Occlusion on implants - is there a problem?

Outcomes of treatment with short dental implants compared with standard-length implants: a retrospective clinical study

BACKGROUND

The size of dental implants is a key success factor for appropriate osseointegration. Using shorter implants allows the possibility of avoiding complex surgical procedures and reduces the morbidity of treatment. Shorter implants also enable implant-prosthetic rehabilitation after maxillofacial reconstructions where only limited bone is available. In this study, the success rates of short implants were examined and compared to those of standard-sized implants.

METHODS

Patients who received dental implants between 2007 and 2016 at the Department of Oro-Maxillofacial Surgery and Stomatology Semmelweis University were enrolled in the study. Several clinical parameters were recorded and supplemented with radiological examinations. The data were statistically analysed.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients with a total of 60 implants were included. The average time after prosthetic loading was 39.33 ± 21.96 months in the group with 8-mm implants and 41.6 ± 27.5 months in the group with > 8-mm implants. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of probing depth (short implants, 2.84 ± 0.09 mm; standard implants, 2.91 ± 0.35 mm) or mean marginal bone loss (short implants, 1.2 ± 1.21-mm mesially and 1.36 ± 1.47-mm distally; standard implants: 0.63 ± 0.80-mm mesially and 0.78 ± 0.70-mm distally).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the success rate of short dental implants was comparable to that of standard-sized implants. Consequently, it can be claimed that the long-term success of short dental implants does not differ significantly from the long-term success of standard implants.

Variation in dental occlusal schemes two years after placement of single-implant posterior crowns. A preliminary study

Some authors have recommended that implant-supported single crowns should only contact during heavy clenching. However, a lack of occlusal contact with moderate clenching may cause supra-eruption of antagonist natural teeth. The main objective of this study was to assess changes in the occlusal contacts of posterior implant-supported single crowns with natural antagonist teeth two years after placement. The occlusal schemes of 14 patients who received 16 implant-supported single crowns in molar and premolar regions were assessed in this prospective study. Just after crown placement, at 6 months and after 2 years a silicone maxillomandibular relationship and T-scan records were obtained during the intercuspal position with light and heavy clenching, determined using near half of the maximum force and maximum force respectively. Occlusal contacts were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively in the implant-supported single crowns, contralateral tooth and adjacent tooth; the latter two were used as controls. After six months and two years, no significant variations were observed in any region of the occlusal scheme in any assessments, including silicone record or T-Scan, using light or heavy clenching, and qualitative or quantitative occlusal contact assessment. In this preliminary study, the occlusal scheme did not vary at the intercuspal position two years after placing posterior implant-supported single crowns.

Effect of peri-implant bone resorption on mechanical stress in the implant body: In vivo measured load-based finite element analysis

BACKGROUND

Research on resolving implant fracture is still gaining attention as it can be a serious treatment failure outcome. The implant fracture is likely to occur due to increased stress in implant body associated with peri-implant bone resorption.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between degree of peri-implant bone resorption and stress distribution in implant body by using finite element analysis (FEA).

METHODS

The magnitude and direction of loads on implants at the mandibular molar region were measured with 3D piezoelectric force transducers in a patient during maximal voluntary clenching, grinding and tapping to obtain input for the FEA as the loading condition. Simplified finite element bone models were generated to simulate the six patterns of peri-implant bone resorption progression which the bone levels from implant platform were set at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm. Three types of implants with different diameters (3.5, 4.0 and 5.0 mm), corresponding abutments and screws were created. FEA using the in vivo measured load was conducted to investigate how peri-implant bone loss affects stress distribution in the implant body.

RESULTS

Loading condition affected stress distribution in the implant body. As bone resorption increased, von Mises stress in the implant body became larger, which was marked in smaller diameter implants, and this change was amply demonstrated when the bone resorption increased from 0 to 2 mm.

CONCLUSION

The FEA demonstrated that as peri-implant bone loss increased, the magnitude of stress in the implant increased, especially in small diameter implants.

The functional loading of implants increases their stability: A retrospective clinical study

PURPOSE

To assess the difference in the evolution of implant stability values, determined by resonance frequency analysis (RFA), between two groups of implants subjected to two different loading protocols: immediate and delayed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective clinical study was conducted, including a total of 93 implants placed in 38 patients. All implants corresponded to one of two models of the Klockner Implant System (Essential Cone and Vega) and were divided into two groups according to the loading protocol adopted: delayed loading in group A (>10 weeks) and immediate loading in group B (<48 hours). Implant stability was measured four times throughout the study period with a Penguin RFA device: implant placement (T0), definitive loading (T1), 6 months after loading (T2), and 12 months after loading (T3).

RESULTS

Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values showed a statistically significant increase in both groups after loading. In group A, the greatest increase in stability occurred between T1 and T2, whereas in group B, the greatest increase occurred between T0 and T1, coinciding in both cases with the period in which the implants were subjected to prosthetic loading.

CONCLUSIONS

The functional loading of implants increases their stability, as measured in ISQ values by RFA. Increases in ISQ values are greater during the months immediately following loading, which shows that immediate or early loading protocols are not only possible but can also be beneficial.

Comparison of digital protocols for the measurement of peri-implant marginal bone loss

Background

The measurement of peri-implant marginal bone loss is currently carried out using digital methods of radiographic analysis assisted by various types of software. The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of three different softwares: specific radiology software for the development and visualization of radiological images in DICOM format (3Dicom Viewer®), advanced level software for professional editing of bitmap images (or raster graphics) (Adobe Photoshop®), and mid-level software for processing bitmap-type images, programmed in Java and in the public domain (ImageJ®).

Material and Methods

It was verified that the three softwares used are valid for the measurement of peri-implant marginal bone loss provided that the appropriate protocol is fulfilled.

Results

The results showed no significant differences between Adobe Photoshop® and ImageJ® with respect to 3Dicom Viewer® in the measurements of mesial and distal bone loss of the implants, without influence of the dental sector where they were located.

Conclusions

The measurements made with ImageJ® looked more like those of the control software (3Dicom Viewer®) than those of Adobe Photoshop®, but with a greater degree of dispersion. Thus, Adobe Photoshop® is a slightly inaccurate method but with less dispersion. Key words:Digital measurement, measurement software, peri-implant marginal bone loss, implants.

Prevention and Management of Cheek and/or Tongue Biting Related to Posterior Implant-Supported Fixed Dental Prostheses (ISFDPs)

After the loss of several adjacent posterior teeth, bone resorption occurs that can lead to a marked occlusal discrepancy between arches. This discrepancy may originate from the more pronounced resorption at the facial portion of the alveolar bone crest, often resulting in a more palatal implant position. Therefore, establishing normal overbite and cusp-fossa relation may become difficult, namely causing inappropriate crown contours and emergence profiles. This manuscript describes a technique in which a different occlusal configuration is given to solve some problems that edge-to-edge occlusal configuration produces. For instance, patients may suffer from cheek and/or tongue biting after the delivery of a maxillary posterior implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis resulting in an edge-to-edge occlusal configuration. In instances of severe maxillary resorption in the posterior buccal zone, it is recommended to consider a distinct cross-bite occlusion and by this prevent the well-known discomfort and clinical signs associated with both an edge-to-edge interarch relationship or a so-called "stretched" transversal overbite.

From periodontal mechanoreceptors to chewing motor control: A systematic review

PURPOSE

This critical review summarizes the current knowledge of the structural and functional characteristics of periodontal mechanoreceptors, and understands their role in the signal pathways and functional motor control.

METHOD

A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Original articles were searched through Pubmed, Cochrane Central database and Embase until january 2016.

RESULT

1466 articles were identified through database searching and screened by reviewing the abstracts. 160 full-text were assessed for eligibility, and after 109 exclusion, 51 articles were included in the review process. Studies selected by the review process were mainly divided in studies on animal and studies on humans. Morphological, histological, molecular and electrophysiological studies investigating the periodontal mechanoreceptors in animals and in humans were included, evaluated and described.

CONCLUSION

Our knowledge of the periodontal mechanoreceptors, let us conclude that they are very refined neural receptors, deeply involved in the activation and coordination of the masticatory muscles during function. Strictly linked to the rigid structure of the teeth, they determine all the functional physiological and pathological processes of the stomatognathic system. The knowledge of their complex features is fundamental for all dental professionists. Further investigations are of utmost importance for guiding the technological advances in the respect of the neural control in the dental field.

Parameters Associated with Marginal Bone Loss around Implant after Prosthetic Loading

This study evaluated retrospectively the association among occlusal, periodontal and implant-prosthetic parameters and marginal bone loss (MBL) around implants and survival rate at 5.7 ±3.2 years of follow-up after prosthetic loading. Eighty-two patients received 164 external hexagon implants. After the standard healing period (3 to 6 months), the implants were restored with single-tooth or up to three splinted crowns. All patients were followed according to a strict maintenance program with regular recalls and clinically evaluated by a calibrated examiner. The MBL measurements taken from standardized radiographs made at permanent crown placement (baseline) and after the last evaluation were calculated considering occlusal, periodontal and implant-prosthetic parameters. Veneer fractures and abutment loosening were not considered failure. Two implants failed during the follow-up period, resulting in a survival rate of 98.8%. Cox regression analyses showed MBL associated with non-working side contacts (p=0.047), inadequate anterior guidance (p=0.001), lateral group guidance involving teeth and implants (p=0.015), periimplant plaque index (p=0.035), prosthetic design (p=0.030) and retention (p=0.006). Inadequate occlusal pattern guide, presence of visible plaque, and cemented and splinted implant-supported restoration were associated with greater MBL around the implant.

Short-term follow-up of masticatory adaptation after rehabilitation with an immediately loaded implant-supported prosthesis: a pilot assessment

Background

When teeth are extracted, sensory function is decreased by a loss of periodontal ligament receptions. When replacing teeth by oral implants, one hopes to restore the sensory feedback pathway as such to allow for physiological implant integration and optimized oral function with implant-supported prostheses. What remains to be investigated is how to adapt to different oral rehabilitations.

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess four aspects of masticatory adaptation after rehabilitation with an immediately loaded implant-supported prosthesis and to observe how each aspect will recover respectively.

Methods

Eight participants with complete dentures were enrolled. They received an implant-supported acrylic resin provisional bridge, 1 day after implant surgery. Masticatory adaptation was examined by assessing occlusal contact, approximate maximum bite force, masticatory efficiency of gum-like specimens, and food hardness perception.

Results

Occlusal contact and approximate maximum bite force were significantly increased 3 months after implant rehabilitation, with the bite force gradually building up to a 72% increase compared to baseline. Masticatory efficiency increased by 46% immediately after surgery, stabilizing at around 40% 3 months after implant rehabilitation. Hardness perception also improved, with a reduction of the error rate by 16% over time.

Conclusions

This assessment demonstrated masticatory adaptation immediately after implant rehabilitation with improvements noted up to 3 months after surgery and rehabilitation. It was also observed that, despite gradually improved bite force in all patients, masticatory efficiency and food hardness perception did not necessarily follow this tendency. The findings in this pilot may also be used to assess adaptation of oral function after implant rehabilitation by studying the combined outcome of four tests (occlusal contact, maximum bite force, masticatory efficiency, and food hardness perception).

Tardive Dyskinesia, Oral Parafunction, and Implant-Supported Rehabilitation

Oral movement disorders may lead to prosthesis and implant failure due to excessive loading. We report on an edentulous patient suffering from drug-induced tardive dyskinesia (TD) and oral parafunction (OP) rehabilitated with implant-supported screw-retained prostheses. The frequency and intensity of the movements were high, and no pharmacological intervention was possible. Moreover, the patient refused night-time splint therapy. A series of implant and prosthetic failures were experienced. Implant failures were all in the maxilla and stopped when a rigid titanium structure was placed to connect implants. Ad hoc designed studies are desirable to elucidate the mutual influence between oral movement disorders and implant-supported rehabilitation.

Occlusal trauma and mucositis or peri-implantitis?

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW

The aim of this study was to describe the effects of bruxism in peri-implant bone loss 6 years after the placement of a successful implant-supported prosthesis, to describe its treatment, and to propose a differential diagnosis of the lesion.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 62-year-old, nonsmoking, systemically healthy partially edentulous woman received 2 osseointegrated implants in the mandibular left region, which supported a 3-element fixed prosthesis. Six years later, the patient reported the development of bruxism. Clinical examination results indicated bleeding on probing, deepening of the peri-implant sulcus, and marginal soft-tissue overgrowth. Radiographic images suggested peri-implant bone loss. The authors diagnosed the lesion as trauma from occlusion and mucositis. Treatment involved anti-infective therapy and the use of a bite platform, resulting in bone recovery after 10 months. These results were maintained for 4 years.

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Considering the existing contradictions in the literature, this case highlights the role of trauma from occlusion in the onset, progression, and treatment of lesions produced by occlusal overload around osseointegrated implants. In addition, it provides clinical background on the outcomes of anti-infective therapy associated with the use of a bite platform in the treatment of combined lesions of mucositis and trauma from occlusion in osseointegrated implants.

Current status of implant prosthetics in Japan: a survey among certified dental lab technicians

Background

There are many implant cases in which dental technicians take initiative with regard to the design of implant prostheses, and to a certain extent, this area of care is one in which dentists do not necessarily play the leading role. Moreover, inadequate communication between dental technicians and dentists and insufficient instructions for technicians has been highlighted as issues in the past. The purpose of this questionnaire is to improve the quality of implant prostheses and thereby contribute to patient service by clarifying, among other aspects of treatment, problem areas and considerations in the fabrication of implant prostheses, conceptual-level knowledge, and awareness of prosthodontics on the part of the dentists in charge of treatment and methods for preventing prosthetic complications.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was given to 120 certified dental technicians. To facilitate coverage of a broad range of topics, we classified the survey content into the following four categories and included detailed questions for (1) the conditions under which implant technicians work, (2) implant fixed prostheses, (3) implant overdentures, and (4) prosthetic complications.

Results

Out of 120 surveys sent, 74 technicians responded resulting in a response rate of 61.6%.

Conclusions

This survey served to clarify the current state of implant prosthodontics, issues, and considerations in the fabrication of implant prostheses, and the state of prosthetic complications and preventive initiatives, all from a laboratory perspective. The results of this survey suggested that, to fabricate prostheses with a high level of predictability, functional utility, and aesthetic satisfaction, it is necessary to reaffirm the importance for dentists to increase their prosthetic knowledge and work together with dental technicians to develop comprehensive treatment plans, implement an organized approach to prosthesis design, and accomplish occlusal reconstruction.

Optimal placement of the two anterior implants for the mandibular All-on-4 concept

The novelty of the All-on-4 concept for a mandibular implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis is the inclination of the posterior implants. Typically, the anterior implants are placed lingually relative to the canine/incisor teeth and perpendicular relative to the occlusal plane. According to the laws of elementary biomechanics, the long axis of the implant unit should be aligned to the axis of the occlusal loading forces during clenching in the maximal intercuspal position. When several implants are connected by a prosthesis, the mean axis of the overall occlusal loading must be taken into account. The objective of this report was to propose a different position for anterior implants by tilting them labially to counterbalance the distal inclination of the posterior implants.

Chewing Maintains Hippocampus-Dependent Cognitive Function

Mastication (chewing) is important not only for food intake, but also for preserving and promoting the general health. Recent studies have showed that mastication helps to maintain cognitive functions in the hippocampus, a central nervous system region vital for spatial memory and learning. The purpose of this paper is to review the recent progress of the association between mastication and the hippocampus-dependent cognitive function. There are multiple neural circuits connecting the masticatory organs and the hippocampus. Both animal and human studies indicated that cognitive functioning is influenced by mastication. Masticatory dysfunction is associated with the hippocampal morphological impairments and the hippocampus-dependent spatial memory deficits, especially in elderly. Mastication is an effective behavior for maintaining the hippocampus-dependent cognitive performance, which deteriorates with aging. Therefore, chewing may represent a useful approach in preserving and promoting the hippocampus-dependent cognitive function in older people. We also discussed several possible mechanisms involved in the interaction between mastication and the hippocampal neurogenesis and the future directions for this unique fascinating research.

Effect of crown-to-implant ratio on peri-implant stress: a finite element analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate stress distribution in the fixation screws and bone tissue around implants in single-implant supported prostheses with crowns of different heights (10, 12.5, 15 mm - crown-to-implant ratio 1:1, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, respectively). It was designed using three 3-D models. Each model was developed with a mandibular segment of bone block including an internal hexagon implant supporting a screw-retained, single metal-ceramic crown. The crown height was set at 10, 12.5, and 15 mm with crown-to-implant ratio of 1:1, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, respectively. The applied forces were 200N (axial) and 100 N (oblique). The increase of crown height showed differences with the oblique load in some situations. By von Mises' criterion, a high stress area was concentrated at the implant/fixation screw and abutment/implant interfaces at crown-to-implant ratio of 1:1, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, respectively. Using the maximum principal criteria, the buccal regions showed higher traction stress intensity, whereas the distal regions showed the largest compressive stress in all models. The increase of C/I ratio must be carefully evaluated by the dentist since the increase of this C/I ratio is proportional to the increase of average stress for both screw fixation (C/I 1:1 to 1:1.25 ratio=30.1% and C/I 1:1 to 1:1.5 ratio=46.3%) and bone tissue (C/I 1:1 to 1:1.25 ratio=30% and C/I 1:1 to 1:1.5 ratio=51.5%).