Need for lateral bone augmentation at two narrow-diameter implants: A prospective, controlled, clinical study

Clinical, radiographic, and aesthetic outcomes at two narrow-diameter implants to replace congenital missing maxillary lateral incisors: A 3-year prospective, clinical study

INTRODUCTION

To present the 3-year clinical, radiographic, and aesthetic outcomes in patients with congenitally missing lateral incisors rehabilitated with two narrow-diameter implants (NDIs).

METHODS

The original population consisted of 100 patients rehabilitated with a cement-retained bi-layered zirconia single-unit crown supported by either a Ø2.9 mm (Test) or a Ø3.3 mm (Control) NDI (n = 50). At the 1- and 3-year follow-up (T2, T3), implant survival rate, crestal bone level (CBL) changes, biological, and technical complications were recorded, while the assessment of the aesthetic outcomes was performed using the Copenhagen Index Score.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients Ø2.9 mm (n = 39) or Ø3.3 mm (n = 35) reached T3, as 24 patients were lost to follow-up and 1 implant (Ø3.3 mm) was removed. Throughout the observation period, minimal CBL changes (i.e., <1 mm) were detected between groups. Despite the positive aesthetic scores recorded (i.e., 1-2), at T3 20% of patients rehabilitated with a Ø3.3 mm versus 2.6% of patients Ø2.9 mm displayed an alveolar process deficiency (Score 3). No additional technical and/or mechanical complications were recorded between T2 and T3. Tooth vitality was maintained in all neighboring teeth. Peri-implant probing depths and plaque scores remained low in both groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The use of 2.9 or 3.3 diameter implants showed comparable favorable mid-term results in terms of survival rate, CBL, and aesthetic outcomes. Hence, clinicians should rely on the use of such NDIs when replacing maxillary lateral incisors.

Clinical analysis of the tooth-implant papilla for two narrow-diameter titanium-zirconium implants in the anterior area: prospective controlled clinical study

BACKGROUND

Rehabilitation of the anterior area when the mesio-distal space is reduced is a challenge for the clinician, due to the patient's anatomical limitations and aesthetic requirements. Narrow Diameter Implants (NDI) are an option of treatment when the standard diameter implant is not possible, but the evidence is scarce. This prospective clinical study aims to analyze the formation of the tooth-implant papilla between the implant and the adjacent natural tooth in the maxillary lateral incisors and mandibular incisors.

METHODS

A total of 40 patients treated with NDI, of titanium-zirconium (Ti-Zr) alloy i.e., 2.9 mm Test Group (TG) and 3.3 mm Control Group (CG), were included. The mesiodistal distance between the adjacent natural teeth was used for implant selection, maintaining 1.5 mm between the fixation and the adjacent tooth. Clinical assessment was performed by a clinical examiner at 6 and 12 months after the final prosthesis. The primary variable was the Jemt Papillary Index. Also, implant survival rate (SR), complications, Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ), and patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) such as aesthetics, chewing, phonation, comfort, and self-esteem were analyzed.

RESULTS

A significant amount of papilla filling was observed concerning the baseline, with a trend towards more formation of the papilla in the TG, with a JPI score of 3. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding implant SR, clinical parameters, and complications. In terms of PROMs, a higher satisfaction in the TG was observed, with significant intergroup differences for aesthetics, comfort, self-esteem, and primary stability ISQ (TG: 59.05 (SD: 5.4) vs. CG: 51.55 (SD: 5.7)).

CONCLUSIONS

The 2.9 mm diameter Ti-Zr implants achieved a formation of papilla similar to 3.3 mm implants in the anterior region at 12 months of follow-up after the final prosthetic restoration. The use of Ti-Zr implants with a diameter of 2.9 mm to rehabilitate single teeth in areas of the anterior region, where the mesiodistal distance is limited, showed favorable clinical results and a high degree of satisfaction during 1 year of observation similar to 3.3 mm dental implants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with the number NCT05642520, dated 18/11/2022.

Implantoplasty and the risk of fracture of narrow implants with advanced bone loss: A laboratory study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of implantoplasty (IP) on maximum implant failure strength of narrow diameter implants of different type/design and material, with simulated advanced bone loss.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Narrow, parallel-walled implants (3.3 mm in diameter × 10 mm long) with an internal connection of different type/design [bone level (BL), tissue level (TL)] and material [Titanium grade IV (Ti), Titanium-Zirconium alloy (TiZr)] from one specific manufacturer were used. Half of the implants were subjected to IP in their coronal 5 mm; the remaining were used as controls (seven implants per group). Dynamic loading prior to maximum load strength testing was included.

RESULTS

During dynamic loading, the fracture rate of BL implants was low and independent of IP, while that of TL implants increased significantly with IP compared with controls (p = .001). Maximum implant failure strength reduction (in %) due to IP, was 1.3%-25.4%; TiZr BL implants were least affected. Implants subjected to IP compared to those without IP as well as TL implants compared to BL implants showed a significantly lower maximum implant failure strength (p < .002); implant material was not significant (p = .845).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on data from implants of one specific manufacturer, IP has a significant negative impact on the fracture strength of narrow implants suffering from advanced peri-implantitis. TL implants have been more severely affected compared to BL implants and presented an increased risk for failure during normal chewing forces. In addition, this negative impact of IP on TL implants was independent of the implant material (i.e., Ti or TiZr).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Narrow single TL implants with advanced horizontal bone loss (e.g., 5 mm), when subjected to IP, appear to have an increased fracture risk during normal function.

Preparation of human primary macrophages to study the polarization from monocyte-derived macrophages to pro- or anti-inflammatory macrophages at biomaterial interface in vitro

Background/purpose

Testing of dental materials when in contact with innate immune cells has been so far hindered by the lack of proper in vitro models. Human primary monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) would be an excellent option to this aim. However, the inability to detach them from the tissue culture plates contrast the possibility to culture them on biomaterials. The goal of the present work is to present and validate an innovative protocol to obtain MDMs from peripheral blood monocytes, and to reseed them in contact with biomaterials without altering their viability and phenotype.

Materials and methods

We differentiated MDMs on ultra-low attachment tissue culture plastics and recovered them with specific detachment solution in order to be reseeded on a secondary substrate. Therefore, using biological assays (RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence) we compared their phenotype to MDMs differentiated on standard culture plates.

Results

Transferred MDMs keep their differentiated M0 resting state, as well as the ability to be polarized into M1 (pro-inflammatory) or M2 (anti-inflammatory) macrophages.

Conclusion

These data provide the dental material research community the unprecedented possibility to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of biomaterials for dental application.

Evaluation of the clinical safety and performance of a narrow diameter (2.9 mm) bone-level implant: a 1-year prospective single-arm multicenter study

PURPOSE

Narrow-diameter implants facilitate single-tooth restoration when interdental or inter-implant spaces and bone volume are inadequate for using standard diameter implants. This study reports the short-term data on the clinical safety and performance of a bone-level-tapered two-piece implant with a 2.9 mm diameter in the clinical practice setting. This study was retrospectively registered on March 1st, 2016 (NCT02699866).

METHODS

Implants were placed in partially healed extraction sockets of the central and lateral incisors in the mandible and lateral incisors in the maxilla for single-tooth replacement. The primary outcome was to assess implant survival at 12 months after placement. Secondary outcomes included implant success, pink esthetic score, marginal bone-level changes, and safety.

RESULTS

Twenty four males and 17 females with a mean age of 44.5 (± 18.3 standard deviation) received the implant. Three out of 41 implants were lost yielding a survival rate of 92.7% (95%-CI: 79.0%; 97.6%) at 1 year. One patient reported an ongoing foreign body sensation, pain, and/or dysesthesia at month 12. The average pink esthetic score at 6 months was 11.2 (95%-CI: 10.5; 11.9). The bone level was stable with a mean bone-level change of-0.3 mm (± 0.42 mm standard deviation) at 1 year after implantation. No serious adverse events or adverse device events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a 2.9 mm diameter bone-level-tapered implant is a safe and reliable treatment option for narrow tooth gaps at the indicated locations. Overall performance and good survival rates support their use in cases, where wider implants are unsuitable.

Marginal bone level changes around dental implants with one or two adjacent teeth - A clinical and radiographic retrospective study with a follow-up of at least 10 years

AIM

To compare mean bone level (mBL) changes around dental implants with one or two adjacent teeth after a function time of ≥10 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred thirty three periodontally compromised patients (PCPs) with 551 implants enrolled in supportive periodontal care (SPC) were screened. Implants were categorized either into group TIT (tooth-implant-tooth) or into group TIG (tooth-implant-gap). MBL changes from delivery of restoration (i.e., baseline) to follow-up were calculated in millimeters and compared between implants and adjacent teeth. Survival rates and the need for surgical interventions during SPC were recorded.

RESULTS

Eighty seven patients with 142 implants were re-evaluated after a mean observation time of 14.5 ± 3.5 years. The mBL at mesial implant sites in the TIT group increased -0.07 ± 0.92 mm and decreased in the TIG group 0.52 ± 1.34 mm, respectively (95% CI: 0.04/1.14, p = .037). At distal implant sites, the mBL in the TIT group increased -0.08 ± 0.84 mm and decreased 0.03 ± 0.87 in the TIG group, respectively (95% CI: -0.20/0.42, p = .48). The overall implant loss rate was 3.5% (n = 5; 2 TIT, 3 TIG), without a statistically significant difference between the two groups (95% CI: 0.18/7.07, p = .892). Tooth loss rates (TIT: 12.3%, TIG: 12.3%) were not statistically significantly different (OR = 1.00, p = .989).

CONCLUSION

High tooth and implant survival rates were observed in PCPs. The presence of one or two adjacent teeth seemed to have no impact on marginal bone level changes.

Peri-implantitis as the consequence of errors in implant therapy

Peri-implantitis is a plaque-associated pathologic condition occurring in tissues around dental implants, characterized by inflammation in the peri-implant mucosa and subsequent progressive loss of supporting bone. It is a highly prevalent disease, as extensively estimated by large-population, cross-sectional studies. As peri-implant diseases represent opportunistic infections, it is reasonable to assume that nonideal conditions, local and/or general, may favor the progression of peri-implant inflammation. Some of these conditions could be a result of poor planning and/or inadequate execution of any step of the entire process treatment. This article describes the major possible factors in implant therapy that may lead to peri-implantitis. For some of these (ie, inappropriate patient selection, insufficient periodontal therapy, lack of diagnosis and management of peri-implant mucositis, erratic supportive peri-implant/periodontal therapy) there is a good level of evidence, whereas for others (ie, wrong implant placement, poor postoperative care, inadequate prosthetic reconstruction, lack of assessment and management of peri-implant soft-tissue deficiencies) there is little scientific evidence. More research is therefore needed to clearly identify the errors and/or complications possibly leading to peri-implantitis, particularly over the long term.

Influence of buccal and palatal bone thickness on post-surgical marginal bone changes around implants placed in posterior maxilla: a multi-centre prospective study

BACKGROUND

Numerous clinical variables may influence early marginal bone loss (EMBL), including surgical, prosthetic and host-related factors. Among them, bone crest width plays a crucial role: an adequate peri-implant bone envelope has a protective effect against the influence of the aforementioned factors on marginal bone stability. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of buccal and palatal bone thickness at the time of implant placement on EMBL during the submerged healing period.

METHODS

Patients presenting a single edentulism in the upper premolar area and requiring implant-supported rehabilitation were enrolled following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Internal connection implants (Twinfit, Dentaurum, Ispringen, Germany) were inserted after piezoelectric implant site preparation. Mid-facial and mid-palatal thickness and height of the peri-implant bone were measured immediately after implant placement (T0) with a periodontal probe and recorded to the nearest 0.5 mm. After 3 months of submerged healing (T1), implants were uncovered and measurements were repeated with the same protocol. Kruskal-Wallis test for independent samples was used to compare bone changes from T0 to T1. Multivariate linear regression models were built to assess the influence of different variables on buccal and palatal EMBL.

RESULTS

Ninety patients (50 females, 40 males, mean age 42.9 ± 15.1 years), treated with the insertion of 90 implants in maxillary premolar area, were included in the final analysis. Mean buccal and palatal bone thickness at T0 were 2.42 ± 0.64 mm and 1.31 ± 0.38 mm, respectively. Mean buccal and palatal bone thickness at T1 were 1.92 ± 0.71 mm and 0.87 ± 0.49 mm, respectively. Changes in both buccal and palatal thickness from T0 to T1 resulted statistically significant (p = 0.000). Changes in vertical bone levels from T0 to T1 resulted not significant both on buccal (mean vertical resorption 0.04 ± 0.14 mm; p = 0.479) and palatal side (mean vertical resorption 0.03 ± 0.11 mm; p = 0.737). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed a significant negative correlation between vertical bone resorption and bone thickness at T0 on both buccal and palatal side.

CONCLUSION

The present findings suggest that a bone envelope > 2 mm on the buccal side and > 1 mm on the palatal side may effectively prevent peri-implant vertical bone resorption following surgical trauma.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The present study was retrospectively recorded in a public register of clinical trials ( www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov - NCT05632172) on 30/11/2022.

Short versus standard implants at sinus augmented sites: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Short implants are proposed as a less invasive alternative with fewer complications than standard implants in combination with sinus lift. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to state the efficacy of placing short implants (≤ 6 mm) compared to standard-length implants (≥ 8 mm) performing sinus lift techniques in patients with edentulous posterior atrophic jaws. Efficacy will be evaluated through analyzing implant survival (IS) and maintenance of peri-implant bone (MBL).

METHODS

Screening process was done using the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE by PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Oral Health, and Web of Science (WOS). The articles included were randomized controlled trials. Risk of bias was evaluated according to The Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Weighted means were calculated. Heterogeneity was determined using Higgins (I²). A random-effects model was applied. Secondary outcomes such as surgical time, patient satisfaction, mucositis and peri-implantitis, pain, and swelling were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies (597 patients and 901 implants) were evaluated. IS was 1.02 risk ratio, ranging from 1.00 to 1.05 (CI 95%) (p = 0.09), suggesting that IS was similar when both techniques were used. MBL was higher in patients with standard-length implants plus sinus lift elevation (p = 0.03). MBL was 0.11 (0.01-0.20) mm (p = 0.03) and 0.23 (0.07-0.39) mm (p = 0.005) before and after 1 year of follow-up, respectively, indicating that the marginal bone loss is greater for standard-length implants.

DISCUSSION

Within the limitations of the present study, as relatively small sample size, short dental implants can be used as an alternative to standard-length implants plus sinus elevation in cases of atrophic posterior maxilla. Higher MBL was observed in the groups where standard-length implants were used, but implant survival was similar in both groups. Moreover, with short implants, it was observed a reduced postoperative discomfort, minimal invasiveness, shorter treatment time, and reduced costs.

CLINICAL CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The low MBL promoted by short implants does contribute to a paradigm shift from sinus grafting with long implants to short implants. Further high-quality long-term studies are required to confirm these findings.

Narrow diameter implants to replace congenital missing maxillary lateral incisors: a 1-year prospective, controlled, clinical study

OBJECTIVES

To report the clinical, radiographic, aesthetic and patient-reported outcomes after placement of a newly developed Narrow-Diameter Implant (NDI) in patients with congenitally Missing Lateral Incisors (MLIs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with MLIs with a mesio-distal distance between the canine and the central incisor of 5.9-6.3mm received a dental implant with a diameter of 2.9mm (Test), while a diameter of 3.3mm (Control) was used when the distance was 6.4-7.1mm. After healing, a cement-retained bi-layered zirconia crown was fabricated. At the 1-year follow-up (T2), implant survival rate, marginal Crestal Bone Level (CBL) changes, biological and technical complications were registered. The aesthetic outcome was assessed by using the Copenhagen Index Score, and the patient-reported outcomes were recorded using the OHIP-49 questionnaire.

RESULTS

One-hundred patients rehabilitated with 100 dental implants Ø2.9mm (n = 50) or Ø3.3mm (n = 50) were included. One Ø3.3mm implant was lost and 7 patients dropped out of the study, yielding an implant survival rate of 99% (p = 1.000). At T2 a CBL of -0.19 ± 0.25 mm (Test) and -0.25 ± 0.31 mm (Control) was detected, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.342). Good to excellent aesthetic scores (i.e. 1-2) were recorded in most of cases. Technical complications (i.e. loss of retention, abutment fracture, chipping of veneering ceramic) occurred once in three patients with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). OHIP scores did not differ significantly at follow-ups between groups (p = 0.110).

CONCLUSION

The use of Ø2.9mm diameter implants represents as reliable a treatment option as Ø3.3mm implants, in terms of CBL changes, biological and technical complications. Favorable aesthetics and patient-reported outcomes were recorded for both groups.

Short Narrow Dental Implants versus Long Narrow Dental Implants in Fixed Prostheses: A Prospective Clinical Study

There is a paucity of studies that assess short and narrow dental implants. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the performance of both short (≤8 mm) and narrow (≤3.5 mm width) dental implants supporting fixed prostheses in the atrophic maxilla or mandible. Towards that aim, patients with short implants were included in the study. The control group was those with long and narrow dental implants (length > 8 mm and diameter ≤ 3.5 mm). Clinical and demographic variables were extracted from clinical records. During the follow-up, implant survival and marginal bone loss were evaluated and statistically analysed. Forty-one implants were included (18 and 23 implants in the test and control groups, respectively). The median follow-up time was 26 months since insertion in both groups. The results revealed that there was no implant failure and no statistically significant differences in terms of marginal bone loss. Only one screw-loosening effect occurred in the short implants group. Short, narrow dental implants could be an alternative for the restoration of severely resorbed jaws.

Treatment concepts of horizontally deficient ridges-A retrospective study comparing narrow-diameter implants in pristine bone with standard-diameter implants in augmented bone

OBJECTIVES

To compare clinical and radiological outcomes of narrow-diameter implants (NDI) placed in pristine bone to standard-diameter implants placed in combination with horizontal bone augmentation procedures (SDI+A) for horizontally deficient alveolar ridges.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For this retrospective study, the outcome of 597 NDI (∅ 3.3 mm, 272 patients), inserted in pristine bone, were compared with 180 SDI (∅ 4.1 mm, 83 patients), inserted in combination with horizontal augmentation procedures. Oral health-related quality of life was assessed in patients available for recall.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 37.6 ± 40 months for the NDI and of 42.4 ± 49 months for the SDI+A, survival rates were 96.1% for NDI and 95.6% for SDI+A. Cumulative 5-year and 10-year implant survival rates were 94.3% and 92.2% for the NDI group and 97.0% and 88.3% for the SDI+A group, indicating no significant difference (p = .89). According to the criteria of Buser et al., an implant success rate of 84.3% was obtained for the NDI and an implant success rate of 81.3% for the SDI+A (p = .79). Regarding oral health-related quality of life, a similar and high patient satisfaction could be observed in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

NDI without augmentation procedures showed a similar clinical outcome as SDI in combination with augmentation procedures after a follow-up of more than 3 years. Therefore, NDI might be a reasonable alternative in cases of horizontal bone atrophy (no clinical trial registration as patient inclusion started 2003).