Longitudinal analysis on the effect of insertion torque on delayed single implants: A 3-year randomized clinical study

High insertion torque versus regular insertion torque: early crestal bone changes on dental implants in relation to primary stability-a retrospective clinical study

The aim of the presented retrospective study was to evaluate the early crestal bone changes around an implant type designed for high primary stability. A total number of 111 implants placed clinically were evaluated regarding insertion torque, bone density, implant stability quotient (ISQ) and early crestal bone loss from standardized digital radiographs. The implants were allocated in two groups: the "regular torque " group contained all implants that achieved less than 50 Ncm as final insertion torque (n = 63) and the "high torque" group contained the implants that achieved 50-80 Ncm (n = 48). To avoid possible damage either to the implant´s inner connection or to the bone by application of excessive force, a limit of 80 Ncm was set for all surgeries. All implants underwent submerged healing for three months. ISQ measurements and standardized digital radiographs were taken at day of insertion and at day of second stage surgery. The bone loss was measured on the mesial and distal aspect of the implant. The data evaluation showed the following results: Mean bone loss was 0.27 ± 0.30 mm for the high torque group and 0.24 ± 0.27 mm for the regular torque group. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.552). In the two groups, no complications nor implant loss occurred. For the evaluated implant type, there was no significant difference in crestal bone changes and complication rate between high and regular insertion torque in the early healing period.

How do the dimensions of peri-implant mucosa affect marginal bone loss in equicrestal and subcrestal position of implants? A 1-year clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

There is evidence that the apico-coronal implant position and the mucosal phenotype can affect the extent of peri-implant bone loss. This clinical trial analyzes the bone remodeling and marginal bone loss that occur around conical-connection implants placed equicrestally and subcrestally, assessing the effect of the peri-implant soft-tissue phenotype.

METHODS

Fifty-one patients received 56 implants of distinct diameters (3.5 mm Ø n = 6; 4.3 mm Ø n = 41; 5 mm Ø n = 9) in the posterior part of the maxilla or mandible. The implants were placed equicrestally, 1 mm subcrestally and >1 mm subcrestally, depending on the initial supracrestal tissue height (STH). After 3 months of non-submerged healing, single metal-ceramic screw-retained implant-supported crowns were placed. Longitudinal measurements of STH, mucosal thickness and keratinized mucosa width (KMW) were made at the time of implant placement (T0), crown placement (T1), and after 3 (T2) and 6 months (T3) of prosthetic loading. At each of these points, a radiographic evaluation of bone remodeling and marginal bone loss was also performed.

RESULTS

STH was significantly greater for implants placed >1 mm subcrestally than for those placed 1 mm subcrestally. After 12 months of follow-up, a very significant (p < 0.001) loss of KMW was observed, in addition to a marginal bone loss of 0.08 ± 0.1, 0.15 ± 0.2, and 0.14 ± 0.2 mm in the groups placed equicrestally, 1 mm subcrestally and >1 mm subcrestally, respectively. After the multiple linear regression, marginal bone loss was found to depend primarily on KMW (β = -0.43), while also being affected by STH (β = 0.32) and implant diameter (β = -0.28).

CONCLUSIONS

Marginal bone loss may be influenced by the position with respect to the bone crest, as well as the KMW, STH, and implant diameter. However, more well-controlled studies are needed to verify these above-mentioned findings with different implant designs and connections.

Relationship between dental implant macro-design and osseointegration: a systematic review

PURPOSE

This systematic review aimed to determine whether differences in the macro-geometry of titanium implants promote changes in osseointegration.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

SCOPUS, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched in June 2021. In addition, it was performed a manual search of the reference lists of the included articles. Eligibility criteria were in vivo studies that addressed the effect of titanium implant macro-geometry on osseointegration, studies that evaluated periodontally healthy models, and papers indexed in Journal Citation Reports.

RESULTS

The database search resulted in 1037 articles. Of the 19 articles selected for full reading, 16 remained in this systematic review. These had a high heterogeneity making it hard to perform statistical analysis of the data, so a descriptive analysis was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the studies included in this systematic review, implant macro-geometry provides influences on osseointegration. In this sense, the various isolated characteristics (thread type, thread pitch, thread depth, face angle) should be studied so that the implant geometry can balance the compressive stress and tensile stress and produce a minimum shear force.

Influence of Implant Macro-Design, -Length, and -Diameter on Primary Implant Stability Depending on Different Bone Qualities Using Standard Drilling Protocols-An In Vitro Analysis

(1) Background: Primary implant stability is vital for successful implant therapy. This study explores the influence of implant shape, length, and diameter on primary stability in different bone qualities. (2) Methods: Three implant systems (two parallel-walled and one tapered) with various lengths and diameters were inserted into polyurethane foam blocks of different densities (35, 25, 15, and 10 PCF) using standard drilling protocols. Primary stability was assessed through insertion torque (IT) and resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Optimal ranges were defined for IT (25 to 50 Ncm) and RFA (ISQ 60 to 80). A comparison of implant groups was conducted to determine adherence to the optimal ranges. (3) Results: Implant macro-design, -length, and -diameter and bone block density significantly influenced IT and RFA. Optimal IT was observed in 8/40 and 9/40 groups for the parallel-walled implants, while the tapered implant achieved optimal IT in 13/40 groups (within a 25-50 Ncm range). Implant diameter strongly impacted primary stability, with sufficient stability achieved in only one-third of cases despite the tapered implant's superiority. (4) Conclusions: The findings highlight the need to adapt the drilling protocol based on diverse bone qualities in clinical practice. Further investigations should explore the impact of these adapted protocols on implant outcomes.

Influence of buccal bone wall thickness on the peri-implant hard and soft tissue dimensional changes: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The significance on the association between the peri-implant bucco-lingual dimension (BLD) at the stage of implant placement and the occurrence of biological and esthetic complications is yet unknown.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Systematic screening of electronic sources was carried out to identify clinical and preclinical studies reporting on the baseline BLD and/or buccal bone thickness (BBT) values. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of simultaneous grafting at sites with deficient or no buccal bone wall (BBW) at baseline. The primary outcome variables were BBT, BLD, and buccal vertical bone loss (VBL) at re-evaluation. Moreover, radiographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 12 clinical and four preclinical studies met the inclusion criteria. Inconsistencies were found in defining the critical BBT across the clinical and preclinical data evaluated. The clinical evidence demonstrated that during healing, dimensional changes occur in the alveolar bone and in the BBW that may compromise the integrity of the peri-implant bone, leading to VBL and mucosal recession (MR), particularly in scenarios exhibiting a thin BBW. The preclinical evidence validated the fact that implants placed in the presence of a thin BBW, are more prone to exhibit major dimensional changes and VBL. Moreover, the clinical data supported that, in scenarios where dehiscence-type defects occur and are left for spontaneous healing, greater VBL and MR together with the occurrence of biologic complications are expected. Furthermore, the augmentation of dehiscence-type defects is associated with hard and soft tissue stability. PROMs were not reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Dimensional changes occur as result of implant placement in healed ridges that may lead to instability of the peri-implant hard and soft tissues. Sites presenting a thin BBW are more prone to exhibit major changes that may compromise the integrity of the buccal bone and may lead to biologic and esthetic complications.

Determining primary stability for adhesively stabilized dental implants

OBJECTIVES

To examine factors influencing the primary stability of dental implants when stabilized in over-sized osteotomies using a calcium phosphate-based adhesive cement was the objective.

METHODS

Using implant removal torque measurements as a surrogate for primary stability, we examined the influence of implant design features (diameter, surface area, and thread design), along with cement gap size and curing time, on the resulting primary implant stability.

RESULTS

Removal torque values scaled with implant surface area and increasing implant diameters. Cement gap size did not alter the median removal torque values; however, larger gaps were associated with an increased spread of the measured values. Among the removal torque values measured, all were found to be above 32 Ncm which is an insertion torque threshold value commonly recommended for immediate loading protocols.

CONCLUSION

The adhesive cement show potential for offering primary implant stability for different dental implant designs. In this study, the primary parameters influencing the measured removal torque values were the implant surface area and diameter. As the liquid cement prevents the use of insertion torque, considering the relationship between insertion and removal torque, removal torque can be considered a reliable surrogate for primary implant stability for bench and pre-clinical settings.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

At present, the primary stability of dental implants is linked to the quality of the host bone, the drill protocol, and the specific implant design. The adhesive cement might find applications in future clinical settings for enhancing primary stability of implants under circumstances where this cannot be achieved conventionally.

Significance of buccal bone wall thickness on the fate of peri-implant hard and soft tissues: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The significance of the association between the peri-implant buccolingual dimension (BLD) at the stage of implant placement and the occurrence of biological and esthetic complications is yet unknown.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Systematic screening of electronic sources was carried out to identify clinical and preclinical studies reporting on the baseline BLD and/or buccal bone thickness (BBT) values. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of simultaneous grafting at sites with deficient or no buccal bone wall (BBW) at baseline. The primary outcome variables were BBT, BLD, and vertical bone loss (VBL) at re-evaluation. Moreover, radiographic, clinical- and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 12 clinical and four preclinical studies met the inclusion criteria. The clinical evidence demonstrated that during healing, dimensional changes occur in the alveolar bone and in the BBW that may compromise the integrity of bone around a dental implant. The preclinical evidence validated the fact that implants placed in the presence of thin BBW are more prone to exhibit major dimensional changes. Moreover, the clinical and preclinical data supported that in scenarios where dehiscence-type defects are left for spontaneous healing, greater VBL and mucosal recession (MR) together with the occurrence of biologic complications are expected. Furthermore, the augmentation of dehiscence-type defects is associated with hard and soft tissue stability.

CONCLUSIONS

Dimensional changes occur as a result of implant placement in healed ridges that may lead to VBL and MR. Thin BBW (≲2 mm) are prone to exhibit major postchanges that may compromise the integrity of the buccal bone, biologic and esthetic complications.

Dental implant failure rates with low insertion torque with a nonsubmerged surgical approach: A retrospective clinical study

BACKGROUND

It is currently unclear if a low insertion torque (IT) should prompt a clinician to submerge the dental implant at time of placement.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to analyze implant failure rates and marginal bone loss (MBL) as a function of IT and surgical approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 197 patients who had received 295 Mozo Grau (MG) implants were included in this study. The healing of submerged or nonsubmerged implants was evaluated in regular IT (≥20-25 Ncm) or low IT (<20-25 Ncm) cases. Implant failure and MBL were evaluated before prosthesis placement and at 6 and 12 months after functional loading with generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

The overall 12-month implant failure rate was 4.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7%-8.2%). When successful at 12 months, dental implants placed with low IT and nonsubmerging had the same MBL as implants dental implants placed with other approaches (mean difference = -0.02 mm; 95% CI -0.05 to 0.02). Low IT combined with nonsubmerging of the dental implant was associated with a 30-fold increased odds for dental implant failure (95% CI: 3.8-236.6).

CONCLUSION

low IT and nonsubmerged healing was associated with a high failure rate.

Nanostructured Calcium-Incorporated Surface Compared to Machined and SLA Dental Implants-A Split-Mouth Randomized Case/Double-Control Histological Human Study

Background: Implant surface topography is a key element in achieving osseointegration. Nanostructured surfaces have shown promising results in accelerating and improving bone healing around dental implants. The main objective of the present clinical and histological study is to compare, at 4 and 6 weeks, (w) bone-to-implant contact in implants having either machined surface (MAC), sandblasted, large grit, acid-etched implant surface (SLA) medium roughness surface or a nanostructured calcium-incorporated surface (XPEED®). Methods: 35 mini-implants of 3.5 × 8.5 mm with three different surface treatments (XPEED® (n = 16)—SLA (n = 13)—MAC (n = 6), were placed in the posterior maxilla of 11 patients (6 females and 5 males) then, retrieved at either 4 or 6w in a randomized split-mouth study design. Results: The BIC rates measured at 4w and 6w respectively, were: 16.8% (±5.0) and 29.0% (±3.1) for MAC surface; 18.5% (±2.3) and 33.7% (±3.3) for SLA surface; 22.4% (±1.3) and 38.6% (±3.2) for XPEED® surface. In all types of investigated surfaces, the time factor appeared to significantly increase the bone to implant contact (BIC) rate (p < 0.05). XPEED® surface showed significantly higher BIC values when compared to both SLA and MAC values at 4w (p < 0.05). Also, at 6w, both roughened surfaces (SLA and XPEED®) showed significantly higher values (p < 0.05) than turned surface (MAC). Conclusions: Nanostructured Calcium titanate coating is able to enhance bone deposition around implants at early healing stages.

Accuracy evaluation of cone beam computed tomography applied to measure peri-implant bone thickness in living patients: an ex vivo and in vivo experiment

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to study the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for measuring peri-implant bone thickness in living patients via a novel visualization method (NVM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The validity of the NVM was verified ex vivo by measuring the same peri-implant bone thicknesses in bovine ribs by using raw postoperative CBCT (clinical measurement, CM), the visualized fused images obtained using the NVM (visualized fused measurement, VF), and hard tissue sections (gold standard measurement, GS). The NVM was applied by deconstructing the postoperative CBCT model into the Model_post-bone and Model_implant and replacing it with bone from preoperative CBCT and standard implant models, respectively. In vivo, 52 implants were included, and the VF of each implant was obtained using data processing methods similar to those used ex vivo. Then, we compared the results of CM and VF.

RESULTS

Ex vivo, the VF was similar to GS, while CM usually underestimated the peri-implant bone thickness, especially at the implant shoulder (P < 0.01). In vivo, on CBCT, areas with a peri-implant bone thickness of 0-0.50 mm were not visible, while those with a thickness of 0.50-1.00 mm were occasionally visible. There was less underestimation of bone along the implant long axis.

CONCLUSIONS

Thin peri-implant bones could be completely underestimated on CBCT. CBCT scans alone are insufficient to warrant surgical intervention. Our NVM facilitates the accurate visual assessment of implant dimensions.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The thickness of peri-implant bone could be completely underestimated when thinner than 1.0 mm in living patients. Familiarity with these confusing CBCT results may help clinicians and patients avoid further unnecessary evaluation, misdiagnosis, and invasive treatment.

Influence of buccal emergence profile designs on peri-implant tissues: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The prosthetic emergence profile design might be an important factor in postsurgical mucosal recession etiology. Therefore, a restorative buccal emergence profile designed correctly might reduce gingival margin recession.

PURPOSE

To compare the marginal gingival level and the width/height (W/H) ratio between two profile configurations of single implant-supported restorations at molar sites.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one patients requiring a single mandibular molar tooth replacement with supracrestal mucosal thickness ≥2 mm were recruited and randomly assigned to a prosthesis buccal emergence profile design based on the buccal mucosal W/H ratio (Test Group) or maintained the original emergence profile of the healing abutment (Control Group). Assessments were made before delivery of the definitive restoration (T0), at prosthesis placement (T1), one (T2), and 12 (T3) months after loading. The gingival margin level change (△GM), initial emergence angle, buccal mucosal W/H ratio, marginal bone loss (MBL), implant failure, and complications were assessed.

RESULTS

The gingival recession in the test group (0.13 ± 0.32 mm) was significantly lower than in the control group (0.63 ± 0.38 mm) at T3 (p = 0.006). The initial emergence angle in the test group (31.4 ± 7.22 degrees) was significantly lower than the control group (40.0 ± 7.60 degrees) (p = 0.025). The W/H ratio in the test group at T2 was significantly higher than at T0 but remained stable thereafter. The W/H ratio presented a continued rising trend in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

When the initial supracrestal soft tissue thickness was ≥2 mm, a restorative emergence profile based on the W/H ratio significantly reduced gingival margin recession. An emergence angle of 32.4 degrees showed better behavior in maintaining the gingival margin than 40 degrees.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR190002210.

The Effects of Insertion Approach on the Stability of Dental Implants

Dental implant surgery involves the insertion of a dental implant into the alveolar bone; the success of the surgery depends on the initial stability of the implant. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of dental implant insertion approaches in clinical surgery and in accordance with the standards of American Society for Testing and Materials on initial implant stability. Three insertion approaches were used for dental implant placement (Branemark Systems NobelSpeedy Groovy, Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) in two types of artificial bone—good bone (GB) and poor bone (PB). The three insertion approaches were as follows: (1) continuous rotation insertion (CRI): using a torque testing machine to continuously screw in an implant to completion and (2 and 3) intermittent rotation insertion (IRI)_90 and IRI_80: using CRI to bury an implant to 90% and 80% of its full length followed by IRI to complete the implantation, respectively. The maximum insertion torque value (ITV), periotest value (PTV), and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were measured and compared. The results indicated that bone quality and insertion approach both affected implant stability. Insertion approaches affected all three implant stability indicators differently in the GB and PB groups (p = 0.008). In GB groups, the insertion approach primarily affected ITV, whereas in PB groups, it primarily affected PTV. The effect of the insertion approach was less apparent for ISQ. Overall, in both the GB and PB groups, the implant stability for IRI_80 was greater than that for IRI_90, and the implant stability for IRI_90 was greater than that for CRI. Future in vitro studies should adopt an insertion approach that complies with the clinical practice for dental implant surgery. Dentists should adjust the timing for IRI in dental implant surgery to achieve greater initial dental implant stability.

Biological mechanisms underlying complications related to implant site preparation

Implant site preparation is a critical stage of implant surgery that may underpin various complications related to implant surgery. This review discusses the latest available scientific information on risk factors related to implant site preparation. The role of the drilling process in relation to the density of the available alveolar bone, the effects of insertion torque on peri-implant osseous healing, and implant-related variables such as macrodesign and implant-abutment connection are all factors that can influence implant success. Novel information that links osteotomy characteristics (including methods to improve implant initial stability, the impact of drilling speed, and increase of the implant insertion torque modifying the bone-implant interface) with the appropriate instrumentation techniques will be discussed, as well as interactions at the bone-biomaterial interface that may lead to biologic complications mediated by implant dissolution products.

Effects of insertion torque values on the marginal bone loss of dental implants installed in sheep mandibles

The aim of the present in vivo study was to analyze and compare the effects on the crestal bone healing of two different implant macrogeometries installed in fresh socket areas and in normal bone areas with different insertion torque values. Two implant macrogeometries were used in the present study, DuoCone implant (DC) and Maestro implant (MAE), forming four groups: group DCws, in which the implants were installed in healing bone (without a socket); group DCfs, in which the implants were installed in post-extraction areas (fresh sockets); group MAEws, in which the implants were installed in healing bone (without a socket); group MAEfs, in which the implants were installed in post-extraction areas (fresh sockets). After 30 and 90 days of implantations in the bilateral mandibles of 10 sheep, eighty implants were evaluated through digital X-ray images and histologic slices. The crestal bone position in relation to the implant platform shoulder was measured and compared. The measured insertion torque was 47.2 ± 4.69 Ncm for the DCws group, 43.4 ± 4.87 Ncm for the DCfs group, 29.3 ± 3.16 Ncm for the MAEws group, and 27.7 ± 4.41 Ncm for the MAEfs group. The radiographic mesio-distal and histological bucco-lingual analyses showed significantly greater vertical bone loss in the implants installed with high torque (DC groups) in comparison to the implants installed with a low torque (MAE groups) (p < 0.05), at both evaluation times. In general, low insertion torque values (Maestro implants) showed better results of MBL when compared to implants installed with higher torque values (Duo Cone implants). Moreover, our results showed that the implants installed in the sites without sockets showed a less MBL in comparison with the implants installed in sites of fresh sockets.

The influence of insertion torque values on the failure and complication rates of dental implants: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The influence of using different insertion torque values on clinical and radiographic outcomes of implant therapy is unclear in the current literature. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the implant outcomes and complications rates using high insertion torque values compared with those using regular insertion torque value levels.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomized controlled clinical trials (NRCCTs), prospective and retrospective cohorts were searched for in electronic databases and complemented by hand searching relevant dental journals. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool for randomized and nonrandomized studies. Data were analyzed using a statistical software.

RESULTS

A total of 718 studies were identified, of which, nine studies were included with 1229 dental implants in 684 participants. The meta-analysis of RCTs showed that the overall implant failure rate was not notably in favor of any insertion torque value and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (risk ratio 0.85; 95% confidence interval 0.07-10.52; P = 0.90). None of the RCTs was registered. The secondary analyses of non-RCTs did not either show any statistically significant difference. Overall meta-analysis did not show any significant differences in peri-implant marginal bone loss or biological/technical complications between high (≥50 Ncm) and regular insertion torque (<50 Ncm).

CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to support the use of high or regular insertion torque even with immediate implant restoration/loading. The short-term implant failure rates, changes in marginal bone level and complication rates were comparable when high or regular insertion torques were used for implant placement. The wide confidence interval indicated that results cannot be interpreted with clinically meaningful benefit for using either high or regular insertion torque.

Comparison of Primary Stability of Implants Installed by Two Different Methods in D3 and D4 Bone Types: An In Vitro Study

Objective:

The purpose of the study is to assess the method of implant insertion in D3 and D4 bones and influence of insertion torque for achieving better primary implant stability.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 32 specimens (wood blocks) simulating D4 and D3 bone were grouped into 1, 2, 3, and 4. In groups 1 and 3, the implant and abutment were placed by manual method while in groups 2 and 4 by motor-driven method. The osteotomy site was prepared as per the protocol for soft bone, and implants were placed till the implant platform was in flush with the surface of the block. After achieving a standard insertion torque of 40 N.cm, pullout test was carried out with a universal testing machine and results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance.

Results:

An intergroup comparison of peak loads revealed an overall statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001) with a mean of 442.638 N, maximum in group 4 and least (202.963 N) in group 1. The mean elongation break was found to be maximum in group 3 samples (81.67600%) and less in group 4 (37.15113%). Intergroup comparison of Young’s modulus was statistically significant (P < 0.0001) with a mean value found to be minimum among group 1 samples (597.54750 MPa) and maximum in group 2 (1056.76463 MPa). An intergroup comparison of yield points was found to be maximum among group 4 samples (16.17238MPa) and least in group 1 (5.77438MPa).

Conclusion:

The D3 bone sample provided greater primary stability of implant than D4 bone samples, and the motor-driven implant seemed to have improved stability than that placed manually.

Comparison of nonself-tapping tapered implant and self-tapping hybrid implant in terms of implant stability at initial and second fixation: A prospective randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Various features are provided in dental implants to improve initial fixation.

PURPOSE

To compare the implant stability of the nonself-tapping tapered implant and self-tapping hybrid implant over a 3-month healing period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients were randomly divided into tapered and self-tapping groups. Patients in the tapered group received NobelReplace Tapered (Nobel Biocare, Sweden) implants, while those in the self-tapping group received NobelSpeedy (Nobel Biocare, Sweden) implants. Implant stability was measured by resonance frequency analysis at surgery and 3 months following implant insertion. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients (tapered group: 21, self-tapping group: 22) received a total of 88 implants. Initial stability in the tapered group was significantly higher (mean: 60.14, SD: 12.40) than that in the self-tapping group (mean: 54.72, SD: 7.92). Implant stability significantly increased 3 months after implantation in the tapered group (mean: 66.61, SD: 9.00) and self-tapping group (mean: 64.01, SD: 5.78). No significant intergroup difference in implant stability was noted 3 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The tapered shape affected initial fixation more than the self-tapping function. However, during the second fixation, both implants showed good stability, and the difference disappeared.

Radiological Outcomes of Bone-Level and Tissue-Level Dental Implants: Systematic Review

Background: to assess the radiological marginal bone loss between bone-level or tissue-level dental implants through a systematic review of literature until September 2019. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase and other database were searched by two independent authors including only English articles. Results: The search provided 1028 records and, after removing the duplicates through titles and abstracts screening, 45 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. For qualitative analysis 20 articles were included, 17 articles of them for quantitative analysis counting a total of 1161 patients (mean age 54.4 years) and 2933 implants, 1427 inserted at Tissue-level (TL) and 1506 inserted at Bone-level (BL). The survival rate and the success rate were more than 90%, except for 2 studies with a success rate of 88% and 86.2%. No studies reported any differences between groups in term of success and survival rates. Three studies showed that BL-implants had statistically less marginal bone loss (p < 0.05). Only one study reported statistically less marginal bone loss in TL-implants (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In the most part of the studies, differences between implant types in marginal bone loss were not statistically significant after a variable period of follow-up ranged between 1 and 5 years.

Clinical effect of the high insertion torque on dental implants: A systematic review and meta-analysis

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

A consensus on the clinical performance in dental implants placed with different insertion torques is lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of high insertion torque compared with regular or low torques during dental implant placement in terms of implant survival rate and marginal bone loss.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two independent reviewers searched electronic databases for studies published until April 2019. The population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) question was "Do patients who receive implants with a high torque (equal or higher than 50 Ncm) show similar implant survival rates and marginal bone loss as compared with those who receive implants with a regular or low torque (less than 50 Ncm)?". The meta-analysis was based on the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) and the inverse variance (IV) methods (α=.05).

RESULTS

The search yielded 6 articles, which included 389 patients (mean age: 55.28 years) who had received 651 dental implants (437 with high torque and 214 with low or regular torque). Most studies evaluated delayed loading, except 1 study that evaluated immediate implant loading (n=50 for each group). Low or regular insertion torque had a high failure rate (4.2%) compared with high insertion torque (1.1%), chiefly because of immediate loading. However, the meta-analysis indicated no significant difference between high- and regular- or low-torque implant placement in implant survival rate (P=.52, risk ratio [RR]: 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06-4.06) and marginal bone loss (P=.30, mean difference [MD]: 0.15, 95% CI: -0.14 to 0.44).

CONCLUSIONS

A high insertion torque during implant placement does not affect implant survival rate or marginal bone loss. However, further research is recommended to reassess this clinical performance.

Healing at implants installed from ~ 70- to < 10-Ncm insertion torques: an experimental study in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate histologically the early healing at implants installed with different insertion torques MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three months after the extraction of the mandibular premolars and of the first molars, two implants were installed monolaterally in the premolar and two in the molar regions of the edentulous alveolar ridge of twelve dogs. The recipient sites were prepared using drills of different diameter to obtain insertion torque of different values, i.e., 30 Ncm (control) or ~ 70 Ncm (test) in the premolar region, and < 10 Ncm (test) or ~ 50 Ncm (control) in the molar region. Six animals were euthanized after 4 weeks and six after 8 weeks of healing. Histological analyses were performed, and the Wilcoxon test was applied for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks of healing, in the premolar region, the new bone in contact with the implant surface was 65.0 ± 4.6% and 53.9 ± 13.5% at the ~ 30-Ncm and ~ 70-Ncm sites, respectively (p = 0.075). In the premolar region, new bone proportions were 51.4 ± 17.0% and 67.3 ± 7.0% at the < 10-Ncm and ~ 50-Ncm sites, respectively (p = 0.046). After 8 weeks of healing, in the premolar region, new bone reached fractions of 77.7 ± 16.2% at the ~ 30-Ncm sites, and 68.3 ± 12.1% at the ~ 70-Ncm sites (p = 0.028). In the molar region, new bone presented proportions of 70.2 ± 6.4% at the < 10-Ncm sites and 76.2 ± 9.4% at the ~ 50-Ncm sites (p = 0.173).

CONCLUSIONS

The insertion torque influenced the osseointegration of implants. Higher values of bone-to-implant contact percentages were registered for insertion torques of ~ 30 Ncm and ~ 50 Ncm. Implants inserted with torque < 10 Ncm became integrated with an optimal osseointegration.

Influence of Bone Quality, Drilling Protocol, Implant Diameter/Length on Primary Stability: An In Vitro Comparative Study on Insertion Torque and Resonance Frequency Analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of bone quality, drilling technique, implant diameter, and implant length on insertion torque (IT) and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) of a prototype-tapered implant with knife-edge threads. The investigators hypothesized that IT would be affected by variations in bone quality and drilling protocol, whereas RFA would be less influenced by such variables. The investigators implemented an in vitro experiment in which a prototype implant was inserted with different testing conditions into rigid polyurethane foam blocks. The independent variables were: bone quality, drilling protocol, implant diameter, and implant length. Group A implants were inserted with a conventional drilling protocol, whereas Group B implants were inserted with an undersized drilling protocol. Values of IT and RFA were measured at implant installation. IT and RFA values were significantly correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.54). A multivariable analysis showed a strong model. Higher IT values were associated with drilling protocol B vs A (mean difference: 71.7 Ncm), implant length (3.6 Ncm increase per mm in length), and substrate density (0.199 Ncm increase per mg/cm3 in density). Higher RFA values were associated with drilling protocol B vs A (mean difference: 3.9), implant length (1.0 increase per mm in length), and substrate density (0.032 increase per mg/cm3 in density). Implant diameter was not associated with RFA or IT. Within the limitations of an in vitro study, the results of this study suggest that the studied implant can achieve good level of primary stability in terms of IT and RFA. A strong correlation was found between values of IT and RFA. Both parameters are influenced by the drilling protocol, implant length, and substrate density. Further studies are required to investigate the clinical response in primary stability and marginal bone response.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Simultaneous Alveolar Ridge Augmentation by Means of Preformed Titanium Meshes at Dehiscence-Type Peri-Implant Defects: A Prospective Pilot Study

Background: bone augmentation by means of manually shaped titanium mesh is an established procedure to regenerate atrophic alveolar ridges and recreate a proper contour of the peri-implant bone anatomy. Conversely, current literature on the use of preformed titanium meshes instead of traditional grids remains lacking. Therefore, the aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the use of preformed titanium mesh to support bone regeneration simultaneously to implant placement at dehiscence-type defects from clinical, radiological, and patient-related outcomes. Methods: 8 implants showing buccal dehiscence defects were treated with preformed titanium mesh directly fixed to flat abutments screwed to the implant. Intrasurgical clinical measurements and radiographic evaluations by means of cone-beam computed tomography scans were performed to assess the horizontal bone gain after 8 months from the augmentation surgery. Biological and patient-centered outcomes were also evaluated.; Results: clinically, a mean horizontal bone gain of 4.95 ± 0.96 mm, and a mean horizontal thickness of the buccal plate of 3.25 ± 0.46 mm were found. A mean horizontal bone gain of 5.06 ± 0.88 mm associated with a mean horizontal thickness of the buccal plate of 3.45 ± 0.68 mm were observed radiographically. From a macroscopic aspect, the remodeled graft appeared well integrated with the host bone. Well vascularized newly formed bone-like tissue was observed in intimate contact with the implants. Conclusions: preformed titanium mesh may be effective in supporting simultaneous horizontal bone regeneration at dehiscence-type peri-implant defects. Titanium mesh exposure still remain an issue in this type of surgery.

Factors Influencing Early Marginal Bone Loss around Dental Implants Positioned Subcrestally: A Multicenter Prospective Clinical Study

Early marginal bone loss (MBL) is a non-infective remodeling process of variable entity occurring within the first year after implant placement. It has a multifactorial etiology, being influenced by both surgical and prosthetic factors. Their impact remains a matter of debate, and controversial information is available, particularly regarding implants placed subcrestally. The present multicenter prospective clinical study aimed to correlate marginal bone loss around platform-switched implants with conical connection inserted subcrestally to general and local factors. Fifty-five patients were enrolled according to strict inclusion/exclusion criteria by four clinical centers. Single or multiple implants (AnyRidge, MegaGen, South Korea) were inserted in the posterior mandible with a one-stage protocol. Impressions were taken after two months of healing (T1), screwed metal-ceramic restorations were delivered three months after implant insertion (T2), and patients were recalled after six months (T3) and twelve months (T4) of prosthetic loading. Periapical radiographs were acquired at each time point. Bone levels were measured at each time point on both mesial and distal aspects of implants. Linear mixed models were fitted to the data to identify predictors associated with MBL. Fifty patients (25 male, 25 female; mean age 58.0 ± 12.8) with a total of 83 implants were included in the final analysis. The mean subcrestal position of the implant shoulder at baseline was 1.24 ± 0.57 mm, while at T4, it was 0.46 ± 0.59 mm under the bone level. Early marginal bone remodeling was significantly influenced by implant insertion depth and factors related to biological width establishment (vertical mucosal thickness, healing, and prosthetic abutment height). Deep implant insertion, thin peri-implant mucosa, and short abutments were associated with greater marginal bone loss up to six months after prosthetic loading. Peri-implant bone levels tended to stabilize after this time, and no further marginal bone resorption was recorded at twelve months after implant loading.

Primary Stability Optimization by Using Fixtures with Different Thread Depth According To Bone Density: A Clinical Prospective Study on Early Loaded Implants

Background: Macro- and micro-geometry are among the factors influencing implant stability and potentially determining loading protocol. The purpose of this study was to test a protocol for early loading by controlling implant stability with the selection of fixtures with different thread depth according to the bone density of the implant site. Materials and Methods: Patients needing implant therapy for fixed prosthetic rehabilitation were treated by inserting fixtures with four different thread diameters, selected based on clinical assessment of bone quality at placement (D1, D2, D3, and D4, according to Misch classification). Final insertion torque (IT) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were recorded at baseline and ISQ measurements repeated after one, two, three, and four weeks. At the three-week measurement (four weeks after implant replacement), implants with ISQ > 70 Ncm were functionally loaded with provisional restorations. Marginal bone level was radiographically measured 12 months after implant insertion. Results: Fourteen patients were treated with the insertion of forty implants: Among them, 39 implants showing ISQ > 70 after 3 weeks of healing were loaded with provisional restoration. Mean IT value was 82.3 ± 33.2 Ncm and varied between the four different types of bone (107.2 ± 35.6 Ncm, 74.7 ± 14.0 Ncm, 76.5 ± 31.1 Ncm, and 55.2 ± 22.6 Ncm in D1, D2, D3, and D4 bone, respectively). Results showed significant differences except between D2 and D3 bone types. Mean ISQ at baseline was 79.3 ± 4.3 and values in D1, D2, D3, and D4 bone were 81.9 ± 2.0, 81.1 ± 1.0, 78.3 ± 3.7, and 73.2 ± 4.9, respectively. Results showed significant differences except between D1 and D2 bone types. IT and ISQ showed a significant positive correlation when analyzing the entire sample (p = 0.0002) and D4 bone type (p = 0.0008). The correlation between IT and ISQ was not significant when considering D1, D2, and D3 types (p = 0.28; p = 0.31; p = 0.16, respectively). ISQ values showed a slight drop at three weeks for D1, D2, and D3 bone while remaining almost unchanged in D4 bone. At 12-month follow-up, all implants (39 early loading, 1 conventional loading) had satisfactory function, showing an average marginal bone loss of 0.12 ± 0.12 mm, when compared to baseline levels. Conclusion: Matching implant macro-geometry to bone density can lead to adequate implant stability both in hard and soft bone. High primary stability and limited implant stability loss during the first month of healing could allow the application of early loading protocols with predictable clinical outcomes.

Influence of Insertion Torque on Clinical and Biological Outcomes before and after Loading of Mandibular Implant-Retained Overdentures in Atrophic Edentulous Mandibles

Aim

To evaluate the influence of primary insertion torque (IT) values of narrow dental implants on the peri-implant health, implant stability, immunoinflammatory responses, bone loss, and success and survival rates.

Methods

Thirty-one edentulous patients received two narrow implants (2.9x10mm, Facility NeoPoros) to retain mandibular overdentures. The implants were categorized in four groups according to their IT: (G1) IT > 10 Ncm; (G2) IT ≥ 10Ncm and ≤ 30 Ncm; (G3) IT >30Ncm and < 45Ncm; (G4) IT ≥ 45Ncm, and all implants were loaded after 3 months of healing. The following clinical outcomes were evaluated 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after implant insertion: (i) peri-implant tissue health (PH), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), calculus presence (CP), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP); (ii) implant stability quotient (ISQ) by resonance frequency analysis; and (iii) IL-1β and TNF-α concentration in the peri-implant crevicular fluid. The marginal bone level (MBL) and changes (MBC) were evaluated. The Chi² test, Kruskal-Wallis test, mixed-effects regression analysis, and the Kendall rank correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis (α = 5%).

Results

G1 presented the highest PD at all evaluated periods. G2 presented higher PI at month 6 and 12. G4 showed increased GI at month 3 and 12 and more CP at month 1 (p=.003). G2 and G4 had higher ISQ values over the study period, while those from G1 and G3 presented lower ISQ values. The IL-1β concentration increased until month 12 and was independent of IT and bone type; G4 had a higher IL-1β concentration in month 3 than the other groups (p=.015). The TNF-α release was negatively correlated with IT, and TNF-α release was highest in G1 at month 12. The MBL immediately after surgery and the MBC at month 12 were similar between the groups, and G4 presented a positive MBC at month 12. The survival and success rates were 75% for G1, 81.3% for G2, 64.3% for G3, and 95% for G4.

Conclusion

The IT did not influence the clinical outcomes and the peri-implant immunoinflammatory responses and was weakly correlated with the narrow dental implants primary stability. The observed success rates suggest that the ideal IT for atrophic fully edentulous patients may deviate from the standardized IT of 32 Ncm.

The effect of implant placement torque on crestal bone remodeling after 1 year of loading

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare crestal bone levels (CBLs) after 1 year of loading of self-tapping bone condensing implants placed with high insertion torque (IT) compared to those placed with lower IT.

Materials and methods

A retrospective chart review of 66 consecutive patients who received at least one self-tapping bone condensing implant and were in function for at least 1 year was conducted. On the basis of intrasurgical notes documenting the implant IT, the patient population was divided into group A (implant IT, >55 Ncm) and group B (IT, <55 Ncm). Radiographs taken immediately after insertion and during annual follow-up appointments were evaluated for detecting crestal bone loss. The relationship between IT and crestal bone loss, bone density, and jaw location were analyzed, and a P-value of 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

A total of 113 self-tapping bone condensing NobelActive™ implants were placed. The average follow-up period from the placement of the implant restoration was 12.87 (±4.83) months. Six implants were classified as failures resulting in overall survival rate of 94.6%. Implants in group A had a mean IT of 67.35 ± 4.0 Ncm, whereas implants in the group B had a mean IT of 37.9 ± 12.62 Ncm. Implants in group A had statistically significant crestal bone loss compared to implants in group B (0.95 ± 1.60 and 0.18 ± 0.68 mm, respectively). Group A implants placed in the mandible showed significantly more pronounced crestal bone loss (2.12 ± 1.99 mm) compared to those placed in the maxilla (0.25 ± 0.65 mm; P<0.05); however, this was not the case in group B implants.

Conclusion

Implants inserted with high IT (>55 Ncm) showed more peri-implant bone remodeling than implants inserted with a less assertive IT (<55 Ncm). Bone density and jaw location affect IT and CBLs.

Immediate Loading of Implant-Supported Single Crowns after Conventional and Ultrasonic Implant Site Preparation: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Aim

To compare implant survival rate and marginal bone loss (MBL) of immediately loaded single implants inserted by using ultrasonic implant site preparation (UISP) (test) and conventional rotary instrumentation (control).

Methods

Two single implants were inserted for each patient: after randomization, test site was prepared by using an ultrasonic device (Piezosurgery Touch, Mectron, Italy) and control site was prepared by using the drills of the selected implant system (Premium AZT, Sweden & Martina, Italy), until reaching a final diameter of 3 mm in both groups. Identical implants (3.8x11.5 mm) were inserted in all sites at crestal level. Impressions were taken and screwed resin single crowns with platform-switched provisional abutments were delivered with 48 hours. Periapical radiographs were taken at provisional crown insertion (T0), 6 months (T1) and one year (T2) after prosthetic loading to measure MBL. All data were tested for normality and subsequently analyzed by paired samples t-test and forward multiple linear regression.

Results

Forty-eight patients were treated in six centers with the insertion of ninety-six implants (48 test; 48 control). Four implants in four patients failed within the first six months of healing (two in test group; two in control group; no difference between groups). Forty patients (age 60.1±10.7 years; 22 female, 18 male) were included in the final analysis. Mean MBL after six months of loading was 1.39±1.03 mm in the test group and 1.42±1.16 mm in the control group (p>0.05) and after one year was 1.92±1.14 mm and 2.14±1.55 mm in test and control, respectively (p>0.05).

Conclusions

No differences in survival rate and MBL were demonstrated between UISP and conventional site preparation with rotary instruments in immediately loaded dental implants: UISP, with its characteristics of enhanced surgical control and safety in proximity of delicate structures, may be used as a reliable alternative to the traditional drilling systems.