Immediate functional loading of TiOblast dental implants in full-arch edentulous mandibles: a 3-year prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of the completely edentulous mandible has evolved to a simplified procedure with shorter treatment time and survival rates of 95-100% depending on the implant system used. PURPOSE: The aim was to evaluate the 3-year clinical success of Astra Tech TiOblast implants, functionally loaded on the day of surgery with a fixed full-arch bridge in the mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five implants of 3.5-4 mm width and 11-17 mm length were installed in 25 edentulous mandibles of 15 female and 10 male patients. Implants were functionally loaded on the day of surgery with a provisional, acrylic, glassfibre reinforced, 10 unit bridge. After 3-4 months, the final 12-unit bridge was constructed. Radiographical bone loss was measured on peri-apical radiographs after 3, 12, 24 and 36 months. RESULTS: All implants were functional during the whole study period yielding a survival rate of 100%. None of the fixtures showed pain or mobility after manual torque with 20 N cm at the 3-month control. Mean radiographical bone loss after 3 months and 1, 2 and 3 years was 0.6 mm (SD 0.7), 0.8 mm (SD 0.8), 1 mm (SD 0.8) and 1.3 (SD 1) respectively, which was statistically significantly increasing up to 1 year. CONCLUSION: Immediate loading of full-arch mandibular bridgework on five TiOblast implants offers a long-lasting clinical result with 100% fixture survival and stable bone-to-implant contact up to 3 years.

[Are antibiotics effective in the treatment of periodontitis?]. / Zijn antimicrobiële middelen effectief tegen parodontitis?

Antibiotics are promoted for the treatment of periodontitis as an adjunct to mechanical debridement. Numerous studies have shown that some topically and systemically administered antibiotics provide an improved short-term clinical effect if used as an adjunct to scaling and rootplaning. However, the few long-term studies (> 5 years) question the clinical relevance.

Fixed mandibular restorations on three early-loaded regular platform Brånemark implants.

BACKGROUND: Originally, the Brånemark System was used as a two-stage surgical procedure. Comparable clinical results have made one-stage and early-loading concepts possible alternatives in the edentulous mandible. From the patient's point of view, the financial aspect of implant treatment is important. In an attempt to decrease financial burden, the reduction of surgical interventions and reduction of the number of implants could be considered. PURPOSE: This prospective multicenter study evaluated (1) the 1- and 3-year success rates of implants loaded within 1 month after one-stage surgery with a fixed 10- to 12-unit bridge on three regular platform Brånemark System implants in the mandible, (2) the outcome of the prosthetic treatment, and (3) the opinion of patients regarding the treatment procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 20 patients, 19 received five implants in the mandible, of which three were functionally loaded with the one-stage technique (group 1). The loaded implants were inserted in a tripodal position, one implant in the symphysis and two located anterior of the mental foramen in the bicuspid area. Two additional implants were inserted for safety reasons but were not intended to be included in the restoration. These two additional implants served as either an unloaded one-stage control implant (group 2) or an unloaded control implant installed with the submerged technique (group 3). Immediately after surgery, the implants were loaded with a relined denture. The patients received a 10- to 12-unit prosthetic reconstruction an average 31 days (range, 4-53 d) after surgery. Implant stability was clinically checked at 3, 12, and 36 months. Radiographs were taken at corresponding follow-up visits to calculate bone-to-implant level and marginal bone resorption. RESULTS: Six of 60 functionally loaded implants (10%) and 3 of 20 prostheses (15%) failed within the first year. The cumulative implant failure rate in group 1, both after 1 and after 3 years, was 9.5%. No implant failure occurred in the control groups 2 and 3. The average marginal bone level measured at 1 and 3 years was 1.6 mm (SD = 0.8 mm) and 2.1 mm (SD = 0.2 mm), respectively, for group 1; 1.5 mm (SD = 1.3 mm) and 2.4 mm (SD = 0.6 mm), respectively, for group 2; 0.8 mm (SD = 1.4 mm) and 0.7 mm (SD = 0.9 mm), respectively, for group 3. CONCLUSIONS: The results of treatment using three regular platform Brånemark System implants supporting a fixed mandibular arch reconstruction were less favorable than the outcome that can be expected with a standard four- to six-implant with one-stage surgery.

Quality of fixed restorative treatment on Brånemark implants. A 3-year follow-up study in private dental practices.

The aim of the present prospective study were to describe the quality of implant supported reconstructions made by dentists previously inexperienced with implant prosthodontics and to evaluate alterations and complications from the moment of insertion to 3 years later. Before starting with the prosthodontic work, the dentists had participated in a 2-day postgraduate course focusing on planning and practical training. Forty-nine patients were clinically examined within 4 months after insertion of the fixed implant supported prosthesis. Three years later 39 of the 49 participants underwent a second examination by the same independent examiner. Thirty-one patients had a complete rehabilitation (25 with resin teeth bonded to a metal framework and 6 ceramo-metal bridges); 8 patients had partial ceramo-metal reconstructions. The parameters assessing the quality of the restoration were design, fit, occlusion/articulation and esthetics. Oral hygiene and health of the peri-implant tissues were also examined. Each parameter was scored as perfect, acceptable, to be corrected or to be redone. These scores were a modification of "The guidelines for the assessment of clinical quality and professional performance of the Californian Dental Association". The initial prosthodontic quality was rated perfect to acceptable except for one restoration which had an unacceptable fit and had to be modified. After 3 years of function the quality did not change except for esthetics which worsened for resin bonded teeth (P < 0.05). The esthetic appearance of ceramo-metal reconstructions were unaltered. The peri-implant condition was predominantly healthy and stable during 3 years. The conclusion of the present study is that dentists previously inexperienced with implant prosthodontics implemented the information from a training course satisfactorily. They were able to make a clinically acceptable restoration with a quality that was stable after 3 years except for discoloration in resin bonded teeth. This, however, had no effect on patient's opinion and satisfaction.

Clinical outcome of Screw Vent implants. A 7-year prospective follow-up study.

The clinical results of 85 Screw Vent implants are described with respect to 7-year success, including radiographically detectable bone loss, survival and prosthetic quality. The 1-year results of the same material have been reported previously (De Bruyn et al. 1992). Implants were considered as successful when they were meeting with the success criteria proposed by the European Academy for Periodontology. From the 85 implants originally installed, 16 failed during the 7-year interval (18.8%), 6 were unaccounted for (7%), 21 (24.7%) did not meet the success criteria yet survived and 42 implants (49.4%) were successful. The success rate was 65.2% for the mandibular and 43.5% for the maxillary implants. Implant failures were irrespective of implant length, smoking habits, prosthetic quality or oral hygiene level. From 24 patients with a corresponding number of 60 implants, radiographs were available for bone loss analysis. The mean bone loss after 7 years was 2.92 mm (range -0.5 to 6.3) 18 out of 60 examined implants (30%) showed unacceptable radiological bone loss beyond the critical value of 2.7 mm. Implant material analysis and histomorphometric analysis of a retrieved implant are discussed. In the present clinical study, the Screw Vent implant system does not meet the success criteria proposed by the European Academy for Periodontology. The ongoing bone loss increases the risk for future implant failures and peri-implant disease.

[Post-cure response in periodontal practice in Belgium]. / Réponse postcure dans une pratique de parodontologie en Belgique.

The recall response of patients with prosthetic rehabilitation on implants (n = 530) and patients treated for periodontal disease (n = 2364) in a periodontal private practice was evaluated. The recall response over 7 years following treatment showed that (1) with time the response to treatment diminished for all patient groups, (2) (post) juvenile periodontitis patients responded poorly to follow-up, (3) patients with rapidly progressing periodontitis were most eager to regularly visit the periodontist, (4) implant patients with complete rehabilitation responded better than those with partial restorations who in turn responded better than those with a single crown on an implant.

[The rational use of mouthwashes]. / De l'utilisation rationnelle des bains de bouche.

This article discusses the currently-accepted indications of a number of mouthrinses and their use in the prevention of carious lesions, gingivitis and periodontitis.

Comparison of Brånemark fixture integration and short-term survival using one-stage or two-stage surgery in completely and partially edentulous mandibles.

The aim of this prospective study was to compare the clinical integration and survival of Brånemark fixtures when using the conventional 2-stage surgical procedure to 1-stage surgical approach in completely and partially edentulous mandibles. A total of 85 patients were consecutively treated for partial (n = 35) or complete (n = 50) mandibular edentulousness. Fixtures removed because of mobility, pain or infection were counted as failures. The first 10 patients of each group were selected for radiographical analysis of crestal bone changes 1 year after prosthesis insertion. In 33 patients with edentulous mandibles, 170 fixtures were placed in a 1-stage approach. In this group, 4 fixtures (2.4%) were lost prior to prosthetic restoration. Seventeen edentulous patients received a total of 70 fixtures in a 2-stage procedure. Out of these, 5 fixtures (7.1%) were lost at abutment connection. In 17 partially edentulous patients, 41 fixtures were inserted in a 1-stage approach. Two fixtures (5%) were lost in this group. Finally, 18 partially edentulous patients received a total of 49 fixtures in a 2-stage procedure. Out of these, 6 fixtures (12%) were lost at abutment connection. In total 313 of the 330 installed mandibular implants were loaded between 6 and 12 months (94.8% success). No further losses occurred in the implants functioning at least 1 year (267 implants) or at least 2 years (59 implants). Statistical analysis (Chi square test) revealed no difference in fixture survival between the treatment modalities. Radiographical analysis after 1 year of functional loading showed the typical bone resorption changes up to the most coronal implant thread in both modalities. Although this study pertains to relatively early loading of 2 years, the results seem to indicate that in the mandible a 1-stage surgical approach with Brånemark fixtures may be as predictable as the conventional 2-stage procedure.

Patient's opinion and treatment outcome of fixed rehabilitation on Brånemark implants. A 3-year follow-up study in private dental practices.

In this study, patient opinion on oral rehabilitation by means of Brånemark implants was investigated. All patients were referred to a periodontal clinic for implant installation and treated by one and the same operator. Prosthetic restorations were performed by dentists, who had no previous experience with prostheses on implants, but had completed a postgraduate training course. Patient opinion was obtained through questionnaires, pertaining to satisfaction and oral function. A comparison was made between pre-implant situation, short-term (< 4 months) and long-term functioning (3 years) with the implant-restorative rehabilitation. In total, 61 patients participated in the study; 23 received a full lower arch bridge and 18 a full upper arch bridge, while 20 patients got partial bridges. Of 298 installed implants, 7 failed at abutment connection (2.3%) and 1 during the 3-year follow-up interval (0.3%). The study results indicated that a great majority of patients were very satisfied with the treatment. Comfort with eating, aesthetics, phonetics and overall satisfaction improved significantly and nearly all patients said that they would undergo the treatment again or recommend it to others. Patients experienced their implants as "natural" teeth. The conclusion is that rehabilitation ad modum Brånemark, even in the hands of non-specialized dentists, can be of high quality, improving oral function and satisfying the needs and demands of patients.

The effect of smoking on early implant failure.

This retrospective study describes the effect of smoking on initial fixture failure before functional loading with fixed prosthetic restorations. Of 208 installed Brånemark fixtures in the mandible, only 1 failed (0.5%), and no detrimental effect of smoking on fixture survival could be detected. In the maxilla, 10/244 fixtures failed (4%); 7/78 fixtures failed in smokers and 3/166 in nonsmokers. The failure rate before loading was 9% in smokers versus 1% in nonsmokers and was statistically significant, despite the fact that bone quality in both groups was comparable. Failed fixtures occurred in 31% of the smokers, despite often excellent bone quality, long fixture length or good initial stability. Only 4% of the nonsmokers had failures, in most cases related to poor bone quality. It is concluded that smoking is a significant although not the only important factor in the failure of implants prior to functional loading. Prospective studies are needed to assess the risk of implant failure in conjunction with smoking. In the mean time, patients should be informed of the adverse effect of smoking.

Short-term effect of topical application of delmopinol on salivary microbiology, plaque, and gingivitis.

The aim of this study was to test a possible dose-response effect of topical application of delmopinol HCl on the salivary microbiology, the healing of a pre-established experimental gingivitis, plaque development, and supragingival plaque composition. Forty-eight healthy subjects were enrolled in an oral hygiene program for 2 wk to upgrade their oral health. After professional tooth cleaning, they abstained from all oral hygiene, but applied 2 ml of a placebo with a soft paintbrush onto their teeth twice daily for 2 wk. At the end of this period, the subjects received tooth cleaning and were then assigned to three treatment groups of 16 individuals each. They applied 2 ml of 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% delmopinol HCl, respectively, twice daily for the next 2 wk and refrained from all other oral hygiene procedures. At the end of the placebo and delmopinol HCl treatment periods, (1) saliva samples were obtained and cultivated on a series of media, (2) the degree of gingivitis was measured with gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and gingivitis index (GI), (3) the stainable buccal plaque extension was analyzed planimetrically, and (4) the bacterial morphotypes of plaque adjacent to the gingival margin were analyzed. No changes in the salivary microbiologic counts were detected. The amounts of GCF and GI were reduced in all delmopinol groups, as compared with placebo. Mean plaque extension was reduced by 16% for the 0.1%, 56% for the 0.5%, and 58% for the 1% delmopinol group. Cocci appeared to predominate in bacterial dental plaque when 0.5% and 1% delmopinol were used.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Scanning electron microscopic observations of early plaque formation in vivo on enamel specimens treated with delmopinol.

The aim of this double blind, cross-over, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) study was to compare the effect of topical application of 0.5% delmopinol HCl (aqueous solution) with placebo on early supragingival plaque formation on enamel specimens attached to a maxillary premolar. 3 subjects underwent 2x (placebo and delmopinol treatment, respectively) 7 treatment periods (1/2, 1, 2, 8, 24 hours; 3, 7 days) of undisturbed dental plaque accumulation, during which 2 ml of placebo and delmopinol HCl 0.5%, respectively, were applied topically to all teeth 2x daily. At the end of each period, the specimen was retrieved and processed for SEM. For the specimens obtained after 24 h or less, the number of visible micro-organisms was estimated. For the 3- and 7-day specimens, the area covered by plaque was calculated planimetrically. Large inter-individual differences were observed in the number of bacteria attaching during the first 24 h, with apparently no major differences between delmopinol and placebo. 1 subject showed a bacterial colonization predominated by curved rods throughout the first 8 h. Compared to placebo, the area of the specimens covered by plaque was reduced after 3 and 7 days of delmopinol use, with coccoid cells as the predominant morphotype. Plaque maturity, characterized by the appearance of corncob formations and high numbers of different morphotypes, was not observed on the delmopinol specimens, in contrast to the placebo specimens. The study shows that topical application of 0.5% delmopinol HCl delays and interferes with dental plaque maturation.

Microbiology of early supragingival plaque development after delmopinol treatment.

The aim of this double blind, cross-over, microbiological study was to compare the effect of topical application of the plaque control agent 0.5% delmopinol HCl with placebo on early supragingival plaque formation. Six subjects underwent 7 periods (0.5, 1, 2, 8 and 24 h and 3 and 7 days) of placebo and delmopinol application, respectively. At the start of each study period the teeth were professionally cleaned and 2 ml of placebo and delmopinol 0.5%, respectively, were applied on all teeth (twice daily for periods lasting 24 h or more). At the end of each period, supragingival plaque samples of one upper and one lower buccal tooth surface were collected separately and cultured on anaerobically incubated Brucella blood agar, on aerobically incubated blood agar and on selective media for the enumeration of Streptococcus spp., Haemophilus spp., Actinomyces spp., Veillonella spp., Neisseria spp. and Fusobacterium spp. The total anaerobic cultivable microflora after delmopinol use was 10-100 times lower than after placebo use. Compared with placebo, the proportion of cultivable aerobes (61.3%), Streptococcus spp. (104.8%) and Haemophilus spp. (82.3%) increased and the proportion of Actinomyces spp. (86.1%), Veillonella spp. (60.5%), Neisseria spp. (96.9%) and Fusobacterium spp. (60.6%) decreased after 7 days. Short-term application of 0.5% delmopinol HCl on supragingival dental plaque regrowth resulted in a reduction of the number of cultivable microorganisms in the plaque and produced a shift in the cultivable plaque composition.

Evaluation of different methods to clean titanium abutments. A scanning electron microscopic study.

The cleaning effectiveness of different treatment methods for titanium abutments was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the mandible of 4 beagle dogs, 25 titanium abutments were installed (modum Brånemark). After 16 weeks of plaque accumulation, mineralized deposits had formed on 23 abutments. Each of these abutments was subjected to one of the following treatment methods: scaling with (1) metal, (2) plastic, or (3) ultrasonic instruments; (4) air-polishing, (5) weekly rubber cup polishing or (6) daily brushing with a conventional toothbrush. Fourteen abutments were removed immediately after treatment. On 9 abutments, the scaling procedures and air-polishing were repeated after another 16 weeks of plaque accumulation. The abutments were prepared for SEM, and each of them was viewed and photographed at 3 different magnifications. The photomicrographs were evaluated by 3 examiners who, guided by reference pictures, gave each abutment a "cleanliness" score, ranking from 0 to 5. Regular rubber cup polishing and regular brushing resulted in the highest surface cleanliness, while the air-polishing procedure showed the lowest cleanliness score. None of the 3 scaling methods created a cleanliness score better than 3. The 3 scaling methods were considered equal in their cleaning effectiveness. No differences could be observed between surfaces treated 1 x or 2 x. Taken the present findings and those of other studies concerning the effects of scaling on the surface roughness and biocompatibility into consideration, it was concluded that plastic scalers may be the instruments of choice for debridement of titanium implant surfaces.

Rinsing with delmopinol 0.2% and chlorhexidine 0.2%: short-term effect on salivary microbiology, plaque, and gingivitis.

The aim of this short-term study was to compare the effect of delmopinol HCl 0.2% and chlorhexidine digluconate 0.2% rinses on the development of dental plaque, the healing of experimental gingivitis, and the salivary microbiology. As part of a larger study protocol, 45 healthy males enrolled in an oral hygiene program to upgrade their oral health. For this portion of the study, participants had their teeth professionally cleaned on day 0. The participants then abstained from standard mechanical oral hygiene procedures, but applied a placebo solution twice daily for 2 weeks. At the end of this period the subjects received a second professional cleaning and were then assigned to 2 treatment groups: Group 1 rinsed with 10 ml of delmopinol HCl 0.2% and Group 2 rinsed with 10 ml of chlorhexidine digluconate 0.2% for 1 minute twice daily for the next 2 weeks and continued to refrain from mechanical oral hygiene procedures. At the end of the placebo and active treatment periods 1) saliva samples were taken and cultivated on a series of media; 2) the degree of gingivitis was assessed with gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and gingivitis index (GI); and 3) the plaque index was assessed and the stainable buccal plaque extension was analyzed planimetrically. No changes in the salivary microbiological counts were detected for the subjects rinsing with delmopinol. Subjects rinsing with chlorhexidine showed significant reductions of anaerobes, aerobes, and S. mutans in saliva. The amounts of GCF and GI were reduced largely to the same extent in both treatment groups. Mean plaque extension was reduced by 52% after delmopinol and 88% after chlorhexidine rinsing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effect of delmopinol rinsing on dental plaque formation and gingivitis healing.

The aim of this study was to investigate a possible dose-response effect of delmopinol hydrochloride, on the development of plaque and on the healing of gingivitis. 64 healthy male volunteers, aged 18-40 years with healthy gingivae and clean teeth, participated. During a 2-week period, the participants refrained from all oral hygiene and rinsed 2x daily with a placebo solution. On day 14 of the study, they received professional toothcleaning, and were randomly assigned to 4 groups. For the following 2 weeks, they rinsed 2x daily for 1 min with 10 ml of 0.05% (15 subjects), 0.1% (17) or 0.2% (16) delmopinol, respectively. 16 subjects rinsed with 0.2% chlorhexidine. No oral hygiene procedures were performed during the test period. On days 0, 14 and 28, gingival bleeding index and the presence of stainable plaque were determined. Periodic identical photographs were used for planimetric determination of buccal plaque extension. No significant difference for the reduction in gingival bleeding index was found between 0.2% delmopinol and chlorhexidine rinsing. The mean plaque index showed its most significant reduction on lingual surfaces of both upper and lower jaws when rinsing with 0.2% delmopinol. Mean plaque extension was reduced by 23% for 0.05%, 39% for 0.1% and 55% for 0.2% delmopinol. A significant dose-response effect for 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% delmopinol was found for gingival bleeding index, plaque index and plaque extension. The results show that delmopinol favors the healing of gingivitis and reduces plaque formation.

A comparative study of the clinical efficacy of Screw Vent implants versus Brånemark fixtures, installed in a periodontal clinic.

The clinical success of 85 Screw Vent and 107 Brånemark implants, consecutively installed in a private periodontal clinic under the same conditions and by the same operator, is compared. Mobile implants were removed and considered as failures. Intra-oral radiographs were assessed for the presence of peri-implant radiolucencies and for analysis of bone loss after functional loading. 85 Screw Vent implants were installed in 31 patients. Of 23 implants installed in 9 mandibles, none failed after 16.8 (range 12-25) months of function. Of 62 Screw Vent implants installed in 23 maxillae, 6 failed at abutment connection, 1 failed after 2 months and 2 after 13 months of function. The absolute failure rate after 13.2 (range 6-24) months was 9/62. Mean loss of bone was 1.47 mm (-1.0- +4) after 12 months of functional loading. 107 Brånemark fixtures were installed in 25 patients. Of 51 fixtures inserted in 12 mandibles, none failed; of 56 fixtures installed in 13 maxillae 1 failed before and 2 failed during abutment connection. The absolute failure is 3/56. All remaining fixtures were immobile after loading. 13 fixtures were more than 6 months in function. Only short-term comparison between both systems is possible because the observation time is longer for the Screw Vent implants. In the 1st year, only 1 implant system was available to the periodontist. Short-term comparison reveals 11.3% versus 5.3% of cumulative failure after 6 months for the Screw Vent and Brånemark implants, respectively. The results indicate that clinical efficacy is as effectively obtained with Screw Vent as with Brånemark implants in the mandible. The outcome of treatment with Screw Vent implants in the maxilla seems less predictable.

Effect of the pre-brushing rinse, Plax, on dental plaque formation.

The aim of this double-blind cross-over study was to investigate plaque accumulation after the use of the pre-brushing rinse Plax, compared to placebo. 10 volunteers underwent 2 treatment periods of 1 week, separated by a wash-out period of 1 week. At the start of each study period, professional tooth-cleaning was performed. On days 2, 4, and 7 of each treatment period, periodic identical photographs after plaque disclosure were taken for planimetric analyses of plaque extension on canines, premolars. During each treatment period, the subjects were supervised when rinsing twice daily for 30 seconds with 15 ml of placebo or Plax, followed by brushing. The subjects performed a standardized poor brushing technique without toothpaste. No significant differences were noted between placebo and Plax for plaque extension on days, 2, 4 and 7. The results show that buccal plaque growth is equal after 2x daily rinsing with Plax and placebo in subjects performing a poor oral hygiene.

Effect of the pre-brushing rinse, Plax, on dental plaque formation / Efeito do rinse pré-escovação, Plax, na formação de placa dentária

The aim of this double-blind cross-over study was to investigate plaque accumulation after the use of the pre-brushing rinse Plax, compared to placebo. 10 volunteers underwent 2 treatment periods of 1 week, separated by a wash-out period of 1 week. At the stars of each study period, professional tooth-cleaning was perfomed. On days 2, 4, and 7 of each treatment period, periodic identical photographs after plaque disclosure were taken for planimetric analyses of plaque extension on canines, premolars. During each treatment period, the subjects were supervised when rinsing twice daily for 30 seconds with 15 ml of placebo or Plax, followed by brushing. The subjects performed a standardized poor brushing technique without toothpaste. No significant differences were noted between placebo and Plax for plaque extension on days, 2, 4 and 7. The results show that buccal plaque growth is equal after 2x daily rinsing with Plax and placebo in subjects performing a poor oral hygiene