Orthodontic aspects of the use of oral implants in adolescents: a 10-year follow-up study.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term effect of implants installed in different dental areas in adolescents. The sample consisted of 18 subjects with missing teeth (congenital absence or trauma). The patients were of different chronological ages (between 13 and 17 years) and of different skeletal maturation. In all subjects, the existing permanent teeth were fully erupted. In 15 patients, 29 single implants (using the Brånemark technique) were installed to replace premolars, canines, and upper incisors. In three patients with extensive aplasia, 18 implants were placed in various regions. The patients were followed during a 10-year period, the first four years annually and then every second year. Photographs, study casts, peri-apical radiographs, lateral cephalograms, and body height measurements were recorded at each control. The results show that dental implants are a good treatment option for replacing missing teeth in adolescents, provided that the subject's dental and skeletal development is complete. However, different problems are related to the premolar and the incisor regions, which have to be considered in the total treatment planning. Disadvantages may be related to the upper incisor region, especially for lateral incisors, due to slight continuous eruption of adjacent teeth and craniofacial changes post-adolescence. Periodontal problems may arise, with marginal bone loss around the adjacent teeth and bone loss buccally to the implants. The shorter the distance between the implant and the adjacent teeth, the larger the reduction of marginal bone level. Before placement of the implant sufficient space must be gained in the implant area, and the adjacent teeth uprighted and paralleled, even in the apical area, using non-intrusive movements. In the premolar area, excess space is needed, not only in the mesio-distal, but above all in the bucco-lingual direction. Thus, an infraoccluded lower deciduous molar should be extracted shortly before placement of the implant to avoid reduction of the bucco-lingual bone volume. Oral rehabilitation with implant-supported prosthetic constructions seems to be a good alternative in adolescents with extensive aplasia, provided that craniofacial growth has ceased or is almost complete.

Influence of bicortical or monocortical anchorage on maxillary implant stability: a 15-year retrospective study of Brånemark System implants.

The present study evaluated implant survival and marginal bone loss in maxillae over a 15-year follow-up period as a function of either monocortical or bicortical implant anchorage. Of 207 standard Brånemark implants (10 mm in length) followed, 110 implants were judged to be monocortically anchored and 97 as bicortically anchored. The bicortically anchored implants failed nearly 4 times more often than the monocortical ones. Implant fractures accounted for over 80% of the observed failures and were found to affect the bicortical group almost 3 times more often. As tentative explanations, induction of increased stress and bending forces resulting from possible prosthetic misfit, presence of unfavorable arch relationships, or high occlusal tables in combination with bicortically anchored implants have been suggested, all indicating an overambitious fixation of the bicortical anchorage. Total marginal bone loss was low over the 15-year period and close to identical for the 2 groups, suggesting that the mode of cortical anchorage did not have any clinically significant influence on marginal bone remodeling.

Soft tissue response to clinically contaminated and thereafter cleaned titanium surfaces. An experimental study in the rat.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the soft tissue response to intra-orally exposed and contaminated titanium surfaces (machined, blasted or polished) after being chemically and/or mechanically cleaned. Eight adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used for histomorphometrical and histological analyses. A total of 44 experimental abutments (26 tests and 18 controls) were inserted into abdominal skinpockets of the rats for 6 weeks. No differences regarding the soft tissue response between the different surface characteristics analysed and between test and control could be observed.

Bone response to implant-supported frameworks with differing degrees of misfit preload: in vivo study in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To study the bone response around implants placed in tibia of rabbits that supported misfitting superstructures secured with different degrees of preload. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve rabbits were provided with two terminal 10-mm and one intermediate 7-mm-long implant in each tibia. After an integration time of about 9 weeks, nine of the animals received one control framework each (n = 9), designed with good fit to all three implants. In the other tibia of these animals, and in both tibias in the remaining three rabbits, test frameworks (n = 15) were connected with a vertical misfit of about 1 mm to the intermediate implant. The intermediate set screws were tightened with a torque ranging from 15 Ncm to 26 Ncm in the different test frameworks. The fascia and skin was then sutured back over the implants. After a loading period of 2 to 3 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and histomorphometric measurements were made and correlated to the different levels of preload of the central implant. RESULTS: The mean bone-to-metal contact for the three best consecutive threads of the central implant was 40% for both test and control sites (p > .05). Compared to the other regions of the implant thread, less bone-to-metal contact was found at the tip of the test implant threads in the low preload group (p < .05). However, the same relation was not observed in the high preload group. A significant correlation was observed between increasing degree of preload in the central screw joint and increasing bone-to-metal contact, most obviously noticed at the tip of the implant thread (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Misfit stress levels of clinical magnitudes do not seem to jeopardize osseointegration per se. On the contrary, clinical levels of preload stress seem to significantly promote bone remodeling at the tip of the implant thread.

Brånemark System Wide Platform implants for single molar replacement: clinical evaluation of prospective and retrospective materials.

BACKGROUND: The use of oral implants for single tooth replacement has become a predictable treatment modality. As single tooth loss is most common in posterior areas of the jaws, the use of the protocol is of specific interest in those regions. New implant designs aimed at this purpose have also been introduced. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to present the outcomes for wide diameter implant treatment when being used in posterior areas of the jaws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This paper presents the 3-year results of a prospective multicenter study (three clinics; n = 38 implants) and the 1-year results from a retrospective multicenter study (two clinics; n = 20 implants) on wide diameter implants for single molar replacement. Based on the hypothesis that dense bone in posterior mandibles would benefit from careful surgery and longer remodeling time, the influences of surgical technique and healing time on implant success and bone resorption were particularly addressed. RESULTS: The outcome demonstrated a good predictability for Brånemark System Wide Platform implants, at least short term, when used as single molar support (prospective group cumulative success rate [CSR] = 92% after 3 years; retrospective group CSR = 95% after 1 year). The increased mechanical strength of the wide platform implant/abutment complex also turned out to be important for mechanical stability. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicated that it was important to carefully perform surgery in posterior mandibles in order to preserve and optimally use the existing dense bone. It was suggested that from bone healing and remodeling aspects, posterior mandibles may be more demanding to handle than corresponding areas of maxillae.

Histopathologic observations on late oral implant failures.

BACKGROUND: Despite good success rates of osseointegrated oral implants, failures do occur. To minimize losses, failure mechanisms should be elucidated. PURPOSE: This study sought to describe the morphology of tissues surrounding late failed Brånemark implants in relation to their clinical and radiographic findings to acquire a better understanding of the etiologic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten failed implants and their surrounding tissues were consecutively retrieved from nine patients after prosthesis placement (late losses). On radiographs, a radiolucent line was visible around nine clinically mobile implants. Tightening of the abutment screw evoked pain at seven mobile implants. Clinically, no other visual inflammatory sign or symptom was manifest. A fistula originated from one stable implant, surrounded on radiographs by a diffuse bone rarefaction. Retrieved implants were electrochemically dissolved. Intact tissue-implant thin (1 micron) and ultrathin (70-80 nm) sections were analyzed with light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Peri-implant marginal tissues displayed moderate inflammatory infiltrates located adjacent to and beneath the junctional epithelium. One patient affected by oral lichen planus displayed an intense lymphocyte/plasma cell-dominated immune reaction. Deep peri-implant tissues surrounding mobile implants consisted of a dense, fibrous tissue capsule with minimal inflammation. Epithelial downgrowth was observed around four implants. Small areas of nonmineralized bone in contact with the implant were noticed in the apical portion of two implants. One implant was almost entirely colonized by bacterial plaque with the exception of its apical portion, where bone-implant contact was observed. The stable implant was characterized by bone-implant contact. CONCLUSION: Altogether clinical, radiographic, and histologic findings indicated that two major etiologic factors might have been implicated in the failure process of the investigated implants: excessive occlusal load in relation to the bone-supporting capacity and, in two cases, infection.

Long-term follow-up of severely atrophic edentulous mandibles reconstructed with short Brånemark implants.

BACKGROUND: Oral implant treatment (Brånemark System) of edentulous mandibles has been presented in numerous studies. However, with regard to the severely atrophic lower jaw, no long-term follow-up studies with solely short implants are available. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present investigation was to retrospectively follow the long-term treatment outcome of patients with severely resorbed edentulous mandibles being subjected to oral implant placement with short (6-7 mm) Brånemark implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 247 standard (7 mm long, Ø 3.75 mm) and 13 wide (6 mm long, Ø 5 mm) implants were inserted in 49 patients, all of whom exhibited severe resorption of edentate mandibles. Fixed implant-supported prostheses were manufactured for 45 patients, whereas 4 patients received overdentures. The patients were followed for a mean period of 8 years (range, 1-14 yr). RESULTS: Seventeen implants failed during the study period (cumulative implant survival rate 95.5% at 5-yr and 92.3% at 10-yr follow-up). Implant-supported constructions were worn continuously throughout the investigation by all study subjects. Marginal bone loss, measured after 1, 5, and 10 years of function, concurred with studies of Brånemark implants placed in more voluminous mandibles. No major clinical or construction complications occurred in the followed patients. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of the present study showed that placement of short Brånemark implants without the use of bone grafting procedures for reconstruction of severely atrophic edentulous mandibles is a highly predictable treatment procedure.

Histopathologic observations on early oral implant failures.

The purpose of this study was to morphologically describe the tissues surrounding 20 early failed (prior to prosthesis placement) Brånemark System oral implants. The implants and their surrounding tissues were consecutively retrieved and analyzed with light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Failures were chronologically divided into those occurring prior to, at, and after abutment connection. The clinical conditions varied from osteomyelitis to totally asymptomatic but mobile implants. Different histopathologic pictures were observed, ranging from a stratified, almost acellular, connective tissue layer, via a capsule with a great number of inflammatory cells, to a heterogeneous interface with areas of highly vascularized connective tissue and portions of poorly mineralized bone detached from the implant surface. The histopathologic variation may reflect different etiologies and/or time stages of the failure process. Epithelial downgrowth was occasionally observed for asymptomatic submerged implants. Epithelial cells were attached to the failed implant surface via hemidesmosomes. The histologic, clinical, and radiographic findings together indicated that 3 major etiologies might have been implicated in the failure processes: impaired healing ability of the host bone site, disruption of a weak bone-to-implant interface after abutment connection, and infection in situations with complicated surgery.

Survival of the Brånemark implant in partially edentulous jaws: a 10-year prospective multicenter study.

A total of 127 partially edentulous patients, treated according to the Brånemark protocol, was followed for 10 years after completion of prosthetic treatment. The patients ranged in age from 18 to 70 years, and 57% were female. Four hundred sixty-one implants were placed in 56 maxillae and 71 mandibles. In 125 patients, 163 fixed partial prostheses were attached to the implants; a majority of the prostheses (83%) were located in posterior regions. At the end of the 10-year period, 73% of the implants could be traced either as failed or in function, providing cumulative implant survival rates of 90.2% and 93.7% for the maxilla and mandible, respectively. Of the original fixed prostheses, 63% (cumulatively 86.5%) were still in use, whereas the level of continuous cumulative prosthesis function, including primary and remade restorations, was 94.3% at the end of the evaluation period. Marginal bone resorption at the implants was low (mean = 0.7 mm), and mucosal health was good. No severe complications apart from the above-mentioned implant and prosthetic failures were reported. The Brånemark Implant System is a safe and predictable method for restoring partially edentulous patients, as demonstrated by this 10-year follow-up investigation.

Differential diagnosis and treatment strategies for biologic complications and failing oral implants: a review of the literature.

The aim of this article was to review the literature on differential diagnosis and treatment of biologic complications and failing implants. All types of publications, with the exception of abstracts, published in English up to December 1998, were included. A multi-layered search strategy was used. Controlled clinical trials (CCTs) were searched in the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Specialized Register of Trials. This database contains all CCTs identified in MEDLINE and EMBASE. PubMed was searched using various key words and the "related articles" feature. All identified publications were obtained and none were excluded. Infection, impaired healing, and overload are considered the major etiologic factors for the loss of oral implants. Only a few clinical and animal investigations were found that tested the validity of the proposed therapeutic approaches. The treatment of failing implants is still based mainly on empirical considerations, often derived from periodontal research, from data extrapolated from in vitro findings, or from anecdotal case reports performed on a trial-and-error basis.

Stability measurements of one-stage Brånemark implants during healing in mandibles. A clinical resonance frequency analysis study.

Using a one-stage surgical protocol, 75 implants ad modum Brånemark of three different designs were inserted in 15 edentulous mandibles of high bone density. All implants were followed with repeated stability measurements by means of resonance frequency analysis (RFA) from implant placement to connection of the fixed prostheses (3-4 months), in order to evaluate possible stability changes during healing. It was shown that the resonance frequency (RF) values slightly decreased for the majority of the implants during the study period independent of design. Consequently, the results of the present study indicated that the implants were as stable at time of placement as when measured at 3-4 months post-surgery, i.e. when the prostheses were attached. The available data support the concept of direct loading of implants when inserted between the mental interforaminal regions. One implant failed during healing and the corresponding RF measurement disclosed, at six weeks post-surgery, a value being far below the one registered at implant placement. The lowered RF value indicated the failure several weeks before the mobility was clinically diagnosed. The presence or absence of a fixture/abutment junction did not exert any influence on the marginal bone level, as determined radiographically at the end of the short investigation period.

A comparison between cutting torque and resonance frequency measurements of maxillary implants. A 20-month clinical study.

Oral implant treatment ad modum Brånemark was undertaken in nine patients with edentulous maxillae. Cutting torque measurements and resonance frequency analyses (RFA) were conducted at implant placement and the corresponding values were subjected to correlation analyses. The implants were also evaluated with RFA at abutment connection and at one-year follow-up in order to identify possible changes in implant stability. A total of 61 implants were inserted, of which 49 were of the Mk II self-tapping type. Two implants were lost during the study period. The cumulative torque was presented as a mean value for the upper/crestal, the middle and the lower/apical third of the implant site respectively, as well as an overall value for the whole site. The highest correlation (r = 0.84, P<0.05) was found when comparing the mean torque values of the upper/crestal portion with the resonance frequency values at implant placement. The Mk II implant sites were divided into three groups based on the values of the cutting torque, i.e. soft (group 1), medium (group 2) and dense bone (group 3). The mean value of each group was plotted against the corresponding mean value of resonance frequency measured at implant insertion. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in resonance frequency at implant insertion between groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.047) and between groups 1 and 3 (P = 0.002). When repeating the resonance frequency analyses at second stage surgery and at one-year follow-up, no significant differences were detected between any of the groups. It was shown that the stability of implants placed in softer bone seemed to "catch up" over time with more dense bone sites.

Oral implants in combination with bone grafts. A 3-year retrospective multicenter study using the Brånemark implant system.

A retrospective, multicenter, Scandinavian study of bone grafting of alveolar processes of severely atrophic jaws in combination with implant insertion was conducted with 150 patients. Five different grafting techniques were assessed: local or full onlay; inlay; combination of onlay/inlay grafts; and LeFort I osteotomies. The majority of the patients were treated using a one-stage approach (n = 125) and all had autogenous bone grafts. A total of 781 Brånemark implants were inserted, of which 624 were placed in bone grafts and alveolar bone. Twenty-five patients (17%) dropped out during the follow-up period of three years. Within the remaining patients, 77% of the inserted implants (n = 516) were still in function at the end of the follow-up period. A further ten implants were kept mucosa-covered, resulting in an overall implant survival rate of around 80%. Onlays, inlays and LeFort I osteotomies showed almost the same success rates (76-84%), whereas the onlay/inlay technique gave rise to less favourable results (60%). Most of the observed losses (n = 131) took place during healing and the first year of loading. More implants were lost when they were inserted simultaneously with the grafting (23%) than when they were placed in a second stage (10%). The latter technique was used mainly in combination with local onlay grafting (16/25). The failure percentage for implants inserted in non-grafted bone (11%) was lower than for those inserted in bone grafts and alveolar bone (25%). The surviving implants of treated and followed patients served, in 88% of the cases (n = 110), to support fixed bridges or overdentures, albeit, in some instances (n = 23), after additional implant placement. In only 15 patients was it necessary to fall back on conventional removable prostheses or fixed partial bridges.

Impact of implant interdependency when evaluating success rates: a statistical analysis of multicenter results.

PURPOSE: When evaluating the outcome of oral implant treatment, a statistically important aspect to consider is whether any dependency exists among implants placed within the same patient/jaw. If one implant fails, will the risk of subsequent failures increase, i.e., will any of the remaining implants also fail? In an attempt to study this question, the aims of the present study were to statistically determine if the suggested hypothesis was valid, i.e., whether dependency exists among implants in the same patient/jaw, and to determine how failure lifetable analysis should be calculated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, multicenter trial material consisting of 1.738 oral implants in 487 patients from 4 separate studies was used. First, any dependency among implants within the same patient/jaw was determined; thereafter, cumulative success rates were calculated for one implant per patient (chosen randomly), and the range of variations in the randomized success rates was also calculated. This was then compared with the cumulative success rates based on the entire material. RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed that a dependency among the implants existed prior to their functional loading, i.e., the risk for an implant failure among the remaining implants in the same patient/jaw increased after the first failure had occurred. CONCLUSION: Both study design and statistical analysis are of importance when comparing success rates from various investigations, since dependency among implants in the same patient/jaw does exist and may influence the success rates. Consequently, it is suggested that only one randomly selected implant from each patient should be considered when calculating implant success rates.

Influence of variations in implant diameters: a 3- to 5-year retrospective clinical report.

Sixty-seven patients ranging in age from 16 to 86 years were included in this 3- to 5-year retrospective report focusing on implant survival and marginal bone remodeling in relation to implant diameter. A total of 299 Brånemark implants (3.75-mm diameter: 141; 4.0-mm diameter: 61; 5.0-mm diameter: 97) were placed in 16 completely and 51 partially edentulous arches. Seven of the 141 implants in the 3.75-mm-diameter group failed (5%). The corresponding value for the 4.0-mm-wide implants was 2 of 61 (3%). The highest failure rate, 18% (17/97), was seen for the 5.0-mm-diameter implants. The least favorable cumulative survival rates were seen in mandibles after 5 years and involving 4.0-mm- and 5.0-mm-diameter implants (84.8% and 73.0%, respectively). The marginal bone loss was generally low over the 5-year period. When the data were evaluated by the Cox regression analysis, a relationship was found between implant failure and implant diameter (P < .05), with a higher failure rate for the 5.0-mm-diameter implant. However, no relationship could be seen between implant failure and jaw type, or bone quality and quantity (P > .05). Neither was any relationship seen between marginal bone loss and bone quality and quantity, implant diameter, or jaw type when tested by multiple linear regression analysis (P > .05). A learning curve, poor bone quality, and changed implant design were suggested as possible reasons for the less positive outcome seen for the 5.0-mm-diameter implant. The fact that this implant was often used as a rescue implant when the standard ones were not considered suitable or did not reach initial stability was another plausible explanation.

On cutting torque measurements during implant placement: a 3-year clinical prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of jaw bone quality at implant placement is mainly based on preoperative radiographic assessments and subjective hand registrations during implant site preparation. An objective technique with cutting torque measurements has been introduced, presenting an objective bone quality or bone hardness value of individual implant sites. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate cutting torque measurements during implant placement and to compare these values in different regions in mandibles and maxillae. The objective was to identify implants at risk for failing at implant placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cutting torque measurements were performed during placement of Mk II self-tapping implants (Brånemark System) in 105 patients, comprising 72 edentulous (40 maxillae) and 34 partially edentulous (22 maxillae) jaws. A total of 523 implants were inserted, of which 420 were of the Mk II design and of which 412 were subjected to cutting torque measurements. Statistical analyses were performed by comparing cutting torque values of maxillae and mandibles and of different jaw regions. Cutting torque values were also correlated with radiographically and clinically assessed bone quality scores. Patients were followed clinically for a minimum of 3 years. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in cutting torque values of maxillae and mandibles was seen, although not when comparing anterior and posterior regions within the same jaws or of different jaws. Significant correlations were found between values of cutting torque and bone quality. The majority of failures were seen in bone of medium to high density, whereas implants inserted in bone of poor density presented a better outcome, perhaps due to an adapted surgical protocol and an extended healing period. The overall implant survival rate at 3 years was 95%, and when analyzing different jaw categories, survival rates of 92.0% and 99.4% were seen for edentulous maxillae and mandibles, respectively. The corresponding figures for partially edentulous jaws were 95.4% and 97.6%. CONCLUSION: It was not possible to identify sites at risk for future implant losses or to determine a lower limit value of cutting torque in order to achieve successful implant integration.

Brånemark Novum: a new treatment concept for rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible. Preliminary results from a prospective clinical follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Brånemark fixtures were originally prescribed to be placed in two surgical stages. During the past years, reports on the placement of machined titanium implants in a one-stage procedure have been published, and the results have been encouraging. Recently there has been considerable interest in early or immediate loading. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to report the preliminary clinical results of a new method for implant treatment of the edentulous mandible. The new protocol involves prefabricated components and surgical guides, elimination of the prosthetic impression procedure and attachment of the permanent fixed bridge on the day of implant placement. METHODS: Fifty patients (26 males, 24 females) received 150 Brånemark Novum implants and were followed from 6 months to 3 years after implant placement. Bone width and height were determined preoperatively with the use of radiographs. The jaw was reduced in height to accommodate three special 5-mm wide implants. Precise implant positioning was accomplished with special drilling templates. Drill guides were placed over the drilling templates during site preparation using a series of specially designed drills. After the mucosa had been sutured back into position, a prefabricated titanium lower bar was connected with titanium screws to the transmucosal fixture. Another titanium bar was then attached by the prosthodontist, and a bite registration was performed. The bridge was attached to the upper bar. The permanent reconstruction was provided to the patient later the same day. RESULTS: Three implants were lost to follow-up and three failed, resulting in an overall survival rate of 98%. One prosthesis failed, leaving a prosthetic survival rate of 98%. The average treatment time was approximately 7 hours. At the baseline examination, the marginal bone level was 0.72 mm below the reference point. The average marginal bone loss was 0.2 mm per year and 0.26 mm between the 3-month and 1-year control visits. The accumulated mean bone loss, including baseline, was -1.25 mm. A patient questionnaire demonstrated that 94% of the patients did not experience any discomfort during treatment and all patients would recommend the procedure to others. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the precise surgical and prosthetic protocol allows successful prosthetic rehabilitation of mandibular edentulism and that the permanent reconstruction can be provided to the patient on the day of fixture surgery.

Five-year evaluation of implants placed at extraction and with dehiscences and fenestration defects augmented with ePTFE membranes: results from a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Barrier membranes have been used to promote bone ingrowth on implants with dehiscences and fenestrations. Membranes also have been used to protect defects adjacent to implants placed at the time of extraction. The concept of guided bone regeneration relates to preferentially allowing cells from bone to migrate into various defects while excluding fibrous tissue and epithelium. The purpose of these procedures is to enhance bone-to-implant contact at the treated sites and to prevent mucosal complications. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to report clinical outcomes for implants placed at the time of extraction and augmented with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and followed for 5 years. The outcomes for implants with dehiscences and fenestrations augmented with ePTFE barriers and followed up to 5 years also are reported. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Four treatment centers participated in this study (Tucson, Gothenburg, Spokane, and Leuven). In the extraction group, teeth were removed for varying reasons, and Brånemark implants were placed and stabilized within the host bone. Defects present at the coronal implant aspect were covered with ePTFE barrier membranes. Flaps were rotated to cover the membrane-treated sites. If exposure of the material occurred prior to second-stage surgery, the membranes were removed. Barriers remaining unexposed were removed at second-stage surgery. The implants were followed up to 5 years. In the fenestration and dehiscence group, implants with exposed threads were augmented with ePTFE barrier membranes. The barriers were removed at appropriate intervals, and the patients were followed up to 5 years. Radiographic measurements were made from nonstandardized periapical radiographs at abutment connection and 1, 3, and 5-year follow-up visits. RESULTS: Forty patients participated in the extraction group. They received a total of 49 implants. Three implants failed prior to loading. The 5-year cumulative survival rates for implants placed at the time of extraction were 93.9% and 93.8%, respectively, for maxillary and mandibular implants. The average maxillary mesial and distal marginal bone loss (1-5 yr) was 0.3 mm (standard deviation [SD] = 1.5) and 0.3 mm (SD = 1.0). In mandibles, the average mesial and distal bone loss (1-5 yr) was -0.2 mm (SD = 0.5) and -0.05 mm (SD = 0.6), respectively. The dehiscence and fenestration group included 44 patients. Twenty-six were followed for up to 5 years. Eight patients experienced total implant failure. For dehiscences and fenestrations, the cumulative survival rates were 76.8% and 83.8% for maxillary and mandibular implants, respectively. The average maxillary mesial and distal bone loss (1-5 yr) was 0.4 mm (SD = 0.8) and 0.2 mm (SD = 0.9), respectively. In mandibles, the average mesial and distal marginal bone loss was 0.3 mm (SD = 0.9) and 0.3 mm (SD = 0.8), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Implants placed at the time of extraction and augmented with ePTFE barrier membranes have favorable long-term predictability. On the other hand, long-term evaluation of implant dehiscences and fenestrations augmented with barrier membranes indicates that they have less favorable 5-year survival rates. Membrane augmentation of these may be questioned.

Measurements of bone and frame-work deformations induced by misfit of implant superstructures. A pilot study in rabbits.

This in vivo study used a 3-D photogrammetric technique to measure distortion of 3 unit implant frame-works and bone surrounding osseointegrated implants after securing misfitting superstructures to the implants. Four adult loop-eared rabbits were provided with 3 implants each in the proximal part of 1 tibia each. After a healing period of 8 weeks, a titanium frame-work was connected with a misfit to the central implant. Three-dimensional photographs were taken before and after securing the central screw, which induced a calculated mean preload of 246 N. Measurements and comparisons of the topography of the frame-works and surrounding bone before and after tightening the central screw indicated a complex and inconsistent deformation pattern. Generally, it could be observed that the top edge of the central cylinder showed vertical movement towards the bone of about 150 microns, always in combination with a rotation of the entire super-structure. The head of the central implant seemed to show a corresponding displacement towards the frame-work of about 50 to 200 microns. Bone deformation was found to be basically localized between the implants, where compressions of about half a millimetre were observed. This concentration of bone deformation as a result of misfit may be one contributing factor to initial marginal bone loss, occasionally observed after insertion of implant supported prostheses.

Biological factors contributing to failures of osseointegrated oral implants. (II). Etiopathogenesis.

The aim of the present review is to evaluate the English language literature regarding factors associated with the loss of oral implants. An evidence-based format in conjunction, when possible, with a meta-analytic approach is used. The review identifies the following factors to be associated with biological failures of oral implants: medical status of the patient, smoking, bone quality, bone grafting, irradiation therapy, parafunctions, operator experience, degree of surgical trauma, bacterial contamination, lack of preoperative antibiotics, immediate loading, nonsubmerged procedure, number of implants supporting a prosthesis, implant surface characteristics and design. Excessive surgical trauma together with an impaired healing ability, premature loading and infection are likely to be the most common causes of early implant losses. Whereas progressive chronic marginal infection (peri-implantitis) and overload in conjunction with the host characteristics are the major etiological agents causing late failures. Furthermore, it appears that implant surface properties (roughness and type of coating) may influence the failure pattern. Various surface properties may therefore be indicated for different anatomical and host conditions. Finally, the histopathology of implant losses is described and discussed in relation to the clinical findings.