Evaluation of Crestal Bone Levels using Simvastatin as an Adjuvant Around Immediate Implants - A Clinico Radiographic Study.

Objective: Simvastatin was used as an adjuvant medication in this clinico-radiographic investigation to assess the impact on crestal bone levels around immediate implantation. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial with 50 patients who needed an implant placed right away was done. Simvastatin was used as an adjuvant in groups ((Group A), whereas group (Group B)) served as the control group for the participants. At baseline and during follow-up visits, clinical measures such as probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were measured. At baseline and 12 weeks, radiographic measurements of crestal bone levels were taken. Results: At 12 weeks, Group A demonstrated a significantly lower PD and BOP than did Group B. Furthermore, at 12 weeks, Group A showed greater crestal bone preservation than did Group B. The results of the statistical analysis showed that the two groups were significantly different. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that simvastatin use as an adjuvant medication after immediate implant insertion contributes to better clinical outcomes and greater crestal bone preservation. Simvastatin may be helpful in increasing bone regeneration, decreasing inflammation, and soft tissue healing. These findings demonstrate how simvastatin may be used as an additional therapy to enhance the effectiveness of rapid implant implantation operations.

Immediately versus early placed bone-level-tapered implants supporting all-ceramic crowns on titanium base abutments: 1-year radiographic and pink esthetic outcomes of a multicenter pilot RCT.

OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study was to assess survival rates, radiographic, and pink esthetic outcomes of a bone-level-tapered (BLT) implant following immediate or early implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients in need of tooth extraction and one implant in the anterior or premolar area were recruited in five centers. Patients were randomly assigned to the immediate or early placement protocol. Implants were restored with all-ceramic crowns cemented to titanium-base-abutments. Radiographic bone levels, implant stability quotient (ISQ), and pink esthetic outcomes were assessed. Data were analyzed descriptively. Level of significance was set at 0.05. Differences between groups were tested using Wilcoxon-signed-rank and Mann-Whitney-U test as nonparametric tests. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients received 60 BLT implants (Institut Straumann). At 12-months, 59 implants (98.3%) were osseointegrated. The mean distance from implant shoulder to first bone-to-implant contact was 0.15 ± 0.59 mm without significant differences between the groups. Median ISQ values increased from 75.5 to 78.5. A mean buccal recession of 0.1 ± 0.70 mm occurred with no difference between groups. The mean papilla height gain in both groups was 0.5 ± 1.47 mm mesially and 0.4 ± 1.36 mm distally. CONCLUSIONS: After 1 year, immediately and early placed BLT implants exhibit similar bone level changes, ISQ values, and pink esthetic outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The present research contributes to the knowledge on clinical outcomes of immediately and early placed BLT implants restored with buccally microveneered ceramic single crowns out of two different ceramic materials. The research shows that similar esthetic and radiographic outcomes can be reached by means of immediate implant placement compared to the conventional early placement protocol. The improvement of esthetic soft-tissue parameters over time was shown for both implant placement protocols.

Comparative Study of the Crestal vs Subcrestal Placement of Dental Implants via Radiographic and Clinical Evaluation.

AIM: The study aims at using the level/depth of implant placement (equicrestal or cretsal) as the key parameter in measuring the vertical crestal bone loss (CBL) mesially and distally, using periapical radiographs (IOPARs) taken at 1-, 3-, and 6-months interval, postprosthetic loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 40; 18-65 years), with edentulous space anteriorly or posteriorly, were randomly divided into two groups, namely, group I (equicrestal) and group II (subcrestal) with 20 patients in each group. Implants were placed at an edentulous site (delayed implants), after obtaining cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Prosthetic loading (following osseointegration) was done within 3 months of implant placement. The patients were followed up and IOPAR were taken to measure CBL at 1-, 3-, and 6-months interval, postloading. The CBL between the two groups was compared using IOPARs. The data obtained was compiled and unpaired Student's t-test was done for statistical analysis. RESULTS: After the statistical analysis of the data obtained during follow-up, CBL was measured radiographically. Mesial and distal vertical bone loss was charted and compared between the two groups. The mean bone loss on the mesial aspect for group I implants is 0.39 mm and for group II implants, it is 0.27 mm, 6 months postloading, determined radiographically. CONCLUSION: Subcrestally placed implants are conducive to the overall oral rehabilitation, as it has been seen to preserve marginal peri-implant bone for longer durations than their equicrestally placed counterparts, within the limitations of the current study. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The study prospectively relates the level of implant shoulder with respect to alveolar crestal bone, postloading. Following radiographic comparison between the two groups, significant clinical findings indicated that better esthetics and stability were seen in the subcrestally placed implants. This proves that implant placement level directly influences crestal bone levels; hence, indirectly affects esthetics and function.

Elemental Composition in Female Dry Femora Using Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF): Association with Age and Osteoporosis.

Pathophysiological conditions can modify the skeletal chemical concentration. This study analyzes the elemental composition in two anatomical regions from dry femoral bone using a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) and evaluates its impact in the bone mineral density (BMD). The left femora of 97 female skeletons (21-95 years old individuals) from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection were studied. Diagenetic biases were discarded at the outset and BMD was determined with Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Chemical measurements were performed at the midpoint of the femoral neck and at the midshaft using a pXRF device, and comparisons were made considering the age and the BMD values. Only elements with a Technical Measurement Error ≤ 5% were selected: P, S, Ca, Fe, Zn, As, Sr, Pb and the Ca/P ratio. Statistically significant differences were found between regions, with higher concentrations of P, Ca, Zn and S at the midshaft, and the Ca/P ratio at the femoral neck. The concentration of P is higher in individuals < 50 years, while S and Ca/P ratio increase in individuals ≥ 50 years. The decrease of P with age can be simultaneously related to the decline of its concentration in osteoporosis. Decreased BMD is also associated with higher levels of S and Pb. Osteoporosis enhances the absorption of osteolytic elements in specific locations. This fast and non-destructive technique has proved effective for the comprehension of chemical changes related to bone mass loss. This study highlights the potential of identified skeletal collections to improve the knowledge about bone fragility.

To compare the stability and crestal bone loss of implants placed using osseodensification and traditional drilling protocol: A clinicoradiographical study.

AIM: The present study was done to evaluate and compare the stability of the implant and the loss of crestal bone in the implants placed using OD drilling and traditional drilling technique. SETTING AND DESIGN: In vivo-comparative study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 implants were placed in the anterior maxilla, and the patients were divided into two groups. In Group I, the implants were placed using traditional drilling technique, and in Group II, implant placement was done using OD drilling technique. Primary stability was measured in both the groups at baseline (immediate postoperative), and at an interval of 6 months, while crestal bone levels were measured at baseline, 6, and 8 months. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data obtained were subjected to unpaired t-test to make intergroup comparisons, while one-way ANOVA F-test was used to make intragroup comparisons. RESULTS: The primary stability of implant placed using OD drills was found to be slightly higher than implant placed with traditional drilling; however, there was no statistical significance (P > 0.05). When the data obtained for crestal bone levels were statistically analyzed, no significant difference between the two groups was obtained (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study following conclusions were drawn: there was no statistically significant difference in implant stability between the traditional drilling and OD drilling (P < 0.05). On comparison of crestal bone levels between OD and traditional drilling, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (P < 0.05).

Clinical and radiological outcomes of implants with two different connection configurations: A randomised controlled trial.

Background: Peri-implant marginal bone loss is influenced by the interaction between tissues and the implant­abutment complex. The implant­abutment connection geometry is considered to be one of the factors that most affects peri-implant bone remodelling. Purpose: The primary purpose was to compare the clinical and radiographical differences between implants sharing the same macrogeometry but with two different connections. The secondary aims were to measure implant success and survival rate, primary and secondary stability, and the correlation between changes in marginal bone level and clinical variables. Additionally, a neural network was developed and tested to anticipate the impact of the insertion torque curve on marginal bone loss. Materials and methods: Patients requiring at least two implants in the posterior region were randomly divided into two groups. The implants presented the same micro- and macrotopography with different internal connections, conical standard (CS) and internal hex (IH). Upon implant surgery (T0), insertion torque, implant stability (implant stability quotient values were recorded by resonance frequency analysis), soft tissue height and the amount of keratinised gingiva were assessed. Stability was remeasured at the time of prosthetic connection (stage-two surgery) using a one-abutment one-time protocol and a fully digital workflow. At 6 months and 1 year after implant loading, periodontal parameters were assessed and periapical radiographs were taken. To study the differences between the two groups and the different variables, paired t test and generalised estimating equations models were adopted. Cluster analysis was used to assess the correlation between torque insertion/clinical profiles and changes in marginal bone level. Results: A total of 33 patients (17 men, 16 women, mean age 67.4 ± 14.5 years) were included in the study. No dropouts were reported. Fifty-three implants (26 CS and 27 IH) were inserted in the maxilla, and 15 (8 CS and 7 IH) in the mandible. No implants failed. Marginal bone loss at 6 months after prosthetic loading was 0.33 ± 0.34 mm for CS and 0.43 ± 0.37 mm for IH (P = 0.125), and after 1 year was 0.48 ± 0.18 mm for CS and 0.57 ± 0.24 mm for IH. A statistically significant difference between the implant stabilty quotient values for the test and control groups was demonstrated at T0 (P = 0.03) and at stage-two surgery (P = 0.000122). The generalised estimating equations model showed that soft tissue height (P = 0.012), keratinised gingiva (P = 0.05) and insertion torque (P = 0.042) had a significant effect on marginal bone loss, while the other variables did not play a statistically significant role. The neural network showed good sensitivity, accuracy, precision and specificity. Conclusions: The present research showed that different implant­abutment connections with the same implant macrogeometry have a significant effect on marginal bone loss. Better outcomes were observed in the CS group compared to the IH group. Marginal bone loss was found to be influenced by different individual and clinical factors.

Clinical and radiographic indices around narrow diameter implants placed in different glycemic-level patients.

BACKGROUND: Studies assessing peri-implant clinical and marginal bone resorption (MBR) around narrow diameter implants (NDIs) placed in different glycemic levels are uninvestigated. OBJECTIVE: The present 3-year retrospective follow-up investigation was designed to explore clinical and radiographic status of NDIs placed in individuals with different glycemic control levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with serum hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels ≥6.5% (Group-1), 5.7%-6.4% (Group-2), and 4.0%-5.0% (Group-3) were included. Clinical indices evaluating bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque scores (PI), peri-implant probing depth (PD), and MBR were recorded around NDIs at 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up. Serum HbA1c test was carried out for all patients to assess the profile of glycosylated hemoglobin at 1 and 3 years of follow-up. RESULTS: A significant reduction in mean HbA1c levels from year 1 to year 3 follow-up period was seen in Group-1 only. PI varied from 0.40 in Group 1 at 2 year and 0.42 at 3-year follow-up to 0.18 at 2-year (P = 0.032) and 0.17 at 3-year (P = 0.018) follow-up, respectively. Greater BOP was noted in Group 1 (0.53) as compared with Group 2 (0.42) and Group 3 (0.21) (P = 0.048) at 3-year follow-up. PD after 3 year ranged from 2.04 mm in Group 3 to 2.32 mm in Group 1 that showed statistically significant difference (P = 0.037). No statistical significant differences were observed in MBR at any time point between the groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this short-term follow-up study indicate that NDIs show clinical and radiographic stability, provided oral cleanliness and glycemic levels are relatively maintained. Further long-term clinical studies are needed to evaluate implant stability over the period along with controlled glycemic status.

Longitudinal assessment of clinical and radiographic periimplant status around narrow and regular diameter implants placed in cigarette-smokers and nonsmokers.

BACKGROUND: To date, no clinical investigation has assessed the clinical and radiographic indices around narrow diameter implants (NDIs) and regular diameter implants (RDIs) in individuals with cigarette smoking habit and nonsmokers. OBJECTIVE: To estimate and compare the clinical and radiographic indices around NDIs (< 3.3 mm) and RDIs placed in cigarette smokers (CS) and nonsmokers (NS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six patients requiring implant surgery in the anterior mandible were divided into two groups (39 CS and 43 NS). Patients were further categorized into two subgroups on the basis of implant diameter: (a) patients with NDIs (3.3 mm) and (b) patients with RDIs (4.1 mm). Clinical indices evaluating plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD) were recorded at 18 and 36 months of follow-up. Digital periapical radiographs were studied to evaluate crestal bone levels (CBL) incorporating in a specialized software and examined on a calibrated computer display screen with the help of an image analyzer. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in CS group and NS group was 44.6 and 42.5 years, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall mean scores of PI, PD, and CBL around NDIs and RDIs among CS and NS patients at 18 and 36 months of follow-up. However, there was a statistically significant difference only in the overall mean BOP around NDIs and RDIs among CS and NS patients at 18 and 36 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study suggests that NDIs can show reliable clinical stability and radiographic bone levels as RDIs placed in CS and NS, with the support of strict oral hygiene protocols.

Clinical and radiographic peri-implant health status around narrow diameter implant-supported single and splinted crowns.

BACKGROUND: Studies assessing and comparing clinical and radiographic peri-implant status around narrow diameter implant-supported single crowns (NDISCs) and splinted crowns (NDISPs) are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to estimate and compare complication rates, patient satisfaction, peri-implant status and peri-implant bone loss (PBL) of NDISCs and NDISPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients receiving narrow diameter implants (NDIs) in the posterior mandible were assessed. Technical complication and patient satisfaction were recorded. Clinical peri-implant plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), probing depth (PD) and PBL were assessed. Technical complications and patient satisfaction were recorded. Log-rank test was computed to evaluate the influence of prostheses type and NDIs location on technical complications. P-value less than 0.05 was regarded as significant. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients (43 male and 35 females) agreed to follow up. The mean follow-up duration of the patients was 3.6 years. A total of 102 (43 NDISCs and 59 NDISPs) NDIs with moderately rough surfaces were included. No significant differences in PI, BoP, or PD were observed between NDISCs and NDISPs. The average PBL score was 1.17 (range: 0.03-4.15) at implant level and 1.14 (range: 0.03-4.14) at patient level. Seven implants and three patients showed peri-implantitis. The rates of technical complication of single crowns were significantly higher than those of splinted crowns (P = 0.036). PBL was significantly higher in molar sites than those in premolar sites (P = 0.041). A total of 67 patients (85.9%) were satisfied with the esthetics of the crowns, while a total of 59 patients (75.6%) were satisfied with the function of the crowns. CONCLUSION: NDISCs and NDISPs offer high patient satisfaction and tolerable complication rates. Peri-implant conditions and peri-implant bone levels were comparable around NDISCs and NDISPs. However, bone loss of implants was higher in molar sites than those implants in premolar sites.

Comparison of clinical peri-implant indices and crestal bone levels around narrow and regular diameter implants placed in diabetic and non-diabetic patients: A 3-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating and comparing clinical and radiographic peri-implant indices around narrow diameter implants (NDIs; <3.3 mm) and regular diameter implants (RDIs) in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-diabetic individuals are deficient. OBJECTIVE: To estimate and compare the clinical and radiographic indices around NDIs and RDIs placed in T2DM and non-diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six patients requiring implant surgery in the posterior mandible were divided into two groups (42 T2DM and 44 non-diabetic individuals). Patients were further categorized into two subgroups on the basis of diameter of implants: (1) patients with NDIs (3.3 mm ø) and (2) patients with RDIs (4.1 mm ø). Clinical indices evaluating plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and crestal bone levels (CBL) were recorded around all dental implants at 18 and 36 months follow up. Serum hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test was carried out for both groups to assess the profile of glycosylated hemoglobin at baseline, 18 and 36 months of follow up. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in T2DM group and non-diabetic group was 45.2 and 41.6 years, respectively. At 18 and 36 months follow up, mean HbA1c levels were 6.5% and 4.5% and 6.7% and 4.5% in T2DM and non-diabetic individuals, respectively. A statistically significant reduction in mean HbA1c levels from the baseline to respective follow-up periods were seen in T2DM patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall mean scores of PI, BOP, PD, and CBL around NDIs and RDIs among T2DM and non-diabetic patients at 18 and 36 months of follow up. CONCLUSION: NDIs show reliable clinical stability and radiographic bone levels as RDIs placed in T2DM and non-diabetic individuals, provided oral hygiene and glycemic status are strictly maintained.

Influence of Implant Neck Design on Peri-Implant Tissue Dimensions: A Comparative Study in Dogs.

This in vivo study assessed (hard and soft) peri-implant tissue remodeling around implants with micro-ring and open-thread neck designs placed in a dog model. Twenty histological sections corresponding to four different implant designs that were placed in America Foxhound dogs were obtained from previous studies. All the implants had been placed under identical conditions and were divided into four groups: Group A, micro-rings on implant neck plus 0.5 mm refined surface; Group B, micro-rings on implant neck; Group C, open-thread neck; and, Group D, double-spiral neck. Eight weeks after surgery, the integrated implants were removed and processed for histological examination. Crestal bone loss and bone-to-implant contact was greater for micro-ring necks than open-thread necks. Soft tissues showed significant differences on both buccal and lingual aspects, so that the distance from peri-implant mucosa to the apical portion of the barrier epithelium was smaller in the micro-ring groups. So, in spite of generating greater bone-to-implant contact, implants with micro rings produced more bone loss than open-thread implants. Moreover, the outcomes that were obtained IPX implants smooth neck design produced less bone loss in the cervical area, following by Facility implants when compared with the other open thread and microthreaded implant designs. Implant thread design can influence on bone remodeling in the cervical area, related to bundle bone preservation.

A retro-prospective long-term follow-up of Brånemark single implants in the anterior maxilla in young adults. Part 1: Clinical and radiographic parameters.

BACKGROUND: Single implant restorations have become the primary treatment option for young adults with missing anterior teeth. Yet, long-term studies of single-implants are limited in the literature. PURPOSE: To report long-term survival, success, and complications in young adults with single-implants in the anterior maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 42 patients (mean age 20.7 years) received 53 anterior maxillary single-implants during 1996 and 1997. Data were collected at delivery of the crown, at 1-year examination, and at 14-20-year examination. Descriptive statistics, estimated cumulative survival rates, Pearson correlation test, and t-test were performed. RESULTS: After 14-20 years, 40 out of 42 patients were examined. Two patients were lost to follow-up, two implants failed and ten original single-crown restorations were replaced. Estimated cumulative survival rates were 96.1% for implants and 80.4% for implant-supported crowns. Complications were seen in 21 patients. Mean probing depth was 4.0 ± 1.8 mm and mean marginal bone loss was 0.1 ± 1.1 mm. No correlation was found between marginal bone loss and probing depth, occlusal contact in maximal intercuspal position or usage of nicotine. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term prognosis of single implant treatments in the anterior maxilla in young adults must be regarded as good, with high survival and success rates.

Intra- and inter-examiner agreement when assessing radiographic implant bone levels: Differences related to brightness, accuracy, participant demographics and implant characteristics.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate intra- and inter-examiner agreement of radiographic marginal bone level (MBL) assessment around Brånemark single implants; and whether agreement related to radiograph brightness, discrimination level (accuracy), participant demographics or implant characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-four participants assessed MBLs of 100 digital radiographs twice with normal brightness, and twice with increased brightness. Intra-examiner agreement with and without increased brightness to the same thread, and within one thread; and inter-examiner agreement as compared with the group (defined by the mode) for the first assessments with and without increased brightness, to the same thread, and within one thread were calculated with Cohen's Kappa. Relationships between agreement, thread discrimination level (accuracy), brightness, participant and implant characteristics were explored. RESULTS: When assessing 100 "Normal" radiographs twice, a participant on average assessed 24% differently to themselves (poor intra-examiner agreement, median Kappa 0.58, range 0.21-0.82); and 28% differently to other participants (poor inter-examiner agreement, median Kappa 0.53, range 0.05-0.80). Agreement within examiners improved when radiographs were "Bright" (median Kappa 0.58 vs. 0.62, p < 0.001, accuracy to same thread; median Kappa 0.94 vs. 0.96, p < 0.001, accuracy within one thread). Agreement between examiners was neither better nor worse when radiographs were "Bright" (median Kappa 0.53 vs. 0.55, p = 0.64, accuracy to same thread; median Kappa 0.93 vs. 0.93, p = 0.23, accuracy within one thread). Intra- and inter-examiner agreements were lower when accuracy to the same thread was required (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Neither intra- nor inter-examiner agreement related to age, time since graduation, specialty, viewing device, implant experience, external hex familiarity, periimplantitis treatment experience, implant location or width (p-values 0.05-0.999). Intra-examiner agreement increased across dental assistants (n = 11), general dentists (n = 16) and specialists (n = 47) ("Bright" assessments, p = 0.045, median Kappa's 0.55, 0.60, 0.65 respectively); and for females (n = 8, males = 58) ("Normal" assessments, p = 0.019, median 0.68 vs. 0.55), but female numbers were low. CONCLUSIONS: Agreement within and between examiners when assessing MBLs was poor. Disagreement occurred around 25% of the time, potentially affecting consistent disease assessments. No participant or implant characteristic clearly affected agreement. Brighter radiographs improved intra-examiner agreement. Overall, perceived MBL changes below 1 mm are likely due to human, not biological variation.

Five-year cohort prospective study on single implants in the esthetic area restored using one-abutment/one-time prosthetic approach.

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to investigate, over 5 years, bone response to "one-abutment onetime" (OA-OT) protocol in the restoration of implants inserted in the anterior maxilla. Additionally, influence of soft tissue biotype in the bone remodeling was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2011 to January 2012, all consecutive patients presented with a hopeless tooth in the maxillary area between canines were enrolled. Post-extraction ridge preservation was performed. After 6 months, implant was midcrestaly inserted and intraoperative impression was taken. Two months thereafter an immediate definitive abutment with a provisional crown was inserted. At final crown connection, patients underwent a standardized periapical radiograph (T0). At 12 (T1), 24 (T2), 36 (T3), 48 (T4), and 60 (T5) months, radiographic follow-up and clinical control were carried out. Independent sample t-test was conducted to compare bone loss at different times. To detect the potential role of biotype, groups (thick TK vs thin TH) were compared by analysis of variance with general linear model. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled, but only 22 patients concluded the study. The radiographic analysis showed a stable longitudinal condition of bone levels after the first-year significant increasing (0.17 ± 0.25mm, 0.33 ± 0.25mm, 0.28 ± 0.27mm, 0.25 ± 0.26mm, 0.31 ± 0.35mm, and 0.31 ± 0.29mm, respectively at T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). No statistical significant differences in bone loss among the two groups TH vs TK over the time (P = 0.952) were demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Results showed that the OA-OT approach allow to obtain stable bone levels.

The influence of implant-abutment connection to peri-implant bone loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Different implant-abutment connections are available and it has been claimed they could have an effect on marginal bone loss. The aim of this review is to establish if implant connection configuration influences peri-implant bone loss (PBL) after functional loading. METHODS: A specific question was formulated according to the Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcome (PICO): Does the type of implant-abutment connection (external, internal, or conical) have an influence on peri-implant bone loss? A PubMed/MEDLINE electronic search was conducted to identify English language publications published in international journals during the last decade (from 2006 to 2016). The search was conducted by using the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords "dental implants OR dental abutment AND external connection OR internal connection OR conical connection OR Morse Taper." Selected studies were randomized clinical trials and prospective studies; in vitro studies, case reports and retrospective studies were excluded. Titles and abstracts and, in the second phase, full texts, were evaluated autonomously and in duplicate by two reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 1649 articles were found, but only 14 studies met the pre-established inclusion criteria and were considered suitable for meta-analytic analysis. The network meta-analysis (NMA) suggested a significant difference between the external and the conical connections; this was less evident for the internal and conical ones. Platform-switching (PS) seemed to positively affect bone levels, non-regarding the implant-connection it was applied to. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this systematic review, it can be concluded that crestal bone levels are better maintained in the short-medium term when internal kinds of interface are adopted. In particular, conical connections seem to be more advantageous, showing lower peri-implant bone loss, but further studies are necessary to investigate the efficacy of implant-abutment connection on stability of crestal bone levels.

Five-year outcomes of a randomized clinical trial comparing bone-level implants with either submerged or transmucosal healing.

AIM: To evaluate the long-term hard and soft tissue peri-implant tissue stability of bone-level implants using a different implant placement protocol (submerged versus transmucosal). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was partly a subset analysis of a multicentre study where in 40 patients, a single bone-level implant with platform switching and a conical implant-abutment interface was placed either submerged or transmucosal in non-molar sites. Changes in the peri-implant tissues between implant placement and 5 years were assessed clinically and radiologically. Patient-related outcomes were also recorded. RESULTS: Thirty patients completed the 5-year follow-up. Implant survival rate was 100%. The mean radiographic changes in crestal bone levels between baseline and 5 years were 0.59 (0.92) mm and 0.78 (1.03) mm for the submerged and the transmucosal groups, respectively. No statistical significant differences were found between the groups for any of the investigated variables. Peri-implantitis, defined as changes in the level of crestal bone of ≥2 mm together with bleeding on probing, was only diagnosed in one patient. Patients in both groups were highly satisfied with the treatment received. CONCLUSIONS: Bone-level implants with submerged or transmucosal healing protocols demonstrated similar outcomes after 5 years. Both protocols yielded optimal clinical and radiographic results when bone-level implants were placed in non-molar positions for single tooth replacement.

Crown lengthening procedure following intentional endodontic therapy for correction of supra-erupted posterior teeth: Case series with long-term follow-up.

CONTEXT: The crown lengthening procedure (CLP) is routinely carried out to correct gingival levels and achieve esthetic contours and adequate crown lengths for restorative purposes. Though the short-term outcomes have been found to be stable, long-term results are not much reported. AIMS: To evaluate the long-term stability of the marginal bone levels, gingival levels, and the status of the teeth, which underwent endodontic therapy, followed by CLP and final restorations. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Institutional setting, long-term case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case records of the patients who underwent CLP and endodontic therapy for corrections of the supra-erupted teeth to regain the lost interocclusal spaces were retrieved, and the cases with complete set of the clinical and radiographs were taken. All the cases were recalled and bone levels on the radiographs, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depths, and changes in the soft tissue margins were evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive analysis. RESULTS: A total of 25 teeth had undergone CLP and endodontic therapy and final restorations for a minimum of 24 months. The mean post-restorative duration was 50.8 ± 22.48 months (range 24-96 months). All the teeth were functional and asymptomatic with 100% survival. Interdental bone loss of 1 mm, probing pockets of 5 mm, and 1 mm buccal recession were observed in 16% of the sites. The amount of interocclusal space regained was adequate to restore the missing teeth in the opposing arch. CONCLUSIONS: The CLP is a predictive procedure for correction of supra-erupted teeth. The survival of the teeth that underwent the procedure in the present study was 100% over 24-96 months.

The influence of soft tissue biotype on the marginal bone changes around dental implants: A 1-year prospective clinico-radiological study.

BACKGROUND: The peri-implant mucosa undergoes surgical and bacterial assaults in various stages of implant therapy, however, the literature on changes occurring in the peri-implant mucosa is minimal. This study was thus conducted to evaluate the change in the peri-implant mucosal thickness and its effect on the marginal bone levels around dental implants treated in a conventional two-stage implant therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 implants were placed in 22 subjects. Two subjects dropped out. Thirty-three implants in 20 subjects were then evaluated. Initial mucosal thickness, marginal bone levels on radiographs, pain, and exudation were evaluated. All these parameters were recorded at the time of implant placement, at the time of cementation of final restoration, 6 months and 12 months post cementation/restoration. RESULTS: The peri-implant mucosal thickness reduced from implant placement to second stage and till restorations and was statistically significant, in both the thick and thin biotypes, however, at 12 months there was a rebound of the tissue thickness, which was more in the thick biotype (P < 0.05). At 1-year follow-up, there was a reduction in the marginal bone levels, which was more in the thick biotype as compared to the thin biotype (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The mucosa at implant sites undergoes a reduction in thickness from the time of implant placement till the placement of final restorations. The placement of the final restorations and then end of active therapy leads to a rebound of the tissue thickness. Sites with thicker tissues preoperatively have a lesser bone loss and better rebound as compared to thinner tissues.

Clinical assessment of submerged vs non-submerged implants placed in pristine bone.

The medium-long term success of osseointegrated dental implants is evaluated on the basis of the degree of osseointegration over time, assessed by radiographic or instrumental analysis (ISQ). Over the years, the question has always been which surgical technique can provide a better performance in the medium-long term and, thanks to literature studies, it has been evidenced that there are no differences between "one stage" and "two stage" interventions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical and radiographic parameters, referring to interventions for the insertion of dental implants characterized by a new kind of implant surface (Synthegra® GEASS, Udine). The prospective study, not randomized and controlled, referred to the insertion of 18 implants on 9 patients with mono or bilateral edentulism, with measurements at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and an overall follow-up at 3 years, in order to evaluate the different degree of crestal bone resorption using the submerged and transmucosal surgical technique. The results of our study show that there are no differences in the resorption of the two surgical techniques, with an average bone resorption of 2,05±0,16 mm, comparable with values reported in literature.

Efeito da plataforma Switching sobre os tecidos peri-implantares: estudo experimental em cães / Effect of plataform Switching on peri-implant tissues: an experimental study in dogs

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da plataforma Switching sobre a remodelação dos tecidos peri-implantares. Material e métodos: Em 6 cães labradores, foram extraídos os pré-molares e primeiro molares inferiores bilateralmente. Após 3 meses de cicatrização, na região correpondente ao 1º molar, foi instalado um implante cônico em cada lado da mandíbula, com o ombro do mesmo posicionado ao nível da crista óssea alveolar vestibular. No lado direito da mandíbula, foi utilizado um pilar de diâmetro reduzido em relação à plataforma do implante, criando uma incompatibilidade de 0,85 milímetros (grupo teste), enquanto no lado esquerdo selecionou-se um pilar do mesmo diâmetro da plataforma do implante (grupo controle). Os retalhos foram suturados permitindo a cicatrização não-submersa. Após 4 meses, os animais foram eutanasiados para obtenção dos cortes histológicos para avaliação histométrica. Resultados: Todos os implantes apresentaram-se completamente osseointegrados. No grupo teste foram observados que os níveis ósseos apresentaram-se superiores ao grupo controle. No entanto, a diferença estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada apenas na região vestibular e na região proximal. A dimensão vertical dos tecidos moles foi maior no grupo controle em comparação ao grupo teste. No entanto, foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa apenas na vestibular. Conclusões: O presente estudo demonstrou diferenças nas dimensões dos tecidos duros e moles peri-implantares (vestibular e proximal) como resultado da incompatibilidade do implante / pilar de 0,85 milímetros, quando o ombro do implante foi posicionado ao nível da crista óssea vestibular.

Aim: to evaluate the effect of platform switching on the peri-implant tissue remodeling. Material & methods: Mandibular premolars and first molars of 6 Labrador dogs were extracted bilaterally. After 3 months of healing, 1 tapered implant was installed on each side of the mandibular molar region with the implant shoulder placed at the level of the alveolar buccal bony crest. On the right side of the mandible, an abutment of reduced diameter in relation to the platform of the implant was used creating a mismatch of 0.85mm (test), while an abutment of the same diameter of the implant platform was affixed in the left side of the mandible (control). The flaps were sutured to allow a non-submerged healing. After 4 months, the animals were sacrificed and ground sections were obtained for histometric assessment. Results: All implants were completely osseointegrated. Bone levels were superior at the test than at the control sites. However, statistically significant differences were found only at the buccal and proximal aspects. The soft tissue vertical dimension was higher at the control compared to the test sites. However, statistically significant differences were demonstrated only or at the buccal aspects. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated differences in peri-implant (buccal and proximal) hard and soft tissue dimensions as a result of an implant/abutment mismatch of 0.85mm, when the implant shoulder was placed at the level of the buccal bony crest.