Clinical outcomes of immediate/early loading of dental implants. A literature review of recent controlled prospective clinical studies.

Two previous reviews have evaluated the clinical outcomes of immediate/early loading of dental implants based on studies published until 2005.(1,2) The aim of the present paper was to review controlled clinical studies on the subject published since 2005 including at least 10 patients in each group followed for at least one year in function. Six comparative studies were found and none of these showed any differences in survival rates or marginal bone loss after one to five years. Most authors used specified inclusion criteria to avoid known risk factors such as soft bone, short implants and bruxism. Data from one randomized study in the edentulous maxilla showed no differences between early and delayed loading in consecutive clinical routine cases including short implants and soft bone. Three additional studies comparing different surfaces or implant designs under immediate loading were reviewed. No differences between implants with a moderately rough or smooth surface topography were observed. The data add to the previous bulk of evidence that various designs of implants can be loaded shortly after their placement in both the mandible and the maxilla. However, one study reported on marginal bone loss around a novel one-piece implant design leading to implant failure which was not seen for control two-piece implants.(3).

Immediate occlusal loading of Brånemark implants applied in various jawbone regions: a prospective, 1-year clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The original protocol for dental implant treatment ad modum Brånemark was based on submerged healing prior to loading. For patients, immediate implant function could reduce cost and increase attractiveness of implant treatment. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the short-term success rate of immediately loaded implants placed in various regions of the jaws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients received a total of 127 immediately loaded implants (76 maxillary and 51 mandibular). Seventy-one percent of the patients received their prosthetic restoration the same day and the others within 11 days. All prosthetic constructions were in full contact in centric occlusion. Clinical follow-up examinations were performed at 1 week, 2 weeks, and at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after implant loading. The study was completed 1 year after loading. RESULTS: Twenty-two implants were lost in 13 patients (including 7 maxillary implants lost in 1 patient). The cumulative success rate of the implants was 82.7% after 1 year of prosthetic loading. All sites with implant losses were re-implanted, using a two-stage technique, with no further complications reported. Ninety-one percent of implants placed in regions other than the posterior maxilla were successful compared with 66% of implants placed in the posterior maxilla. Implants in patients with a parafunctional habit (bruxers) were lost more frequently than those placed in patients with no parafunction (41% vs. 12%). Implants subjected to guided bone regeneration were more successful compared with those not subjected to regeneration procedures (90% vs. 67%). CONCLUSIONS: The immediate loading concept is a realistic treatment alternative in various jawbone regions except for the posterior part of the maxilla. High occlusal loads should be considered a risk factor. On the other hand, implants in combination with bone defects frequently are penetrating cortical layers to a higher extent, thereby contributing to implant stability during the healing phase and consequently do not inevitably jeopardize the treatment result. However, further controlled clinical studies with larger sample sizes need to be performed to evaluate the influence of different parameters on treatment outcome.

Guided tissue regeneration update.

The ultimate goal of periodontal therapy is to restore periodontal tissues lost through disease or trauma. The most predictable way to accomplish this goal is by guided tissue regeneration (GTR). The principle of GTR is to give preference to certain cells to repopulate the wound area to form a new attachment apparatus. Clinically this is accomplished by placing a barrier over the defect thereby excluding gingival tissues from the wound during early healing. The first generation of GTR barriers were non-resorbable which implies that they have to be removed in a second surgical procedure. Resorbable barriers have recently been introduced, changing GTR into a single-step procedure. Periodontal defects that will predictably benefit from GTR therapy are intrabony, furcation class II and gingival recession defects. This paper reviews the scientific evidence of what can be achieved by GTR procedures for various periodontal defects as well as factors of importance to increase the predictability of a successful treatment outcome.

Treatment of intrabony defects by different surgical procedures. A literature review.

This article reviews studies presented during the last 20 years on the surgical treatment of intrabony defects. Treatments include open flap debridement alone (OFD); OFD plus demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA), freeze-dried bone allografts (FDBA), or autogenous bone; and guided tissue regeneration (GTR). The review includes only studies that presented baseline and final data on probing depths, intrabony defect depths as measured during surgery, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and/or bone fill. Some reports were case studies and some controlled studies comparing different treatments. In order to assess what can be accomplished in terms of pocket reduction, clinical attachment level gain, and bone fill with the various treatment modalities, data from studies of each treatment category were pooled for meta-analysis in which the data from and power of each study were weighted according to the number of defects treated. In addition, where there were data for each individual defect treated, these were used for simple regression analysis evaluating the influence of intrabony defect depth on treatment outcome in terms of CAL gain and bone fill. This was done in an effort to assess some predictability of the outcome of the various treatments. OFD alone resulted in limited pocket reduction, CAL gain averaged 1.5 mm and bone fill 1.1 mm. Bone fill, but not CAL gain, correlated significantly to the depth of the defect (R=0.3; P < 0.001), but the regression coefficient was only 0.25. OFD plus bone graft resulted in limited pocket reduction. CAL gain and bone fill averaged 2.1 mm. Bone fill showed a somewhat stronger correlation to defect depth than following OFD alone (R=0.43; P < 0.001) with a regression coefficient of 0.37. GTR resulted in significant pocket reduction, CAL gain of 4.2 mm, and bone fill averaging 3.2 mm. CAL gain and bone fill correlated significantly (P < 0.001) to defect depth (R=0.52 and 0.53 respectively) with the largest regression coefficients (0.54 and 0.58 respectively) among the three treatment modalities. By comparing outcomes following the various treatments it became obvious that to benefit from GTR procedures, the intrabony defect has to be at least 4 mm deep.

Bone augmentation at titanium implants using autologous bone grafts and a bioresorbable barrier. An experimental study in the rabbit tibia.

The aim of the present investigation was to compare the effect of using autologous bone particles covered with a bioresorbable matrix barrier with the use of bone particles alone on bone augmentation at titanium implants installed in the rabbit tibia. Two Brånemark System implants, one in each tibia, were inserted in each of 9 rabbits in such a way that 5 threads were not covered with bone. Autologous bone particles were harvested from the skull and placed over the exposed implant surfaces on each tibia. The bone graft on one tibia was covered with a Guidor Matrix Barrier, while the bone graft on the other tibia served as a control. After a healing period of 12 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and specimens taken for histomorphometrical analyses. The analyses showed that a significantly larger volume of augmented bone tissue had formed at the test sites. There were, however, no differences in the amount of mineralized bone. In fact, the difference in tissue volume was due to an increased amount of bone marrow at the test sites. The degree of mineralized bone to implant contact as well as the degree of mineralized bone within the threads at the test implants were similar to that at the controls. In conclusion, it was found that the coverage of particulate autologous bone grafts with a bioresorbable barrier resulted in a larger volume of augmented bone than the use of bone grafts not covered with a barrier.

Augmentation of skull bone using a bioresorbable barrier supported by autologous bone grafts. An intra-individual study in the rabbit.

The aim of this experimental investigation was to compare the effect of using autologous particulate bone grafts with and without a bioresorbable barrier covering for augmentation of the rabbit skull bone. For this purpose, bilateral, circular, 8 mm wide and 1 mm deep skull bone defects were prepared and overfilled with particulate bone grafts. The grafts placed in the test sites were covered with a bioresorbable barrier (Guidor Matrix Barrier). The grafts placed in the control sites were covered only by the repositioned, cutaneous flap. 12 weeks later, the animals were sacrificed, the experimental sites were defleshed and the height and volume of the augmented bone in the test and control sites were measured clinically. Histologically, morphometrical measurements of the bone tissue were performed in decalcified vertical cross-sections of the experimental sites. Statistically significant differences were found in favour of the coverage of the bone graft particles with the barrier, both with respect to the height and the volume of the augmented bone.

Barrier membranes in the treatment of periodontal defects.

Efficacious guided tissue regeneration for intrabony, furcation class II, and recession defects can be accomplished with both nonresorbable and bioresorbable barriers. The potential for regeneration of the periodontium is highly dependent on defect morphology and the availability of "progenitor cells." Many factors associated with surgical technique and barrier properties influence the regenerative outcome of guided tissue regeneration. Maintained flap coverage of the barrier minimizes epithelial down-growth as well as the risk of bacterial contamination of the barrier and the healing wound. Coverage of the newly regenerated tissues after removal of nonresorbable barriers is essential. The use of bioresorbable barriers eliminates a second operation for membrane removal and the associated potential trauma to the regenerating tissues. A stringent postoperative plaque control regimen is necessary during the healing period. The use of systemic antibiotics, prescribed concomitantly with insertion of the barriers has limited effect in controlling various pathogens and is therefore questionable.

Treatment of class II furcation involvements in humans with bioresorbable and nonresorbable guided tissue regeneration barriers. A randomized multi-center study.

In this multi-center study 38 patients with contralateral molar Class II furcation defects were treated with GTR therapy using a bioresorbable matrix barrier (test) and a nonresorbable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) barrier (control). Following flap elevation, scaling, root planing, and removal of granulation tissue, each device was adjusted to cover the furcation defect. The flaps were repositioned and sutured to complete coverage of the barriers. A second surgical procedure was performed at control sites after 4 to 6 weeks to remove the nonresorbable barrier. Before treatment and 12 months postsurgery all patients were examined and probing depths, clinical attachment levels, and position of the gingival margin were recorded. The primary response variable was the change in clinical attachment level in a horizontal direction (CAL-H change). Both treatment procedures reduced the probing depths (P < or = 0.001). Statistically significant gain of clinical attachment level in both horizontal and vertical direction was found at the test sites. At control sites gain of attachment in horizontal direction was statistically significant. The gain of CAL-H was 2.2 mm at test sites compared to 1.4 mm at control sites (P < or = 0.05). At test sites, the gingival margin was maintained close to the pre-surgical level (0.3 mm), whereas at control sites gingival recession was evident (0.9 mm), the difference being statistically significant (P < or = 0.01). Postsurgical complications, such as swelling and pain were more frequent following the control treatment (P < or = 0.05).

The influence of the design of two different bioresorbable barriers on the results of guided tissue regeneration therapy. An intra-individual comparative study in the monkey.

The aim of the present study was to compare two bioresorbable barriers to evaluate whether differences in design influence the result of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) therapy. Twenty-four (24) plaque exposed, recession type defects in 4 monkeys were treated. Contralateral defects were randomized for test or control treatment. During a healing period of 6 weeks, gingival recession resulting in device exposure occurred at 3 test and 10 control sites. One control barrier was exfoliated. Histologically, 9 of the 12 test barriers were completely integrated with the surrounding tissues. At 3 test sites, epithelium had migrated apically outside the barrier to a level not exceeding one-third of the height of the device. Seven of the 11 control barriers were enclosed by dentogingival epithelium. The adjacent connective tissue exhibited local inflammatory cell infiltrates (ICT). At the remaining 4 control sites, the epithelial downgrowth as well as the adjacent ICT areas were limited to the coronal 1/3 of the device. New attachment; i.e., new cementum with inserting collagen fibers, averaged 2.2 mm and 0.8 mm at the test and control sites respectively (P < 0.01). Based on the results of the present study, it was concluded that a bioresorbable GTR device, designed to prevent epithelial downgrowth along the barrier surface, has a higher potential to promote new attachment formation than a device which does not have this property.

Clinical use of a bioresorbable matrix barrier in guided tissue regeneration therapy. Case series.

In this case series study 19 Class II furcations and 47 intrabony defects in 59 patients were treated according to the principles of guided tissue regeneration using a bioresorbable matrix barrier. Gingival condition and device exposure were assessed at 2 weeks, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The effect of therapy was evaluated by assessing probing depths (PD), probing attachment level (PAL), and the position of the gingival margin prior to surgery and 12 months after surgery. Mild clinical signs of inflammation in the soft tissue covering the device was found adjacent to 3 defects only and limited to the first month of healing. Device exposure occurred at 10 out of the 66 defects. At the furcation defects, the mean PD reduction amounted to 3.7 mm (P < or = 0.001). Mean gain PAL vertical was 3.4 mm and PAL horizontal 3.3 mm (P < or = 0.001), resulting in complete closure of 9 out of the 19 defects. Mean gingival recession was 0.2 mm. At the intrabony defects mean PD reduction was 5.4 mm and mean gain of PAL 4.9 mm (P < or = 0.001). Gingival recession averaged 0.5 mm (P < or = 0.05). It was concluded that the use of the matrix barrier in GTR therapy resulted in 1) reduced probing depths; 2) pronounced gain of clinical attachment; and 3) a very low incidence of gingival pathology, gingival recession, and device exposure.

Periodontal tissue response to a new bioresorbable guided tissue regeneration device: a longitudinal study in monkeys.

This study evaluated periodontal tissue response to a new bioresorbable guided tissue regeneration barrier material following guided tissue regeneration treatment of dehiscence-type defects at 45 teeth in 15 monkeys. The results were clinically and histologically evaluated 6 weeks and 3,6, 12, and 24 months posttreatment. Healing was uneventful and without inflammation or other adverse tissue reactions. Following 6 weeks of healing, the matrix barrier was completely integrated with the surrounding tissues, preventing epithelial downgrowth along the device. There were no inflammatory cell infiltrates adjacent to the material. New attachment (ie, new cementum with inserting collagen fibers) and new supporting bone were found after 6 weeks of healing. The matrix barrier maintained its functional stability for a minimum of 6 weeks. The subsequent slow resorption process of the material occurred without detrimental effects on the surrounding tissues, demonstrating the biocompatibility of the material. The material was completely resorbed after 6 to 12 months. At the final stages of the resorption process, macrophages and multinuclear cells were present within the tissue that replaced the material. The design and the resorption pattern of the matrix barrier are discussed in relation to the regenerative wound healing process.

Guided tissue regeneration using a bioresorbable matrix barrier.

Bioresorbable barrier material, used in guided tissue regeneration, changes the conventional two-stage surgery to a single-step procedure. This article presents a general surgical protocol for application of a bioresorbable matrix barrier (Guidor AB, Huddinge, Sweden). Three case reports are used to illustrate the surgical treatment of a Class II furcation defect, an intrabony defect, and a recession type defect. The learning objective of this article is to enhance the knowledge of surgical procedures and bioresorbable barrier membranes available.

Guided tissue regeneration using bioresorbable and non-resorbable devices: initial healing and long-term results.

Studies on periodontal wound healing have resulted in the development of the treatment modality known as "guided tissue regeneration" (GTR) based on a principle of guiding the proliferation of the various periodontal tissue components during healing following periodontal surgery. The first report of a human tooth treated according to the principle of GTR was presented 10 years ago by Nyman et al. Since then numerous clinical studies and animal experiments have been performed bringing the concept of GTR to a clinical reality. We also know that the results obtained through GTR therapy can be maintained on a long-term basis. The first generation of GTR devices has been non-resorbable, which calls for a second surgical procedure. This is avoided when bioresorbable devices become available. This paper suggests some demands regarding safety and efficacy criteria for both non-resorbable and bioresorbable devices. Results from recent animal experiments and clinical studies following the use of a bioresorbable device in GTR therapy are presented.

Maintenance of new attachment gained through guided tissue regeneration.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether new attachment, gained following guided tissue regeneration (GTR) therapy, can be maintained over longer periods of maintenance therapy. 88 sites at 52 teeth with various types of periodontal defects in 39 patients were treated with the GTR procedure during the period 1984-1989. The effect of treatment was evaluated by assessing probing attachment level (PAL) prior to surgery and 6 months post-surgery. Only sites which at the 6-month examination (baseline) had gained 2 mm or more of PAL were regarded as successfully treated and scheduled for further monitoring. At baseline, 80 sites could be identified which fulfilled this criterium. Of the 80 new attachment sites, all have been monitored for 1 year, 65 for 2 years, 40 for 3 years, 17 for 4 years and 9 sites for 5 years. The results demonstrated that the attachment gain, obtained as the result of the GTR treatment, could be maintained over periods up to 5 years.

Guided tissue regeneration following treatment of recession-type defects in the monkey.

Recent studies have demonstrated extensive amounts of new attachment formation following reconstructive surgery based on the biological principle of guided tissue regeneration (GTR). The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of using a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) membrane in GTR-treatment of recession-type defects and to examine the interrelationship between the PTFE membrane and surrounding periodontal tissues. Full-thickness flaps were raised around 24 maxillary premolar and molar teeth in 6 monkeys. The buccal alveolar bone was surgically removed to a level corresponding to the apical third of the roots. The exposed root surfaces were scaled and planed. In 12 teeth, PTFE membranes were adjusted to cover the exposed root surfaces from a level 1 to 2 mm apical to the CEJ, to a level 3 to 4 mm apical to the alveolar crest. The coronal border of the membranes was tightly adapted to the root surfaces by sling sutures. Twelve teeth served as control teeth without placement of membranes. The flaps were placed with the margin coronal to the CEJ and sutured. The animals were sacrificed after 3 months of healing and all experimental teeth were subjected to histological analysis. The membranes were found to be incorporated with the surrounding connective tissue, and the apical extension of the junctional epithelium terminated at the coronal border of the membranes. The amount of new attachment formation was on the average 74.3% of the defect height in the test teeth, which corresponded to 100% of the membrane covered root portion. Newly formed connective tissue attachment in the controls amounted to an average of 36.9% of the defect height.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Healing of maxillary and mandibular bone defects using a membrane technique. An experimental study in monkeys.

Cyst-like cavities in the jaw bone often heal incompletely owing to ingrowth of connective tissue, thus preventing osteogenesis from occurring. In the present study, a new membrane technique has been utilized in an attempt to improve bone healing. By means of an inert, porous membrane, placed in close contact with the bone surface, a secluded space is created which can only be repopulated by cells from the adjacent bone. Thus, osteogenesis is able to occur without interference from other tissue types. Through-and-through bone defects were produced bilaterally (1) in edentulous areas of monkey (n = 5) mandibles, and (2) in conjunction with apicectomy of the lateral maxillary incisors, also in monkeys (n = 7). On one side, the defects were covered buccally as well as lingually/palatally with expanded PTFE membranes, whereas the defects on the other side served as controls (no membrane). In the mandible, complete bone healing was seen at all test sites after a healing period of 3 months. On the control side, 3 experimental sites showed bone discontinuity with a transosseous core of connective tissue, whereas some bone healing had occurred lingually at 2 sites, but with massive soft tissue ingrowth from the buccal side. In the maxillary periapical defects, all the membrane-covered defects had healed with bone closure after 3 months but with a minute portion of connective tissue, probably derived from the periodontal ligament, around the tooth apices. None of the control defects (no membrane) healed spontaneously, but all were filled with connective tissue to varying degrees.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Healing of bone defects by guided tissue regeneration.

In this study we describe a principle for the accomplishment of bone regeneration based on the hypothesis that different cellular components in the tissue have varying rates of migration into a wound area during healing. By a mechanical hindrance, using a membrane technique, fibroblasts and other soft connective-tissue cells are prevented from entering the bone defect so that the presumably slower-migrating cells with osteogenic potential are allowed to repopulate the defect. Defects of standard size were created bilaterally through the mandibular angles of rats. On one side of the jaw the defect was covered with Teflon membranes, whereas the defect on the other side served as control. Histologic analysis after healing demonstrated that on the test (membrane) side, half the number of animals showed complete bone healing after 3 weeks and all animals showed complete healing after 6 weeks. Little or no sign of healing was evident on the control side even after an observation period of 22 weeks.