Periimplant tissue response following immediate provisional restoration of scalloped implants in the esthetic zone: A one-year pilot prospective multicenter study

Effect of postoperative 660-nm low-level laser therapy on the radiographic crestal bone loss of fresh-socket dental implants

Background

Although the benefits of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in soft tissue healing have been demonstrated, the effects of laser on bone have remained controversial. This study investigated the impact of postoperative 660-nm LLLT on the radiographic crestal bone loss of fresh-socket dental implants.

Methods

Thirty patients referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for tooth extraction and placement of fresh-socket implants were selected and assigned to two groups: laser (intervention) and no-laser (control) groups. Immediately after tooth extraction, the implant was inserted into the tooth socket. 660-nm LLLT was immediately started after surgery and was repeated three times per week for two weeks. Bone quantification at the implant site was assessed using periapical intraoral radiographs and computerized software immediately after surgery and after six months.

Results

This study showed a statistically significant difference in mean bone resorption between the mesial and distal aspects of the two groups, with lower bone resorption in the laser group compared to the no-laser group.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that LLLT can effectively reduce bone resorption in fresh-socket implant placement. This might indicate the positive effect of LLLT on bone resorption reduction.

Impact of immediate interim restoration on peri-implant tissues around immediately placed single dental implants in the esthetic region: A systematic review and meta-analysis

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Immediate implant placement with an immediate interim restoration is a well-established protocol. Nevertheless, a consensus regarding the impact of immediate interim restoration on peri-implant tissues around single dental implants is lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to address the research question: "Does the placement of an immediate interim restoration influence the mid-facial mucosal (MFM) marginal and interdental papilla (IDP) levels around single dental implants placed in the anterior esthetic region by using an immediate implant placement protocol?"

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was made in the Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Science Direct electronic databases for articles published in English evaluating the impact of immediate interim restoration on peri-implant tissues around single dental implants in the anterior esthetic region. The primary outcomes assessed were changes in the MFM marginal and IDP levels. Additional outcomes were marginal bone (MB) loss, esthetic outcomes involving the pink and white esthetic scores (PES and WES), implant survival rates, and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). The risk of bias assessment was performed by using the RoB 2 tool for randomized trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for nonrandomized studies. Meta-analysis was performed by using random and fixed effects model (α=.05) in the RevMan software program.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were included that analyzed 836 single dental implants involving 823 patients. The meta-analysis showed no significant differences in implants with and without interim restoration in terms of MFM marginal level (MD=0.01; 95% CI=-1.23 to 1.25; P=.98), mesial IDP level (MD=0.12; 95% CI=-0.23 to 0.47; P=.50), distal IDP level (MD=0.20; 95% CI=-0.40 to 0.79; P=.52), and MB loss (MD=0.01; 95% CI=-0.42 to 0.43; P=.97). The systematic analysis for survival rates determined no notable difference in implants with or without an interim restoration. However, the esthetic outcomes and PROMs substantially improved with immediate interim restorations. The RoB 2 tool showed a moderate to low risk of bias, and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale indicated high-quality studies.

CONCLUSIONS

After a 12-month follow-up, immediate interim restoration had no significant impact on peri-implant soft (MFM marginal and IDP levels) and hard tissues (MB loss) around immediately placed single dental implants. Nevertheless, additional well-designed and well-implemented clinical trials with long-term follow-up periods are needed to provide more precise evidence-based recommendations.

Radiographic evaluation of a cross-shaped incision technique for thick-gingiva and thin-gingiva patients treated with implant-supported fixed prosthesis

Background

To evaluate a cross-shaped incision technique for thick-gingiva and thin-gingiva patients treated with implant-supported fixed prosthesis.

Methods

Total 55 patients receiving cross-shaped incision were assigned into thick-gingiva group (29 cases) and thin-gingiva group (26 cases). Follow-up was performed at 3 and 12-month after final restoration.

Results

Mesial and distal papilla height was significantly greater in thick-gingiva group than thin-gingiva group at 3 and 12 months, while periodontal depth and crestal marginal bone level around implant had no significant difference between the two groups during follow-up. No case of recession of buccal marginal gingiva was observed in thick-gingiva group. However, the recession of marginal gingiva of buccal aspect of the crown was found in 5 patients (19.2%) with thin-gingiva.

Conclusions

The cross-shaped incision may be applied to reconstruct gingival papillae and avoid the gingival recession in patients with thick-gingiva phenotype.

Trial registration This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (registration number NCT04706078, date 12 January 2021, Retrospectively registered).

3D Considerations and Outcomes of Immediate Single Implant Insertion and Provisionalization at the Maxillary Esthetic Zone: A Long-Term Retrospective Follow-Up Study of Up to 18 Years

AIM

Long-term studies addressing the outcomes of single immediate implantation and provisionalization at the maxillary esthetic zone are needed. The current study aimed to assess such outcomes along a follow-up period of up to 18 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current study is a continuation follow-up of our previously published up to 6-year follow-up study, dated between the years 2002-2008, performed in a private clinical practice in Tel-Aviv, Israel. A total of 15 patients (23 implants) who had been treated for single-tooth replacement at the maxillary esthetic zone since 2002, underwent clinical and radiographic follow-up evaluations. Primary outcomes included mean Marginal Bone Levels (MBL), with Bleeding on Probing (BOP), implant success rate, prosthetic and esthetic complications evaluated as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The implant success rate was at 100%. Bone remodeling processes were observed over the follow-up period, with 0.9 mm mean marginal bone loss observed during the first 6 years of observation, followed by -0.13 ± 0.06 mm mean loss after 6 to 18 years. The last finding suggests bone deposition, as reported by other studies (Donati et al., 2012). At the final radiographic evaluation, a mean MBL of 1.35 mm ± 0.16 was demonstrated. No differences with respect to implant type or site were found. A generalized absence of BOP and esthetic complications occurred in two cases as a result of continuous adjacent teeth eruption versus obvious implant ankylosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Adhering to careful clinical protocols and 3D bone to implant considerations while immediately placing an anterior implant, this treatment approach offers both stable and esthetically acceptable results for the replacement of missing teeth at the maxillary esthetic zone.

The biotransfer approach: The use of an alveolar cast die for the fabrication of the emergence profile on implant-supported interim restorations

Maintaining natural-looking soft tissues around dental implants is one of the biggest challenges for the restorative team. To achieve this, the emergence profile of the preexisting teeth in the alveolus can be emulated rather than conditioning the soft tissue architecture arbitrarily. The biotransfer technique uses an interim restoration with a biologically driven emergence profile fabricated before the implant surgery.

Evaluation of efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin membrane and bone graft in coverage of immediate dental implant in esthetic zone: An in vivo study

Objective:

This study compared and evaluated the clinical and radiographic results of guided bone regeneration using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and collagen membrane as barrier membrane in immediately placed implants with severe buccal bone defect (with respect to marginal bone level, implant stability quotient [ISQ]), and histological analysis of new bone formation.

Materials and Methods:

Sixteen implants were placed in patients requiring immediate implant placement and having a buccal wall defect and randomly divided into two groups one receiving PRF membranes and other collagen membrane. The sites were grafted with bone-substitute material in both the groups. After 4 months, at the time of second-stage surgery, implant stability is measured by Osstell Mentor, crestal bone level on mesial and distal sides of implant by digital intraoral periapical, buccal defect clinically by probe and histological analysis of biopsied bone.

Results:

The results were insignificant and comparable in both the groups when comparison was made between the groups. The mean buccal defect, mean values of average ISQ, crestal bone level in both the groups at baseline and after 4 months were compared. No significant difference between both the groups was found after 4 months. Bone quality seemed to be equal in both groups after histological analysis. Within the limits of the study, both the groups had shown similar results in all criteria.

Conclusion:

Within the limitation of the study, it can be concluded that both the treatment modalities are successful in terms of buccal defect reduction, stability, and increase in crestal bone level.

A 4 Year Human, Randomized, Radiographic Study of Scalloped versus Non-Scalloped Cemented Implants

Marginal bone loss (MBL) is a key factor in long-term implant success rate. Among the different factors that influence MBL, it is the different implant shoulder designs, such as scalloped or non-scalloped, which have been widely studied on screw retained but not on cemented retained implants. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the MBL around scalloped and non-scalloped cemented retained dental implants after 4 years of loading, in humans. A total of 15 patients were enrolled in the present study. A radiographic and clinical examination was performed after implant placement (T0) and after 4 years from it (T1). The results demonstrated a differential MBL (T1-T0) of 2.436 ± 1.103 mm and 1.923 ± 1.021 mm, respectively for test (scalloped) and control (non-scalloped) groups with a statistically significant difference between them. On the other hand, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of prosthetic complication and abutment decementation, whilst ceramic crowns chipping was shown in both groups. In conclusion, the use of a scalloped platform did not provide better results on the maintenance of MBL after 4 years follow-up. In this study, this probably was determined by multiple factors, among which was the subcrestal insertion of scalloped implants.

Facial Gingival Changes With and Without Socket Gap Grafting Following Single Maxillary Anterior Immediate Tooth Replacement: One-Year Results

This 1-year prospective study evaluated horizontal and vertical facial gingival tissue changes after immediate implant placement and provisionalization (IIPP) with and without bone graft in the implant-socket gap (ISG). During IIPP, 10 patients received bone graft material in the ISG (G group), while the other 10 patients did not (NG group). The implants were evaluated for implant stability quotient (ISQ), modified plaque index (mPI), modified bleeding index (mBI), marginal bone level (MBL), facial gingival level (FGL), and facial gingival profile (FGP) changes. The mean ISQ value at 9-month follow-up was statistically significantly greater than on the day of implant surgery (P < .05). The mPI and mBI scores demonstrated that patients were able to maintain a good level of hygiene. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean MBL changes between the G and NG groups (P > .05). There were statistically significant differences in FGL changes between the G (-0.77 mm) and NG (-1.35 mm) groups (P = .035). There were no statistically significant differences in FGP changes between the G and NG groups (P > .05). However, statistically significant differences were noted in FGP change between the 3–12 and 0–12 month intervals in both groups (P < .05). Within the limitations of this study, although no significant differences were noted in FGP changes between groups, G group experienced significantly less FGL changes than NG group. Bone graft material placement into ISG seems to be advantageous for tissue preservation during IIPP. However, future long-term studies, with larger sample size, are needed to validate the efficacy of such procedure

Gingival recession behavior with immediate implant placement in the anterior maxilla with buccal dehiscence without additional augmentation—a pilot study

Background

Immediate implant placement in the presence of intact extraction alveoli has frequently been reported, while hardly any reports on immediate implant placement in missing buccal bone can be found in literature.

Objectives

This pilot study evaluates esthetic outcome and soft and hard tissue level changes of immediate implant placement with immediate provisionalization in patients with partially/completely missing buccal bone without any further augmentation procedure in the maxillary anterior zone.

Material and methods

Twelve patients (TG) with partially to completely missing buccal bone designated for extraction and flapless immediate implant insertion in the anterior zone of the maxilla were included. Patients randomly selected out of a larger group of patients with immediate implants with intact alveoli served as controls (CG). Immediate provisionalization was done without any further augmentation of the alveolar ridge. Marginal hard and soft tissue levels, PES, and implant success were evaluated during a 1-year observation period.

Results

The defect of the buccal alveolar bone was 4.96 mm (min., 2.26 mm; max., 9.68 mm) and the mean mesio-distal extension 4.25 mm (min., 3.2 mm; max., 5.91 mm). Preoperative PES differed significantly between TG (9.68) and CG (12.25) and improved in TG postoperatively with no significant difference to CG after 1 year (TG, 10.91; CG, 11.3). The buccal soft tissue level remained almost unchanged over the observation period (TG preop, 0.86 mm ± 0.90 mm; 1 year, 0.91 mm ± 0.96 mm; CG preop, 0.98 mm ± 0.87 mm; 1 year, 0.98 mm ± 0.87 mm and did not show any correlation with either the mesial/distal bone level or the initial buccal vertical defect at any point of time.

Conclusions

These clinical results provide evidence that immediate implant placement without additional augmentation, but with immediate provisionalization might be a viable treatment alternative even with missing buccal plate in the esthetic maxillary zone.

Soft-tissue esthetic outcome of single implants: Immediate placement in fresh extraction sockets versus conventional placement in healed sockets

Background:

Immediate implant placement has advantages such as requiring fewer surgical procedures and decreased treatment time; however, unpredictable soft- and hard-tissue outcome is a problem. This study aimed to compare the soft-tissue esthetic outcome of single implants placed in fresh extraction sockets versus those placed in healed sockets.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional, retrospective study was performed on 42 patients who received single implants. Twenty-two patients with a mean age of 40.14 years received immediate implants while 18 patients with a mean age of 43.40 years were subjected to conventional (delayed) implant placement. The mean follow-up time was 14.42 ± 8.37 months and 18.25 ± 7.10 months in the immediate and conventional groups, respectively. Outcome assessments included clinical and radiographic examinations. The esthetic outcome was objectively rated using the pink esthetic score (PES).

Results:

All implants fulfilled the success criteria. The mean PES was 8.54 ± 1.26 and 8.10 ± 1.65 in the immediate and conventional groups, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.329). The two PES parameters, namely, the facial mucosa curvature and facial mucosa level had the highest percentage of complete score.

Conclusions:

Immediate and conventional single implant treatments yielded comparable esthetic outcomes.

Survival and Success Rates of Different Shoulder Designs: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Objectives

To identify whether there is a relationship between different implant shoulder positions/orientations/designs and prosthetic and/or implant failures, biological or mechanical complications, radiographic marginal bone loss (MBL), peri-implant buccal recession (RC), aesthetic scores (Papilla Index, PES, and WES), and patient satisfaction after a minimum of 1 year function in the aesthetic zone, compared to the two-piece, conventional implant neck architecture.

Materials and Methods

The systematic review was written according to the PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy encompassed the English literature from 1967 to September 2016 and was performed online (in the PubMed database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) to identify relevant studies that met the inclusion criteria. The assessment of quality and risk of bias of the selected manuscripts was performed according to the guidelines provided by CONSORT and STROBE statements.

Results

A total of 16 articles (7 randomized controlled trials, 4 observational comparative studies, and 5 systematic reviews) were selected to fulfill the inclusion criteria. A trend of higher implant failure and prosthetic complications were experienced in the one-piece group compared to the two-piece group, although no statistically significant differences were found. Higher marginal bone loss was found in the test group (one-piece, scalloped implants) compared to the control group (two-piece, flat implants). No comparative studies reporting data on sloped implants were found that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this systematic review. No differences were experienced between groups regarding aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

There was sufficient evidence that different implant shoulder positions/orientations/designs (scalloped, sloped, and one piece) offer no benefit when compared to two-piece, conventional flat implants. Current evidence is limited due to the quality of available studies.

Immediate implant placement and provisionalization of maxillary anterior single implants

An inevitable loss of soft and hard tissue after tooth extraction often results in a compromised site for anterior implant esthetics in both vertical and horizontal dimensions. Immediate implant placement and provisionalization has been a viable option for replacing failing maxillary anterior teeth as it preserves the vertical existing osseous and gingival architecture. With the simultaneous addition of soft- and hard-tissue grafts, the peri-implant horizontal tissue topography can also be maintained. The esthetic success of immediate implant placement and provisionalization procedures is influenced by a number of factors that can be identified as patient-dependent or clinician-dependent. This article describes in detail the process of patient selection, indications, contraindications, diagnosis, treatment planning and treatment execution required to achieve functional and esthetic success with immediate implant placement and provisionalization.

Evaluation of the papilla level adjacent to implants placed in fresh, healing or healed sites: A systematic review

A better understanding of factors that can lead to papilla formation or recession, such as the type of site where the implant was placed, is of fundamental importance to the aesthetic success of the rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature regarding the formation or recession of papilla adjacent to implants placed in fresh, healing or healed sites. The protocol for this study was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number CRD 42016033784). An electronic search was performed by two independent reviewers who applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria on the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases from January 2005 up to February 2016. The initial screening yielded 1,065 articles, from which 15 were selected for a systematic review after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Nine studies compared fresh and healed sites, four studies compared healing and healed sites, one study compared fresh and healing sites, and one study analysed all three sites. The majority of studies identified by this systematic review showed no difference between groups after the longer follow-up period. The sites where the implants were placed did not have a long-term influence on papilla formation or recession.

Scalloped Implant-Abutment Connection Compared to Conventional Flat Implant-Abutment Connection: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to test the hypothesis of no difference in implant treatment outcome after installation of implants with a scalloped implant-abutment connection compared to a flat implant-abutment connection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase and Cochrane library search in combination with a hand-search of relevant journals was conducted. No language or year of publication restriction was applied.

RESULTS

The search provided 298 titles. Three studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The included studies were characterized by low or moderate risk of bias. Survival of suprastructures has never been compared within the same study. High implant survival rate was reported in all the included studies. Significantly more peri-implant marginal bone loss, higher probing depth score, bleeding score and gingival score was observed around implants with a scalloped implant-abutment connection. There were no significant differences between the two treatment modalities regarding professional or patient-reported outcome measures. Meta-analysis disclosed a mean difference of peri-implant marginal bone loss of 1.56 mm (confidence interval: 0.87 to 2.25), indicating significant more bone loss around implants with a scalloped implant-abutment connection.

CONCLUSIONS

A scalloped implant-abutment connection seems to be associated with higher peri-implant marginal bone loss compared to a flat implant-abutment connection. Therefore, the hypothesis of the present systematic review must be rejected. However, further long-term randomized controlled trials assessing implant treatment outcome with the two treatment modalities are needed before definite conclusions can be provided about the beneficial use of implants with a scalloped implant-abutment connection on preservation of the peri-implant marginal bone level.

Immediate implant placement into fresh extraction sockets versus delayed implants into healed sockets: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the survival rate of the implants and the peri-implant tissue changes associated with implants inserted in fresh extraction sockets and those inserted in healed sockets. This review has been registered at PROSPERO under the number CRD42016043309. A systematic search was conducted by two reviewers independently in the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library using different search terms; articles published until November 2016 were searched for. The searches identified 30 eligible studies. A total of 3,049 implants were installed in a total of 1,435 patients with a mean age of 46.68 years and a minimum of 6 months of follow-up. The survival rate of delayed implants (98.38%) was significantly greater than immediate implants (95.21%) (p=.001). For the marginal bone loss (p=.32), implant stability quotients values (p=.44), and pocket probing depth (p=.94) there was no significant difference between the analysed groups. The immediate implants placed in fresh sockets should be performed with caution because of the significantly lower survival rates than delayed implants inserted in healed sockets.

Immediate implant placement and restoration in the anterior maxilla: Tissue dimensional changes after 2-5 year follow up

BACKGROUND

Immediate implant placement followed by an immediate restoration has proven to be a viable technique in the anterior maxillary region.

PURPOSE

This prospective study evaluated the mid-long term (2-5 years) tissue changes around immediately placed and restored implants in the anterior maxilla using flapless surgery and simultaneous hard tissue augmentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty AstraTech implants were immediately placed in 30 patients, followed by the delivery of an immediate provisional restoration on the same day. All participating 30 patients underwent the same treatment strategy that involved flapless removal of a failing maxillary anterior tooth, immediate implant placement, simultaneous augmentation with a deproteinized particulate xenograft, followed by the connection of a screw-retained provisional restoration. Radiographs and photographs were used to measure hard and soft tissue changes. Aesthetic evaluation was performed using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES).

RESULTS

All implants remained osseointegrated during the follow up period of 2-5 years (mean 47 ± 15 months). Twelve of the thirty patients completed the 5 year follow up. Radiographic evaluation revealed average gains in bone levels of 0.18 and 0.34 mm mesially and distally, respectively. Soft tissue evaluation showed a mean tissue loss of 0.05 ± 0.64 mm and 0.16 ± 0.63 mm at the mesial and distal papillae, respectively, while mid-facial mucosal recession was 0.29 ± 0.74 mm. A significant improvement in the Pink Esthetic Scores was seen at the final follow-up (mean PES 11.50), as compared to the baseline (mean PES 10.27) (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to a favorable implant success rate and peri-implant bony response, the soft tissue levels and overall aesthetics around single immediately placed and restored implants can also be maintained in the mid-long term.

Esthetic Assessment of Implants Placed into Fresh Extraction Sockets for Single-Tooth Replacements Using a Flapless Approach

BACKGROUND

To validate the concept of immediate implant placement and nonfunctional loading for use in the esthetically sensitive anterior maxilla, clinical trials should ideally include objective esthetic criteria.

PURPOSE

This study analyzed procedural results as graded by the pink esthetic score and white esthetic score (PES/WES).

METHODS

Thirty-nine suitable patients (mean follow-up 44.82 ± 28 months) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight implants fulfilled stringent criteria for successful osseointegration: absence of peri-implant radiolucency, implant mobility, suppuration, and pain. The mean total PES/WES was 15.50 ± 2.67 (range: 10-20). The mean total PES of 7.92 ± 1.60 (range: 5-10) indicated favorable overall peri-implant soft-tissue conditions. Root convexity and texture (1.63 ± 0.54) and curvature of the facial mucosa (1.68 ± 0.47) and distal papilla (1.66 ± 0.48) had the highest mean values, whereas acceptable levels of facial tissue (1.53 ± 0.73) and mesial papilla (1.42 ± 0.64) were the most difficult to fully achieve. The mean mesial and distal bone loss at data collection was, was 1.19 ± 0.54 and 1.15 ± 0.51, respectively. Periodontal disease severity (advanced chronic and aggressive periodontitis) was significantly associated with a low total PES (p = .048).

CONCLUSIONS

Objective PES/WES assessment validated immediate anterior maxillary single-tooth replacement and restoration as being a successful and esthetically predictable treatment modality in sites where the buccal bone had been preserved during the extraction at 1 year of follow-up.

Effects of Antibiotics on Bone and Soft-Tissue Healing Following Immediate Single-Tooth Implant Placement Into Sites With Apical Pathology

Overprescription of antibiotics can cause bacterial resistance problems, leading to life-threatening illnesses and public health crises. Clinicians often believe antibiotics can prevent dental implant failure and postoperative complications. In conjunction with implant surgery, antibiotics are therefore routinely prescribed for all cases. In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, the effects of antibiotics on the clinical outcomes of immediate implant placement upon replacing a tooth with an apical pathology were examined to compare antibiotics (n = 10) and placebo (n = 10). In each subject, a tooth with a chronic apical lesion was extracted, thoroughly curetted, irrigated, and replaced with single implant with a screw-retained custom provisional abutment/crown. Postoperative pain/discomfort was measured at 1- and 4-week postsurgical follow-up visits using visual analog scales. Facial alveolar bone and soft-tissue changes were measured using pre- and postoperative cone-beam computerized tomography and impressions. We found survival rates of 100% (antibiotics) and 78% (control). However, there was no statistical difference in means for any clinical outcome (t tests with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple testing), except for midfacial soft-tissue changes: 0.43 mm (SD, 0.76) in the antibiotics group and 1.70 mm (SD, 1.06) in the placebo group (t15 = −2.89, P = .011). The average change of the midfacial alveolar plate was 0.62 mm (SD, 0.46) and 1.34 mm (SD, 0.91) for the antibiotic and placebo groups, respectively, which did not significantly differ statistically. No significant correlation (Spearman correlation) existed between the changes in facial alveolar bone and the facial gingival margin. Antibiotics appear to have little effect on immediate implant treatment outcomes.

A radiological evaluation of marginal bone around dental implants: An in-vivo study

Context:

This article presents an original research conducted at Government Dental College, PGIDS, Rohtak.

Aims:

(1) To evaluate the marginal bone level changes around dental implants based on the radiological examination. (2) To evaluate the relationship of various parameters, i.e., gender, implant length, implant diameter and location of implants on the amount of bone loss around dental implants.

Materials and Methods:

An in-vivo study was undertaken to evaluate the crestal bone loss on mesial and distal aspect of implants, using standardized intra-oral periapical at the end of 6 months after placing the implants, but before prosthetically loading it.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Student's unpaired t-test.

Results:

Bone loss was measured and values were recorded immediately after implant placement and after 6 months.

Conclusions:

(1) Bone loss on mesial and distal aspects of implants was found to be same after period of 6 months. (2) Bone loss was found to be same in both 13 mm and 10 mm implants on mesial aspect, whereas on distal aspect, it was more in 10 mm implants. (3) Bone loss was found to be same in both 3.5 mm and 4.3 mm diameter implants on both mesial and distal aspects of implants. (4) Bone loss was found to be same in both maxilla and mandible on both mesial and distal aspects of implants. (5) Bone loss was found to be more in females on both mesial as well as distal aspects of implants.

Evaluation of Optimal Taper of Immediately Loaded Wide-Diameter Implants: A Finite Element Analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different tapering angles of an immediately loaded wide-diameter implant on the stress/strain distribution in bone and implant after implant insertion in healed or fresh molar extraction sockets. A total of 10 finite element (FE) implant-bone models, including 8.1-mm diameter implant, superstructure, and mandibular molar segment, were created to investigate the biomechanical behavior of different implant taper angles in immediate and delayed placement conditions. The degrees of implant taper ranged from 2° to 14°, and the contact conditions between the immediately loaded implants and bone were set with frictional coefficients (μ) of 0.3 in the healed models and 0.1 in the extracted models. Vertical and lateral loading forces of 189.5 N were applied in all models. Regardless of the degree of implant tapering, immediate loading of wide-diameter implants placed in molar extraction sockets generated higher stress/strain levels than implants placed in healed sockets. In all models, the von Mises stresses and strains at the implant surfaces, cortical bone, and cancellous bone increased with the increasing taper angle of the implant body, except for the buccal cancellous bone in the healed models. The maximum von Mises strains were highly concentrated on the buccal cortical struts in the extracted models and around the implant neck in the healed models. The maximum von Mises stresses on the implant threads were more concentrated in the non-tapered coronal part of the 11° and 14° tapered implants, particularly in the healed models, while the stresses were more evenly dissipated along the implant threads in other models. Under immediate loading conditions, the present study indicates that minimally tapered implants generate the most favorable stress and strain distribution patterns in extracted and healed molar sites.

Immediate nonfunctional loading of NobelPerfect implants in the anterior dental arch in private practice--5-year data

BACKGROUND

The concept of scalloped implants to maintain the natural contour of the alveolar ridge has been a source of controversy for many years.

PURPOSE

This study examined the long-term clinical performance of the scalloped NobelPerfect implant in a one-stage procedure (immediate loading in the esthetic zone).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 20 patients, immediate prosthetic restorations were placed on 31 NobelPerfect implants in a private practice and followed for up to 78 months. Twenty-one implants were placed immediately after extraction, seven implants were placed after osseous consolidation of the extraction sockets, and three implants were placed secondary to extended alveolar ridge augmentation procedures. All implants were provisionalized on the day of implant placement and adjusted to clear all contacts in centric occlusion and during eccentric movements. Outcome variables were success rates, marginal bone levels, and pink esthetic score (PES) assessed per implant.

RESULTS

One implant failed after 1.4 months. Five patients with six implants in total were scored in the 5-year follow-up as dropouts. Mean follow-up period of remaining 24 implants was 65 months (range, 55-78 months). Cumulative success rates according to the criteria specified by Smith and Zarb were 96.8%. Marginal bone levels averaged 1.1 mm above the first thread. Mean PES ratings were 10.5 (range, 3-13).

CONCLUSIONS

Survival rates, marginal bone levels, and esthetic results suggest proof of principle for the preservation of the interproximal bony lamella with a scalloped implant design in long-term data.

Nasopalatine canal position relative to the maxillary central incisors: a cone beam computed tomography assessment

The aim of this study was to determine the proximity of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) to the maxillary central incisor root (MCIR). The study included 120 cone beam computed tomography scans obtained from the Center for Implant Dentistry, Loma Linda University, between June 2006 and September 2009. They were equally distributed into six groups: (1) 21- to 40-year-old men, (2) 21- to 40-year-old women, (3) 41- to 60-year-old men, (4) 41- to 60-year-old women, (5) 61- to 80-year-old men, and (6) 61- to 80-year-old women. The closest distances between the NPC and the MCIR (NPC-to-MCIR) were measured at the midroot (bisecting palatal cementoenamel junction to root apex) and the apex levels. Differences between the groups were analyzed using a t test and 1-way analysis of variance at a significance level of α = .05. The overall mean NPC-to-MCIR distances at the midroot and apex levels were 3.05 ± 1.64 and 5.22 ± 1.56 mm, respectively. The modes of the NPC-to-MCIR distances at the midroot and apex levels were in the range of 1.01-2.00 mm and 4.01-5.00 mm, respectively. The mean NPC-to-MCIR distance was significantly greater in men than in women at the midroot level (P < .05) but not at the apex level (P > .05). The mean NPC-to-MCIR distance was significantly shorter for the youngest age group than the other two age groups at the midroot level (P < .05). However, at the apex level, the youngest age group had a significantly shorter distance compared with the oldest age group (P < .05) but not the middle age group (P > .05). The results of this study suggest that, to avoid NPC penetration, more care must be exercised during immediate implant placement at the midroot level of a maxillary central incisor in women and younger patients because of the root proximity to the NPC. Tapered implants may also be beneficial in such situations.

Immediate single tooth replacement with subepithelial connective tissue graft using platform switching implants: a case series

This case series evaluated the facial gingival stability following single immediate tooth replacement in conjunction with subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG). Implant success rate and peri-implant tissue response were also reported. Ten patients (6 male, 4 female), with a mean age of 52.1 (range = 22.7 to 67.1) years, underwent immediate implant placement and provisionalization with SCTG and were evaluated clinically and radiographically at presurgery (T0), at the time of immediate tooth replacement and SCTG (T1), and 3 months (T2), 6 months (T3), and 12 months (T4) after surgery. Data were analyzed using the Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests at the significance level of α = .05. At 1 year, 9 of 10 implants remained osseointegrated with the overall mean marginal bone change of -0.31 mm and a mean facial gingival level change of -0.05 mm. The modified plaque index scores showed that patients were able to maintain a good level of hygiene throughout the study. The papilla index score indicated that at T4, more than 50% of the papilla fill was observed in 89% of all sites. When proper 3-dimensional implant position is achieved and bone graft is placed into the implant-socket gap, favorable success rate and peri-implant tissue response of platform switching implants can be achieved following immediate tooth replacement in conjunction with subepithelial connective tissue graft.

Parameters for successful implant integration revisited part I: immediate loading considered in light of the original prerequisites for osseointegration

PURPOSE

With the increasing popularity and publication of loading implants at the time of placement, including at time of dental extraction and simultaneous with reconstructive procedures, the objective was to evaluate known variables identified for a traditional unloaded healing period and determine the applicability of these variables to immediate loading.

MATERIALS

A total of 124 published reports available as of January 2008 that contained information about loading from the time of surgery up to 3 months postsurgically were examined in light of published variables affecting osseointegration based on a 2 stage surgical approach.

METHODS

The articles were examined to differentiate between immediate loading (within the initial 48 hours) and early/delayed loading of implants. Success or survival criteria were noted, and where reasons for failure were available, categorized according to six variables considered as determinants for maintaining a long-term bone-to-implant contact.

RESULTS

Approximately 60 of the 124 reports described immediately loading implants within 48 with single-tooth, partial, and full-arch restorations, as well as implant overdentures. The implant success or survival rates ranged from 70.8% to 100%. Most studies considered implant survival to be the only criterion for success.

CONCLUSIONS

Of six parameters identified in 1981 as influencing osseointegration, two parameters (the status of the bone/implant site and implant loading conditions) appear to have diagnostic implications, whereas three (implant design, surgical technique, and implant finish) may affect immediate loading positively or adversely.

Early survival of single-tooth implants in the esthetic zone may be predictable despite timing of implant placement or loading

SELECTION CRITERIA

The authors used MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases to locate studies for this systematic review (SR). For studies to be eligible for this SR, all had to evaluate single-implant restorations with a follow-up of at least 1 year after implant loading. A total of 19 prospective studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fifteen studies provided implant survival data (499 patient/509 implants), whereas 5 studies provided radiographic marginal bone height data (52 patients/52 implants). The analysis included studies with patients with single anterior or premolar,maxillary or mandibular edentulous sites bounded by anterior and posterior neighboring teeth. Meta-analyses of prospective trials (randomized-controlled trials, clinical trials, cohort studies, case series) reported loaded implant survival with one-year or more than one-year follow-up. Meta-analysis of prospective trials reporting marginal bone loss with one-year follow-up was also reported.

KEY STUDY FACTOR

The key interventions were the timing of implant placement following extraction and the timing of implant loading after implant placement. Comparisons following greater than one-year follow-up were made between implants with immediate placement with immediate loading, immediate/early placement with conventional loading, conventional placement with immediate/early loading, or conventional placement with conventional loading.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome was implant survival. Radiographically determined peri-implant bone level change was also reported. Meta-analyses were completed using studies that reported one-year implant survival data (15 studies) and more than one-year implant survival data (11 studies). One-year marginal bone level data were analyzed for implants treated conventionally (5 studies). For survival and marginal bone levels, weighted rates and random effects models were used to calculate overall effects of the included studies. For greater than one-year follow-up, survival data were stratified by intervention type. Results were weighted for study size and stratified based upon timing of implant placement and loading. Esthetics, and patient satisfaction, and complications were reported, but heterogeneity of study design and reported outcomes excluded the results from meta-analysis.

MAIN RESULT

Approximately two-thirds of patients received implants in healed edentulous sites. Survival of single-tooth implants one year in function was 95.5% [95% CI: 93.0-97.1]. Meta-analysis identified no difference in survival rate at one year when the results were weighted for study size and stratified based upon timing of implant placement and loading. Survival of single-tooth implants more than one year in function ranged from 92.4% [95% CI: 84.4-96.4] for conventional placement with immediate loading to 97.5% [95% CI: 88.3-99.5] for immediate placement with immediate loading. The third meta-analysis identified 0.20-mm [95% CI:0.034-0.36] marginal bone loss for implants one year in function. Qualitative interpretation of other esthetic, patient satisfaction, and complication outcomes revealed no difference in immediate, early, or conventional therapy approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors concluded that implant-supported single-tooth replacement in the aesthetic zone with adjacent natural teeth can lead to short-term, favorable outcomes with regard to implant survival and marginal bone level change with early/immediate or conventional surgical placement and loading strategies.

Facial gingival tissue stability after connective tissue graft with single immediate tooth replacement in the esthetic zone: consecutive case report

PURPOSE

The present consecutive case report evaluated facial gingival tissue stability after immediate tooth replacement with connective tissue grafting in the esthetic zone. The implant success rate and peri-implant tissue response were also recorded.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 20 consecutive patients with a mean age of 52.3 years (range 28 to 71), who had undergone 20 single immediate tooth replacement with connective tissue grafting, were evaluated clinically and radiographically at the preoperative examination, immediately after implant placement and provisionalization with connective tissue grafting, and at the latest follow-up appointment. The data were analyzed using the t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test at a significance level of alpha = .05.

RESULTS

At the preoperative examination, a thick gingival biotype was observed in 8 patients and a thin gingival biotype in 12. At a mean follow-up of 2.15 years (range 1 to 4), all implants were functioning and exhibited a thick biotype. At the latest follow-up appointment, no significant differences (P > .05) were found between the initially thick and thin gingival biotypes in the mean mesial marginal bone level changes (-0.53 versus -0.55 mm), the mean distal marginal bone level changes (-0.50 versus -0.44 mm), and the mean facial gingival level changes (+0.23 mm versus +0.06 mm). The frequency distribution of the papilla index score showed that peri-implant papillae were well preserved at the latest follow-up visit.

CONCLUSIONS

With proper 3-dimensional implant positioning and bone grafting into the implant-socket gap, the facial gingival level can be maintained after connective tissue grafting with single immediate tooth replacement, regardless of the initial gingival biotype, indicating that the thin gingival biotype can be converted to the thick gingival biotype morphologically and behaviorally with this procedure. Nevertheless, careful patient selection and treatment planning, as well as immaculate execution by skillful clinicians, are required to achieve a successful result.