A survey of U.K. centres on implant failures

Evaluation of Effect of Different Insertion Speeds and Torques on Implant Placement Condition and Removal Torque in Polyurethane Dense D1 Bone Model

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different insertion speeds at eight different insertion torque values ranging from 25 to 60 during implantation in a dense polyurethane (PU) D1 bone model on the placement condition and removal torque of dental implants. In this study, 50 pcf single-layer PU plates were used. In the study, a total of 320 implant sockets were divided into two groups, Group 1 (30 rpm) and Group 2 (50 rpm), in terms of insertion speed. Group 1 and Group 2 were divided into eight subgroups with 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 torques. There were 20 implant sockets in each subgroup. During the implantations, the implant placement condition and removal torque values were assessed. There was a statistically significant difference between the 30 and 50 rpm groups in terms of overall implant placement condition (p < 0.01). It was found that the removal torque values at 50 rpm were statistically significantly higher than those at 30 rpm (p < 0.01). This study showed that in dense D1 bone, the minimum parameters at which all implants could be placed at the bone level were 50 torque at 30 rpm and 40 torque at 50 rpm.

Clinical outcomes of narrow- and regular-diameter implants with bone augmentation in the anterior maxilla: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) and regular-diameter implants (RDIs) with bone augmentation in the anterior maxilla, with implant survival rate (ISR) as the primary outcome. Additionally, secondary outcomes such as peri-implant marginal bone loss (MBL), pocket probing depth (PPD), mechanical complications, and biological complications were also considered.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A thorough literature search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials and cohort studies comparing outcomes of NDIs and RDIs with bone augmentation in the anterior maxilla published up to February 2024. Only studies with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months were selected for analysis. Meta-analysis was performed if at least two articles with similar characteristics were available.

RESULTS

Of the 288 articles initially considered, 5 were included in the analysis, involving 282 NDIs and 100 RDIs. At the 36-month follow-up, no statistically significant differences in ISR, which ranged 93.8-100% for NDIs and were 100% for RDIs, were observed between the two groups (relative risk, 0.989; 95% confidence interval, 0.839-1.165; p = 0.896). Similarly, MBL and PPD did not differ significantly between the two groups. Soft tissue dehiscence was the most common complication found in RDIs.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that NDIs yield clinical outcomes similar to those of RDIs with bone augmentation in the anterior maxilla over a 36-month follow-up period.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Considering the similar clinical outcomes, the shortened treatment duration and more rapid esthetic improvement associated with NDIs may render them preferrable to RDIs with bone augmentation, particularly in this esthetic zone.

LANAP, Periodontics and Beyond: A Review

Laser has emerged as an adjunct in several treatment modalities in dentistry in the past few decades. This less invasive bladeless technique is bringing revolutionary outcomes in a plethora of periodontal treatment procedures as well. A unique ameliorative approach termed LANAP, described as laser-assisted new attachment procedure was developed by Gregg and McCarthy. In 1990 they introduced an innovative treatment for diseases of gums incorporating pulsed neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) 1064 nm wavelength laser (PerioLase MVP7). The LANAP concept was endorsed by Yukna et al who conducted a study according to the protocol reinforced at the1996 world workshop in periodontics, which established specific histologic criteria to prove regeneration. Yukna's histological study found that regeneration of the periodontally compromised root could be achieved by Nd: YAG laser. LANAP facilitates refurbishing of new tissues from supporting structures of the periodontium wherein the unhealthy surface of the roots exhibit pristine attachments in human beings. This paper is a review providing a detailed report of LANAP from its inception to recent advances.

Retrospective long-term analysis of bone level changes after horizontal alveolar crest reconstruction with autologous bone grafts harvested from the posterior region of the mandible

Purpose

The goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term success of horizontal alveolar crest augmentation of the retromolar region of the mandible with particulated bone, as well as factors affecting subsequent peri-implant bone loss.

Methods

A total of 109 patients (68 female, 41 male) suffering from alveolar ridge deficiencies of the maxilla and mandible were included in this study. All patients were treated with particulated retromolar bone grafts from the mandible prior to the insertion of endosseous dental implants. Mesial and distal peri-implant crestal bone changes were assessed at six time points. Several parameters, including implant survival and the influence of age, gender, localisation of the implant, diameter, covering procedures, and time points of implant placement, were analysed to identify associations with bone level changes using the Mann-Whitney U-test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficient.

Results

A total of 164 dental implants were placed in the maxilla (n=97) and in the mandible (n=67). The mean observation period was 105.26±21.58 months after implantation. The overall survival rate was 97.6% after 10 years. Overall, peri-implant bone loss was highest during the first year, but decreased over time. The mean amount of bone loss after 10 years was 2.47 mm mesially and 2.50 mm distally. Bone loss was significantly influenced by implant type and primary stability.

Conclusions

The use of particulated autologous retromolar bone grafts is a reliable technique for the horizontal reconstruction of local alveolar ridge deficiencies. Our results demonstrate that implants placed in augmented bone demonstrated similar bone level changes compared to implants inserted in non-augmented regions.

Peri-implant crevicular fluid levels of cathepsin-K, RANKL, and OPG around standard, short, and mini dental implants after prosthodontic loading

Purpose

Despite the high success rates of endosseous dental implants, their placement is restricted according to the height and volume of bone available. The use of short or mini dental implants could be one way to overcome this limitation. Thus, this study aimed to compare standard, short, and mini dental implants with regard to associated clinical parameters and peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) levels of cathepsin -K (CTSK), RANK ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG), after prosthodontic loading.

Methods

A total of 78 non-submerged implants (Euroteknika, Aesthetica⁺², Sallanches, France) were installed in 30 subjects (13 male, 17 female; range, 26-62 years) who visited the clinic of the Periodontology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Selcuk University. Sampling and measurements were performed on the loading date (baseline) and 2, 14, and 90 days after loading. Assessment of the peri-implant status for the implant sites was performed using the pocket probing depth (PPD), modified plaque index, modified gingival index, modified sulcular bleeding index, and radiographic signs of bone loss. PICF samples collected from each implant were evaluated for CTSK, RANKL, and OPG levels using the ELISA method. Keratinized tissue and marginal bone loss (MBL) were also noted.

Results

Clinical parameters statistically significantly increased in each group but did not show statistical differences between groups without PPD. Although implant groups showed a higher MBL in the upper jaw, only the standard dental group demonstrated a statistically significant difference. At 90 days, the OPG: sRANKL ratio and total amounts of CTSK for each group did not differ from baseline.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, both short and mini dental implants were achieving the same outcomes as the standard dental implants in the early period after loading.

Treatment of an early failing implant by guided bone regeneration using resorbable collagen membrane and bioactive glass

Implant failure can be divided into early (prior to prosthetic treatment) or late (after prosthetic rehabilitation). Early failure is generally due to interference in the healing process after implant placement. Implants undergoing early failure will show progressive bone loss on radiographs during the healing period (4 to 6 weeks). In the present case report, early progressive bone loss was seen at 6 weeks, after placement of a non-submerged single piece mini implant. Clinical examination revealed peri-implant bleeding on probing and pocket and grade-1 mobility. Treatment protocol included mechanical debridement (plastic curettes), chemical detoxification with supersaturated solution of citric acid, antibiotics and guided bone regeneration therapy using the collagen membrane as guided bone regeneration barrier in combination with bioactive glass as bone grafting material. The 6 month postoperative examination showed complete resolution of the osseous defect, thus suggesting that this technique may hold promise in the treatment of implants undergoing early failure.

Bone quality: a reality for the process of osseointegration

This article subscribes to the initial condition of bone quality and its ultimate effect on the success of dental implant treatment. A high success rate for the preservation of the alveolar bone around oral implants is predicated on good bone quality. For implantologists, the classification of bone quality should be based on the key elements required for osseointegration. These include structural morphology and cellular characteristics such as monocytes/macrophages, mesenchymal progenitor cells, fibroblasts, osteoclasts, and cells associated with angiogenesis.

The effect of smoking on early bone remodeling on surface modified Southern Implants®

INTRODUCTION

Smoking affects the survival of turned titanium implants. Although smoking has less impact on the failure rate of rough surface implants, the effect on bone loss on rough surface implants has not been studied yet and may be an important factor in biological stability.

AIM

To determine the effect of smoking on early implant failures and bone remodeling around moderately rough implants (Southern Implants®, Southern Implants, Irene, South Africa).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred twenty-nine patient records, containing information on 712 installed implants, were scrutinized retrospectively and periapical radiographs were analyzed for interproximal bone level. Mann-Whitney U-test and Fisher's exact test were performed to compare bone level and implant survival in smokers and nonsmokers. Only implants with at least 6 months of function time were analyzed for bone level changes.

RESULTS

The overall survival rate was 98.3%. Implants in smokers had a threefold higher failure rate compared with nonsmokers (5/104 = 4.8% vs 7/608 = 1.2%). This was statistically significant on implant level (p = .007) but not on patient level (1/41 vs 7/288, p = .997). Readable radiographs from 363 implants in 169 patients were available with a mean follow-up of 12 months (SD 5.11; range 6-28). The mean interproximal bone level was 1.36 mm (n = 363; SD 0.41; range 0.48-3.70). Bone levels were independent of jaw location. Sixty implants from 21 smokers lost statistically significantly (p = .001) more bone (mean 1.56; SD 0.53; range 0.75-3.22) than the 303 implants in 148 nonsmokers (mean 1.32 mm; SD 0.38; range 0.48-3.7). The maxilla is especially prone to bone loss compared with the mandible (1.70 mm vs 1.26 mm, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

The Southern Implants® system demonstrated a high absolute survival rate. Although smokers are not more prone to implant loss, more pronounced peri-implant bone loss was observed, especially in the maxilla. Whether this affects future biological complications remains to be investigated in prospective long-term studies.

Influence of bone density on implant stability parameters and implant success: a retrospective clinical study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present clinical study was to determine the local bone density in dental implant recipient sites using computerized tomography (CT) and to investigate the influence of local bone density on implant stability parameters and implant success.

METHODS

A total of 300 implants were placed in 111 patients between 2003 and 2005. The bone density in each implant recipient site was determined using CT. Insertion torque and resonance frequency analysis were used as implant stability parameters. The peak insertion torque values were recorded with OsseoCare machine. The resonance frequency analysis measurements were performed with Osstell instrument immediately after implant placement, 6, and 12 months later.

RESULTS

Of 300 implants placed, 20 were lost, meaning a survival rate of %. 93.3 after three years (average 3.7 +/- 0.7 years). The mean bone density, insertion torque and RFA recordings of all 300 implants were 620 +/- 251 HU, 36.1 +/- 8 Ncm, and 65.7 +/- 9 ISQ at implant placement respectively; which indicated statistically significant correlations between bone density and insertion torque values (p < 0.001), bone density and ISQ values (p < 0.001), and insertion torque and ISQ values (p < 0.001). The mean bone density, insertion torque and RFA values were 645 +/- 240 HU, 37.2 +/- 7 Ncm, and 67.1 +/- 7 ISQ for 280 successful implants at implant placement, while corresponding values were 267 +/- 47 HU, 21.8 +/- 4 Ncm, and 46.5 +/- 4 ISQ for 20 failed implants; which indicated statistically significant differences for each parameter (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CT is a useful tool to determine the bone density in the implant recipient sites, and the local bone density has a prevailing influence on primary implant stability, which is an important determinant for implant success.

Bone density assessments of oral implant sites using computerized tomography

The type and architecture of bone are considered to affect its load-bearing capacity and it has been indicated that poorer quality bone is associated with higher implant failure rates. To date, bone classifications have only provided subjective methods for pre-operative assessment, which can be considered unreliable. The aim of this study was to evaluate variations of the bone density in designated endosseous implant sites using computerized tomography. One hundred and thirty-one designated implant sites in 72 patients were utilized. Computerized tomography results indicated that bone densities may vary markedly when different areas of a designated implant site are compared. It has been observed that a difference in the bone density exists for the four regions within the oral area, with the anterior mandible yielding mean density values of 944.9+/-207 Hounsfield units (HU)>anterior maxilla, 715.8+/-190 HU>posterior mandible, 674.3+/-227 HU>posterior maxilla and 455.1+/-122 HU. Computerized tomography may be a useful tool for determining the bone density of interest areas before implant placement, and this valuable information about the bone quality provides dental practitioners to make better treatment planning regarding the implant positions.

Assessment of correlation between computerized tomography values of the bone, and maximum torque and resonance frequency values at dental implant placement

The aim of this study was to determine the bone density in the designated implant sites using computerized tomography (CT), the fastening torque values of dental implants, and the implant stability values using resonance frequency analysis. Further aim was to evaluate a possible correlation between bone density, fastening torque and implant stability. Eighty-five patients were treated with 158 Brånemark System implants. CT machine was used for preoperative evaluation of the jawbone for each patient, and bone densities were recorded in Hounsfield units (HU). The fastening torque values of all implants were recorded with the OsseoCare equipment. Implant stability measurements were performed with the Osstell machine. The average bone density and fastening torque values were 751.4 +/- 256 HU and 39.7 +/- 7 Ncm for 158 implants. The average primary implant stability was 73.2 +/- 6 ISQ for seventy implants. Strong correlations were observed between the bone density, fastening torque and implant stability values of Brånemark System TiUnite MKIII implants at implant placement (P < 0.001). These results strengthen the hypothesis that it may be possible to predict and quantify initial implant stability and bone quality from pre-surgical CT diagnosis.

Influence Of Patient Characteristics On Finnish Dentists’ Decision-Making In Implant Therapy

The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the association of various patient characteristics or possible contraindications with dentists' treatment decisions in oral implantology among general practitioners (GPs) and dental teachers (DTs) in Finland. A questionnaire was mailed to 400 GPs, selected by stratified randomization by gender and main occupation (public vs private sector), and to all full-time DTs (n = 47) representing clinical disciplines other than surgery and orthodontics. The questionnaire included a clinical description of a situation optimal for implant therapy. The same situation was modified with 10 variations (cases) according to patient characteristics or possible contraindications, later classified into three categories: (1) oral factors, (2) medical factors, and (3) personal factors. Respondents were asked whether or not they would recommend implant therapy for each of the cases separately. For all 10 cases, the public sector dentists recommended implant therapy on average for 48%, the private sector dentists for 57% (P < 0.01), and the DTs for 50%. For cases with periodontal pockets or untreated caries lesions, the private sector dentists recommended implant therapy more frequently than did the public sector dentists (27 vs 16%, P = 0.01, 46 vs 26%, P = 0.000, respectively). In the case of a smoking patient, 15% of DTs, but almost half of the GPs, recommended implant therapy (P = 0.002). Because some treatment decisions in implant therapy varied so widely between the dentist groups surveyed, a national database of dental implants would offer an important forum for the sharing of information and evidence among clinicians in various countries.

Survey of clinical members of the association of dental implantology in the United Kingdom: Part I. Levels of activity and experience in oral implantology

The aims of this survey were to 1) determine recruitment rates of active oral implantologists, 2) establish the proportion of participants who carry out the surgical aspects of implantology, 3) quantify levels of surgical activity, 4) determine the type of qualifications held by this sample, and 5) identify the location of implant activity of clinical members of the Association of Dental Implantology (UK). Questionnaires were mailed to the 408 members of the ADI registered as clinical members of the ADI; data were collected between July 1998 and May 1999. A response rate of 66.9% was achieved. Active members increased markedly from 1985 to 1995. Surgical activity and clinical experience varied widely: 32.9% had placed 100 to 499 implants, 29.8% had inserted 1 to 49 implants, and 4.3% had inserted > or = 2,000 implants. The total number of implants inserted by this sample could only be estimated (between 51,000 and 90,000). The majority of this sample possessed postgraduate qualifications, although only 2.6% possessed a degree in oral implantology. The data from this sample indicated that the recruitment rate to the ADI (UK) increased markedly between 1985 to 1995, after which it seems to have slowed down. Most of the respondents were involved in the surgical aspects of implantology, although the level of surgical involvement varied widely. The low incidence of postgraduate degrees in implantology might reflect the relatively limited opportunities currently available for such training in the UK.

The provision of dental implants in the National Health Service Hospital dental services--a national questionnaire

OBJECTIVE

To assess the activity of consultants in restorative dentistry in the United Kingdom in the provision of osseointegrated dental implants within the National Health Service Hospital service and to evaluate their attitudes concerning the relevant medical and oral factors considered in patient selection for implant treatment.

DESIGN/SETTING

Anonymous postal questionnaire in the United Kingdom.

SUBJECTS

Consultants in restorative dentistry.

RESULTS

Out of the sample of 145, 109 consultants (75%) completed the questionnaire in 1999. 54 of the 109 consultants (49.5%) are involved in the provision of osseointegrated implant treatment, treating an average of 29 cases/year (range 2-150). However, over one third of the respondents treated 10 or less cases/year. 89% worked with oral surgeons as an implant team. 68% used Branemark (Nobel Biocare) implants as their main system. The majority of consultants felt that smoking, psychoses and previous irradiation were the most important medical factors that contra-indicated implant retained restorations whilst untreated periodontitis, poor oral hygiene and uncontrolled caries were the most important oral contra-indications. Many centres were experiencing significant problems with the funding of implant treatment with one centre receiving no funding. The implications for patient care and specialist training are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a marked variation in the number of patients treated with endosseous dental implants within the United Kingdom National Health Service hospitals. Many consultants treat 10 or fewer patients each year. In the main, there is agreement about the factors that contra-indicate implant treatment; these are in line with national guidelines.

Current trends in removable prosthodontics

BACKGROUND

This article discusses trends in the demographics and treatment of the edentulous patient. It is clear that there still is a tremendous need for removable-prosthodontic services today. While the basic process of making dentures has changed little over the past several decades, new materials and techniques can help laboratories and clinicians provide functional, esthetic restorations that offer exceptional value to patients. Implant treatment is a tremendous adjunct to removable prosthodontics in the treatment of edentulous patients, but it is not within the financial reach of all dental patients.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The clinical skills required to deliver excellent complete denture care are also paramount to successful implant prosthodontics (fixed and removable) and esthetic dentistry. Even so, the opportunities to develop these skills and the interest appear to be decreasing at the same time that the need is projected to increase. In service to our patients, the profession must examine this trend closely.