Early loading of splinted implants supporting a two-unit fixed partial denture in the posterior maxilla: 13-month results from a randomized controlled clinical trial of two different implant systems.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate early-loaded implants supporting a two-unit fixed dental prosthesis in the posterior maxilla and to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of two different implant systems in terms of success rates, implant stability quotient (ISQ) values, and peri-implant parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with the unilateral loss of two consecutive maxillary posterior teeth were randomly assigned to two different implant systems: SLActive Bone level implant (Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) in the control group and CMI IS-II active implant (Neobiotech Co., Seoul, Korea) in the experimental group. The patients received provisional and definitive two-unit fixed prostheses at 4 weeks and 6 months after implant surgery, respectively. The peak insertion torque was recorded at surgery. The stability of each implant was evaluated during surgery and at 2, 3, and 4 weeks and 6 and 13 months after implant placement by means of ISQ values. In addition, periapical radiographs and peri-implant parameters were taken throughout the trial. RESULTS: Overall, comparable results were obtained between the control and experimental groups in terms of insertion torque, ISQ values, marginal bone loss, and peri-implant soft tissue parameters. All 60 implants had 100% of success rate. The average insertion torque was 36.83 ± 6.09 (control) and 35.33 ± 3.20 (test) Ncm. The ISQ values remained steady until 4 weeks and then increased with statistical significance during 4 weeks to 13 months after surgery. Both groups exhibited no stability dip during the early phase of healing. The average marginal bone loss from the baseline of implant placement for the control and experimental groups was 0.38 and 0.45 mm after 4 weeks and 0.98 and 0.61 mm after 13 months. All of the soft tissue parameters were within normal limits. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the concept of early loading at 4 weeks after placement in the posterior maxilla can be an effective treatment option, even in the areas of low bone density, when implants satisfy the inclusion criteria of minimum insertion torque and ISQ of 30 Ncm and 65, respectively.

Chlorhexidine Uptake and Release From Modified Titanium Surfaces and Its Antimicrobial Activity.

BACKGROUND: Decontamination by adjunctive antiseptic agents such as chlorhexidine (CHX) is often recommended for the treatment of peri-implant infections. However, its action on the titanium implant surface needs further research. This study is designed to evaluate the ability of modified titanium surfaces to release chlorhexidine after periodic CHX exposure. METHODS: Four titanium surfaces were prepared: 1) no surface treatment control (machined surface [MA]); 2) an acid mix of 10% HNO3 and 5% HF (HNF); 3) resorbable blast media (RBM); and 4) sandblasting and acid etching (SLA). Each surface was analyzed using a confocal laser scanning microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Each sample was incubated with whole saliva or phosphate-buffered saline for 2 hours. Measurements of CHX release were performed using spectrometry on days 1, 2, and 5 after 1-minute exposure to 0.5% chlorhexidine digluconate solution during a 5-day cycle. CHX-releasing experiments were repeated three consecutive times for 15 days. The antimicrobial activity of CHX-adsorbed disks was determined by a disk diffusion test using Streptococcus gordonii. RESULTS: The CHX-adsorbed titanium surfaces exhibited a short-term release of CHX, and CHX levels dropped rapidly within 3 days. SLA and RBM with smaller and narrower depressions released more CHX than HNF and MA, specifically in the saliva-coated group. The disk diffusion test revealed that after CHX uptake, saliva-coated SLA and RBM showed the highest antimicrobial activity. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that CHX release is significantly influenced by titanium surface modifications and that SLA and RBM might provide effective CHX uptake capacity in the saliva-filled oral cavity.

Restoration of a partially edentulous patient with an implant-supported removable partial denture: a case report.

The aim of this report is to present and discuss the clinical procedure of an implant-supported removable partial denture for a partially edentulous patient who exhibited a severely resorbed ridge and a collapsed vertical stop. The 67-year-old partially edentulous patient presented with a lack of vertical stop and an advanced transverse arch discrepancy. For the maxilla, an implant-supported removable partial denture was fabricated on bilateral distal implant abutments. The mandibular arch was restored with an implant-supported fixed partial denture, since it was expected to function more properly than a removable partial denture. This clinical report demonstrates a successful treatment approach to restore oral function and appearance for the patient.

The influence of thread geometry on implant osseointegration under immediate loading: a literature review.

Implant success is achieved by the synergistic combination of numerous biomechanical factors. This report examines the mechanical aspect of implants. In particular, it is focused on macrodesign such as thread shape, pitch, width and depth, and crestal module of implants. This study reviews the literature regarding the effect of implant thread geometry on primary stability and osseointegration under immediate loading. The search strategy included both in vitro and in vivo studies published in the MEDLINE database from January 2000 to June 2014. Various geometrical parameters are analyzed to evaluate their significance for optimal stress distribution, implant surface area, and bone remodeling responses during the process of osseointegration.