Evaluation of Microleakage and Microgap of Two Different Internal Implant-Abutment Connections: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The higher success rate (>90%) of dental implants over 5 years has made this treatment option favorable for dental surgeons as well as for patients. The present in vitro study was conducted to assess microleakage and microgap of two dissimilar internal implant-abutment associations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty dental implants were divided into two groups: trilobe internal connection fixtures in group I and internal hexagonal geometry fixtures in group II. For the immersion of implant abutment assemblies, sterilized tubes containing 4 mL of Staphylococcus aureus broth culture were incubated at 37°C for 2 weeks. Gram's stain and biochemical reactions were used for identification of colonies. RESULTS: The mean log10 colony-forming unit (CFU) in group I was 8.6 and was 9.3 in group II. The disparity among two groups was found to be significant (p < 0.05). The mean microgap in group I was 7.2 µm and was 10.4 µm in group II. The disparity among the two groups was found to be significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Authors found that microscopic space between implant and abutment may be the site of penetration of bacteria. There was significant higher log10 CFU in dental implant fixtures with an internal hexagonal geometry compared to the dental implant fixtures with a trilobe internal connection. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Microscopic space between implant and abutment may be the site of penetration of bacteria. This information will help to avoid microleakage to improve implant success rate.

Assessment of the Survival Rate of Short Dental Implants in Medically Compromised Patients.

AIM: To assess the survival rate of short dental implants in medically compromised patients. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This follow-up study was conducted on 342 medically compromised patients of both genders (580 dental implants). The failure rate of dental implants was assessed. RESULTS: There were 142 diabetes mellitus patients with 254 dental implants, 108 patients with hypertension with 190 dental implants, 26 patients with mental disabilities with 40 dental implants, 20 oral cancer patients with 36 dental implants, and 46 osteomyelitis subjects with 60 dental implants. There were 60 (10.5%) short dental implant (SDI) failures of which a maximum of 25 (22.7%) were seen with 4 mm diameter. Maximum failure was seen with osteomyelitis patients 8 (13.3%) followed by diabetes mellitus 32 (12.5%). Out of 270 dental implants in 130 control patients, implant failure was seen in 11 (4.07%). There was a significant (p < 0.05) bone loss on follow-up at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. CONCLUSION: Medically compromised patients are more prone to dental implant failure as compared to healthy subjects. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Since medically compromised patients are prone for implant failure, careful selection of cases is necessary.

Determination of Immediate-loaded Single Implants' Stability with Periotest.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the stability of immediate-loaded single implants with periotest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vivo study, dental implants with a length ranging from 10 to 13 mm and diameter of 3.0-4.2 mm were utilized. Stability of dental implant was evaluated using the Periotest® M handheld device before loading, at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. RESULTS: Implants 11.5 mm in length had the highest mean periotest value (0) after placement, whereas 10 mm-long implant had a value of -0.31 and 13 mm had a value of -0.48. After 1 month, 10 mm had a value of 1.23, 11.5 mm had a value of -0.32, and 13.0 mm had a value of -0.24. After 6 months, 10 mm had a value of 1.78, 11.5 mm had a value of -0.4, and 13.0 mm had a value of -0.41. After 1 year, 10 mm had a value of -0.54, 11.5 mm had a value of -0.51, and 13.0 mm had a value of -0.48. There was an unconstructive relationship between implant length and the average periotest score. There was also an unconstructive association between the implant diameter and the mean periotest value. CONCLUSION: The implant with long and greatest diameter had higher stability. Periotest can be used to determine dental implant stability. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Periotest is useful in determining dental implant stability. Large-scale studies may be helpful in obtaining useful results.

Assessment of Dental Caries, Periodontal Status, and Personality Trait among Population of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: Assessment of dental caries, periodontitis, and personality trait among population of Dehradun. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This survey was conducted on 480 subjects age ranged 34-45 years of both genders (males-250, females-230). Decayed Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, periodontal status, and personality trait were recorded. RESULTS: Age group 34-39 years is comprised of 130 males and 140 females and 40-45 years had 120 males and 90 females. Maximum males (120) were laborer and females were housewife (160). Commonly used method of oral hygiene practice was tooth powder by 80 males and 103 females. Maximum subjects of extroversion (180) was seen in age group 40-45 years, maximum females (110) were housewife with extroversion trait, maximum extroversion trait subjects were using tooth powder (113) and datum (100). Mean DMFT score in subjects was 2.52 and community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) score was 3.41. There were 310 extroversion subjects, 120 neuroticism subjects, and 50 combinations of both extroversion and neuroticism. There was a significant difference in mean missing teeth and DMFT in subjects with different personality traits (p < 0.05). The post hoc test showed that mean missing teeth between group E and group E + N was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The post hoc test showed that the mean sextant value for score 2 between group E vs N found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Neurotic individuals were found to have poorer periodontal health as compared to extroverts. CONCLUSION: Authors found that personality trait such as psychological factors have greater impact on status of dental caries and periodontitis. Extroverts had less dental caries and better periodontal status when compared to other personality traits. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Psychological factors have a great impact on status of dental caries and periodontitis. By assessing various psychological factors, the occurrence of both can be avoided. Thus by improving oral health, overall health of an individual can be improved.