Immediate implant placement in conjunction with guided bone regeneration and/or connective tissue grafts: an experimental study in canines.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the effect of hard and/or soft tissue grafting on immediate implants in a preclinical model. METHODS: In 5 mongrel dogs, the distal roots of P2 and P3 were extracted from the maxilla (4 sites in each animal), and immediate implant placement was performed. Each site was randomly assigned to 1 of the following 4 groups: i) gap filling with guided bone regeneration (the GBR group), ii) subepithelial connective tissue grafting (the SCTG group), iii) GBR and SCTG (the GBR/SCTG group), and iv) no further treatment (control). Non-submerged healing was provided for 4 months. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed. RESULTS: Peri-implant tissue height and thickness favored the SCTG group (height of peri-implant mucosa: 1.14 mm; tissue thickness at the implant shoulder and ±1 mm from the shoulder: 1.14 mm, 0.78 mm, and 1.57 mm, respectively; median value) over the other groups. Bone grafting was not effective at the level of the implant shoulder and on the coronal level of the shoulder. In addition, simultaneous soft and hard tissue augmentation (the GBR/SCTG group) led to a less favorable tissue contour compared to GBR or SCTG alone (height of peri-implant mucosa: 3.06 mm; thickness of peri-implant mucosa at the implant shoulder and ±1 mm from the shoulder: 0.72 mm, 0.3 mm, and 1.09 mm, respectively). CONCLUSION: SCTG tended to have positive effects on the thickness and height of the peri-implant mucosa in immediate implant placement. However, simultaneous soft and hard tissue augmentation might not allow a satisfactory tissue contour in cases where the relationship between implant position and neighboring bone housing is unfavorable.

Secondary stability achieved in dental implants with a calcium-coated sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) surface and a chemically modified SLA surface placed without mechanical engagement: A preclinical study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the osseointegration of calcium-coated (CS) and chemically modified, sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (MS) dental implants with a lack of primary mechanical stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen implants in CS and MS groups each were loosely placed in the mandible of six mongrel dogs and allowed to heal for 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) and implant stability test (IST) values recorded periodically and bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and the number of Haversian canals per 1 mm2 measured histologically were statistically analysed (p < .05). RESULTS: All CS and MS implants placed survived. Compared with immediately after installation, ISQ and IST values in both groups increased significantly to over 76 at 2 weeks (p < .0083) and remained stable thereafter. BIC was significantly greater at 8 weeks (61.3 ± 13.6% in CS group; 57.6 ± 5.9% in MS group) compared to 2 and 4 weeks in both groups (p < .017). There were no significant intergroup differences in ISQ, IST or BIC at different time points. Significantly more Haversian canals were observed in group CS (6.2 ± 1.0/mm2 ) compared with group MS at 4 weeks (3.7 ± 1.8 /mm2 ; p < .05), while intergroup difference was not significant at 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: Both CS and MS implants inserted without primary stability obtained osseointegration within 2 weeks, and lamellar bone adjacent to the implants was first observed at 8 weeks. The formation of primary osteons was more active at 4 weeks in group CS than in group MS.

Immediate loading of fixed partial prostheses reconstructed using either tapered or straight implants in the posterior area: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: In immediately loaded implants within 72 h after the implant placement in the unilaterally and partially edentulous ridge, primary stability is considered critical, which can be influenced by the design of the implant fixture. PURPOSE: To determine the outcomes at 1 year after the immediate loading of multiunit fixed partial prostheses over either tapered implants (TIs) or straight implants (SIs) in the posterior region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients (24 patients, 52 implants in TI group; 24 patients, 50 implants in SI group) were included for the study. Except for the one SI group patient whose two implants showed the insertion torque less than 30 Ncm, provisional prostheses designed and fabricated from intraoral scan data obtained immediately after implant surgery were delivered to rest of the 47 subjects at 3-7 days. After a year, the survival rate was estimated by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses, and marginal bone loss (MBL) and implant stability were also analyzed statistically (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Survival rate at implant level in TI group was 96.2%, and that of SI group in the ITT analysis was 86.0%. Intergroup difference, however, was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Insertion torque was significantly higher in TI group than SI group (47.12 ± 6.37 Ncm vs. 41.60 ± 9.77 Ncm; p < 0.05). MBLs of both groups were less than 0.1 mm at 1-year follow-up and was similar between two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate loading of fixed partial prostheses after TI and SI placement showed reliable outcomes in the partially edentulous posterior ridge. In terms of the initial mechanical stability, the performance was superior for TIs than for SIs.

Immediate versus delayed application of bone morphogenetic protein-2 solution in damaged extraction sockets: a preclinical in vivo investigation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical, radiographic, and histological healing patterns between the immediate and delayed applications of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) in damaged extraction sockets in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The distal roots of the fourth premolars of the mandible were extracted bilaterally in five beagle dogs, and buccal bone defects (4 mm wide and 9 mm high) were surgically created. Collagenated biphasic calcium phosphate (CBCP) soaked for 10 min in 100 µL of BMP-2 solution was applied immediately to the defect site in the control group. In the test group, the BMP-2 solution of same dose was injected into the grafted site 2 weeks after grafting with a saline-soaked CBCP. The dogs were sacrificed 2 weeks later. Clinical, histological, and radiographic analyses were followed. RESULTS: Swelling and inflammatory reactions were predominantly observed in the control group at 2 weeks. The area of new bone formation was significantly larger in the control group compared with the test group (10.8 ± 7.0 mm2 [mean ± SD] and 6.3 ± 3.1 mm2, respectively; p = 0.043). No significant difference was found in ridge width at 2 mm, 4 mm and 6 mm below the lingual bone crest between the control (2.6 ± 1.0 mm, 3.2 ± 0.9 mm and 4.5 ± 0.5 mm, respectively) and test group (3.3 ± 1.0 mm, 3.7 ± 1.3 mm and 4.2 ± 1.0 mm; all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed application of BMP-2 2 weeks after surgery did not show any advantage over immediate application of BMP-2 in terms of new bone formation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study suggests that it might be better to apply BMP-2 immediately in alveolar ridge preservation, instead of delayed application, in order to enhance new bone formation.

Clinical and Microbiological Efficacy of Pyrophosphate Containing Toothpaste: A Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial.

(1) Background: Dental calculus works as a niche wherein pathogenic bacteria proliferate in the oral cavity. Previous studies revealed the anticalculus activity of pyrophosphates, however there was no clinical study that evaluated microbiome changes associated with calculus inhibition. Therefore, the aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the calculus inhibition of pyrophosphate-containing toothpaste and its effect on oral microbiome changes. (2) Methods: Eighty subjects with a calculus index ≥2 on the lingual of the mandibular anterior tooth were randomly allocated to the test group that pyrophosphate-containing toothpaste was given to or the placebo control group. Full mouth debridement and standardized tooth brushing instruction were given before the allocation. Plaque index, gingival index, calculus index, probing depth, and bleeding on probing were measured at the baseline, and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Genomic DNA was extracted from the plaque samples collected at the baseline and at 12 weeks, and 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing was applied for microbiome analysis. (3) Results: None of the clinical parameters showed significant differences by visits or groups, except the plaque index of the test group, which reduced significantly between 4 and 12 weeks. A significant difference of microbiome between the baseline and 12 weeks was observed in the test group. Between baseline and 12 weeks, the proportion of Spirochetes decreased in the control group, and the proportions of Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria and Spirochetes in the phylum level and the proportions of Haemophilus, Fusobacterium and Capnocytophaga in the genus level decreased in the test group. In the test group, as plaque index decreased, Streptococcus increased, and Fusobacterium and Haemophilus parainfluenza decreased. (4) Conclusion: The use of pyrophosphate-containing toothpaste effectively inhibited the dysbiosis of the oral microbiome and the proliferation of pathogenic species in periodontal disease. Clinically, plaque formation in the pyrophosphate-containing toothpaste group was effectively decreased, however there was no significant change in calculus deposition.

Efficacy of Local Minocycline Agents in Treating Peri-Implantitis: An Experimental In Vivo Study in Beagle Dogs.

BACKGROUND: Local delivery agents (LDA) have the advantage of delivering the antibiotics at high concentrations to the targeted sites. However, the constant flow of gingival crevicular fluids and saliva may restrict their efficacy. Therefore, the drug sustainability and pharmacodynamic properties of any proposed LDA should be evaluated. METHODS: Four dental implants were placed unilaterally in the edentulous mandible of six beagle dogs. Peri-implantitis were experimentally induced using silk-ligatures. Each implant was randomly allocated to receive one of the following four treatments: (i) MC (Chitosan-alginate (CA) minocycline), (ii) MP (CA-without minocycline), (iii) PG (Polyacrylate-glycerin minocycline), and (iv) Control (mechanical debridement only). Mechanical therapies and LDAs were administered into the gingival sulcus two times at a 4-week interval. Drug sustainability as well as clinical, radiographical, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses were conducted to evaluate the efficacies of treatments. RESULTS: Reduced mean probing depth was observed in all of the test groups after the second delivery. A minimal marginal bone level change was observed during the treatment period (MP (-0.06 ± 0.53 mm) to PG (-0.25 ± 0.42 mm)). The distribution of IHC cell marker analysis of all targeted antibodies ranged from 6.34% to 11.33%. All treatment outcomes between the test groups were comparable. A prolonged retention of LDA was observed from CA microspheres (MC and MP) at both administrations (p < 0.017) and prolonged sustainability of bacteriostatic effect was observed from MC compared to PG after the second administration (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged retention of CA microspheres was observed and the longer bacteriostatic effect was observed from the MC group. Mechanical debridement with adjunct LDA therapy may impede peri-implantitis progression, however, prolonged drug action did not lead to improved treatment outcome.

Dimensional changes of the maxillary sinus augmented with a collagenated synthetic bone block or synthetic bone particulates: A pre-clinical study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of a collagenated synthetic bone substitute (C-SBS) to a particulated synthetic bone substitute (P-SBS) in volume maintenance and new bone formations in a rabbit sinus model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Either C-SBS or P-SBS was grafted in both sinuses of 16 rabbits. Four (N = 8) or 12 (N = 8) weeks after the surgery, total augmented volume (TAV) and area (TAA), as well as new bone volume (NBV) and area (NBA), were statistically compared by radiographic and histomorphometric analyses (p < .05). RESULTS: The differences in TAV, NBV, TAA and NBA between C-SBS and P-SBS groups at 4 weeks were not statistically significant. The TAV (267.13 ± 62.08 vs. 200.18 ± 40.32 mm3 ) and NBV (103.26 ± 10.50 vs. 71.10 ± 7.58 mm3 ) in group C-SBS were significantly higher than in group P-SBS at 12 weeks (p < .05). The TAA (19.36 ± 2.88 vs. 14.48 ± 2.08 mm2 ) and NBA (5.43 ± 1.20 vs. 3.76 ± 0.78 mm2 ) in group C-SBS were significantly higher than in group P-SBS at 12 weeks (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Collagenated synthetic bone substitute grafted in rabbit sinuses demonstrated more favourable outcomes across all outcome measures compared to P-SBS at 12 weeks.

Effects of soft tissue grafting prior to orthodontic treatment on preventing gingival recession in dogs.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of prophylactic gingival grafting in the mandibular anterior labial area for preventing orthodontically induced gingival recession. METHODS: Eight mongrel dogs received gingival graft surgery at the first (I1) and third (I3) mandibular incisors on both sides based on the following group allocation: AT group (autogenous connective tissue graft on I1), AT-control group (contralateral side in the AT group), CM group (xenogeneic cross-linked collagen matrix graft on I3) and CM-control group (contralateral side in the CM group). At 4 weeks after surgery, 6 incisors were splinted and proclined for 4 weeks, followed by 16 weeks of retention. At 24 weeks after surgery, casts were made and compared with those made before surgery, and radiographic and histomorphometric analyses were performed. RESULTS: Despite the proclination of the incisal tip (by approximately 3 mm), labial gingival recession did not occur. The labial gingiva was thicker in the AT group (1.85±0.50 mm vs. 1.76±0.45 mm, P>0.05) and CM group (1.90±0.33 mm vs. 1.79±0.20 mm, P>0.05) than in their respective control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The level of the labial gingival margin did not change following labial proclination of incisors in dogs. Both the AT and CM groups showed enhanced gingival thickness.

Locally Applied Slow-Release of Minocycline Microspheres in the Treatment of Peri-Implant Mucositis: An Experimental In Vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this is preclinical investigation was to evaluate the differential drug sustainability and pharmacodynamic properties of two local minocycline microsphere carriers: chitosan-coated alginate (CA) and poly(meth)acrylate-glycerin (PG). METHODS: Four dental implants were placed unilaterally in the edentulous mandible of six beagle dogs. Each implant was randomly assigned to receive one of the following four treatments: (i) CA (CA-based minocycline), (ii) placebo (CA substrate without minocycline), (iii) PG (PG-based minocycline) and (iv) control (mechanical debridement only). After inducing peri-implant mucositis, the randomly assigned treatments were administered into the gingival sulcus twice at a 4-week interval using a plastic-tipped syringe. Drug sustainability and pharmacodynamic (clinical, radiographical and cell marker intensity) evaluations were performed after each administration. RESULTS: The CA microspheres remained longer around the healing abutment compared to the PG microspheres at both administrations and a longer bacteriostatic effect was observed from CA (7.0 ± 5.7 days) compared to PG (1.2 ± 2.6 days). The efficacy of the applied therapies based on clinical, radiographical and histological analyses were comparable across all treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: CA microspheres showed longer carrier and bacteriostatic effect sustainability when compared to PG microspheres, however, longer drug sustainability did not lead to improved treatment outcomes.

Volume stability of the augmented sinus using a collagenated bovine bone mineral grafted in case of a perforated Schneiderian membrane: An experimental study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the volume stability of a sinus augmented with a collagenated bovine bone mineral (CBBM) in case of an intact or perforated Schneiderian membrane (SM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bilateral sinus augmentation procedure was performed in eight rabbits. The SM was intentionally perforated in one side (SMP group), while it remained intact in contra-lateral side (control group) and the same amount of CBBM was then grafted. At 12 weeks, the animals were euthanized for radiographic and histomorphometric analyses. RESULTS: The augmented volume did not differ significantly between the two groups: 262.2 ± 32.1 mm3 in SMP group and 261.9 ± 48.5 mm3 in the control group (p = .959). There was no significant difference in the total augmented area: 24.7 ± 5.2 mm2 in SMP group and 23.2 ± 2.9 mm2 in the control group (p = .773). The areas of newly formed bone also did not differ significantly between the two groups, but was significantly lower at the centre of the augmented region than in the region of the surgical window in both groups (p < .05). CONCLUSION: A perforation of the SM in a rabbit model does neither impact the augmented volume nor new bone formation following grafting of the sinus with a CBBM.

Augmentation of keratinized tissue at tooth and implant sites by using autogenous grafts and collagen-based soft-tissue substitutes.

AIM: To investigate the effect of three treatment modalities on the gain of keratinized tissue (KT) at tooth and implant sites in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In five dogs, the distal roots of the mandibular second, third and fourth premolars were extracted, while the mesial roots were maintained. After 2 months of healing, implants were placed with KT excision. After another 2 months of healing, free gingival grafts, collagen-based matrices and apically positioned flap only were applied. The height of KT was measured during implant placement, immediately before soft-tissue grafting and after 10, 30 and 60 days. RESULTS: Two months after KT excision, spontaneous KT regrowth was greater at tooth sites than at implant sites (median, 2.0 mm vs. 1.1 mm). The outcomes of soft-tissue grafting at implant sites favoured the free gingival graft treatment, with a greater final median height (5.0-5.5 mm) and increase in KT (4.0-4.2 mm). Locations of the recipient sites significantly influenced KT regeneration at both tooth and implant sites. CONCLUSIONS: At implant sites, the free gingival graft treatment led to higher KT regeneration. At tooth sites, however, the differences between the three treatment modalities seemed clinically irrelevant.

The effects of hard and soft tissue grafting and individualization of healing abutments at immediate implants: an experimental study in dogs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of intra-alveolar socket grafting, subepithelial connective tissue grafts, and individualized abutments on peri-implant hard and soft tissue outcomes following immediate implant placement. METHODS: This randomized experimental study employed 5 mongrel dogs, with 4 sites per dog (total of 20 sites). The mesial roots of P3 and P4 were extracted in each hemimandible and immediate dental implants were placed. Each site was randomly assigned to 1 of 4 different treatment groups: standardized healing abutment (control group), alloplastic bone substitute material (BSS) + standardized healing abutment (SA group), BSS + individualized healing abutment (IA group), and BSS + individualized healing abutment + a subepithelial connective tissue graft (IAG group). Clinical, histological, and profilometric analyses were performed. The intergroup differences were calculated using the Bonferroni test, setting statistical significance at P<0.05. RESULTS: Clinically, the control and SA groups demonstrated a coronal shift in the buccal height of the mucosa (0.88±0.48 mm and 0.37±1.1 mm, respectively). The IA and IAG groups exhibited an apical shift of the mucosa (-0.7±1.15 mm and -1.1±0.96 mm, respectively). Histologically, the SA and control groups demonstrated marginal mucosa heights of 4.1±0.28 mm and 4.0±0.53 mm relative to the implant shoulder, respectively. The IA and IAG groups, in contrast, only showed a height of 2.6 mm. In addition, the height of the mucosa in relation to the most coronal buccal bone crest or bone substitute particles was not significantly different among the groups. Volumetrically, the IA group (-0.73±0.46 mm) lost less volume on the buccal side than the control (-0.93±0.44 mm), SA (-0.97±0.73 mm), and IAG (-0.88±0.45 mm) groups. CONCLUSIONS: The control group demonstrated the most favorable change of height of the margo mucosae and the largest dimensions of the peri-implant soft tissues. However, the addition of a bone substitute material and an individualized healing abutment resulted in slightly better preservation of the peri-implant soft tissue contour.

Tissue integration of zirconia and titanium implants with and without buccal dehiscence defects.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to validate an experimental model for assessing tissue integration of titanium and zirconia implants with and without buccal dehiscence defects. METHODS: In 3 dogs, 5 implants were randomly placed on both sides of the mandibles: 1) Z1: a zirconia implant (modified surface) within the bony housing, 2) Z2: a zirconia implant (standard surface) within the bony housing, 3) T: a titanium implant within the bony housing, 4) Z1_D: a Z1 implant placed with a buccal bone dehiscence defect (3 mm), and 5) T_D: a titanium implant placed with a buccal bone dehiscence defect (3 mm). The healing times were 2 weeks (one side of the mandible) and 6 weeks (the opposite side). RESULTS: The dimensions of the peri-implant soft tissue varied depending on the implant and the healing time. The level of the mucosal margin was located more apically at 6 weeks than at 2 weeks in all groups, except group T. The presence of a buccal dehiscence defect did not result in a decrease in the overall soft tissue dimensions between 2 and 6 weeks (4.80±1.31 and 4.3 mm in group Z1_D, and 4.47±1.06 and 4.5±1.37 mm in group T_D, respectively). The bone-to-implant contact (BIC) values were highest in group Z1 at both time points (34.15%±21.23% at 2 weeks, 84.08%±1.33% at 6 weeks). The buccal dehiscence defects in groups Z1_D and T_D showed no further bone loss at 6 weeks compared to 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The modified surface of Z1 demonstrated higher BIC values than the surface of Z2. There were minimal differences in the mucosal margin between 2 and 6 weeks in the presence of a dehiscence defect. The present model can serve as a useful tool for studying peri-implant dehiscence defects at the hard and soft tissue levels.

Anti-resorptive effect of pamidronate on extraction socket wall in dogs.

AIM: The aim of this experimental in vivo investigation was to assess the anti-resorptive effect of low concentration pamidronate on the buccal plate in fresh extraction sockets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The distal roots of the third premolars were extracted bilaterally in six dogs. A collagen matrix loaded with either pamidronate (test group) or saline (control group) was positioned on the outer surface of buccal bone immediately after tooth extraction and subsequently covered with a coronally advanced flap. Histological and histomorphometric outcomes were evaluated 12 weeks later. RESULTS: The mean vertical distance between the buccal and lingual bone crest differed significantly between the test and control groups (0.52 ± 0.43 and 2.21 ± 1.15 mm, respectively; p = .037). The width of the buccal bone 1 mm below the crest was significantly wider in the test group than the control group (4.68 ± 0.68 vs. 3.44 ± 0.60 mm, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Local application of pamidronate onto a collagen matrix may reduce the dimensional changes of the buccal bone plate both vertically and horizontally.