Quality Assessment of Five Randomly Chosen Ceramic Oral Implant Systems: Cleanliness, Surface Topography, and Clinical Documentation.

PURPOSE: After some initial setbacks in the 1970s, ceramic implants seem to be a promising alternative to titanium implants. Since the surface of an implant system represents the interface to surrounding biologic structures, the study focuses on cleanliness and surface topography. Clinical documentation of the corresponding systems completes the picture and allows a better evaluation of zirconia implant systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five different ceramic implant systems were selected randomly and purchased via blind-shopping: Z5s (Z-Systems), ZiBone (COHO), W implant (TAVDental), ceramic. implant (vitaclinical), and BioWin!/Standard Zirkon Implantat (Champions-Implants/ZV3 system). Three samples of each implant system underwent scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and elemental analysis (EDS). Where appropriate, subsequent Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was performed to identify the chemical nature of impurities. Surface topography was evaluated, and a search for clinical trials in the PubMed database, on the websites and by written request to each dental implant manufacturer, was performed. RESULTS: Surfaces of Champions implants (ZV3) and Z-Systems implants were relatively clean, whereas the other investigated surfaces of vitaclinical, TAV Dental, and ZiBone implants all displayed organic contaminations on their surfaces. Four of the investigated ceramic implants showed a moderately rough implant surface. Only the vitaclinical ceramic.implant had minimal surface roughness. Three ceramic designs-vitaclinical, ZV3, and Z-Systems-had clinical trials documented with up to 3 years of follow-up and results varying between 82.5% and 100% survival. TAV Dental W and ZiBone implant systems lacked properly conducted clinical recording of results. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that it is technically possible to produce zirconia implants that are largely residue-free. On the other hand, the variety of significant residues found in this analysis raises concerns, as contamination may lead to undesirable biologic effects. The lack of clinical studies in peer-reviewed journals does not seem to be relevant for the approval of marketing, nor does the lack of surface cleanliness. In the authors' opinion, a critical analysis of these aspects should be included in a more stringent future analysis prior to the marketing of oral implant systems.

Peri-implant Soft Tissue Management: Cairo Opinion Consensus Conference.

Peri-implant soft tissues play a role of paramount importance, not only on the esthetic appearance, but also on the maintenance and long-term stability of implants. The present report presents the conclusions from the Consensus Conference of the South European North African Middle Eastern Implantology & Modern Dentistry Association (SENAME) (4-6 November 2016, Cairo, Egypt). The conference focused on the topic of the soft tissue around dental implants, and in particular, on the influence of implant configurations on the marginal soft tissues, soft tissue alterations after immediate, early or delayed implant placement and immediate loading, the long-term outcomes of soft tissue stability around dental implants, and soft tissue augmentation around dental implants. Thirty world experts in this field were invited to take part in this two-day event; however, only 29 experts were in the final consensus voting process.

Artificial intelligence in fixed implant prosthodontics: a retrospective study of 106 implant-supported monolithic zirconia crowns inserted in the posterior jaws of 90 patients.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science concerned with building smart software or machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. We present a protocol for the use of AI to fabricate implant-supported monolithic zirconia crowns (MZCs) cemented on customized hybrid abutments. METHODS: The study protocol consisted of: (1) intraoral scan of the implant position; (2) design of the individual abutment and temporary crown using computer-aided design (CAD) software; (3) milling of the zirconia abutment and the temporary polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) crown, with extraoral cementation of the zirconia abutment on the relative titanium bonding base, to generate an individual hybrid abutment; (4) clinical application of the hybrid abutment and the temporary PMMA crown; (5) intraoral scan of the hybrid abutment; (6) CAD of the final crown with automated margin line design using AI; (7) milling, sintering and characterisation of the final MZC; and (8) clinical application of the MZC. The outcome variables were mathematical (quality of the fabrication of the individual zirconia abutment) and clinical, such as (1) quality of the marginal adaptation, (2) of interproximal contact points and (3) of occlusal contacts, (4) chromatic integration, (5) survival and (6) success of MZCs. A careful statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: 90 patients (35 males, 55 females; mean age 53.3 ± 13.7 years) restored with 106 implant-supported MZCs were included in the study. The follow-up varied from 6 months to 3 years. The quality of the fabrication of individual hybrid abutments revealed a mean deviation of 44 µm (± 6.3) between the original CAD design of the zirconia abutment, and the mesh of the zirconia abutment captured intraorally at the end of the provisionalization. At the delivery of the MZCs, the marginal adaptation, quality of interproximal and occlusal contacts, and aesthetic integration were excellent. The three-year cumulative survival and success of the MZCs were 99.0% and 91.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AI seems to represent a reliable tool for the restoration of single implants with MZCs cemented on customised hybrid abutments via a full digital workflow. Further studies are needed to confirm these positive results.

A novel guided surgery system with a sleeveless open frame structure: a retrospective clinical study on 38 partially edentulous patients with 1 year of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective clinical study aims to present results of experience with a novel guided surgery system with a sleeveless, open-frame structure, in which the surgical handpiece (not the drills used for preparation) is guided. METHODS: This study was based on an evaluation of the records of partially edentulous patients who had been treated with a sleeveless open-frame guided surgery system (TWIN-Guide®, 2Ingis, Brussels, Belgium), between January 2015 and December 2017. Inclusion criteria were patients with good systemic/oral health and a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Exclusion criteria were patients who had been treated without a guide, or with a guide with sleeves, patients with systemic/oral diseases and who did not have a follow-up of 1 year. The main outcomes were surgical (fit and stability of the surgical guide, duration of the intervention, implant stability, and any intra-operative or immediate post-operative complication), biologic, and prosthetic. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (24 males, 14 females; mean age 56.5 ± 14.0 years) were included in the study. These patients had been treated with 110 implants inserted by means of 40 sleeveless, open-frame guides. With regard to fit and stability, 34 guides were excellent, 4 acceptable, and 2 inadequate for use. The mean duration of the intervention was 23.7 (± 6.7) minutes. Immediately after placement, 2 fixtures were not stable and had to be removed. Two patients experienced pain/swelling after surgery. The 108 surviving implants were restored with 36 single crowns and 32 fixed partial prostheses (24 two-unit and 8 three-unit bridges); these restorations survived until the 1-year follow-up, with a low incidence of biologic and prosthetic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, this novel guided surgery system with sleeveless, open frame-structure guides seems to be clinically reliable; further studies on a larger sample of patients are needed to confirm these outcomes.

The peri-implantitis: implant surfaces, microstructure, and physicochemical aspects.

There are two ways of looking at secondary failures of osseointegration; one is to reflect on possible causes for the failure, the other focuses on the pathology per se. In the first case, background factors such as mechanical trauma (adverse loading) or inflammations/infections are being discussed as the cause of failure. Then peri-implantitis is a term reserved for implant disturbance due to inflammation/infections only. However, irrespective of the original reason for the failure being adverse loading or inflammation/infection, the end result with bone resorption and inflammation may be very similar. Hence, in the present article, an alternative outlook has been chosen. Trigerring factors for peri-implantitis are generally gathered under four categories: lesions of peri-implant attachment, presence of aggressive bacteria, excessive mechanical stress, and corrosion. If only one of these factors would start a chain reaction leading to lesions, then the other factors may combine to worsen the condition. With other words, peri-implantitis is a general term dependent on a synergy of several factors, irrespective of the precise reason for first triggering off symptoms.

Three-dimensional architecture and cell composition of a Choukroun's platelet-rich fibrin clot and membrane.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF; Choukroun's technique) is a second-generation platelet concentrate for surgical use. This easy protocol allows the production of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin clots and membranes starting from 10-ml blood samples. The purposes of this study were to determine the cell composition and three-dimensional organization of this autologous biomaterial and to evaluate the influence of different collection tubes (dry glass or glass-coated plastic tubes) and compression procedures (forcible or soft) on the final PRF-membrane architecture. METHODS: After centrifugation, blood analyses were performed on the residual waste plasmatic layers after collecting PRF clots. The PRF clots and membranes were processed for examination by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Approximately 97% of the platelets and >50% of the leukocytes were concentrated in the PRF clot and showed a specific three-dimensional distribution, depending on the centrifugation forces. Platelets and fibrin formed large clusters of coagulation in the first millimeters of the membrane beyond the red blood cell base. The fibrin network was very mature and dense. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the PRF architecture between groups using the different tested collection tubes and compression techniques, even if these two parameters could have influenced the growth factor content and biologic matrix properties. CONCLUSIONS: The PRF protocol concentrated most platelets and leukocytes from a blood harvest into a single autologous fibrin biomaterial. This protocol offers reproducible results as long as the main production principles are respected.

Osteotome sinus floor elevation using Choukroun's platelet-rich fibrin as grafting material: a 1-year prospective pilot study with microthreaded implants.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective study was to document, radiographically, changes in the apical bone levels on microthreaded implants placed in subsinus residual bone height, according to a bone-added osteotome sinus floor elevation technique with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as grafting material. STUDY DESIGN: Implants were placed using PRF as grafting material in the bone-added osteotome sinus floor elevation (BAOSFE) technique. The survival rate at abutment tightening (6 to 12 weeks of healing) and at 1 year was calculated. The radiographic analysis determined on consecutive radiographs: 1) the mean residual bone height (RBH) under the maxillary sinus at implant placement; and 2) the change in endosinus bone level. Mean and standard deviation were used to assess the endosinus bone changes in the mesial and distal implant sides at 1 year. RESULTS: Between December 2004 and June 2005, 20 consecutive patients were included in the study after bone height measurement by periapical radiographs. Patients included 14 women (70%) and 6 men (30%) with a mean age of 54.8 +/- 11.1 years, range 35 to 73 years; they were treated with 35 Astra Tech implants (Astra Tech Dental Implant System; Astra Tech, Mölndal, Sweden) fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The mean healing time before abutment tightening was 8.3 +/- 1.4 weeks (range 6-12 weeks); by this time, 1 implant was mobile and was removed. At 1 year, all implants were clinically stable and the definitive prostheses were in function, resulting in a survival rate of 97.1%. Nineteen implants (55%) were 11 mm long, 6 implants (17%) were 9 mm, 5 implants (14%) were 8 mm, and 5 implants (14%) were 13 mm. The RBH was measured after implant placement on the radiographs on both implant sides. The mean RBH was 6.5 +/- 1.7 mm: 6.3 +/- 1.3 on the mesial side and 6.7 +/- 2.0 mm on the distal side. Measurements of the changes in the endosinus level on the mesial and distal sides showed that all implants gained endosinus bone. The mean endosinus gain was 3.2 +/- 1.5 mm: 3.5 +/- 1.4 mm on the mesial side and 2.9 +/- 1.6 mm on the distal side. The lowest bone gain was 0.9 mm and 0.1 mm on the mesial and distal sides, respectively. The highest gain was 5.8 mm and 5.2 mm on the mesial and distal sides, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The BAOSFE procedure with PRF as grafting material can lead to an endosinus bone gain. Despite a limited RBH, a healing period of 2-3 months was found to be sufficient to resist a torque of 25 N.cm applied during abutment tightening. At 1 year, formation of a new recognizable bone structure delimiting the sinus floor was identified radiologically and led to a predictable implant function.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF): a second-generation platelet concentrate. Part V: histologic evaluations of PRF effects on bone allograft maturation in sinus lift.

OBJECTIVE: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) belongs to a new generation of platelet concentrates, with simplified processing and without biochemical blood handling. The use of platelet gel to improve bone regeneration is a recent technique in implantology. However, the biologic properties and real effects of such products remain controversial. In this article, we therefore attempt to evaluate the potential of PRF in combination with freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) (Phoenix; TBF, France) to enhance bone regeneration in sinus floor elevation. STUDY DESIGN: Nine sinus floor augmentations were performed. In 6 sites, PRF was added to FDBA particles (test group), and in 3 sites FDBA without PRF was used (control group). Four months later for the test group and 8 months later for the control group, bone specimens were harvested from the augmented region during the implant insertion procedure. These specimens were treated for histologic analysis. RESULTS: Histologic evaluations reveal the presence of residual bone surrounded by newly formed bone and connective tissue. After 4 months of healing time, histologic maturation of the test group appears to be identical to that of the control group after a period of 8 months. Moreover, the quantities of newly formed bone were equivalent between the 2 protocols. CONCLUSIONS: Sinus floor augmentation with FDBA and PRF leads to a reduction of healing time prior to implant placement. From a histologic point of view, this healing time could be reduced to 4 months, but large-scale studies are still necessary to validate these first results.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF): a second-generation platelet concentrate. Part I: technological concepts and evolution.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) belongs to a new generation of platelet concentrates geared to simplified preparation without biochemical blood handling. In this initial article, we describe the conceptual and technical evolution from fibrin glues to platelet concentrates. This retrospective analysis is necessary for the understanding of fibrin technologies and the evaluation of the biochemical properties of 3 generations of surgical additives, respectively fibrin adhesives, concentrated platelet-rich plasma (cPRP) and PRF. Indeed, the 3-dimensional fibrin architecture is deeply dependent on artificial clinical polymerization processes, such as massive bovine thrombin addition. Currently, the slow polymerization during PRF preparation seems to generate a fibrin network very similar to the natural one. Such a network leads to a more efficient cell migration and proliferation and thus cicatrization.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF): a second-generation platelet concentrate. Part II: platelet-related biologic features.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) belongs to a new generation of platelet concentrates, with simplified processing and without biochemical blood handling. In this second article, we investigate the platelet-associated features of this biomaterial. During PRF processing by centrifugation, platelets are activated and their massive degranulation implies a very significant cytokine release. Concentrated platelet-rich plasma platelet cytokines have already been quantified in many technologic configurations. To carry out a comparative study, we therefore undertook to quantify PDGF-BB, TGFbeta-1, and IGF-I within PPP (platelet-poor plasma) supernatant and PRF clot exudate serum. These initial analyses revealed that slow fibrin polymerization during PRF processing leads to the intrinsic incorporation of platelet cytokines and glycanic chains in the fibrin meshes. This result would imply that PRF, unlike the other platelet concentrates, would be able to progressively release cytokines during fibrin matrix remodeling; such a mechanism might explain the clinically observed healing properties of PRF.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF): a second-generation platelet concentrate. Part III: leucocyte activation: a new feature for platelet concentrates?

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) belongs to a new generation of platelet concentrates, with simplified processing and without biochemical blood handling. In this third article, we investigate the immune features of this biomaterial. During PRF processing, leucocytes could also secrete cytokines in reaction to the hemostatic and inflammatory phenomena artificially induced in the centrifuged tube. We therefore undertook to quantify 5 significant cell mediators within platelet poor plasma supernatant and PRF clot exudate serum: 3 proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha), an antiinflammatory cytokine (IL-4), and a key growth promoter of angiogenesis (VEGF). Our data are correlated with that obtained in plasma (nonactivated blood) and in sera (activated blood). These initial analyses revealed that PRF could be an immune regulation node with inflammation retrocontrol abilities. This concept could explain the reduction of postoperative infections when PRF is used as surgical additive.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF): a second-generation platelet concentrate. Part IV: clinical effects on tissue healing.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) belongs to a new generation of platelet concentrates, with simplified processing and without biochemical blood handling. In this fourth article, investigation is made into the previously evaluated biology of PRF with the first established clinical results, to determine the potential fields of application for this biomaterial. The reasoning is structured around 4 fundamental events of cicatrization, namely, angiogenesis, immune control, circulating stem cells trapping, and wound-covering epithelialization. All of the known clinical applications of PRF highlight an accelerated tissue cicatrization due to the development of effective neovascularization, accelerated wound closing with fast cicatricial tissue remodelling, and nearly total absence of infectious events. This initial research therefore makes it possible to plan several future PRF applications, including plastic and bone surgery, provided that the real effects are evaluated both impartially and rigorously.