Merging Mandibular Virtual Data Sets in Partially Edentulous Patients with a High-level of Scattering on Cone-beam CT Scans: A Technical Report.

Digital implant planning, utilizing the convergence of digital surface scanners, cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) scans, and advanced planning software, has transformed dental implantology. The merging of these data sets through triangulation of landmarks provides a detailed digital model of the jaws, facilitating precise implant positioning in edentulous areas. A critical step in this digital workflow is the accurate merging of DICOM files with STL/PLY/OBJ files, which underpins the design and fabrication of surgical templates for accurate implant placement. Errors in this phase can lead to implant mispositioning or damage to adjacent structures. Particularly in partial edentulism, the merging is based on the occlusal topography of the remaining teeth but scattering in the CBCT data-caused by interactions of radiation with radiodense materials-can complicate this process or even render it impossible. The manuscript presents a technique utilizing radiopaque markers to overcome scattering effects, ensuring accurate dataset superimposition in the mandible.

The Use of Titanium Pins for the Management and Fixation of Free Gingival Grafts and Apically Repositioned Flaps During Vestibuloplasty. A Technique Report.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of adequate keratinized mucosa (KM) around dental implants and natural dentition is pivotal for the long-term success of dental restorations. Despite various techniques to augment KM, challenges persist in achieving stable, keratinized, and adherent mucosa, especially in the context of significant muscle pull or compromised tissue conditions. This study introduces a novel application of titanium pins for the fixation of free gingival grafts (FGG) and apically repositioned flaps (APF) during vestibuloplasty, aiming to overcome important limitations associated with traditional suturing methods and shorten the treatment time and patient morbidity. METHODS: Three patients with insufficient KM width, presenting discomfort during oral hygiene and inflammation around implant restorations and natural teeth, underwent soft tissue augmentation using titanium pins traditionally used in guided bone regeneration (GBR) for the stabilization of FGGs and APFs. This method ensures intimate contact between the graft and the periosteum, facilitating proper graft perfusion and revascularization, minimizing shrinkage and the risk for necrosis of the graft. RESULTS: Postoperative follow-up revealed successful integration of the grafts, with minimal shrinkage and increased width and depth of KM. The use of titanium pins allowed for reliable fixation in challenging surgical sites, where traditional suturing methods were impractical due to the presence of extensive muscle pull and an unstable recipient bed. CONCLUSION: The application of titanium pins for the fixation of FGGs and APFs during vestibuloplasty provides a promising alternative to traditional suturing techniques, particularly in complex cases where the recipient bed is suboptimal for suturing. This method simplifies and shortens the procedure, offering a predictable outcome with increased mechanical stability and minimal shrinkage of the graft. Randomized clinical trials are recommended to further evaluate the efficacy of this technique.

Impact of digital technologies on implant surgery in fully edentulous patients: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: For over three decades, digital technologies have been used in Implant Dentistry, beginning with the introduction of planning software for Static Computer-Assisted Implant Surgery (S-CAIS). During this time, this field has witnessed the emergence of diverse methodologies and a proliferation of technological advancements. Today, S-CAIS is a widely adopted procedure for the placement of dental implants in both partially and fully edentulous patients, with Dynamic Computer-Assisted Surgery (D-CAIS) and Robotic-Assisted Implant Surgery (RAIS) rapidly gaining attention among dental professionals. The continuous advancements in this arena are not merely indicative of technological progress; they represent a steadfast dedication to refining precision, enhancing efficiency, and fostering innovation with the goal of optimizing patient outcomes in dental implantology. AIMS: The purpose of the following review is to meticulously examine the spectrum of digital technologies available and to describe their protocols, advantages, and shortcomings as well as to evaluate their accuracy in implant surgery in patients with complete edentulism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scoping review was performed following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) protocols, leveraging the population, concept, and context (PCC) framework to construct the research question and determine the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-seven records were identified for screening. After applying all the screening criteria, 41 articles were included for review and qualitative data analysis. DISCUSSION: S-CAIS, D-CAIS, and RAIS were identified as the main technologies for computer assisted implant surgery. Their applications, characteristics, protocols and levels of accuracy were compared and described. CONCLUSION: Taking into consideration the limitations of this study, S-CAIS appears to be the most applied and validated technology in implant surgery for fully edentulous patients followed by D-CAIS and RAIS being these last two promising initiatives in the field. Despite having similar levels of accuracy, the overall comparison showed a slightly higher values in RAIS followed by D-CAIS and S-CAIS.

Influence of connected and nonconnected calibrated frameworks on the accuracy of complete arch implant scans obtained by using four intraoral scanners, a desktop scanner, and a photogrammetry system.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Different techniques have been proposed for increasing the accuracy of complete arch implant scans obtained by using intraoral scanners (IOSs), including a calibrated metal framework (IOSFix); however, its accuracy remains uncertain. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the accuracy of complete arch scans obtained with connecting and non-connecting the implant scan bodies (ISBs) recorded using intraoral scanners (IOSs), a laboratory scanner (LBS), and photogrammetry (PG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cast with 6 implant abutment analogs was obtained. Six groups were created: TRIOS 4, i700, iTero, CS3800, LBS, and PG groups. The IOSs and LBS groups were divided into 3 subgroups: nonconnected ISBs (ISB), splinted ISBs (SSB), and calibrated framework (CF), (n=15). For the ISB subgroups, an ISB was positioned on each implant abutment analog. For the SSB subgroups, a printed framework was used to connect the ISBs. For the CF subgroups, a calibrated framework (IOSFix) was used to connect the ISBs. For the PG group, scans were captured using a PG (PIC Camera). Implant positions of the reference cast were measured using a coordinate measurement machine, and Euclidean distances were used as a reference to calculate the discrepancies using the same distances obtained on each experimental scan. Wilcoxon squares 2-way ANOVA and pairwise multiple comparisons were used to analyze trueness (α=.05). The Levene test was used to analyze precision (α=.05). RESULTS: Linear and angular discrepancies were found among the groups (P<.001) and subgroups (P<.001). Linear (P=.008) and angular (P<.001) precision differences were found among the subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The digitizing method and technique impacted the trueness and precision of the implant scans. The photogrammetry and calibrated framework groups obtained the best accuracy. Except for TRIOS 4, the calibrated framework method improved the accuracy of the scans obtained by using the IOSs tested.

The Use of CAD-CAM Templates in Lateral Sinus Floor Augmentation Procedure: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillary sinus floor augmentation is a procedure known for its long-term success and predictable outcomes. However, the perforation of the Schneiderian membrane remains the most common complication associated with this procedure. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to determine the presence of complications during maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedures using CAD-CAM surgical templates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search was carried out in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, and Scopus. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Studies that have performed lateral sinus floor augmentation were included in the inclusion criteria. The CAD-CAM surgical template design and the intraoperative complications were registered. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were included. Seven were case reports, four were case series, and two were randomized clinical trials. A total of 94 lateral SFA procedures were included (84 using CADCAM templates and 10 without using templates). Three of the 84 maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedures using a CAD-CAM template presented intraoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary sinus floor augmentation performed by using CAD-CAM surgical templates could be related to low rates of complications, however, due to the heterogeneity of the articles included, more standardized studies are needed to confirm these outcomes.

The Anatomy of the Mandibular Incisive Canal and Its Influence in Implant Therapy. A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: The interforaminal region is considered more favorable for implant placement than the posterior mandible in edentulous patients, mainly because of the interference of the inferior alveolar nerve with implant placement in the severely resorbed posterior mandible. However, complications in the interforaminal region may occur due to the presence of the mandibular incisive nerve. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to describe the mandibular incisive nerve anatomy related to the potential interference in implant therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, and Scopus. This scoping review was structured according to the Joanna Briggs Institute method. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included in the review. All the studies were observational cohort anatomical studies, carried out mainly by CBCT and on cadavers. A total of 1471 patients/cadavers were studied. The mandibular incisive nerve was presented in 87-100% of the cases, with an average length of 9.97 mm and an average diameter of 1.97 mm. The mandibular incisive nerve may be damaged during drilling and implant placement, especially using implant lengths larger than 12 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Damage to the mandibular incisive nerve due to implant placement could be present, however, it is necessary to conduct more studies focusing on assessing mandibular incisive nerve damage to understand the clinical relevance of this nerve and its associated morbidities such as neurosensorial alterations. Due to the different anatomical characteristics of this nerve, CBCT analysis is recommended for implant therapy in the anterior mandible to prevent the described complications.

Considerations for predictable outcomes in static computer- aided implant surgery in the esthetic zone.

OBJECTIVE: To provide technical and clinical recommendations for implementing a digital workflow in Static Computer-Aided Implant Surgery in the anterior maxilla. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: An optimal 3D implant position is crucial for achieving satisfying results in implant rehabilitation in the esthetic area. Due to its complexity, implant placement in the esthetic zone should be executed with precision and predictability. Static Computer-Aided Implant Surgery requires thorough planning and detailed attention to every step of the digital workflow protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Implant positioning in the esthetic zone using Static Computer-Aided Implant Surgery is a technique-sensitive procedure that requires precise execution of each step. This approach ensures accurate prosthetically driven 3D implant placement and prevents potential errors that could lead to inaccurate positioning. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The proper implementation of Static Computer-Aided Implant Surgery may increase the level of agreement between the planned and definitive implant 3D positions in the esthetic zone, thus enhancing the esthetic outcomes of implant rehabilitation.

Intraoral digital implant scans: Parameters to improve accuracy.

PURPOSE: To report the means to maximize the predictability and accuracy of intraoral digital implant scans through the evaluation of operator and patient-related factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of published articles related to factors that can decrease the scanning accuracy of intraoral digital implant scans was completed in four data sources:MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO, and Web of Science. All studies related to variables that can influence the accuracy of intraoral digital implant scans obtained by using intraoral scanners (IOSs) were considered. These variables included ambient lighting, scanning pattern, implant scan body (ISB) design, techniques for splinting ISBs, arch location, implant position, and inter-implant distance. RESULTS: Among operator-related factors, ambient lighting conditions, scanning pattern, and ISB design (material, geometry, and retention design) can impact the accuracy of intraoral digital implant scans. The optimal ISB for maximizing IOS accuracy is unclear; however, polymer ISB can wear with multiple reuse and sterilization methods. Among patient-related factors, additional variables should be considered, namely arch (maxillary vs. mandibular arch), implant position in the arch, inter-implant distance, implant depth, and angulation. CONCLUSIONS: Ambient lighting conditions should be established based on the IOS selected to optimize the accuracy of intraoral digital implant scans. The optimal scanning pattern may vary based on the IOS, clinical situation, and the number of implants. The optimal ISB design may vary depending on the IOS used. Metallic implant scan bodies are preferred over polymer ISB designs to minimize wear due to multiple use and sterilization distortion. Among patient-related factors, additional variables should be considered namely the arch scanned, implant position in the arch, inter-implant distance, implant depth, and angulation. The impact of these factors may vary depending on the IOS selected.

Full mouth oral rehabilitation of a severely worn dentition based on a fully digital workflow.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the use of a complete digital workflow for a full mouth rehabilitation in a severely worn dentition. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The present case report successfully rehabilitated a full-mouth case of a severely worn dentition based on the use of digital technologies, making the diagnosis and treatment process faster, accurate and less expensive. A long-lasting esthetic and functional result are showed after 30-months follow up. CONCLUSIONS: An appropriate knowledge on dental erosion and oral rehabilitation, combined with a digital dentistry approach could lead the clinician to deliver a fast, accurate and predictable noninvasive restorative treatment in cases like the one described. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Bruxism-based severely worn dentition is being found more often in population. In this situation, a detailed diagnosis and tailored treatment are mandatory to obtain a predictable treatment outcome. In this sense, the development of adhesive dentistry, new restorative materials and the incorporation of digital technologies can create a predictable synergy to rehabilitate these types of patients with a modern and less invasive approach.

Computer-assisted bone reduction and static computer-guided implant surgery in a fully edentulous patient: a technique report.

Computer-assisted implant surgery is one of the techniques that has gained much popularity over the past years. The amount of information that can be managed in a virtual environment allows for a faster, safer, and more precise implant placement. In certain cases, an appropriate implant-supported rehabilitation is accompanied by the need for complementary surgical procedures. The present technique report describes a clinical situation in which a bone reduction template and a stackable implant placement guide were digitally designed and 3D printed for a simultaneous ridge ostectomy and computer-assisted implant placement.

Delphi Project on the trends in Implant Dentistry in the COVID-19 era: Perspectives from Latin America.

AIM: To establish trends in Implant Dentistry in Latin America in the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A steering committee and an advisory group of experts in Implant Dentistry were selected among eighteen countries. An open-ended questionnaire by Delphi methodology was validated including 64 questions, divided in 7 topics, concerning the various trends in dental implantology. The survey was conducted in two rounds, which provided the participants in the second round with the results of the first. The questionnaires were completed on August 2020, and the online meeting conference was held on September 2020. The final prediction was developed through consensus by a selected group of experts. RESULTS: A total of 197 experts from Latin America answered the first and second questionnaire. In the first round, the established threshold for consensus (65%) was achieved in 30 questions (46.87%). In the second round, performed on average 45 days later, this level was achieved in 47 questions (73.43%). Consensus was completely reached on the item "Diagnostic" (100%), the field with the lowest consensus was "Demand for treatment with dental implants" (37.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study in Latin America has provided relevant and useful information on the predictions in the education and practice of Implant Dentistry in the COVID-19 era. The consensus points toward a great confidence of clinicians in the biosecurity protocols used to minimize the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. It is foreseen as an important change in education, with introduction of virtual reality and other simulation technologies in implant training.

Multidisciplinary Treatment of Deep Non-Carious Cervical Lesion With a CAD/CAM Chairside Restoration in Combination With Periodontal Surgery: A 60-Month Follow-Up Technique Report.

INTRODUCTION: Restoring function and esthetics are essential aspects of periodontology and restorative dentistry. Depending on their extension and the tissues involved, the treatment of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) associated with gingival recessions may require a multidisciplinary approach, and different periodontal and restorative techniques have been described. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report presents an innovative approach to treat a deep NCCL combined with a gingival recession in a canine region of a female patient. A Computer Aided Design - Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) chairside ceramic restoration in combination with mucogingival surgery procedures is described. A comprehensive analysis of the selected approach and its clinical implications is presented based on a 60-month follow-up. Conclusions After 60-month follow-up, clinical condition maintained stable, and a successful esthetic outcome was accomplished. Complete root coverage was achieved and kept throughout the whole period of tracing.

Computer-guided implant surgery and full-arch immediate loading with prefabricated-metal framework-provisional prosthesis created from a 3D printed model.

OBJECTIVE: In this article, we describe the planning phase and clinical procedure where a CAD CAM 3D printed master model was utilized to create a prefabricated-titanium reinforced-fixed provisional prosthesis for a full-arch immediate loading after computer-guided implant placement. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The clinical procedure should be performed based on digital planning through an advanced surgical planning software and following the guidelines of full-arch immediate loading protocol. The fact that the master model is fabricated under a computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing approach before implant placement makes the whole process considerably easier, faster, more precise and cheaper. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a prefabricated-metal framework-provisional prosthesis for full-arch immediate loading created from a 3D printed master model seems to be a predictable treatment option when computer-guided implant surgery is performed. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The presented article described an interesting and innovative technique to optimize implant treatment based on digital technologies and 3D printing. The presented technique will help to diminish treatment costs and times especially for immediate loading procedures in fully edentulous patients because it allows to fabricate a prosthetic structure prior implant placement based on a 3D printing process.

Selecting the appropriate digital planning pathway for computer-guided implant surgery.

The incorporation of virtual engineering into our profession and the digitalization of information are allowing us new perspectives and innovative alternatives for dental treatment modalities. The use of computer-guided implant-planning software allows the radiographic, prosthetic, surgical, and laboratory fields to be combined under a common virtual scenario, permitting complete virtual treatment planning. Different alternatives for the digital workflow have been described for computer-guided implant placement. In this article, we present a recommendation for selecting the appropriate digital workflow depending on the clinical situation to achieve precise computer-guided implant planning and a predictable treatment outcome.

Reducing Distortion of Implant- or Abutment-Level Impressions for Implant-Supported Prosthetic Rehabilitation: A Technique Report.

Passive fit between prosthesis and implants or abutments is a significant factor in preventing mechanical and biologic failures of implant-supported prostheses. Therefore, impression techniques must transfer the 3D implant position as accurately as possible for a correct superstructure fabrication. A novel impression protocol that uses an individualized open tray design is proposed. It allows the clinician to splint the transfers between the copings, outside the impression area, and to the tray itself to create a rigid monoblock. Thus, distortions produced by the tear of impression material or by transfer abutments' micromovements during tray retrieval are limited and superstructure misfits are minimized. This technique is specifically recommended for long spanning or completely edentulous patients.

Clinical Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Novel Supportive Therapies for Oral Bone Regeneration.

Bone regeneration is often needed prior to dental implant treatment due to the lack of adequate quantity and quality of the bone after infectious diseases, trauma, tumor, or congenital conditions. In these situations, cell transplantation technologies may help to overcome the limitations of autografts, xenografts, allografts, and alloplastic materials. A database search was conducted to include human clinical trials (randomized or controlled) and case reports/series describing the clinical use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the oral cavity for bone regeneration only specifically excluding periodontal regeneration. Additionally, novel advances in related technologies are also described. 190 records were identified. 51 articles were selected for full-text assessment, and only 28 met the inclusion criteria: 9 case series, 10 case reports, and 9 randomized controlled clinical trials. Collectively, they evaluate the use of MSCs in a total of 290 patients in 342 interventions. The current published literature is very diverse in methodology and measurement of outcomes. Moreover, the clinical significance is limited. Therefore, the use of these techniques should be further studied in more challenging clinical scenarios with well-designed and standardized RCTs, potentially in combination with new scaffolding techniques and bioactive molecules to improve the final outcomes.

Computer-guided implant surgery and immediate loading with a modifiable radiographic template in a patient with partial edentulism: A clinical report.

Computer-guided implant surgery in fresh extraction sites is an underdeveloped procedure. The presence of teeth that will be extracted makes the creation of an appropriate radiographic template for virtual simulation of the rehabilitation impossible. A modified radiographic template is presented to define a digital restorative simulation for the maxillary rehabilitation of a patient with partial edentulism. This modification enables 3-dimensional prosthetic virtual information in regions where teeth will be extracted.

The combination of digital surface scanners and cone beam computed tomography technology for guided implant surgery using 3Shape implant studio software: a case history report.

The incorporation of virtual engineering into dentistry and the digitization of information are providing new perspectives and innovative alternatives for dental treatment modalities. The use of digital surface scanners with surgical planning software allows for the combination of the radiographic, prosthetic, surgical, and laboratory fields under a common virtual scenario, permitting complete digital treatment planning. In this article, the authors present a clinical case in which a guided implant surgery was performed based on a complete digital surgical plan combining the information from a cone beam computed tomography scan and the virtual simulation obtained from the 3Shape TRIOS intraoral surface scanner. The information was imported to and combined in the 3Shape Implant Studio software for guided implant surgery planning. A surgical guide was obtained by a 3D printer, and the surgical procedure was done using the Biohorizons Guided Surgery Kit and its protocol.

Bone Engineering of Maxillary Sinus Bone Deficiencies Using Enriched CD90+ Stem Cell Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Bone engineering of localized craniofacial osseous defects or deficiencies by stem cell therapy offers strong prospects to improve treatment predictability for patient care. The aim of this phase 1/2 randomized, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate reconstruction of bone deficiencies of the maxillary sinus with transplantation of autologous cells enriched with CD90+ stem cells and CD14+ monocytes. Thirty human participants requiring bone augmentation of the maxillary sinus were enrolled. Patients presenting with 50% to 80% bone deficiencies of the maxillary sinus were randomized to receive either stem cells delivered onto a ß-tricalcium phosphate scaffold or scaffold alone. Four months after treatment, clinical, radiographic, and histologic analyses were performed to evaluate de novo engineered bone. At the time of alveolar bone core harvest, oral implants were installed in the engineered bone and later functionally restored with dental tooth prostheses. Radiographic analyses showed no difference in the total bone volume gained between treatment groups; however, density of the engineered bone was higher in patients receiving stem cells. Bone core biopsies showed that stem cell therapy provided the greatest benefit in the most severe deficiencies, yielding better bone quality than control patients, as evidenced by higher bone volume fraction (BVF; 0.5 versus 0.4; p = 0.04). Assessment of the relation between degree of CD90+ stem cell enrichment and BVF showed that the higher the CD90 composition of transplanted cells, the greater the BVF of regenerated bone (r = 0.56; p = 0.05). Oral implants were placed and restored with functionally loaded dental restorations in all patients and no treatment-related adverse events were reported at the 1-year follow-up. These results provide evidence that cell-based therapy using enriched CD90+ stem cell populations is safe for maxillary sinus floor reconstruction and offers potential to accelerate and enhance tissue engineered bone quality in other craniofacial bone defects and deficiencies (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00980278).