Nobel Perfect esthetic scalloped implant: rationale for a new design

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

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

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

Objectives

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

Materials and Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

Failure torque of ceramic neck titanium implant

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Dental implants are typically made of titanium. However, with the current systems on the market, the implant neck often shows through the gingival tissues as a black or dark gray line and/or as a grayish discoloration of the peri-implant soft tissue.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to test a new implant design. The key component of this design is the ceramic shell that covers the polished collar of the tissue-level titanium implant and masks its dark color to mimic natural dentition. The main purpose was to determine the maximum torque for fracturing the ceramic shell and compare it with clinical implant insertion torque value.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Type 4 commercially pure titanium endosseous implants of 3 different diameters (3.3, 4.1, and 4.8 mm) were used. Porcelain was applied in 0.5-mm thickness to the polished collar of each implant. An axial-torsional universal testing machine was used to twist the implants until failure. The data (n=10) were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and the Tukey honest significant difference test (α=.05). The maximum torque for each diameter group was also compared with the optimum clinical implant insertion torque value of 35 Ncm (control) using a 1-sample t test.

RESULTS

None of the tested groups had a fractured ceramic shell. Instead, the implant carriers fractured at the maximum torque levels. Therefore, the fracture of the implant carriers was selected as the maximum (failure) torque value. A statistical difference was found for the failure torque between the 3.3-mm diameter and the other 2 diameters (P<.001) although no statistical differences were found between the 4.1-mm and 4.8-mm diameters (P=.106). A statistically significant difference was found between the failure torque of any one of the tested groups and the clinical insertion torque (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The ceramic shells did not fracture. Instead, the implant carriers fractured at certain torque levels. These levels were sufficiently higher than the clinical torque values.

Anterior single implants with different neck designs: 5 Year results of a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The design of the implant neck might be significant for preservation of marginal bone.

PURPOSE

To compare the 5-year radiographic and clinical outcome of single anterior implants provided with a smooth neck, a rough neck or a scalloped rough neck.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

93 Patients with a missing anterior tooth in the maxilla were included. At random, patients received an implant with a 1.5 mm smooth neck ("smooth group"), a rough neck with grooves ("rough group") or a scalloped rough neck with grooves ("scalloped group"). Implants were installed in healed sites. Follow-up visits were conducted after final crown delivery and 1 year and 5 years later.

RESULTS

Scalloped implants showed significantly more initial marginal bone resorption. The total amount of bone loss was 1.26 ± 0.90 mm in the smooth group, 1.20 ± 1.1 mm in the rough group and 2.28 ± 0.97 mm in the scalloped group (P < .05). Survival rates were 96.2% for the smooth and scalloped group and 100% for the rough group. Scalloped implants showed deeper pocket depths, more bleeding and more technical complications. There were no differences in esthetic outcome nor in patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

For anterior single tooth replacements, scalloped implants show less favorable radiographic and clinical outcome compared to regular implants with a smooth neck or rough neck.

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

OBJECTIVES

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

MATERIAL AND METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Mechanical and biological complication rates of the modified lateral-screw-retained implant prosthesis in the posterior region: an alternative to the conventional Implant prosthetic system

PURPOSE

The modified lateral-screw-retained implant prosthesis (LSP) is designed to combine the advantages of screw- and cement-retained implant prostheses. This retrospective study evaluated the mechanical and biological complication rates of implant-supported single crowns (ISSCs) inserted with the modified LSP in the posterior region, and determined how these complication rates are affected by clinical factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mechanical complications (i.e., lateral screw loosening [LSL], abutment screw loosening, lateral screw fracture, and ceramic fracture) and biological complications (i.e., peri-implant mucositis [PM] and peri-implantitis) were identified from the patients' treatment records, clinical photographs, periapical radiographs, panoramic radiographs, and clinical indices. The correlations between complication rates and the following clinical factors were determined: gender, age, position in the jaw, placement location, functional duration, clinical crown-to-implant length ratio, crown height space, and the use of a submerged or nonsubmerged placement procedure.

RESULTS

Mechanical and biological complications were present in 25 of 73 ISSCs with the modified LSP. LSL (n=11) and PM (n=11) were the most common complications. The incidence of mechanical complications was significantly related to gender (P=.018). The other clinical factors were not significantly associated with mechanical and biological complication rates.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, the incidence of mechanical and biological complications in the posterior region was similar for both modified LSP and conventional implant prosthetic systems. In addition, the modified LSP is amenable to maintenance care, which facilitates the prevention and treatment of mechanical and biological complications.

Effect of the implant-abutment interface on peri-implant tissues: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present systematic review was to determine the peri-implant tissue response to different implant abutment materials and designs available and to assess the impact of tissue biotype.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant literature published between December 2009 and August 2012 was searched to identify studies dealing with different implant abutment designs and materials, as well as the response of different tissue biotypes. The search terms used, in simple or multiple conjunctions, were 'implant abutment', 'interface', 'material', 'peri-implant', 'soft tissue' and 'esthetic'. Studies were selected according to pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 2449 titles. After a subsequent filtering process, 23 studies were finally selected. The included studies revealed different factors responsible for the stability of peri-implant tissue and the esthetic outcome. These factors include tissue biotype and architecture, implant abutment material and implant abutment design. Several designs were suggested to prevent marginal bone loss and soft tissue recession. These included scalloped implants, platform-switched implants and gingivally converged or concave implant abutments. Due to the limited number of studies and the heterogeneity in their designs, it was not possible to perform a statistical analysis of the data.

CONCLUSIONS

The current literature provides insufficient evidence about the effectiveness of different implant abutment designs and materials in the stability of peri-implant tissues.

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

BACKGROUND

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

PURPOSE

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

MATERIALS AND METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Gingival recontouring by provisional implant restoration for optimal emergence profile: report of two cases

PURPOSE

The emergence profile concept of an implant restoration is one of the most important factors for the esthetics and health of peri-implant soft tissue. This paper reports on two cases of gingival recontouring by the fabrication of a provisional implant restoration to produce an optimal emergence profile of a definitive implant restoration.

METHODS

After the second surgery, a preliminary impression was taken to make a soft tissue working cast. A provisional crown was fabricated on the model. The soft tissue around the implant fixture on the model was trimmed with a laboratory scalpel to produce the scalloped gingival form. Light curing composite resin was added to fill the space between the provisional crown base and trimmed gingiva. After 4 to 6 weeks, the final impression was taken to make a definitive implant restoration, where the soft tissue and tooth form were in harmony with the adjacent tooth.

RESULTS

At the first insertion of the provisional restoration, gum bleaching revealed gingival pressure. Four to six weeks after placing the provisional restoration, the gum reformed with harmony between the peri-implant gingiva and adjacent dentition.

CONCLUSIONS

Gingival recontouring with a provisional implant restoration is a non-surgical and non-procedure-sensitive method. The implant restoration with the optimal emergence profile is expected to provide superior esthetic and functional results.

Resorption of labial bone in maxillary anterior implant

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amount of resorption and thickness of labial bone in anterior maxillary implant using cone beam computed tomography with Hitachi CB Mercuray (Hitachi, Medico, Tokyo, Japan).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one patients with 26 implants were followed-up and checked with CBCT. 21 OSSEOTITE NT® (3i/implant Innovations, Florida, USA) and 5 OSSEOTITE® implants (3i/implant Innovations, Florida, USA) were placed at anterior region and they were positioned vertically at the same level of bony scallop of adjacent teeth. Whenever there was no lesion or labial bone was intact, immediate placement was tried as possible as it could be. Generated bone regeneration was done in the patients with the deficiency of hard tissue using Bio-Oss® (Geistlich, Wolhusen, Switzerland) and Bio-Gide® (Geistlich, Wolhusen, Switzerland). Second surgery was done in 6 months after implant placement and provisionalization was done for 3 months. Definite abutment was made of titanium abutment with porcelain, gold and zirconia, and was attached after provisionalization. Two-dimensional slices were created to produce sagittal, coronal, axial and 3D by using OnDemand3D (Cybermed, Seoul, Korea).

RESULTS

The mean value of bone resorption (distance from top of implant to labial bone) was 1.32 ± 0.86 mm and the mean thickness of labial bone was 1.91 ± 0.45 mm.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that the thickness more than 1.91 mm could reduce the amount and incidence of resorption of labial bone in maxillary anterior implant.

The Microtomographic Evaluation of Marginal Bone Resorption of Immediately Loaded Scalloped Design Implant With Various Microthread Configurations in Canine Mandible: Pilot Study

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of microthread geometry of scalloped design implant on marginal bone resorption. Four types of scalloped design titanium implant specimens were prepared. The type 1 implant had a machined scalloped collar, type 2 had a sandblasted and acid-etched scalloped collar, type 3 had horizontal microthreads, and type 4 had parabolic microthreads, which are parallel with the scalloped conical margin. Two implants of a type were randomly installed immediately after extraction in the mandible of a beagle dog. Definitive prostheses were delivered immediately after surgery. After 12 weeks of healing, the dog was sacrificed and microtomography was performed. Type 4 specimens showed a marginal bone loss pattern definitively analogous to the scalloped margin. In this preliminary study, microthread geometry affected the marginal bone resorption pattern of scalloped design implants. However, additional specimens and more controlled conditions should be applied in future studies to confirm these results.

Treatment outcome of immediate, early and conventional single-tooth implants in the aesthetic zone: a systematic review to survival, bone level, soft-tissue, aesthetics and patient satisfaction

AIM

This study evaluated, through a systematic review of the literature, the outcome of single-implant restorations in the aesthetic zone with natural adjacent teeth, thereby addressing immediate, early and conventional implant approaches.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

MEDLINE (1950-2008), EMBASE (1966-2008), and CENTRAL (1800-2008) were searched to identify eligible studies. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality using specific study-design-related assessment forms.

RESULTS

Out of 86 primarily selected articles, 19 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis showed an overall survival rate of 95.5% [95% confidence interval: (93.0-97.1)] after 1 year. A stratified meta-analysis revealed no differences in survival between immediate, early and conventional implant strategies. Little marginal peri-implant bone resorption was found together with low incidence of biological and technical complications. No significant differences in outcome measures were reported in clinical trials comparing immediate, early or conventional implant strategies.

CONCLUSION

The included literature suggested that promising short-term results could be achieved for immediate, early and conventional single-implants in the aesthetic zone. However, important parameters as aesthetic outcome, soft-tissue aspects, and patient satisfaction were clearly underexposed. The question whether immediate and early single-implant therapies would result in better treatment outcomes remained inconclusive due to lack of well-designed controlled clinical studies.

Bone healing dynamics at buccal peri-implant sites

BACKGROUND

It is common belief that immediate implant placement into extraction sites may act to preserve the alveolar process. The objective of this study was to evaluate healing dynamics at buccal peri-implant sites in relation to the dimensions of the alveolar ridge.

METHODS

Bilateral, critical-size, supraalveolar, peri-implant defects were created in 12 male Hound Labrador mongrel dogs following surgical horizontal cut-down of the alveolar ridge. Each jaw quadrant received three 10-mm titanium implants placed 5 mm into extraction sites of the third and fourth premolar teeth leaving 5 mm in a supraalveolar position. The mucoperiosteal flaps were advanced, adapted, and sutured for primary intention healing. Bone fluorescent markers were administered at weeks 3 and 4 postsurgery, and pre-euthanasia. Incandescent, polarized, and fluorescent light microscopies were used to assess the width of the buccal wall of the alveolar ridge and local bone remodeling over the 8-week healing interval.

RESULTS

There was a significant association between the width of the buccal alveolar ridge and extent of bone resorption evaluated by incandescent and fluorescent light microscopy. A non-linear association was observed between the buccal ridge width and resorption of the alveolar ridge. A 2-mm threshold was established to account for this non-linearity. The strength of this association was two times greater in specimens with a buccal ridge width <2 mm compared with a wider ridge (beta=1.62 vs. 0.80) observed by fluorescent light microscopy. Accordingly, mean buccal resorption was significantly greater when the ridge width was <2 mm. Fluorescent light microscopy consistently showed greater buccal resorption compared with incandescent light microscopy (P<0.05). Agreement between the examination techniques was low (concordance correlation coefficient=0.49), especially for higher values of buccal resorption.

CONCLUSION

When implants are placed into extraction sites, proximity to the buccal alveolar crest appears a major consideration. The observations herein suggest that the width of the buccal alveolar ridge should be at least 2 mm to maintain the alveolar bone level. These observations likely have general implications for implant placement using most surgical protocols.

Immediate Provisionalization on a New Implant Design for Esthetic Restoration and Preserving Crestal Bone

PURPOSE

This article describes how the concept of platform switching has been incorporated into a new implant design as a method of reducing crestal bone loss and maintaining the gingival papillae. A 6-month study of the effects of this implant on bone loss is described.

MATERIALS

Ten new platform switched implants were placed into fresh anterior maxillary extraction sites in 3 men and 7 women, ranging in age between 29 and 45 years old, and immediately provisionalized. The adjoining bone height was evaluated with digital radiography on the day after implant placement, and at 15 days, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months later.

RESULTS

After 6 months, the mean bone loss on the mesial of the central-incisor implants was 0.05 mm. The mean bone loss was 0.07 mm on the distal of the central incisor implants, 0.07 mm on the mesial of the lateral-incisor implants, and 0.06 mm on the distal of the lateral-incisor implants.

CONCLUSIONS

An implant design that incorporates the concept of platform switching is a simple and effective way to control circumferential bone loss around dental implants, helping to ensure a predictable esthetic result.

Inter-Implant Bone Height Changes in Anterior Maxillary Immediate and Non-Immediate Adjacent Dental Implants

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate inter-implant bone crest height changes between immediate and non-immediate dental implants placed in the anterior maxillary region.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on consecutively treated patients requiring at least two adjacent implants in the anterior maxillary region that were placed in the same operation during 1994 to 2004. Files of 45 healthy patients reporting 200 implants were reviewed. Age, gender, smoking status, and implant characteristics (coating and dimensions) were recorded. Inter-implant bone measurements were taken on two panoramic radiographs from each patient: one after implant placement and the other at the last follow-up. The distance between adjacent implants was measured at the implant-abutment interface (implant platform).

RESULTS

Overall, 130 inter-implant gaps were found. Follow-up ranged from 8 to 146 months. Two-tailed Pearson correlation tests revealed a negative correlation between inter-implant distance and bone loss (P = 0.036). Mean peak-crest bone loss for immediate implants was higher than for delayed implants (P = 0.026). There was more bone loss when hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated implants were used, although no statistical significance was observed. No statistically significant difference was found between the different locations in the anterior maxilla. No correlation was found between patient's age, smoking habits, and bone loss or between follow-up time and bone loss.

CONCLUSIONS

A negative correlation was found between inter-implant distance and bone loss at the inter-implant bone crest in the anterior maxillary region. Bone loss was small in this study cohort.

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

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Flat platform implants may present a limitation when irregular or scalloped bone topography is encountered, resulting in compromised periimplant bone and soft tissue contours.

PURPOSE

This 1-year pilot prospective multicenter study assessed the success rates and periimplant tissue response of scalloped implants undergoing immediate provisional restoration in the maxillary esthetic zone.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-nine patients, 15 men and 14 women, mean age of 45.1 (range: 18-70) years, were included in this study. Thirty-eight scalloped implants with a 1.5-mm machined surface collar and a titanium oxide surface (TiUnite) were placed both in healed sites (15) and extracted sites (23), and provisional restorations were placed immediately. The definitive restorations were placed an average of 12.6 months later. The patients were evaluated clinically with respect to gingival papilla appearance, presence or absence of plaque and gingivitis, and radiographically for bone level measurements at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months after implant placement. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

At 12 months, all implants remained in function. The mean (SD) marginal bone change from the time of implant placement to 12 months was 0.1 (3.3) mm. For implants placed in extracted sites the mean (SD) marginal bone change was 1.0 (3.6) mm, compared to those in healed sites, which was -1.6 (1.9) mm. The marginal bone level in 9 of the initial 22 sites (41%) was retained in the scalloped area of the implants at 12 months. In the follow-up, after 3 months of function, no significant changes with respect to mean papilla index score were observed. The patients maintained acceptable hygiene throughout the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Although favorable implant success rates and periimplant tissue response can be achieved with immediate provisional restoration of scalloped implants in the esthetic zone, bone was not regularly maintained at the original levels around the scalloped area of the implants.

A review of the functional and esthetic requirements for dental implants

BACKGROUND

The esthetic replacement of teeth has become an important standard for implant dentistry. While defining this goal has not been difficult, the ability to restore implants esthetically has been fraught with obstacles and sometimes has not been attainable. The purpose of this review is to summarize essential anatomical and surgical considerations for cosmetic implant dentistry.

METHODS

This article provides a summary of the predominant findings from clinical studies and case reports that help develop implant surgical guidelines for better esthetic outcomes.

RESULTS

Soft- and hard-tissue requirements for placing an implant in an ideal position are defined. The authors discuss the best treatment approaches as well as the limitations associated with esthetic implant placement. They evaluate the available data specifically for the maxillary anterior sextant, since this anatomical region has higher esthetic demands.

CONCLUSIONS

Several parameters and various surgical techniques have been developed to manipulate soft- and hard-tissue contours and to control the esthetic outcome for implant-supported restorations.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

It is essential for practitioners to understand the anatomical basis for and limitations of implant dentistry in the esthetic zone.

Immediately Restored, Single-Tapered Implants in the Anterior Maxilla: Prosthodontic and Aesthetic Outcomes After 1 Year

BACKGROUND

Conventional implant protocols advocate a two-stage technique with a load-free, submerged healing period. Recent studies suggest that immediate restoration of single implants may be a viable treatment option.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate prosthodontic and aesthetic peri-implant mucosal outcomes of immediately restored, Southern single-tapered implants in the anterior maxilla after 1 year.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants (mean age: 43.25 years; range: 23-71 years) satisfying specified inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to conventional two-stage restoration (control group; n=14) and immediate restoration groups (test group; n =14) in a randomized controlled clinical trial. Tapered, roughened-surface Southern implants were placed using a standardized technique, and implant level bone impressions were made. Provisional screw-retained crowns, out of occlusion, were placed at second-stage surgery after 26 weeks for the conventional restoration group, and within 4 hours of implant placement for the immediate restoration group. Both groups had definitive screw-retained metal-ceramic crowns placed in occlusion 8 weeks later. Peri-implant mucosal response and papilla index were recorded 4 weeks after definitive crown placement to allow for mucosal maturation and at 1 year. Prosthodontic and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using established criteria.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences within, or between, the control and test groups for age, gender, bone quality or quantity, implant stability measurements at surgery, or implant length. There were no significant differences in the implant success rate as determined by radiographic bone loss and stability tests after 1 year. There were no significant differences in prosthodontic maintenance, peri-implant mucosal response, and papilla index between the two groups over 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

Tapered, roughened-surface implants immediately restored with single provisional crowns at surgery and definitive crowns 8 weeks later were as prosthodontically and aesthetically successful as conventionally restored two-stage implants during the first year of service. Restoring single implants immediately with screw-retained crowns is an efficient procedure, but the short-term outcome is by no means superior to a conventional two-stage approach.

Preservation of the Gingival Architecture With the Scalloped Implant Design: A Clinical Report

Replacing the missing maxillary anterior teeth with dental implants and maintaining the soft tissue structure and alveolar profile is an esthetic challenge for the restorative dentist. This clinical report describes the immediate provisional placement and prosthetic rehabilitation of 2 missing maxillary central incisors with scalloped dental implants.

Peri-Implant Papilla Reconstruction: Realities and Limitations

In recent years, esthetic demands in dentistry have been climbing ever higher, driven by an enhanced awareness of beauty and physical appearance. Because gingival esthetics has become an important factor in the overall success of most implant-supported restorations, the loss of the peri-implant papilla leads to an esthetic handicap known as black hole disease. Today, one of the most challenging aspects of periodontal reconstructive surgery is to obtain a predictable peri-implant papilla in the esthetic zone. Starting with the facts about the morphology of the peri-implant tissues, to the various parameters influencing papilla reconstruction around implants, this article gives a brief overview of various papilla preservation and reconstruction techniques around implants.

Treatment planning for multiunit restorations--the use of diagnostic planning to predict implant and esthetic results in patients with congenitally missing teeth

Patients afflicted with congenitally missing teeth are a unique patient population for consideration of treatment with osseointegrated implants. Frequently, these patients have limited development of the alveolar process and differences in spatial position relative to the opposing arch, which places emphasis on ancillary treatment with orthodontics and oral surgery. A thorough diagnostic workup should include an interdisciplinary approach to ensure optimal treatment and timing of treatment in those who are developing. This article outlines considerations for treating these types of patients and scenarios of treatment paths frequently taken to restore the partially dentate and edentulous to esthetics and function.

New Prosthetic Restorative Features of the Ankylos Implant System

PROBLEM

All oral implant systems rely on the abutment part of the implant to provide stability for the dental prosthetic. The Ankylos implant offers precisely machined, tapered-cone abutment (Morse taper) connection. This tapered abutment connection provides high resistance to bending and rotational torque during clinical function, which significantly reduces the possibilities of screw fracture or loosening.

PURPOSE

This report describes the design and mechanical construction characteristics of the Ankylos implant system that make it possible for the system to provide final restorations that are natural looking, esthetically acceptable, durable, and cost effective.

METHODS

Review of the clinical literature.

RESULTS

The clinical results of singletooth crowns borne on Ankylos implants in the lateral tooth region are excellent after a minimum of 5 years in function (mean = 6.3 years) compared with the high prosthetic complication rate with other systems. Abutment loosening occurred in only 1.3% of the 233 innovative implants restored with crowns that were designed with a physiologically shaped occlusal surface.

CONCLUSION

This implant system is exceptionally well suited for use in the restoration of missing natural teeth.