Compliant Keeper system replication of the periodontal ligament protective damping function for implants: part II.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: There are numerous articles regarding implant overloading, interfacial integrity and component failure. A significant amount of literature review supports the concept of the progressive loading and damping, and it should be addressed. PURPOSE: This study was designed to correlate durometer measurements of the elastomeric test materials and actual Periotest values (PTV) of the test materials as preloaded sleeve rings in Compliant Keeper abutments to support the Compliant Keeper as a viable implant damping system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 4-unit fixed-removable implant-supported partial denture was the test model. Sleeve ring combinations replaced "O" rings and 220 Periotest measurements were graphically recorded, then analyzed by least square of means, 2-way analysis of variance, and a Tukey test. RESULTS: There was a correlation between durometer measurements and PTVs of sleeve rings. Finite movement was measured accurately with the Periotest (P =. 0001) so that Compliant Keeper systems can be programmed to match the movement of another implant abutment, because they might be able to match the PTV of a natural abutment. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences exist between the "O" rings and sleeve rings. The sleeve ring, as a controllable damping element, enables the Compliant Keeper system to provide progressive loading and damping for implant-supported prostheses.

Simple solutions to difficult problems.

Difficult prosthetic problems can frequently be solved by applying simple solutions. Basic prosthetic techniques augmented with the dentist's ingenuity can help overcome many problems presented by patients facing difficult dental and personal financial situations. All cases presented have been in function for more than two years. All are functioning to the patients' satisfaction and none have presented significant maintenance problems. Compromises in health, function, comfort and esthetics can be minimized if the dentist is aware of all the available options.

Compliant Keeper system replication of the periodontal ligament protective damping function for implants: Part I.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Numerous reports and studies have been published relative to implant overloading, interfacial integrity, and component failure. A significant amount of literature review supports the concept of progressive loading and damping and that it should be addressed. PURPOSE: This article reviews the literature on load reduction and uses the Periotest instrument to evaluate the viscoelastic materials of the Compliant Keeper implant damping system in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The test model was a vice-mounted resin mandible replica with a 4-unit fixed-removable implant-supported Compliant Keeper partial denture. Pontics were both cantilevered and bounded. Three 13-gauge measurement extensions were located facially on the gingival, middle, and occlusal thirds of each abutment and pontic for 312 Periotest measurements of O-ring combinations with a titanium O-ring as the null control. Measurements were averaged and recorded. RESULTS: Because the Periotest can measure finite movement below Miller Class I, Periotest values were obtained for O-rings so that they could be used to program a Compliant Keeper system to match the Periotest values of another implant body. CONCLUSIONS: Significant loading differences were found with the O-rings. The O-rings controlled the damping element so they enabled the Compliant Keeper system to provide damping and progressive loading for implant-supported prostheses.

Aesthetic restorations with Branemark system: single-tooth replacements.

A specially designed Branemark prosthetic component incorporates the features of an abutment cylinder and gold coping to permit fabrication of an aesthetically pleasing single-tooth restoration for osseointegrated jaw-bone fixtures.