Mechanical Behavior of Five Different Morse Taper Implants and Abutments with Different Conical Internal Connections and Angles: An In Vitro Experimental Study.

The present study evaluated the mechanical behavior of five designs of Morse taper (MT) connections with and without the application of loads. For this, the detorque of the fixing screw and the traction force required to disconnect the abutment from the implant were assessed. A total of 100 sets of implants/abutments (IAs) with MT-type connections were used, comprising five groups (n = 20/group): (1) Group Imp 11.5: IA sets with a cone angulation of 11.5°; (2) Group SIN 11.5: with a cone angulation of 11.5°; (3) Group SIN 16: with a cone angulation of 16°; (4) Group Neo 16: with a cone angulation of 16°; and (5) Group Str 15: with a cone angulation of 15°. All sets received the torque recommended by the manufacturer. After applying the torque, the counter torque of the fixing screws was measured in ten IA sets of each group without the application of cyclic loads (frequencies ≤ 2 Hz, 360,000 cycles, and force at 150 Ncm). The other ten sets of each group were subjected to cyclic loads, after which the detorque was measured. Afterwards, the force for disconnection between the implant and the abutment was measured by traction on all the samples. The untwisting of the abutment fixation screws showed a decrease in relation to the initial torque applied in all groups. In the unloaded samples, it was found to be -25.7% in Group 1, -30.4% in Group 2, -36.8% in Group 3, -29.6% in Group 4, and -25.7% in Group 5. After the applied loads, it was found to be -44% in Group 1, -43.5% in Group 2, -48.5% in Group 3, -47.2% in Group 4, and -49.8% in Group 5. The values for the IA sets were zero for SIN 16 (Group 3) and Neo16 (Group 4), both without and with loads. In the other three groups, without loads, the disconnection value was 56.3 ± 2.21 N (Group 1), 30.7 ± 2.00 N (Group 2), and 26.0 ± 2.52 N (Group 5). After applying loads, the values were 63.5 ± 3.06 N for Group 1, 34.2 ± 2.45 N in Group 2, and 23.1 ± 1.29 N in Group 5. It was concluded that in terms of the mechanical behavior of the five designs of MT IA sets, with and without the application of loads, the Imp 11.5, SIN 11.5, and Srt 15 groups showed better results compared to the SIN 16 and Neo 16 groups, showing that lower values of cone angulation increase the friction between the parts (IA), thus avoiding the need to maintain the torque of the fixing screw to maintain the union of the sets.

Does the index in Morse taper connection affect the abutment stability? An in vitro experimental study.

The present study compared three different implant and abutment sets of type Morse taper (MT) connection, with- and without-index, were analyzed regarding their mechanical behavior without and with cyclic load application simulating the masticatory function. Ninety implant and abutment (IA) sets were used in the present study, divided into three groups (n = 30 samples per group): Group A, Ideale solid straight abutment (one piece) without index; Group B, Ideale abutment with an angle of 30-degree (two pieces) without index; Group C, Ideale abutment with an angle of 30-degree (two pieces) with index. The abutment stability quotient (ASQ) values, detorque value and rotation angle were measured before and after the cycling load. Twenty IA sets of each group were submitted to mechanical load at 360,000 cycles. The ASQ without load were 64.7 ± 2.49 for the group A, 60.2 ± 2.64 for the group B, 54.4 ± 3.27 for the group C; With load were 66.1 ± 5.20 for the group A, 58.5 ± 6.14 for the group B, 58.9 ± 2.99 for the group C. Detorque values were lower in groups B and C compared to group A (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the presence of the index did not influence the stability values. However, solid straight abutments (group A) showed higher values of stability compared to groups of angled abutments (groups B and C).

Fibroblasts and osteoblasts behavior after contact with different titanium surfaces used as implant abutment: An in vitro experimental study.

Background: The goal of this in vitro study was to compare three different surfaces: two types of implant surfaces commercially available ([a] smooth/machined and [b] acid-treated surface) versus (c) anodized surface. Discs were manufactured with commercially pure titanium (CP) grade IV, which were subsequently analyzed by scanning microscopy and fibroblastic and osteoblastic cell cultures. Methods: Ninety-nine discs (5 × 2 mm) were manufactured in titanium grade IV and received different surface treatments: (i) Mach group: machined; (ii) AA group: double acid etch; and (iii) AN group: anodizing treatment. Three discs from each group were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to obtain surface topography images and qualitatively analyzed by EDS. Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts and pre-osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1 lineage) were used to investigate each group's biological response (n = 10/cellular type). The data were compared statistically using the ANOVA one-way test, considered as a statistically significant difference p < 0.05. Results: The AA group had numerous micropores with diameters between 5 and 10 µm, while nanopores between 1 and 5 nm were measured in the AN group. The EDX spectrum showed a high titanium concentration in all the analyzed samples. The contact angle and wetting tension were higher in the AA, whereas similar results were observed for the other groups. A lower result was observed for base width in the AA, which was higher in the other two groups. The AN showed the best values in the fibroblast cells, followed by Mach and AA; whereas, in the culture of the MC3T3 cells, the result was precisely the opposite (AA > Mach > AN). There was similar behavior for cell adhesion for the test groups (Mach and AN), with greater adhesion of Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts compared to MC3T3 cells; in the AA group, there was greater adherence for MC3T3 cells compared to Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts. Conclusions: The findings suggest that different surface characteristics can produce different biological responses, possibly cell-line dependent. These findings have important implications for the design of implantable medical devices, where the surface characteristics can significantly impact its biocompatibility.

Influence of Restorative Material on the Distribution of Loads to the Bone in Hybrid Abutment Crowns-In Vitro Study.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the load transmitted to the peri-implant bone by seven different restorative materials in single-unit rehabilitations with morse taper implants using a strain gauge. Materials: In a polyurethane block that simulated type III bone, a morse taper platform implant was installed (3.5 × 11 mm) in the center and 1 mm below the test base surface, and four strain gauges were installed around the implant, simulating the mesial, distal, buccal and lingual positions. Seven similar hybrid abutment crowns were crafted to simulate a lower premolar using different materials: 1-PMMA; 2-glass ceramic over resin matrix; 3-PEEK + lithium disilicate; 4-metal-ceramic; 5-lithium disilicate; 6-zirconia + feldspathic; 7-monolithic zirconia. All groups underwent axial and oblique loads (45 degrees) of 150 N from a universal testing machine. Five measurements (n = 5) were performed with each material and for each load type; the microdeformation data underwent statistical analysis. The data were obtained in microdeformation (µÎµ), and the significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the evaluation among the materials under either the axial load or the oblique load at 45 degrees. In turn, in the comparison between axial load and oblique load, there was a difference in load for all materials. Conclusion: The restorative material did not influence the load transmitted to the bone. Furthermore, the load transmitted to the bone was greater when it occurred obliquely at 45° regardless of the material used. In conclusion, it appeared that the different elastic modulus of each material did not influence the load transmission to the peri-implant bone.

Evaluation of Behavior of Castable versus Machined Solid Abutments for Morse Tapper Implant Connection: A Clinical Retrospective Study.

Objective: The primary objective of the present retrospective clinical study was to evaluate and compare the clinical performance presented by castable abutments developed for the MT system versus intermediate machined abutments, specifically regarding prosthetic or implant fractures/loss; the secondary objective was to verify the looseness of the abutments and the behavior of the peri-implant soft tissues. Methods: This clinical retrospective study was conducted on patients rehabilitated between 2019 and 2020. Inclusion criteria were patients in good general health, with an implants-supporting single crown; with solid machined abutments (control group) or castable UCLA abutments; with a connection portion (base) machined in cobalt-chrome (test group) over Morse taper DuoCone implants in the posterior mandible area; and at least two years in function. Clinical assessment was carried out by the same professional, considering the following parameters: (A) prosthetic: (i) loosening of the fixation screw, (ii) fracture of the screw and (iii) the number of times the patient had some type of complication after the installation of the prostheses were evaluated; (B) biological: (i) without keratinized mucosa (KM), (ii) 1 mm or less, (iii) between 1 and 2 mm and (iv) greater than 2 mm of KM width; and the presence or absence of mucositis. Furthermore, radiographic evaluation was performed in order to assess the marginal bone loss. These evaluations permitted to compare the groups analyzed and patients enrolled. Data were statistically analyzed, with the level of significance set at α = 0.05. Results: 79 patients with 120 MT implants were evaluated (80 castable UCLA abutments and 40 machined solid abutments). The follow-up was from 2 to 4 years. There was a 100% implant survival rate. Therefore, the control group showed two fractured abutments (5%) and no abutment loosening (95% for prosthetic survival rate), whereas the test group showed no abutment fracture but nine loosening screws (11.3%) (100% for prosthetic survival rate). Keratinized mucosa was considered thin or absent in 19 implants in the control group (47.5%) and 42 in the test group (52.5%). Mucositis was found in 11 implants in the control group (27.5%) and 27 in the test group (33.8%). A positive correlation was observed between the width of keratinized mucosa and mucositis (r = 0.521, p = 0.002). The mean marginal bone loss was 2.3 mm, ranging from 1.1 to 5.8 mm. No correlation was observed when considering marginal bone loss versus the three parameters (implant diameter, implant length and time of the prosthesis in function). Conclusions: The results suggest that UCLA-type abutments are a viable option for rehabilitating implants with Morse taper connections, suggesting lower fracture risk. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and thoroughly evaluate the clinical performance and long-term outcomes.

Marginal Bone Level and Biomechanical Behavior of Titanium-Indexed Abutment Base of Conical Connection Used for Single Ceramic Crowns on Morse-Taper Implant: A Clinical Retrospective Study.

The goal of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the behavior of Morse-taper indexed abutments by analyzing the marginal bone level (MBL) after at least 12 months of function. Patients rehabilitated with single ceramic crowns between May 2015 and December 2020 received single Morse-taper connection implants (DuoCone implant) with two-piece straight abutment baseT used for at least 12 months, presenting periapical radiograph immediately after crown installation were enrolled. The position of the rehabilitated tooth and arch (maxilla or mandible), crown installation period, implant dimensions, abutment transmucosal height, installation site (immediate implant placement or healed area), associated with bone regeneration, immediate provisionalization, and complications after installation of the final crown were analyzed. The initial and final MBL was evaluated by comparing the initial and final X-rays. The level of significance was α = 0.05. Seventy-five patients (49 women and 26 men) enrolled had a mean period of evaluation of 22.7 ± 6.2 months. Thirty-one implant-abutment (IA) sets had between 12-18 months, 34 between 19-24 months, and 44 between 25-33 months. Only one patient failed due to an abutment fracture after 25 months of function. Fifty-eight implants were placed in the maxilla (53.2%) and 51 in the mandible (46.8%). Seventy-four implants were installed in healed sites (67.9%), and 35 were in fresh socket sites (32.1%). Thirty-two out of these 35 implants placed in fresh sockets had the gap filled with bone graft particles. Twenty-six implants received immediate provisionalization. The average MBL was -0.67 ± 0.65 mm in mesial and -0.70 ± 0.63 mm in distal (p = 0.5072). The most important finding was the statistically significant difference comparing the values obtained for MBL between the abutments with different transmucosal height portions, which were better for abutments with heights greater than 2.5 mm. Regarding the abutments' diameter, 58 had 3.5 mm (53.2%) and 51 had 4.5 mm (46.8%). There was no statistical difference between them, with the following means and standard deviation, respectively, -0.57 ± 0.53 mm (mesial) and -0.66 ± 0.50 mm (distal), and -0.78 ± 0.75 mm (mesial) and -0.746 ± 0.76 mm (distal). Regarding the implant dimensions, 24 implants were 3.5 mm (22%), and 85 implants (78%) had 4.0 mm. In length, 51 implants had 9 mm (46.8%), 25 had 11 mm (22.9%), and 33 implants were 13 mm (30.3%). There was no statistical difference between the abutment diameters (p > 0.05). Within the limitations of this study, it was possible to conclude that better behavior and lesser marginal bone loss were observed when using abutment heights greater than 2.5 mm of transmucosal portion and when placed implants with 13 mm length. Furthermore, this type of abutment showed a little incidence of failures within the period analyzed in our study.

Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Insertion Torque and Implant Stability of Two Different Implant Macrogeometries in the Initial Periods of Osseointegration.

Objectives: The present study compared two implants with different macrogeometries placed in healed alveolar sites, evaluating the insertion torque (ITV) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) values at three different periods. Methods: Seventy patients with a total of 100 dental implants were allocated into two groups (n = 50 per group): DuoCone implants (DC group) that included 28 implants in the maxilla and 22 in the mandible, and Maestro implants (MAE group) that included 26 in the maxilla and 24 in the mandible. The ITV was measured during the implant placement, and the ISQ values were measured immediately at implant placement (baseline) and after 30 and 45 days. Results: The mean and standard deviations of the ITV were statistically significant (p < 0.0001), 56.4 ± 6.41 Ncm for the DC group and 29.3 ± 9.65 Ncm for the MAE group. In the DC group, the ISQs ranged between 61.1 ± 3.78 and 69.8 ± 3.86, while the MAE group presented similar values compared with the other group, ranging between 61.9 ± 3.92 and 72.1 ± 2.37. Conclusions: The value of implant insertion torque did not influence the ISQ values measured immediately after implant placement. However, the ITV influenced the ISQ values measured in the two initial periods of osseointegration, with implants installed with lower torques presenting higher ISQ values.

Comparative analysis of the mechanical limits of resistance in implant/abutment set of a new implant design: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the resistance on quasi-static forces and in the fatigue mechanical cycling of a new implant design compared to two other conventional implant designs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-eight implants with their respective abutments were tested and distributed into four groups (n = 22 per group): Morse taper connection implant (MT group), conventional external hexagon implant (EH con group), new Collo implant of external hexagon with the smooth portion out of the bone insertion (EH out group), and new Collo implant of external hexagon with the implant platform inserted to the bone level (EH bl group). All the sets were subjected to quasi-static loading in a universal testing machine, and we measured the maximum resistance force supported by each sample. Another 12 samples from each group were submitted to the cyclic fatigue test at 4 intensities of forces (n = 3 per force): 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20%. The number of cycles supported by each sample at each force intensity was evaluated. RESULTS: The three groups of implants with external hexagon connection had similar maximum strength values of the sets (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, samples from the MT group showed the highest resistance values in comparison to the other three groups (p < 0.05). In the fatigue test, the Collo out group supported a smaller number of cycles that led to the fracture than the other 3 groups proposed at loads of 80%, 60%, and 40%, and only at the load value of 20% all groups had the same performance. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present in vitro study, the results showed that the new Collo implant performs better when installed at bone level.

Comparative evaluation of two collagen-based biomaterials with different compositions used for bone graft: An experimental animal study.

A large number of materials with different compositions and shapes have been proposed and studied for the purpose of bone tissue regeneration. Collagen-based materials have shown promising results for this application, with improved physicochemical properties. The aim of the present in vivo animal study was to evaluate and compare two commercially available collagen-based biomaterials for bone regeneration, with these being implanted in circumferential bone defects created in the calvarium of rabbits. Twenty rabbits received bilateral parietal osteotomies, performed with the aid of a 6.5 mm diameter trephine. Two groups were created: the BC group, where the defect was filled with a scaffold composed of 90% bovine bone particles and 10% porcine collagen, and the EG group, where the defect was filled with a scaffold composed of 75% hydroxyapatite particles of bovine origin and 25% bovine collagen. Ten animals were sacrificed at 30 days and another 10 at 45 days after implantation, and the samples were processed and histologically analyzed. In the evaluations of the samples at 30 days, no important differences were found in the results. However, in the samples at 45 days after surgery, the EG group showed better results than the BC group samples, mainly in terms of the amount of bone matrix formation (P < 0.0001) and the volume in area measured in each sample, where the EG group had a value 65% higher than that in the BC group samples. Based on the results obtained, we conclude that the amount of collagen and the particle characteristics present in the composition of the scaffolds can directly influence the amount of neoformation and/or bone regeneration.

Behavior of implant and abutment sets of three different connections during the non-axial load application: An in vitro experimental study using a radiographic method.

BACKGROUND: During the masticatory cycle, loads of different intensities and directions are received by the dental structures and/or implants, which can cause micromovements at the junction between the abutment and implant. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the behavior of three different implant connections subjected to different load values using a digital radiography system. Additionally, the torque values for removing the abutment screws were also measured and compared. METHODS: Ninety sets of implant and abutment (IA) were used, divided into three groups according to the type of connection (n = 30 per group): EH group, external hexagon type connection; IH group, internal hexagon connection; and, MT group, Morse taper connection. RESULTS: MT group showed the better vertical misfit behavior at the three intensity of load applied, in comparison with EH and IH groups. In the analysis of torque maintenance (detorque test), MT group showed higher values of detorque when compared with the measured values of EH and IH groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The IA sets of EH and IH groups showed a microgap in all levels of applied loads, unlike the MT group this event was not observed. In the detorque test, MT group increase in the torque values when compared to the initial torque applied, unlike EH and IH groups showed a decrease in the initially torque applied in all conditions tested. A positive correlation was detected between the misfit and detorque values.

Correlation of Fracture Resistance of Dental Implants and Bite Force in Dogs described in the literature: An In Vitro Study.

Dental implants are not routinely used for rehabilitation in veterinary dentistry. For some veterinarians, further studies are necessary to be considered for clinical use in animals. The objective of the present in vitro study was to evaluate static fatigue of dental implants and to correlate that with the bite strength of dogs described in the literature. Sixty implants and abutments were used with the smallest diameter of each brand of implant utilized in the study. Three groups (n = 20) were created on the basis of the implant diameter, all with external hex connector: 3.30 mm (group 1), 4.0 mm (group 2) and 5.0 mm (group 3). All groups were subjected to quasi-static loading at 30° to the implant's long axis in a universal machine (model AME-5 kN). The mean fracture strength for group 1 was 964 ± 187 N, for group 2 was 1618 ± 149 N and for group 3 was 2595 ± 161 N. Significant differences between the groups with respect to resistance after the load applications were observed (P < .05). The diameter of implants affects the resistance to external forces during the application of non-axial strength (off-axis loading) and must be considered during the planning of rehabilitation to avoid problems.

Can the design of the instruments used for undersized osteotomies influence the initial stability of implants installed in low-density bone? An in vitro pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to compare the initial implant stability obtained using four different osteotomy techniques in low-density synthetic bone, to evaluate the instrument design in comparison to the implant design, and to determinate a possible correlation between the insertion torque and initial stability quotient (ISQ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups were identified in accordance with the osteotomy technique used (n = 10 implants per group): group G1, osteotomy using the recommended drilling sequence; group G2, osteotomy using an undersized compactor drill; group G3, osteotomy using an undersized drill; and group G4, osteotomy using universal osseodensification drills. Two polyurethane blocks were used: block 1, with a medullary portion of 10 pounds per cubic foot (PCF 10) and with a 1 mm cortical portion of PCF 40, and block 2, with a medullary of PCF 15 and with a 2 mm cortical portion of PCF 40. Tapered implants of 4 mm in diameter and 11 mm in length were used. The insertion torque (IT) and ISQ were measured. The dimensions of the final instrument used in each group and the dimensions of the implant were used to calculate the total area of each part, and these data were compared. RESULTS: Differences between the four groups were found for IT and ISQ values depending on the technique used for the osteotomy in the two synthetic bone models (p < 0.0001). All groups showed lower values of initial stability in block 1 than in block 2. CONCLUSIONS: Undersized osteotomies with instruments designed according to the implant body significantly increased the initial stability values compared to beds prepared with universal drills and using the drilling sequence standardized by the manufacturer.

Comparative analysis of stress distribution in one-piece and two-piece implants with narrow and extra-narrow diameters: A finite element study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the stress distribution on three implant models with narrow and extra-narrow diameters using the finite element method (FEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental implants of extra-narrow diameter of 2.5 mm for a one-piece implant (group G1), a narrow diameter of 3.0 mm for a one-piece implant (group G2) and a narrow diameter of 3.5 mm for a two-piece implant with a Morse taper connection (group G3). A three-dimensional model was designed with cortical and cancellous bone, a crown and an implant/abutment set of each group. Axial and angled (30°) loads of 150 N was applied. The equivalent von Mises stress was used for the implants and peri-implant bone plus the Mohr-Coulomb analysis to confirm the data of the peri-implant bone. RESULTS: In the axial load, the maximum stress value of the cortical bone for the group G1 was 22.35% higher than that the group G2 and 321.23% than the group G3. Whereas in angled load, the groups G1 and G2 showing a similar value (# 3.5%) and a highest difference for the group G3 (391.8%). In the implant structure, the group G1 showed a value of 2188MPa, 93.6% higher than the limit. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that the extra-narrow one-piece implant should be used with great caution, especially in areas of non-axial loads, whereas the one- and two-piece narrow-diameter implants show adequate behavior in both directions of the applied load.

Effects of the technique and drill design used during the osteotomy on the thermal and histological stimulation.

The objective of our in vivo study was to compare the effects of the osteotomy on the thermal alterations, the bone healing and count of polymorphonuclear cells, comparing the drill design (cylindrical or conical) using continuous or intermittent movement. Twelve rabbits were used, which were made four osteotomies (n = 2 per tibia) to simulate the surgical drilling sequence for the installation of a dental implant at 8 mm of length and regular diameter. Four groups were proposed: group G1, cylindrical drill with continuous movement; group G2, cylindrical drill with intermittent movement; group G3, conical drill with continuous movement; and, group G4, conical drill with intermittent movement. Thermal mean variation was 6.91 ± 1.4 °C in group 1, 4.30 ± 1.3 °C in group 2, 2.78 ± 0.6 °C in group 3, and 2.77 ± 0.7 °C in group 4. Whereas the mean area of new bone formation was 1.00 ± 0.3 mm2 in group 1, 1.48 ± 0.3 mm2 in group 2, 2.20 ± 0.4 mm2 in group 3, and 2.43 ± 0.4 mm2in group 4. The mean count of polymorphonuclear cells, in the group 1 was 62.4 ± 5.9 cells, group 2 was 50.7 ± 4.2 cells, group 3 was 44.4 ± 3.7 cells, and group 4 was 42.4 ± 3.7 cells. The conical drill sequence produced a significantly smaller increase in temperature during both techniques (continuous and intermittent), more effective new bone formation and a smaller number of polymorphonuclear cells. During the osteotomy for the installation of implants, the professional must take to consider the drill design to perform a less traumatic surgical technique, which can improve and facilitate the healing of peri-implant tissues.

Development of a New Drill Design to Improve the Temperature Control during the Osteotomy for Dental Implants: A Comparative In Vitro Analysis.

The present in vitro study evaluated a new drill design to improve the temperature control during the osteotomies for dental implant installation, comparing with two drill designs that use conventional external irrigation. Three blocks of synthetic cortical bone were used for osteotomy procedures. Three groups were created: control group 1 (Con1), where a conical multiple drill system with a conventional external irrigation system was used; control group 2 (Con2), where a single bur with a conventional external irrigation system was used; and, test group (Test), where the new single bur (turbo drill) with a new irrigation system was used. Twenty osteotomies were made without irrigation and with intense irrigation, for each group. A thermocouple was used to measure the temperature produced during the osteotomies. The measured temperature were: 28.9 ± 1.68 °C for group Con1; 27.5 ± 1.32 °C for group Con2; 26.3 ± 1.28 °C for group Test. Whereas, the measured temperatures with irrigation were: 23.1 ± 1.27 °C for group Con1; 21.7 ± 1.36 °C for group Con2; 19.4 ± 1.29 °C for group Test. The single drill with a new design for improving the irrigation and temperature control, in comparison with the drill designs with conventional external irrigation.

Histological and Histomorphometrical Evaluation of a New Implant Macrogeometry. A Sheep Study.

Decompression or healing chambers between the threads have been proposed to improve and accelerate the osseointegration process of dental implants. The aim of the present work was to test, in an in vivo sheep study, if healing chambers between the threads could produce a better osseointegration process. Thirty titanium implants (15 conventional design (control) and 15 implants with healing chambers (test)) were inserted in a random fashion in the tibia of 3 sheep. The animals were euthanized after 30 days of healing, and the retrieved specimens treated to obtain thin ground sections. Histological observations showed that the quantity of newly formed bone growing in an apical direction was lower in the control group (1095 µm) when compared to the Test group (1658 µm). This difference was statistically significant. Moreover, a layer of osteogenic matrix was present around the portion of implants immersed in the marrow spaces. This osteogenic tissue was thicker in the test group. In conclusion, the present study confirmed the very good results in implants with healing chambers that presented a higher percentage of new bone formation.

Can changes in implant macrogeometry accelerate the osseointegration process?: An in vivo experimental biomechanical and histological evaluations.

OBJECTIVES: The propose was to compare this new implant macrogeometry with a control implant with a conventional macrogeometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six conical implants were divided in two groups (n = 43 per group): group control (group CON) that were used conical implants with a conventional macrogeometry and, group test (group TEST) that were used implants with the new macrogeometry. The new implant macrogeometry show several circular healing cambers between the threads, distributed in the implant body. Three implants of each group were used to scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) analysis and, other eighty samples (n = 40 per group) were inserted the tibia of ten rabbit (n = 2 per tibia), determined by randomization. The animals were sacrificed (n = 5 per time) at 3-weeks (Time 1) and at 4-weeks after the implantations (Time 2). The biomechanical evaluation proposed was the measurement of the implant stability quotient (ISQ) and the removal torque values (RTv). The microscopical analysis was a histomorphometric measurement of the bone to implant contact (%BIC) and the SEM evaluation of the bone adhered on the removed implants. RESULTS: The results showed that the implants of the group TEST produced a significant enhancement in the osseointegration in comparison with the group CON. The ISQ and RTv tests showed superior values for the group TEST in the both measured times (3- and 4-weeks), with significant differences (p < 0.05). More residual bone in quantity and quality was observed in the samples of the group TEST on the surface of the removed implants. Moreover, the %BIC demonstrated an important increasing for the group TEST in both times, with statistical differences (in Time 1 p = 0.0103 and in Time 2 p < 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Then, we can conclude that the alterations in the implant macrogeometry promote several benefits on the osseointegration process.

A Comparative Analysis of Implants Presenting Different Diameters: Extra-Narrow, Narrow and Conventional.

This study aimed at performing a comparative analysis of the fracture resistance of implants, evaluating extra-narrow, narrow, and regular implants. Four groups containing 15 implants each were evaluated. Group 1 (G1): single-piece extra-narrow implants; Group 2 (G2): single-piece narrow implants; Group 3 (G3): Morse taper narrow implants with solid abutments; Group 4 (G4): Morse taper conventional implants with solid abutments. The implants were tested using a universal testing machine for their maximum force limit and their maximum bending moment. After obtaining the data, the Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA, and Tukey (p < 0.05) statistical tests were applied. Samples from all the groups were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and Groups 3 and 4 were analyzed by profilometry. The means and the standard deviation values for the maximum force limit (N) and the maximum bending moment (Nmm) were respectively: G1:134.29 N (10.27); G2:300.61 N (24.26); G3:360.64 N (23.34); G4:419.10 N (18.87); G1:1612.02 Nmm (100.6); G2:2945 Nmm (237.97); G3:3530.38 Nmm (228.75); G4:4096.7 Nmm (182.73). The groups behaved statistically different from each other, showing that the smallest diameter implants provided less fracture resistance, both in the tensile strength tests and in the maximum bending moment between all groups. Furthermore, single-piece implants, with 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm diameters, deformed in the implant body region area, rather than in the abutment region.

Biomechanical Effects of a New Macrogeometry Design of Dental Implants: An In Vitro Experimental Analysis.

The purpose of the present study was to measure and compare the insertion torque, removal torque, and the implant stability quotient by resonance frequency analysis in different polyurethane block densities of two implant macrogeometries. Four different polyurethane synthetic bone blocks were used with three cortical thickness: Bone 1 with a cortical thickness of 1 mm, Bone 2 with a cortical thickness of 2 mm, Bone 3 with a cortical thickness of 3 mm, and Bone 4, which was totally cortical. Four groups were created in accordance with the implant macrogeometry (n = 10 per group) and surface treatment: G1-regular implant design without surface treatment; G2-regular implant design with surface treatment; G3-new implant design without surface treatment; G4-new implant design with surface treatment. All implants used were 4 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length and manufactured in commercially pure titanium (grade IV) by Implacil De Bortoli (São Paulo, Brazil). The implants were installed using a computed torque machine, and following installation of the implant, the stability quotient (implant stability quotient, ISQ) values were measured in two directions using Osstell devices. The data were analyzed by considering the 5% level of significance. All implant groups showed similar mean ISQ values without statistical differences (p > 0.05), for the same synthetic bone block: for Bone 1, the value was 57.7 ± 3.0; for Bone 2, it was 58.6 ± 2.2; for Bone 3, it was 60.6 ± 2.3; and for Bone 4, it was 68.5 ± 2.8. However, the insertion torque showed similar higher values for the regular macrogeometry (G1 and G2 groups) in comparison with the new implant macrogeometry (G3 and G4 groups). The analysis of the results found that primary stability does not simply depend on the insertion torque but also on the bone quality. In comparison with the regular implant macrogeometry, the new implant macrogeometry decreased the insertion torque without affecting the implant stability quotient values.

A Finite Element Analysis to Compare Stress Distribution on Extra-Short Implants with Two Different Internal Connections.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to analyze the stress distribution on two types of extra-short dental implants with 5 mm of length: An internal hexagon (IH) and morse taper connection (MT). METHODS: The three-dimensional model was composed of trabecular and cortical bone, a crown, an extra-short dental implant and their components. An axial load of 150 N was applied and another inclined 30° with the same magnitude. RESULTS: Stress concentrations on the IH implant are observed in the region of the first threads for the screw. However, in the MT implant the highest stress occurs at the edges of the upper implant platform. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the results obtained in this study the two types of prosthetic fittings present a good stress distribution. The Morse taper connections presented better behavior than the internal in both loading configurations.