients before and after transition to IMOs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cephalometric analysis was performed on 42 participants before treatment. Ricketts analysis was used to classify the FP, and the maxillomandibular relationship to the base of the skull determined the ASD. Masticatory performance (MP) and swallowing threshold (ST) test results were evaluated by the multiple sieve method by using artificial test food (Optocal cubes) to determine the median particle size (×50), homogenization index (B), and masticatory efficiency based on sieves 5.6 (ME: 5.6) and 2.8 (ME: 2.8). OHRQoL and satisfaction were evaluated by using the Dental Impact on Daily Living questionnaire. The data were analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression models to estimate the effect of time, FP, ASD, age, and sex on MP, ST, and OHRQoL. RESULTS: The MP, ST, OHRQoL, and satisfaction improved significantly after IMO loading, irrespective of FP and ASD. However, MP outcomes were most negatively affected mainly among dolichofacial (B and ME: 2.8), class II, and class III (×50, B, and ME: 2.8) participants. The ST test showed that class II participants still showed inferior ×50 values and performed a lower number of cycles than class I and class III participants. Women presented reduced masticatory function for all MP and ST outcomes and reported lower coefficients for appearance and general performance domains than men. CONCLUSIONS: The MP test detected more subtle improvements than the ST test, especially in class III participants. The class II participants benefited the least from the IMO installation according to the ST test. The IMO treatment improved the OHRQoL and satisfaction of edentulous patients, irrespective of the FP or ASD.

Healing differences in narrow diameter implants submitted to immediate and conventional loading in mandibular overdentures: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Biological responses to different loading protocols during the bone healing phase in subjects with long time since edentulism, rehabilitated with narrow diameter implants (NDIs) to retain mandibular overdentures (MOs), are still unavailable. OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial compared the peri-implant health, implant stability, and concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) in mandibular edentulous patients under conventional (CL) and immediate loading (IML) during healing. METHODOLOGY: Twenty totally edentulous patients received two NDIs (2.9 × 10 mm, Facility NeoPoros) placed in mandible anterior region and were randomly assigned to two loading protocols: CL (n = 10) and IML (n = 10). The following clinical outcomes were evaluated 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery: (a) peri-implant tissue health (gingival index-GI, plaque index-PI, calculus-presence CP, probing depth-PD, and bleeding on probing-BOP); (b) implant stability quotient (ISQ); and (c) IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α levels in the PICF analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS: The CL group showed significantly higher CP scores at weeks 8 and 12. The IML group showed significantly higher GI from the first week onwards. The IML group presented significantly lower PD at all follow-up times, and higher BOP rates than CL at week 12. The ISQ values of the CL group were higher than those of the IML group, except at week 4. The IML group released significantly more TNF-α between weeks 1 and 4 and more IL-1ß during week 4-12, while releasing less IL-6 until week 8, mainly at week 2 (-47.6%). The release of IL-10 was similar for both groups and increased progressively over time. At week 12, the IML group released 45.74% more IL-10 than the CL group. The survival rates were 95% and 90% for CL and IML, respectively. CONCLUSION: The IML group presented more favorable PD at all evaluation times; the differences between the other clinical parameters were less systematic. The implant stability and the inflammatory marker concentrations were more stable in the CL group.

Is predicting masticatory function based on mandibular bone atrophy as defined by clinical and radiographic parameters possible? A clinical study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The degree of mandibular bone atrophy can guide and determine the choice of prosthetic treatment. Although several methodologies have been proposed for classifying atrophy, the clinical and radiographic parameters considered for the classification of mandibular bone atrophy should be standardized. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the influence of methodologies of mandibular bone atrophy categorization on the masticatory function in complete denture (CD) wearers and to verify the relationship between these parameters according to the retention and stability of the mandibular CD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CD wearers were radiographically and clinically evaluated to determine the mandibular bone atrophy levels. Three classifications were adopted: the Cawood and Howell criteria, the Wical and Swoope criteria, and the Kapur classification. CD retention and stability were scored based on the Sato et al method. The masticatory function was evaluated by the multiple sieve method using optical test food to determine the masticatory performance (MP) indexes (median particle size, MP X50; homogeneity index, MP B) and the masticatory efficiency (sieves 4 and 2.8). RESULTS: In this sample of 63 individuals (mean age of 67.4 years), atrophic participants presented significant differences in all radiographic parameters (Mann-Whitney test, P<.05) with both the Cawood and Howell and Wical and Swoope methodologies. No differences in masticatory function were found, except for atrophic participants classified by Wical and Swoope criteria, who had worse MP X50 (P=.047) than nonatrophic participants, with a medium effect size of 0.7. The retention of the mandibular CD significantly affected the masticatory outcomes, with higher values for MP X50 (P=.012) and MP B (P=.040) and lower values for masticatory efficiency, 2.8 (P=.008) for atrophic participants. The presence of mandibular bone atrophy showed an association with poor retention (P=.04) and poor stability (P=.002) when the Cawood and Howell criteria were adopted (Fisher exact test, P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Kapur classification confirmed the clinical condition of the participants' atrophy, and the most clinically atrophic participants showed poor retention and stability of the mandibular CD. Only the poor retention directly affected the masticatory function. Radiographic evaluations alone did not provide sufficient data to determine the predictability of CD treatment regarding the participants' masticatory function. Radiographically, atrophic participants with poor retention had impaired mastication.

Masticatory function of conventional complete denture wearers changing to 2-implant retained mandibular overdentures: clinical factor influences after 1year of function.

PURPOSE: Evaluate how clinical factors related to conventional complete denture (CCD) wearers, can influence masticatory function (MF) of totally edentulous patients before and after one-year transitioning to implant-retained mandibular overdentures (IMO). METHODS: Forty patients using CCD were rehabilitated with IMO and their MF was evaluated by: (i) ST_X50: theoretical aperture through which 50% of the weight of the particles would pass; (ii) STB: distribution homogeneity of the crushed particles. The clinical parameters analyzed were: atrophy, retention, stability, facial type, anteroposterior skeletal discrepancy, and type of loading. The statistical association was tested through crude and adjusted logistic regression. RESULTS: IMO promoted improvements in the MF, irrespective of the clinical parameters. CCD wearers with poor retention had 86% less chance of achieving a good ST_X50. STB was associated with stability, facial type, and anteroposterior discrepancy. Subjects with poor mandibular CCD stability had a 76% lower chance of achieving a good test food homogenization, whereas brachyfacial individuals were 1.3 times more likely to have a good STB. Class II patients had an 89% lower chance of having a good homogenization of the particles as CCD users and after transition to IMO. CONCLUSIONS: CCD users with poor retention achieved an inferior ST_X50. The STB performance can be compromised by poor stability or Class II characteristics, while brachyfacial individuals achieve better homogenezation of the food bolus. Although the transition to IMO improved the masticatory function, the anteroposterior discrepancy still maintained an association with STB, as Class II individuals still presented difficulties homogenizing food.

Systematic review of wound healing biomarkers in peri-implant crevicular fluid during osseointegration.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify and characterize the role of biomarkers in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) at each stage of healing during osseointegration. DESIGN: This systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines using several databases: MedLine (PubMed), Embase, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Medical subject headings and their indexers were used with no other limitations until December 2017. The dataset was extended with relevant papers from the reference lists of selected papers and from the gray literature. Data was summarized for study objectives, patient demographics, methods used to analyze PICF, biomarker concentrations, results and main findings. Methodologic quality of each included study was assessed using the checklist created by Downs and Black. RESULTS: Electronic search resulted in 1698 articles. After excluding the duplicates, reading titles, abstracts and reference list reviews 30 prospective studies with longitudinal follow-up were selected. In total, 52 different biomarkers were identified. The most studied cytokines were interleukin (IL)-1, IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO). The earliest PICF specimens were collected immediately after implantation, and the latest at 16 weeks prior to occlusal loading. 36 biomarkers were quantified during week 1, 49 between day 10 and week 6, and 49 between weeks 8 and 12. Only 5 articles received good quality ratings. CONCLUSION: The mechanism by which inflammatory and bone biomarkers are released during osseointegration has not yet been identified. However, some hypotheses based on immune-modulated reactions are being explored to investigate early and asymptomatic implant failures. Given the available clinical studies, it was not possible to further explore the performance of all biomarkers already analyzed and to extrapolate their results to propose a consultable data system based on release volume or concentration because of clinical study and data heterogeneity.

One-year clinical outcomes of locking taper Equator attachments retaining mandibular overdentures to narrow diameter implants.

BACKGROUND: Narrow diameter implants (NDI) are recommended to retain mandibular overdentures (MOs) in cases of limited bone thickness. It is necessary to evaluate the clinical behavior of NDI as MO retainers connected to a new screwless locking taper abutments, their predictability and maintenance problems. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the peri-implant tissue behavior around NDI and the performance of locking taper stud abutments as MO retainers. METHODOLOGY: Thirty patients (average age of 67.5 years) received 2 NDI implants (2.9 × 10 mm) loaded after 12 weeks using Equator stud attachments. The plaque index (PI), calculus index (CI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were monitored during osseointegration at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks and postloading at 24, 48, and 60 weeks. The marginal bone level (MBL) and bone level changes (BLC) were determined at baseline and 60 weeks. RESULTS: The cumulative success rate was 83.3%. The PI oscillated in the first 24 weeks and decreased from 48 weeks onward, while the CI score showed significantly higher values at week 8 (22%). The GI also peaked at week 8 (18.6%) and decreased from week 12 onward. The PD decreased gradually over time, but no significant differences were found between weeks 8 and 12. The ISQ decreased significantly between 0 and 12 weeks. After MO loading, the ISQ values increased linearly and significantly between 12 and 24, 24 and 48, and 48 and 60 weeks and reached values similar to the primary stability after 60 weeks [56.1(42.0-65.3)]. No significant MBL was observed at 60 weeks, with an average BLC of -0.06 ± 0.64 mm. CONCLUSION: NDI connected to locking taper Equator attachments showed a stable clinical behavior as an MO retainer for edentulous patients with clinical mandibular atrophy.

How fast can treatment with overdentures improve the masticatory function and OHRQoL of atrophic edentulous patients? A 1-year longitudinal clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the masticatory function (MF) and subjective perception of patients with poor denture-bearing tissue in relation to change and the time required to identify an improvement in these parameters after rehabilitation with mandibular overdentures (MO) by two narrow-diameter two-piece implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three edentulous patients were selected for MO installation. The masticatory function (MF) was evaluated with the masticatory performance (MP) and swallowing threshold (ST) tests. In the MP test, each volunteer was instructed to masticate a portion of Optocal (standardized artificial test food) for 40 masticatory cycles. During the swallowing threshold test, the patients were instructed to chew a new portion of Optocal cubes until they felt the desire to swallow. The MF tests were performed while complete denture (CD) wearers (baseline) and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after MO loading. In addition, the subjective perception was assessed through the questionnaires Dental Impact on Daily Living (DIDL), Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), and Oral Health Impact Profile in Edentulous (OHIP- EDENT) at the baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after MO loading. RESULTS: A significant improvement in masticatory function (p < .05) was observed already in the first month of loading. Three months after MO loading, a significant improvement (p < .05) was found in the subjective perception of patients. The effect size indicates that the MO had the greatest impact on the domains related to function and comfort of all questionnaires and in relation to psychosocial domain of the GOHAI. The level of patient satisfaction increased significantly after the MO loading and reached >90% satisfied patients at 12 months. CONCLUSION: The MO improved both the MF of the patient and their oral health-related quality of life and satisfaction regarding the prosthesis in a short time period.

Simplified micrometric surface characterization of different implant surfaces available on the Brazilian market

Aim: This study characterized the implant surfaces available on the Brazilian market in terms of topography, chemical composition, and roughness. Methods: The following brands were selected according to their surfaces: Kopp (Ko), Signo Vinces (Sv), Neodent (Ne), Osseotite (Os) NanoTite (Nt), SIN (Si), Titanium Fix (Tf), conventional Straumann (Str), Active SLA (SLA). The morphological analysis and the alloy impurities and implant surface contaminants were analyzed by SEM-EDS. Surface roughness parameters and 3-D reconstructions were obtained by laser microscopy (20x). Two distinct areas were evaluated: i) the cervical portion (no surface treatment), and ii) the middle third (treated surface). Results: The characterization of the implant surfaces by SEM showed morphological differences between the thread geometries and surface morphology at 800x and 2000x magnification. The EDS elemental analysis showed a predominance of titanium (Ti) for all implants. The SLA surface showed only peaks of Ti while other implants brands showed traces of impurities and contaminants including Al, C, PR, F, Mg, Na, Ni, O, P, and SR. The implant surface roughness in the cervical portion did not exceed Ra 0.5­1.0 µm, constituting a minimally rough surface and obtaining acceptable standards for this region. Only Nt, Str, and SLA presented Ra above 2 µm in the middle third area showing a rough surface favorable for osseointegration. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is no established standard for morphology, chemical composition and implant surface roughness that allows a safe comparison between the available dental implant surfaces. National implant brands generally contain more impurities and surface contaminants than their international counterparts and were consequently more sensitive to the surface treatment techniques

Short-term quality of life change perceived by patients after transition to mandibular overdentures

The aim of this longitudinal observational study was to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) following patient rehabilitation with implant-retained mandibular overdentures (IMO) and to identify the contribution of the different domains to OHRQoL. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-EDENT), Dental Impact on Daily Living (DIDL), and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaires were completed twice by 25 patients: after 3 months of rehabilitation with complete dentures (CD) and after 3 months of IMO loading using stud abutments. The evaluation after IMO rehabilitation showed significant improvement in three DIDL domains: appearance (p = 0.011), eating and chewing (p = 0.003), and general performance (p = 0.003). The GOHAI results showed significant differences in two domains: psychosocial (p = 0.005) and pain and discomfort (p = 0.0004). The OHIP-EDENT outcomes showed significant improvements in five domains: functional limitation (p = 0.0001), physical pain (p = 0.0002), physical disability (p = 0.0010), and psychological disability and handicap (p = 0.032). The largest observed effect sizes were close to one standard deviation and were observed in the eating and chewing domain (0.93) of the DIDL; the pain and discomfort domain (0.83) of the GOHAI, and the functional limitation (0.89), physical pain (1.02), physical disability (0.84) domains of the OHIP-EDENT. The percentage of satisfied patients increased in all domains. Self-reported OHRQoL of CD wearers was significantly improved after 3 months of treatment with IMO, especially concerning the functional and pain-related aspects.