Referral Patterns of General Dental Practitioners for Implant Surgery Procedures.

PURPOSE: The growing demand for implants has led to their implementation by general dental practitioners (GDPs) in clinical practice. The present study assessed referral patterns of GDPs for the surgical phase of implant dental treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty GDPs were asked to fill out a structured questionnaire containing their demographic data and answer six questions characterising their referral patterns for implant dentistry. RESULTS: Forty-one (41%) percent performed the surgical phase, and 87% provided implant restoration. Gender was the only influencing factor for the surgical phase, as 51.4% of male GDPs and 6.5% of female GDPs performed implant surgery themselves. Experience and practice set-up did not influence the referring decision. Fifty-four percent of the practitioners referred 0 to 5 patients per month, and the chosen specialists were: 80% oral and maxillofacial surgeon, 11% periodontist, and 9% selected a specialist depending on the individual case. The major reasons influencing the referral pattern were the complexity of the surgical procedure, followed by systemic medical compromise of the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Most implant surgeries in Israel are still performed by specialists.

Risk factors contributing to early implant failure following sinus augmentation: A study of a challenging cohort.

BACKGROUND: Sinus augmentation has become a more predictable and successful procedure as the knowledge of its indications and complications increased. However, knowledge of risk factors leading to early implant failure (EIF) among challenging systemic and local conditions is insufficient. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to assess risk factors for EIF following sinus augmentation in a challenging cohort. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study conducted during a period of 8 years in a tertiary referral centre providing surgical and dental health care. Implant and patient variables including age, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology) physical status classification, smoking, residual alveolar bone, type of anaesthesia and EIF were collected. RESULTS: Cohort was comprised of 751 implants placed in 271 individuals. EIF rates at the implant and patient level were 6.3% and 12.5%, respectively. EIF was found to be higher among smokers (patient level: χ2 (1) = 8.74, p = .003), ASA 2 physical classification patients (patient level: χ2 (2) = 6.75, p = .03), sinuses augmented under general anaesthesia (patient level: χ2 (1)=8.97, p = .003), higher bone gain (implant level: W = 12 350, p = .004), lower residual alveolar bone height (implant level: W = 13 837, p = .001) and multiple implantations (patient level: W = 3016.5, p = 0.01). However, other variables such as age, gender, collagen membrane and implant's dimensions did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of the study, we can conclude that smoking, ASA 2 physical status classification, general anaesthesia, low residual alveolar bone height and numerous implants are risk factors for EIF following sinus augmentation in challenging cohorts.

The Effect of Anticoagulants on Early Implant Failure: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Anticoagulants (AC) are among the most often prescribed drugs in the world. Data regarding ACs' effect on the osseointegration of dental implants is lacking. PURPOSE: The aim of the present retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the effect of anticoagulants (AC) on early implant failure (EIF). The null hypothesis was that the use of AC increases the incidence of EIF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research included 687 patients who underwent 2971 dental implant placements in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery in Rabin medical center, Beilinson hospital, by specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The study group comprised 173 (25.2%) patients and 708 (23.8%) implants using AC. The rest of the cohort served as a control. A structured form was used to collect data at patient and implant level. EIF was defined as implant failure within a period of up to 12 months from loading. EIF was the primary outcome parameter. A logistic regression model was used to predict EIF. RESULTS: Implants placed in individuals ≥ 80 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.34, p = 0.05), and ASA 2/3 vs. ASA 1 individuals (OR = 0.30, p = 0.02/OR = 0.33, p = 0.03, respectively) had decreased odds of EIF, and implants in those using anticoagulants (OR = 2.64, p = 0.01) had increased odds of EIF. At the patient level, the odds of EIF in ASA 3 (OR = 0.53, p = 0.02) and IHD (OR = 0.40, p = 0.02) individuals decreased. In AF/VF (OR = 2.95, p = 0.01) individuals, EIF odds increased. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present study, the use of AC is significantly associated with an increased likelihood of EIF: the OR was 2.64. Future research is required to validate and examine the prospective impact of AC on the osseointegration phenomena.

The Effect of Proton Pump Inhibitors on Early Implant Failure A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: Maintenance of a firm and long-term stable osseointegration is the primary goal of implant dentistry. Time is used to define implant failure characteristics. Early implant failure (EIF) occurs up to one year after loading. Recent studies indicated an association between proton pump inhibitors (PPI) therapy and failure of osseointegration. The present study assessed whether the use of PPIs is a risk factor to EIF. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study including 687 patients and 2971 dental implants. The study group (PPIs users) comprised 17.3% (119) individuals and 18.7% (555) implants. The remaining cohort (82.7% (568) individuals and 81.3% (2416) implants) served as control. The information was taken from the patients' files. The following information was collected: age, gender, physical status, systemic diseases, HbA1C values before and after implant-supported prosthesis delivery in cases of diabetes mellitus, smoking, implant location, number of implants per individual, bone augmentation, implant brand, length and width, and EIF. EIF was defined as implant removal within a period of up to 12 months from loading. Results: EIF in PPIs vs. non-PPIs users was 19.3% vs. 14.3% (p = 0.16) at patient level and 5.4% vs. 3.5% at implant level (p = 0.03). Univariate analysis yielded factors significantly associated with PPIs use, including older age, physical status of the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) 3, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, cardiovascular accident (CVA), location (anterior mandible), shorter and narrower implants, and higher number of implants per individual. Multivariate analysis yielded statistically significant OR of 1.91; p = 0.01 for EIF following PPIs use and 2.3; p < 0.001 for location in anterior mandible. Conclusions: Patients and their healthcare providers are advised to carefully consider the potential risks of taking PPIs prior to dental implant surgery. Further research is needed to confirm these risks and elucidate systemic and local factors that may be involved in such outcomes.

Anatomical Features of the Parotid Duct in Sialography as an Aid to Endoscopy-A Retrospective Study.

Sialography is used for diagnosis of obstructive salivary gland diseases and prior to sialendoscopy. Three-dimensional cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) sialography allows imaging and measurement of salivary duct structures. Salivary gland endoscopy has a long learning curve. The aim of this retrospective study is to create an anatomical quantitative guide of different distances and angles significant for endoscopy. Twenty-six CBCT sialographies of healthy parotid ducts were included. Outcome parameters included diameters, distances, angles and number of minor tributaries. Results show the average distance from the papilla to the curvature of the gland was 41.5 mm (Q1 36.97 mm-Q3 45.32 mm), with an angle of 126.9° (Q1 107.58°-Q3 135.6°) of the curvature and a distance of 35.25 mm (±7.81 mm) between the curvature and the hilus. The mean width of the duct was 0.8 mm (Q1 0.7 mm-Q3 1.15 mm) at its narrowest and 2 mm (Q1 1.4 mm-Q3 2.2 mm) at its widest. This is the first anatomical quantitative study of the parotid duct in relation to sialendoscopy.

On the Association between Implant-Supported Prosthesis and Glycemic Control (HbA1c Values).

Background: Dietary habits, food intake and oral health are important factors for general health. The aim of these present study was to assess the association between implant-supported fixed oral rehabilitation and glycemia, by monitoring HbA1c values before and after implant-supported prostheses (ISP) delivery to diabetic individuals. Methods: Retrospective, cohort study based on dental records. All treatments were performed by experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons and experienced prosthodontists. Inclusion criteria: ISP delivery, diagnosis of diabetes in the medical files, consecutive individuals. Variables included­primary outcome­differences (delta) in HbA1c values prior to implant placement and one year after ISP delivery, early implant failure (EIF). Confounding factors included age, gender, physical status, smoking, implant jaw location, implant length, implant width, total implant count per individual. Results: Statistically significant (p < 0.01) decrease in HbA1c from 7.10 ± 1.09% to 6.66 ± 1.02% following ISP delivery was recorded. The mean HbA1c delta was 0.44 ± 0.73%, where 39.0% of the patients had a significant improvement (delta decrease > 0.5%). Univariate and multivariate model using logistic regression at individual level showed that initial high HbA1c levels was the only factor positively predicting improvement (OR = 1.96, CI [1.22, 3.14], p < 0.01). Univariate model at implant level demonstrated that implants placed in the anterior maxilla also contributed to significant improvement in HbA1c values. Multivariate analysis at implant level was similar to individual level. Number of missing teeth did not affect the results significantly. Conclusion: ISP delivery to partially or completely edentulous diabetic individuals may improve HbA1c balance. The mechanism awaits future elucidation.

Minimizing MRONJ after Tooth Extraction in Cancer Patients Receiving Bone-Modifying Agents.

BACKGROUND: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a mucosal lesion of the maxillofacial region with necrotic bone exposure. MRONJ is believed to be multifactorial. Tooth extraction is debatably a risk factor for MRONJ. The targets of the present study were to examine MRONJ occurrence in patients using bone modifying agents (BMAs) for oncology indications and undergoing a dental extraction, and to assess whether suspected predisposing factors can predict MRONJ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, cohort study included all patients fitting the inclusion criteria and a large tertiary medical center. Data were obtained from the hospital's medical records using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: We performed 103 extractions on 93 patients. Local inflammation/infection of the extraction site was most associated with a complication (p = 0.001) OR = 13.46, 95% CI = (1.71, 105.41), OR = 13.5. When the indication for extraction was periodontal disease, vertical root fracture, or periapical pathosis, the odds of developing MRONJ were 4.29 times higher than for all other indications (p = 0.1), OR = 4.29, 95% CI = (1.16, 15.85). A significant association was found between the time of onset of BMA treatment and time of extraction and the development of MRONJ, OR = 3.34, 95% CI = (1.01, 10.18). Other variables did not correlate with the development of MRONJ. CONCLUSION: Local inflammation/infection and onset of BMA treatment prior to extraction yield a 10.23 times higher chance of developing MRONJ following tooth extraction. Future protocols should use this information to minimize MRONJ incidence.

Implant-Supported Prosthesis Is a Viable Treatment Alternative for American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status 3 Individuals-A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Within medicine, it is common to use risk prediction tools towards clinical decision making. One of the most widely accepted assessment tools is the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA PS) classification. Oral and maxillofacial procedures performed in an ambulatory setting would be considered low risk for the procedure itself. However, little is known concerning the impact of ASA PS on surgical outcomes. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the effect of ASA PS classification on early implant failure (EIF). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study based on dental records. All treatments were performed by experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons and experienced prosthodontists. INCLUSION CRITERIA: ASA physical status 1,2,3, consecutive individuals. Variables included the following: age, gender, implant location, implant length, implant width, smoking, and early implant failure. RESULTS: Univariate tests at the patient level showed no statistically difference between the different classifications of ASA PS (1,2,3). Multivariate model using logistic regression at individual level showed that two factors were found to be associated with an increased risk for EIF-augmented bone and implant brand. CONCLUSIONS: ASA PS 3 is not a contraindication for implant-supported prostheses. EIF in ASA PS 3 is not significantly different from ASA PS 1,2. In contrast, factors such as bone augmentation and implant brand might be significant risk factors for EIF, regardless of ASA PS.

Esthetic Assessment following Ridge Augmentation, Late Implant Placement and Immediate Esthetic Reconstruction of the Atrophic Anterior Maxilla.

Purpose: Evaluate the esthetic outcome of ridge augmentation using cancellous bone-block allografts, late implant placement, and immediate loading in the atrophic anterior maxilla, by PES (pink esthetic score) and WES (white esthetic score) indexes. Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Inclusion criteria were bone loss of at least 3 mm horizontally and 3 mm vertically according to preliminary CBCT; ridge augmentation using cancellous bone-block allografts; six months later the implant insertion and immediately loaded. PES-WES index was used for esthetic assessment of soft tissues surrounding the final implant-supported prosthesis (ISP). Results: All twenty-five successive individuals were included. The mean follow-up was 12.1 ± 56 months (range, 42−90 months). The mean PES index and WES index were 7 ± 1.74 (range: 5−10) and 8.4 ± 2.12 (range: 5−10), respectively. The mean total combination of PES index and WES index (PES/WES) was 15.3 ± 2.85 (range: 12−20). All ISPs had an overall score >12 (the defined threshold of clinical acceptability). Conclusions: Ridge augmentation in the atrophic anterior maxilla using cancellous bone-block allografts and immediate loading allows a stable esthetic result of the soft and hard tissues over the years (follow-up of 42−90 months).

Coronally Advanced Flap with Connective Tissue Graft for Treating Orthodontic-Associated Miller Class III Gingival Recession of the Lower Incisors: A One-Year Retrospective Study.

(1) Background: To assess the clinical outcome of coronally advanced flap combined with connective tissue graft for the treatment of orthodontic-associated Miller Class III gingival recession of the lower incisors. (2) Methods: This study included 15 patients who had undergone orthodontic treatment prior to development of recession. Measurements of recession depth, recession width, probing depth, and width of keratinized tissue were performed clinically immediately before surgery and after one year. In addition, digital measurements of recession depth, recession width, and root coverage esthetic score were performed on intraoral photographs. (3) Results: Significant reduction was observed for probing depth, recession depth, and recession width at one year, with significant increase in width of keratinized tissue. Mean root coverage was 83 ± 24% for recession depth, while complete root coverage was achieved in 10 out of 21 recessions (48%). The average root coverage esthetic score at 12 months was 7.1 ± 2.6. An interaction was found between initial recession depth and mean root coverage. (4) Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, our results confirm that combination of coronally advanced flap and connective tissue graft is effective in reducing post-orthodontic Miller Class III recessions of the mandibular incisors, even when the correction of the tooth malposition, is unattainable.

Factors affecting the decision to rehabilitate the posterior maxilla following surgical closure of oroantral communications/fistulae - A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Search of the English literature yielded no studies assessing the chosen dental treatment following surgical closure of oroantral communication/oroantral fistula (OAC/OAF). The purpose of the present study was to assess factors affecting the decision to rehabilitate the posterior maxilla following surgical closure of OAC/OAF. METHODS: Consecutive patients at a single center. A structured form served to collect the data. The differences between groups (cases with versus cases without restoration) were assessed statistically. RESULTS: A total of 58/121 responding individuals (62.1% men). Average age 51.57 years. Average waiting time prior to restoration 10.34 months. Most (51.7%) healthy. Most had a dental etiology (60.3%). Thirty-nine (67.2%) patients had a restoration of the posterior maxilla. Most of the patients responded that the reason not to do any restoration is the fear of failure (65.5%). Most of the patients completed the restoration procedure in a private clinic (87.2%). Only one patient (2.6%) reported a complication. Approximately half of the patients had implant supported prosthesis (ISP) following sinus augmentation (48.3%) with delayed implant placement. Most of the patients responded that the reason not to have ISP was the fear of failure (72.7%), and the rest responded because of financial issues (27.3%). For tooth supported restoration, most of the patients responded removable (90.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons generally wait 6-12 months following surgical treatment of OAC/OAF prior to reconstruction with ISP. The chance for complications is low. Healthy women after dental induced OAC/OAF have the highest chances to seek for ISP in such circumstances.

Patients' Perception of Recovery after Dental Implant Placement.

Background and Objectives: The success rates of surgical dental implant insertions are high. However, knowledge of patients' recovery is still lacking. "Health-related quality of life" (HRQOL) questionnaires are gaining popularity in all fields of medicine. The present survey assessed the perception of recovery after the surgical placement of dental implants. Materials and Methods: Forty individuals (26 women and 14 men; mean age, 55 ± 12 years) filled a questionnaire evaluating patients' perception of recovery for 7 consecutive days post-surgery. Confounding factors included age, gender, oral habits, smoking, bruxism, bone quality (tactile evaluation) and quantity, implant location, number of implants, implant type, length and diameter, one-stage vs. two-stage, and the need for bone grafting. Results: The most serious difficulties were found in swelling, which became minimal after 5 days, followed by eating everyday food, ability to enjoy everyday food, maximal pain and average pain (3 days); analgesics consumption (2.5 days); limitations in daily routine, mouth opening, and speech (2 days); swallowing and sleep (1.5 days); and, within 1 day, all other measures attained minimal levels. Gender, and implant location (anterior vs. posterior) were significant predictor variables exerting their different characteristic delayed recoveries. Conclusions: (1) Patients should expect, in general, recovery within 4 days after dental implant placement; (2) women will experience a delayed recovery, (3) implants placed in the intercanine area will result in postoperative eating difficulties for nearly one week, and (4) the number of implants placed during the same appointment has no effect on post treatment recovery.

Is the Risk to Develop Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaws Following IMRT for Head and Neck Cancer Related to Co-Factors?

Background and Objectives: Determine the contribution of coexisting factors to the risk to develop Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws among patients who have received radiotherapy by intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) between 2013 and 2016, in a single medical center. Materials and Methods: The records of all patients treated with IMRT for HNC between 2013 and 2016 in The Davidoff Center for the treatment and Research of Cancer in Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel were screened. Patients who have received a minimum mean dose of 40 Gy to the oral cavity entered the research and their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Collected background data included: age, gender, smoking, diabetes mellitus (DM), ASA score, mean and maximal radiation doses (Gy), and diseases characteristics including histological diagnosis, primary tumor site, and disease stage. Results: A total of 1232 patients were surveyed. Out of all screened patients, 93 received a minimum mean dose of 40 Gy to the oral cavity. Out of the 93 patients, 7 (7.52%) developed ORN (ORN+) and 86 did not develop ORN (ORN-). Tumor type in all seven patients in the ORN+ group was Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). In three out of those seven patients (42.9%), the tumor was located in the mandible. Conclusions: within the limits of the relatively small cohort in the current study, we suggest that the development of ORN due to Radiation therapy (RT) with IMRT is related significantly only to the location of a tumor in the mandible. Other co-factors do not significantly increase the risk to develop ORN when RT is delivered via IMRT.

Clinical and radiological characteristics of oro-antral communications/fistulae due to implant dentistry procedures: A cross-sectional retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Assess the unique clinical and radiological sequelae following oro-antral communications/fistulae (OAC/OAF) due to implant dentistry vs other etiologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A structured form served to collect data from medical records. All consecutive patients who underwent surgical closure of OACs/OAFs between 2003 and 2020, at a single center were included. Demographic, radiological, clinical, operative and postoperative characteristics were collected. The differences between groups (cases with implant dentistry etiology [IDE] vs cases with other etiologies) were assessed statistically. RESULTS: Data were gathered from 121 cases. The findings show that IDE cases were more likely to be of older age (OR = 1.07, CI [1.02, 1.13] P = .02); to have a foreign body in the maxillary sinus (OR = 21.04, CI [4.34, 114.92] P < .01); to have fluid passage (OR = 11.40, CI [1.87, 118.73] P = .02) and purulent discharge through the fistula (OR = 3.52, CI [0.86, 16.34] P = .09). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and radiological sequelae due to OACs/OAFs secondary to implant dentistry procedures are more severe compared to other etiologies. The suggested pathogenesis is foreign body reaction. Early and accurate diagnosis of the foreign body location, followed by its early removal is recommended.