The association between shallow vestibular depth and peri-implant parameters: a retrospective 6 years longitudinal study

Diagnostic methods/parameters to monitor peri-implant conditions

The diagnostic accuracy of clinical parameters, including visual inspection and probing to monitor peri-implant conditions, has been regarded with skepticism. Scientific evidence pointed out that primary diagnostic tools (chairside) seem to be highly specific, while their sensitivity is lower compared with their use in monitoring periodontal stability. Nonetheless, given the association between pocket depth at teeth and implant sites and the aerobic/anaerobic nature of the microbiome, it seems plausible for pocket probing depth to be indicative of disease progression or tissue stability. In addition, understanding the inflammatory nature of peri-implant diseases, it seems reasonable to advocate that bleeding, erythema, ulceration, and suppuration might be reliable indicators of pathology. Nevertheless, single spots of bleeding on probing may not reflect peri-implant disease, since implants are prone to exhibit bleeding related to probing force. On the other side, bleeding in smokers lacks sensitivity owing to the decreased angiogenic activity. Hence, the use of dichotomous scales on bleeding in the general population, in contrast to indices that feature profuseness and time after probing, might lead to false positive diagnoses. The definitive distinction between peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, though, relies upon the radiographic evidence of progressive bone loss that can be assessed by means of two- and three-dimensional methods. Accordingly, the objective of this review is to evaluate the existing clinical and radiographic parameters/methods to monitor peri-implant conditions.

Impact of keratinized mucosa on implant-health related parameters: A 10-year prospective re-analysis study

AIM

To investigate whether the lack of keratinized mucosa (KM) affects peri-implant health after 10 years of loading.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 74 patients with 148 implants from two randomized controlled studies comparing different implant systems were included and analyzed. Clinical parameters including bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), plaque index, marginal bone loss (MBL), and KM width (KMW) at buccal sites were collected at baseline (time of the final prosthesis insertion), 5-year and 10 years postloading. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models by means of a generalized estimated equation (GEE) were used to evaluate the influence of buccal KM on peri-implant clinical parameters; BOP, MBL, PD, and adjusted for implant type (one-piece or two-piece) and compliance.

RESULTS

A total of 35 (24.8%) implants were healthy, 67 (47.5%) had mucositis and 39 (27.6%) were affected by peri-implantitis. In absence of buccal KM (KM = 0 mm), 75% of the implants exhibited mucositis, while in the presence of KM (KMW >0 mm) 41.2% exhibited mucositis. Regarding peri-implantitis, the corresponding percentages were 20% (KM = 0 mm) and 26.7% (KM >0 mm). Unadjusted logistic regression showed that the presence of buccal KM tended to reduce the odds of showing BOP at buccal sites (OR: 0.28 [95% CI, 0.07 to 1.09], p = 0.06). The adjusted logistic regression model revealed that having buccal KM (OR: 0.21 [95% CI, 0.05 to 0.85], p = 0.02) and using two-piece implants (OR: 0.34 [95% CI, 0.15 to 0.75], p = 0.008) significantly reduced the odds of showing BOP. Adjusted linear regression by means of GEE showed that KM and two-piece implants were associated with reduced MBL and MBL changes (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The lack of buccal KM appears to be linked with peri-implant parameters such as BOP and MBL, but the association is weak. The design of one-piece implants may account for their increased odds of exhibiting BOP.

Novel Flowchart Guiding the Non-Surgical and Surgical Management of Peri-Implant Complications: A Narrative Review

Peri-implant diseases, such as peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, are induced by dysbiotic microbiota resulting in the inflammatory destruction of peri-implant tissue. Nonetheless, there has yet to be an established protocol for the treatment of these diseases in a predictable manner, although many clinicians and researchers have proposed various treatment modalities for their management. With the increase in the number of reports evaluating the efficacy of various treatment modalities and new materials, the use of multiple decontamination methods to clean infected implant surfaces is recommended; moreover, the use of hard tissue laser and/or air abrasion techniques may prove advantageous in the future. Limited evidence supports additional effects on clinical improvement in antimicrobial administration for treating peri-implantitis. Implantoplasty may be justified for decontaminating the implant surfaces in the supracrestal area. Surgical treatment is employed for advanced peri-implantitis, and appropriate surgical methods, such as resection therapy or combination therapy, should be selected based on bone defect configuration. This review presents recent clinical advances in debridement methods for contaminated implant surfaces and regenerative materials for treating peri-implant bone defects. It also proposes a new flowchart to guide the treatment decisions for peri-implant disease.

Influence of the level of compliance with preventive maintenance therapy upon the prevalence of peri-implant diseases

BACKGROUND

A study was made to evaluate peri-implant conditions in compliers and erratic compliers with peri-implant maintenance therapy (PIMT), and to assess the role of site-specific confounders.

METHODS

Erratic PIMT compliers (EC) were defined as presenting attendance < 2×/year, while regular compliers (RC) attended ≥ 2×/year. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were employed to perform a multivariable multilevel analysis in which the peri-implant condition was established as dependent variable.

RESULTS

Overall, 86 non-smoker patients (42 RC and 44 EC) attending the Department of Periodontology of the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya were recruited consecutively on a cross-sectional basis. The mean period of loading was 9.5 year. An implant placed in an erratic patient has 88% higher probability of presenting peri-implant diseases versus RC. Furthermore, the probability of diagnosis of peri-implantitis was significantly higher in EC versus RC (odds ratio [OR] 5.26; p = 0.009). Among other factors, history of periodontitis, non-hygienic prosthesis, period of implant loading, and modified plaque index (mPI) at implant level were shown to significantly increase the risk of peri-implantitis diagnosis. Although not associated with peri-implantitis diagnosis risk, keratinized mucosa (KM) width, and vestibular depth (VD) were significantly associated to plaque accumulation (mPI).

CONCLUSIONS

Compliance with PIMT was found to be significantly associated with peri-implant condition. In this sense, attending PIMT < 2×/year may be ineffective to prevent peri-implantitis.

The use of low level laser therapy in conjunction with diode laser-assisted and conventional vestibuloplasty: Comparison of wound healing and vestibular depth gain

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to compare wound healing and vestibular depth gain in individuals undergoing vestibule deepening surgery using diode laser and conventional technique and to further investigate the possible wound healing effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

52 systemically healthy individuals with insufficient vestibular depth in the region of teeth 33-43 in the lower jaw were included. Following nonsurgical periodontal treatment, patients were divided into four groups as follows: a) diode laser (L); b) diode laser + LLLT; c) conventional surgery and d) conventional surgery + LLLT. Vestibular depth and horizontal wound size measurements of the individuals were recorded using digital calipers. Reepithelization was evaluated via an image analysis program.

RESULTS

Vestibular depth measurements were found to be higher in the conventional surgery groups compared to that of diode laser groups after the operation, while the results were not statistically different between groups (p >0.05). Reepithelization area did not differ between groups in the evaluated time periods (p >0,05). On the other hand, horizontal wound shrinkage was significantly higher in the conventional surgery group than that of diode laser.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limits of this study, both methods yielded in vestibule depth gain. On the other hand, LLLT did not have an additional positive effect on mucosal wound healing. As a clinical relevance, the results are valuable for clinicians in terms of showing that suturing of the mucosal flap formed following vestibule deepening should not be necessary in laser assisted surgery for attaining more vestibule depth.

The effects of vertically coronally advanced flap and free gingival graft techniques on shallow vestibule: a randomized comparative prospective trial

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to compare the influence of vertically coronally advanced flap (V-CAF) and free gingival graft (FGG) techniques on shallow vestibule depth (VD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Parallel-arm randomized clinical trial was conducted on 38 sites treated with either FGG or V-CAF. Periodontal variables (VD, recession depth and width, probing depth, clinical attachment level, keratinized tissue height (KTH), and tissue thickness (TT)), clinician- and patient-based subjective variables were assessed.

RESULTS

All periodontal variables showed significant improvements in both groups at all follow-up intervals compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Both groups increased VD compared to baseline. RC and CRC were similar after treatment for both techniques. FGG provided a greater increase in KTH (p < 0.001) and VD (VD1, p = 0.02 and VD2, p < 0.001) while V-CAF exhibited more TT gain (p = 0.002). Except overall tissue appearance that was better in V-CAF (p < 0.001), no inter-group significant difference existed in patient-based variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Both techniques were significantly effective in VD increasing. While both techniques were equally successful in RC, V-CAF provided higher TT gain and better tissue appearance. V-CAF can be chosen instead of FGG in the treatment of recessions with shallow VD.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

It can be recommended to prefer V-CAF instead of FGG in the treatment of shallow vestibule.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05777811 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Evaluation of implants in smoking and non-smoking patients with peri-implant disease risk analysis and esthetic scores: an observational study

BACKGROUND

This study examined how smoking affects esthetics, peri-implant health, gingiva around the implant, and implant disease risk assessment in patients with implants.

METHODS

The study included two hundred ninety-eight implants of systemically healthy patients aged between 38 and 62 who applied to the Periodontology Clinic and whose functionally prosthesis-loaded implants had been at least six months and at most five years old. Implants of patients with bruxism were not included in the study. Implants are divided into two according to the patient's smoking. Vestibule depth around the implant, keratinized gingival thickness and width, gingival recession, bleeding on probing, pocket depth, and gingival index by a sole clinician. The pink esthetic score, peri-implant disease risk assessment, and implant health scale were also examined to measure implant esthetics and success.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference in the implant disease risk assesment scores for the examined implants of smokers and nonsmokers (p < 0.05). People who had peri-implantitis had higher implant disease risk assesment score levels. The dental implant health scale revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the likelihood of implant disease. According to the dental implant health scale, dental implants were 100% successful for non-smokers. There was a significant difference in the keratinized gingiva width between smokers and nonsmokers (p < 0.05). The results of the study showed that nonsmokers had a wider keratinized gingiva.

CONCLUSIONS

Research has demonstrated that the act of smoking has the potential to jeopardize the long-term survival of dental implants and the surrounding peri-implant tissues. The results of this study indicate that it would be advisable for dentists to provide guidance to their patients on smoking cessation and to monitor any alterations in behavior closely. Furthermore, it would be advantageous for dental professionals to elucidate the impact of smoking on the susceptibility of smokers to peri-implant disease.

Mechanical and Biological Properties of Titanium and Its Alloys for Oral Implant with Preparation Techniques: A Review

Dental implants have revolutionised restorative dentistry, offering patients a natural-looking and durable solution to replace missing or severely damaged teeth. Titanium and its alloys have emerged as the gold standard among the various materials available due to their exceptional properties. One of the critical advantages of titanium and its alloys is their remarkable biocompatibility which ensures minimal adverse reactions within the human body. Furthermore, they exhibit outstanding corrosion resistance ensuring the longevity of the implant. Their mechanical properties, including hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, and fatigue strength, align perfectly with the demanding requirements of dental implants, guaranteeing the restoration's functionality and durability. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the manufacturing techniques employed for titanium and its alloy dental implants while shedding light on their intrinsic properties. It also presents crucial proof-of-concept examples, offering tangible evidence of these materials' effectiveness in clinical applications. However, despite their numerous advantages, certain limitations still exist necessitating ongoing research and development efforts. This review will briefly touch upon these restrictions and explore the evolving trends likely to shape the future of titanium and its alloy dental implants.

Morpho-Functional Effect of a New Collagen-Based Medical Device on Human Gingival Fibroblasts: An In Vitro Study

Maintaining periodontal and peri-implant soft tissues health is crucial for the long-term health of teeth and dental implants. New biomedical strategies aimed at avoiding connective tissue alterations and related diseases (e.g., periodontitis and peri-implantitis) are constantly evolving. Among these, collagen-based medical products have proven to be safe and effective. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Dental SKIN BioRegulation (Guna S.p.a., Milan, Italy), a new injectable medical device composed of type I collagen of porcine origin, on primary cultures of human gingival fibroblasts (hGF). To this end, hGF were cultured on collagen-coated (COL, 100 µg/2 mL) or uncoated plates (CTRL) before evaluating cell viability (24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 7 d), wound healing properties (3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h), and the activation of mechanotransduction markers, such as FAK, YAP, and TAZ (48 h). The results proved a significant increase in cell viability at 48 h (p < 0.05) and wound closure at 24 h (p < 0.001) of hGF grown on COL, with an increasing trend at all time-points. Furthermore, COL significantly induced the expression of FAK and YAP/TAZ (p < 0.05), thereby promoting the activation of mechanotransduction signaling pathways. Overall, these data suggest that COL, acting as a mechanical bio-scaffold, could represent a useful treatment for gingival rejuvenation and may possibly help in the resolution of oral pathologies.

Impact of peri-implant soft tissue characteristics on health and esthetics

OBJECTIVE

To review the impact of key peri-implant soft tissue characteristics on health and esthetics.

MAIN CONSIDERATIONS

The keratinized mucosa width (KMW), the mucosal thickness (MT), and the supracrestal tissue height (STH) are essential components of the peri-implant soft tissue phenotype. An inadequate KMW (<2 mm) has been associated with local discomfort upon oral hygiene performance and increased risk for the onset of peri-implant diseases. A minimum buccal MT (≥2 mm) is generally required to prevent esthetic issues related to the effect of transmucosal prosthetic elements on the color of the mucosa and can also contribute to long-term mucosal stability. STH is directly related to marginal bone remodeling patterns during the early healing process that follows the connection of transmucosal prosthetic components. Short STH, generally defined as <3 mm, has been consistently associated with marginal bone loss resulting from the physiologic establishment of the mucosal seal. Insufficient STH may also derive into the fabrication of unfavorable transmucosal prosthetic contours, which frequently results in unpleasing esthetic outcomes and predisposes to submarginal biofilm accumulation. Peri-implant soft tissue dehiscences (PISTDs) are a type of peri-implant deformity that are associated with esthetic issues and often occur in sites presenting KMW, MT, and/or STH deficiencies. PISTDs should be correctly diagnosed and treated accordingly, usually by means of multidisciplinary therapy.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the impact of different dimensional and morphologic features of the peri-implant mucosa on health and esthetic outcomes is fundamental to make appropriate clinical decisions in the context of tooth replacement therapy with implant-supported prostheses.

Impact of local predisposing/precipitating factors and systemic drivers on peri‐implant diseases

BACKGROUND

Strong evidence suggests the infectious nature of peri-implant diseases occurring in susceptible hosts. Epidemiological reports, though, indicate that peri-implantitis is a site-specific entity. Hence, the significance of local factors that may predispose/precipitate plaque accumulation and the impact of systemic drivers that alter the immune response are relevant in the prevention and management of peri-implant disorders.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present review is to shed light on the significance of local and systemic factors on peri-implant diseases, making special emphasis on the associations with peri-implantitis.

METHODS

The biologic plausibility and supporting evidence aiming at providing a concluding remark were explored in the recent scientific literature for local predisposing/precipitating factors and systemic drivers related to peri-implant diseases.

RESULTS

Local predisposing factors such as soft tissue characteristics, implant position and prosthetic design proved being strongly associated with the occurrence of peri-implant diseases. Hard tissue characteristics, however, failed to demonstrate having a direct association with peri-implant diseases. Robust data points toward the strong link between residual sub-mucosal cement and peri-implant diseases, while limited data suggests the impact of residual sub-mucosal floss and peri-implantitis. Systemic drivers/habits such as hyperglycemia and smoking showed a strong negative impact on peri-implantitis. However, there is insufficient evidence to claim for any link between metabolic syndrome, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and obesity and peri-implant diseases.

CONCLUSION

Local predisposing/precipitating factors and systemic drivers may increase the risk of peri-implant diseases. Therefore, comprehensive anamnesis of the patients, educational/motivational programs and exhaustive prosthetically-driven treatment planning must be fostered aiming at reducing the rate of biological complications in implant dentistry.

Influence of vestibular depth on the outcomes of root coverage therapy: A prospective case series study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of vestibular depth (VD) on the outcomes of root coverage therapy.

METHODS

Patients presenting gingival recession defects (GRD) with a minimum depth of 2 mm underwent root coverage therapy consisting of a coronally advanced flap plus a connective tissue graft (CAF + CTG). Clinical examinations were performed, and intraoral scans were obtained at baseline, 3 and 6 months after surgery to assess changes in probing depth (PD), keratinized tissue width (KTW), recession depth (RD), GRD area, marginal gingival thickness (MGT), and VD. The influence of VD on percentage of root coverage (%RC) and the likelihood of achieving complete root coverage (CRC) were explored.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients were enrolled, and 44 teeth were treated. RD decreased and MGT increased in all treated sites. At 6 months, mean %RC was 87.47 ± 18.37 and CRC was observed in 61.4% of sites. Mean baseline VD was 7.33 ± 2.67 mm. Mean VD reduction from baseline to 6 months was 1.98 ± 1.27 mm. %RC and CRC were significantly correlated with baseline VD. Each additional 1 mm of baseline VD implied a gain of 6.58% for %RC and increased 2.75 times the probability of achieving CRC. Narrow baseline KTW and mandibular arch location were associated with inferior treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Lower %RC and likelihood of achieving CRC can be expected after root coverage therapy via CAF + CTG in sites presenting a shallow vestibulum.

Soft tissue features of peri‐implant diseases and related treatment

BACKGROUND

The need for soft tissue grafting at implant sites for preventing and treating peri-implant diseases is a currently investigated and debated topic.

PURPOSE

The aim of this manuscript is to explore the inflammatory mechanisms at the peri-implant soft tissue compartment, to distinguish the structural components of the peri-implant soft tissue phenotype and their role on peri-implant health, and to appraise the clinical indications and expected outcomes of soft tissue augmentation procedures at peri-implant diseased sites.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This narrative review depicts the inflammatory biomarkers and mediators in the peri-implant crevicular fluid utilized to diagnose peri-implant disease and that have been shown to be associated with peri-implant soft tissue phenotype modification and disease resolution. The impact of the peri-implant soft tissue phenotype, involving keratinized mucosa (KM) width, attached mucosa (AM), mucosal thickness (MT), and supracrestal tissue height (STH), on peri-implant health, esthetic, patient's comfort and disease prevention are discussed. The manuscript also illustrates the use of ultrasonography for the detection of peri-implant health/disease and the evaluation of the treatment outcomes following surgical therapies.

RESULTS

Current evidence indicates that soft tissue phenotype modification at implant sites with inadequate KM width, AM and MT can be beneficial for promoting peri-implant health and improving patient's comfort and hygiene procedures. Treatment approaches and outcomes from the available literature on soft tissue phenotype modification in combination with conventional techniques at sites with peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis are presented and discussed in detail.

CONCLUSIONS

Soft tissue grafting can be beneficial in preventing and treating peri-implant diseases. Clinical recommendations based on the disease, soft tissue phenotype characteristics and bone defect morphology are provided for a comprehensive hard- and soft-tissue-oriented treatment of peri-implant disease.

An Interrelation between the Width of Attached Gingiva, Vestibular Depth and its Impact on Dental Hygiene Care

Introduction The portion of the keratinized gingiva that is firmly attached to the bone is a significant determinant influencing oral hygiene and aids in the removal of deposits from the gingival crest, upgrades esthetics, and minimizes erythema in the area of the restituted dentition.

Aim To assess an interrelation among the thickness of attached gingiva, erythema, and dental hygiene. An interrelation of vestibular height, thickness of attached gingiva, and dental hygiene.

Materials and Methods A transverse study has been conducted. A total of 150 individuals were polled for information. The thickness of attached gingiva and vestibular height were assessed in six front dentitions by means of functional method. Clinical metrics comprising Oral hygiene index and modified gingival index has been documented.

Results There was a positive correlation association among attached gingival width and oral health care (p < 0.01). The vestibular depth, in contrast did not demonstrate any correlation (p < 0.01).

Conclusion An adequate amount of attached gingiva is essential to maintain the gingival health and overall oral hygiene, whereas the depth of vestibule did not show any association with oral hygiene maintenance.

Efficacy of soft tissue substitutes, in comparison with autogenous grafts, in surgical procedures aiming to increase the peri-implant keratinized mucosa: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of soft tissue substitutes compared to autogenous gingival grafts in surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of keratinized mucosa (KM) around dental implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two focused questions were developed: PICOS #1) "What is the efficacy of surgical procedures using soft tissue substitutes, as compared to autogenous grafts, to increase the amount of peri-implant keratinized mucosa, in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs)?"; and PICOS #2) "What is the effectiveness of soft tissue substitutes to increase the amount of peri-implant keratinized mucosa, in RCTs, CCTs, cohort studies or case series?". Besides KM augmentation, other relevant outcomes such as clinical and radiographic peri-implant outcomes, incidence of biological complications, surgical time, or patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected. Meta-analyses were performed whenever possible.

RESULTS

Ten publications and an unpublished study were included. KM augmentation was significantly greater for autogenous grafts (n = 6; weighted mean difference (WMD) = -0.9 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI) [-1.4; -0.3]; p = .001). However, no significant differences between autogenous grafts and soft tissue substitutes were observed when exclusively xenografts were considered (n = 5; WMD=-0.8 mm; 95% CI [-1.6; 0.0]; p = .062). Surgical time and postsurgical pain seemed to be reduced by the use of soft tissue substitutes.

CONCLUSIONS

Free gingival grafts (FGG) are more effective in the augmentation of KM mucosa around dental implants than soft tissue substitutes. However, substitutes of xenogeneic origin may be an alternative to autogenous tissues.

Fibrin immobilization vestibular extension (FIVE): A case series

AIMS

The objective of the present case series is to report on the rationale, surgical technique and outcome of a protocol for peri-implant mucosal phenotype modification therapy, referred to as "fibrin immobilization vestibular extension (FIVE)".

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The protocol utilized entailed apical positioning and stabilization of peri-implant flap with modular screws. The screws were also used for the immobilization of solid matrix platelet-rich fibrin to fill the gap created between apically positioned flap and the crestal margin of the flap.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients (12 male, 18 females) with 93 implants were treated with FIVE protocol for various indications, including for vestibular extension following alveolar ridge augmentation (N = 6), preprosthetic (N = 9), postprosthetic (N = 2), and peri-implantitis (N = 13). The keratinized mucosal width preoperatively was 1.67 mm with 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.46, 1.88). Immediately following FIVE surgery, the vestibule was extended to 9.10 with 95% CI (8.44, 9.76). At 3 months, 4.9 mm (95% CI: 4.5-5.2 mm) of peri-implant keratinized mucosal width was present. The keratinized mucosal width remained relatively stable thereafter and was 4.0 mm (95% CI: 3.5-4.5 mm) at 3 years post-FIVE surgery. When overall group means across all time points were analyzed, maxilla had mean of 6.1 mm (95% CI: 5.8-6.5) versus mandible exhibited mean of 5.1 mm (95% CI: 4.6-5.6 mm). The mean of maxilla was significantly higher than that of the mandible (p < 0.0001) across all time points. Treatment of peri-implantitis with FIVE lead to significant pocket reduction and wide band of keratinized mucosa. Seven of 38 implants in 3 of 13 peri-implantitis patients were removed due to advanced peri-implantitis.

DISCUSSION

The present case series provides proof-of-principle data for efficacy of FIVE for peri-implant phenotype modification therapy that generated attached keratinized mucosa in a variety of applications. This protocol provides an alternative to procedures involving harvesting of autogenous mucosal graft.

Retrospective analysis of keratinized tissue augmentation using a xenogeneic collagen matrix for resolving peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis

PURPOSE

The significance of keratinized tissue for peri-implant health has been emphasized. However, there is an absence of clinical evidence for the use of a xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) to manage peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate outcomes after keratinized tissue augmentation using an XCM for the management of peri-implant diseases.

METHODS

Twelve implants (5 with peri-implant mucositis and 7 with peri-implantitis) in 10 patients were included in this study. Non-surgical treatments were first performed, but inflammation persisted in all implant sites. The implant sites all showed a lack of keratinized mucosa (KM) and vestibular depth (VD). Apically positioned flaps with XCM application were performed. Bone augmentation was simultaneously performed on peri-implantitis sites with an intrabony defect (>3 mm). The following clinical parameters were measured: the probing pocket depth (PPD), modified sulcular bleeding index (mSBI), suppuration (SUP), keratinized mucosal height (KMH), and VD.

RESULTS

There were no adverse healing events during the follow-up visits (18±4.6 months). The final KMHs and VDs were 4.34±0.86 mm and 8.0±4.05 mm, respectively, for the sites with peri-implant mucositis and 3.29±0.86 mm and 6.5±1.91 mm, respectively, for the sites with peri-implantitis. Additionally, the PPD and mSBI significantly decreased, and none of the implants presented with SUP.

CONCLUSIONS

Keratinized tissue augmentation using an XCM for sites with peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis was effective for increasing the KMH and VD and decreasing peri-implant inflammation.

Effectiveness of dental implantation with the partial split-flap technique on vertical guided bone regeneration: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the partial split-flap technique with a K-incision on vertical guided bone regeneration (vGBR) and to retrospectively analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes of dental implantation using this approach.

METHODS

In total, 78 patients who received 104 dental implants with vGBR, categorized as (1) pre-GBR and post-implantation and (2) simultaneous GBR and implantation, were enrolled. Data analysis was based on periapical radiographs, clinical photos, and dental records. The 2-sample t-test was used to compare the 2 surgical procedures.

RESULTS

The baseline vertical bone level, augmented bone height (ABH), and treatment duration were significantly higher in the pre-GBR procedure group. The survival rates of the implants were 96.1% and 94.8% in implant- and patient-based analyses, respectively. In Cox regression analysis, high rates of implant failure were found in the presence of ABH of ≥4 mm, smoking, and diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this retrospective study, the partial split-flap technique using a K-incision for vGBR showed stable clinical outcomes and favorable dental implant survival.

Impact of tribocorrosion and titanium particles release on dental implant complications - A narrative review

Titanium particles as a product of degradation have been detected in periimplant oral tissues and it has been assumed that implants were the source of these particles. Periimplantitis sites had higher concentrations of particles in comparison to healthy implant sites. Several factors have been identified in the degradation of dental implant surface, such as mechanical wear, contact with chemical agents, and the effects of biofilm adhesion. Titanium particles silently prompt the immune-system activation and generate a pro-inflammatory response in macrophages, T lymphocytes and monocytes. During the activation, inflammatory cytokines are released including, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), prostaglandin, and TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6. The nanoparticles depict unique features such as high level of biological reactivity and potentially harmful compared to microparticles since they have a relatively greater surface area to volume ratio. Allergic response to titanium as a cause of implant failure has not been well documented. Evidence demonstrating biological complication due to titanium particles release includes peri-implant tissue inflammation that lead terminally to implant loss. There is a biological probability for a relation between the presence of titanium particles and ions, biological complication, and corrosion, but there is no justifiable evidence for unidirectional series of causative actions.

A retrospective comparison of 3 approaches of vestibuloplasty around mandibular molar implants: apically positioned flap versus free gingival graft versus modified periosteal fenestration

PURPOSE

This study aimed to clinically evaluate the efficacy of vestibuloplasty around lower molar implants using 3 different modalities: apically positioned flap alone (APF), APF with a free gingival graft (FGG), and APF with modified periosteal fenestration (mPF).

METHODS

Three different vestibuloplasty procedures during second-stage implant surgery were performed at the mandibular molar area in 61 patients with a shallow vestibule and insufficient keratinized tissue (KT). The clinical measurements of KT width were recorded at baseline, immediately after surgery (T0), 6 months after surgery (T6), and 12 months after surgery (T12). Soft tissue esthetic scores were measured.

RESULTS

An additional KT width gain from baseline to T12 of approximately 2 mm was obtained with FGG and mPF compared to that with APF. Shrinkage of the re-established tissue was lower with mPF and FGG than with APF, whereas the esthetic profile was better with APF and mPF than with FGG.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this study, mPF showed potential as a promising approach for vestibuloplasty around the lower molar implants compared to the traditional APF and FGG.

Efficacy of keratinized mucosal augmentation with a collagen matrix concomitant to the surgical treatment of peri-implantitis: A dual-center randomized clinical trial

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a xenogeneic collagen matrix to augment the width of keratinized mucosa (KM), concomitantly to the surgical treatment of peri-implantitis, when compared to the use of an autologous soft tissue graft.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this 12-month parallel-arm randomized controlled clinical trial, patients with peri-implantitis were randomly assigned, one month after non-surgical therapy, to surgical resective treatment of peri-implantitis consisting on an apically positioned flap (APF) in combination with a KM augmentation procedure, either with an autologous free gingival graft (FGG) or a collagen matrix (CM). Primary outcomes were the increase in the width of KM and probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction at 12 months. As secondary outcomes, peri-implant radiographic and patient-reported outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

The intention-to-treat population consisted of 49 subjects, assigned to either the APF + FGG (n = 23) or APF + CM (n = 26) group. PPDs were reduced by 1.6 mm (SD 1.0) and 1.7 mm (SD 1.2), respectively, being these differences non statistically significant (p = .782). However, the increase in KM was significantly higher in the APF + FGG compared with APF + CM (2.5 mm [SD 1.6] vs. 1.6 mm [SD 1.2], respectively (p = .033).

CONCLUSION

The tested surgical modalities resulted in similar improvements of the clinical parameters. Both free gingival graft and collagen matrix significantly increased the peri-implant keratinized mucosa, but this KM gain was significantly higher with the free gingival graft. Use of CM, however, was better appreciated by the patients, in terms of pain perception and analgesic consumption, although the surgical time was similar.

Two-stage approach for class II mandibular furcation defect with insufficient keratinized mucosa: a case report with 3 years' follow-up

Periodontal regenerative treatment is useful for intrabony defects and furcation involvement, but is difficult when there is insufficient keratinized mucosa to cover and maintain the regenerative material, particularly in the mandibular molar region. We report the case of a 27-year-old woman who underwent a two-stage surgical approach for a class II furcation defect with gingival recession and insufficient keratinized mucosal width (KMW) and vestibular depth at the mandibular left first molar. We first improved the KMW and keratinized mucosal thickness using an epithelial embossed connective tissue graft with enamel matrix derivative, and then focused on periodontal regeneration at the furcation defect using an enamel matrix derivative and a bovine-derived xenograft. Probing depth reduction, clinical attachment gain, horizontal probing depth reduction, KMW gain, and gingival recession reduction were observed 3 years postoperatively. This case report suggests that this novel staged approach may be effective for treating furcation defects with insufficient keratinized mucosa, thus providing useful insights into periodontal regeneration therapy.

Engaging a polylactide copolymer in oral tissue regeneration: first validation of Suprathel® for guided epithelial and osseous healing

The present study investigated the capacity of Suprathel^® (a copolymer membrane, so far validated for skin regeneration) to also regenerate oral tissue – mucosa and bone, by comparing this biomaterial, in a split-mouth rabbit model, to Mucoderm^®, a xenogeneic collagen matrix certified for keratinized oral mucosa healing. The clinical reason behind this experimental animal model was to determine whether the benefits of this advanced skin regeneration product (Suprathel^®) could be conveyed for future evaluation in clinical trials of oral tissue regeneration in humans. The outcomes of this study validated the use of Suprathel^®, a terpolymer of polylactide with trimethylene carbonate and ε-caprolactone, for stimulation of oral epithelium and alveolar bone regeneration in rabbits. Both Suprathel^® and Mucoderm^® exhibited comparable results and the null hypothesis stating a comparable regenerating effect of these two materials could not be rejected.

Management of extensive peri-implant defects with titanium meshes

PURPOSE

Peri-implantitis is a biofilm-induced pathological condition, and different approaches have been proposed to manage this condition. This study introduces a surgical technique in accordance with the concept of guided bone regeneration for implants with extensive peri-implant defects.

METHODS

This pilot study was conducted on 7 patients with 11 implants (4 females and 3 males; 32 to 61 years). In this technique, we used a titanium mesh, a combination of autogenous bone, allogenic graft material, and acellular dermal matrix to reconstruct the peri-implant defects. All implants were placed submerged, and the second-stage surgery was conducted after 8 months. Soft tissue augmentation and vestibuloplasty were performed in the second-stage surgery, if required.

RESULTS

The mean function time of implants was 60.5 ± 29.4 months. The mean baseline probing pocket depth was 5.7 ± 1.4 mm, and soft tissue recession was observed at two sites (18%). The mean recession and keratinized tissue width (KTW) values were 0.4 ± 0.8 mm and 3 ± 1.6 mm, respectively. The mean marginal bone loss and bone gain were 4.4 ± 1.2 mm and 2.9 ± 0.9 mm, respectively, which showed a significant improvement.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary evaluations showed favorable results in terms of radiographic defect fill and soft tissue condition. It appears that this technique may lead to promising outcomes in cautiously selected patients seeking to retain their failing implants. However, long-term results following functional loading are required before recommending this technique for daily practice.

Retrospective case series analysis of vestibuloplasty with free gingival graft and titanium mesh around dental implant

Objectives

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an effective technique to easily obtain adequate amounts of keratinized gingiva and vestibular depth.

Materials and Methods

Free gingiva (vertical height 10 mm) was harvested on the palatal mucosa and a partial thickness flap was elevated on the recipient site with same width as the free gingiva graft. After a conventional suture, a titanium mesh covered the graft and was fixed with miniscrews. Titanium mesh was removed 4.1±2.5 weeks after surgery. The amount of keratinized gingiva and vestibular depth was measured at the final follow-up.

Results

Nine patients (males 4, females 5; 53.9±14.1 years) who underwent bone graft surgery before vestibuloplasty were included. No free gingival graft failure or complications were encountered in any of the patients. The relapse rate for vestibular depth (23.3%) was lower than that for keratinized gingiva (48.3%) after 34.4±14.4 months (P=0.010).

Conclusion

Vestibuloplasty with a free gingival graft using titanium mesh could be achieved with an acceptable amount of keratinized gingiva and an appropriate vestibular depth around dental implant.

The versatile "lip switch" or transitional flap vestibuloplasty combined with alveoloplasty and implant placement to treat atrophic mandibles with inadequate vestibules and attached tissue: A case series and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION/AIMS

The edentulous mandibular ridge and associated shallow vestibule are often seen as a challenge in the oral rehabilitation of patients. Dental implants can provide an improvement in mastication and patient satisfaction. The aim of this study is to utilize a preprosthetic mucosal flap combined with a repositional periosteal flap concomitant with an alveoloplasty and placement of endosteal implants as a single-stage procedure in the anterior mandible. This approach provides a valued alternative for dental rehabilitation in patients with poor masticatory efficiency using a conventional denture.

METHODS

Eight patients underwent the preprosthetic surgical plan in the oral surgery clinic of the dental school during a 1-year period. Age, sex, preoperative, and postoperative vestibular depth, as well as hard and soft tissue elements were measured (P < .05) at 4-6 months.

RESULTS

Mean age was 53 years ± 14.62 (N = 8). Anterior mandible height was 19 ± 4.8 mm. A significant difference was measured using a two-tailed Student's t-test between pre- and postoperative vestibular depths, respectively (3.9 mm vs 10.5 ± 0.96 mm; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

A lip switch vestibuloplasty combined with placement of two implants provide a one-stage procedure that is convenient, provides a shorter postoperative period, and can be financially affordable. Future research requires larger sampling to support this treatment as a standard of care.

Vertical ridge augmentation (VRA) with Ti-reinforced d-PTFE membranes or Ti meshes and collagen membranes: 1-year results of a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate hard and soft tissues around implants placed in posterior mandible 1 year after vertical ridge augmentation (VRA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

40 patients with vertical defects were enrolled and treated according to the study protocol. Patients were randomly divided into two study groups: reinforced PTFE membranes (group A) and titanium meshes plus collagen membranes (group B). All patients received simultaneous implants which were evaluated after prosthetic restoration at baseline and after 1 year, using the following parameters: peri-implant bone levels (PBLs), interproximal bone peaks (IBPs), pocket probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP), plaque index (mPI), gingival index (mGI), keratinized tissue thickness/width (tKT and wKT), and fornix depth (FD). Statistical analysis was performed to investigate any statistically significant differences and/or correlations (p = .05).

RESULTS

30 patients were completely followed up according to the study protocol. After 1 year, implants showed a change in PBL from 0.12 to 0.76 mm, with marginal bone loss of 0.67 and 0.61 mm for group A and group B, respectively, without significant differences (p > .9337). The estimated difference between treatments for the change from baseline in PBL was -0.05 (95% CI -0.27 to 0.16). Statistical analysis revealed strong correlations between PBL and IBP (p < .0001). However, no significant differences were observed for PPD, mPI, mGI, tKT, wKT, and FD (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that GBR treatment with titanium meshes plus collagen membranes (Group B) compared to reinforced PTFE membranes does not appear to be inferior or superior in terms of PBL change. In both groups, hard and soft tissues were stable after 1 year of follow-up, with a peri-implant bone loss less than 1.0 mm in the first year (study registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04332679).

Buccally displaced flap versus sub-epithelial connective tissue graft for peri-implant soft tissue augmentation: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial

Background

This article describes a novel surgical technique, the buccally displaced flap, for keratinized mucosa (KM) augmentation during implant uncovering. Furthermore, it clinically compares this technique with sub-epithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) for peri-implant KM augmentation. Twelve weeks following implant placement, subjects were randomly divided for KM augmentation into group A (buccally displaced flap) and group B (SCTG). The width (WKM) and thickness (TKM) of the KM were assessed prior to the implant uncovering, 4 weeks and 1 year after implant loading. Post-operative pain assessment was performed using the Numeric Rating Scale.

Results

The study comprised of 20 implants that were uncovered in 20 subjects. For group A, the mean WKM increased from 0.98 (± 0.23 mm) to 3.01 mm (± 0.18 mm), and the mean TKM increased from 1.45 (± 0.13 mm) to 2.21 mm (± 0.16 mm) at 1 year. For group B, the mean WKM increased from 0.93 (± 0.18 mm) to 3.28 mm (± 0.13 mm), and the mean TKM increased from 1.41 (± 0.15 mm) to 2.25 mm (± 0.11 mm) at 1 year. Post-operative pain was significantly higher for group B 4.15 (± 1.35) as compared to group A 2.6 (± 1.22) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The buccally displaced flap increased the WKM and TKM during implant uncovering, with results comparable to SCTG. The main advantages of the technique were lack of sutures, maintenance of blood supply, reducing number of surgical sites, and it was relatively atraumatic with lesser post-operative pain.

Trial registration

Clinical trials registry—India CTRI/2019/09/021059. Date of registration—September 4, 2019, retrospectively registered.

Vestibuloplasty covering titanium mesh with grafted free gingiva on anterior mandible: technical report and rationale

This paper describes a patient with an insufficient vestibular depth for a removable partial denture who underwent vestibuloplasty with a free gingival graft using a titanium mesh in the anterior mandible. Free gingiva was harvested from the palatal mucosa, and a partial thickness flap was elevated at the recipient site. After minimal suturing for the graft, a titanium mesh was fixed over the graft. The mesh was removed four weeks after surgery. The patient obtained an adequate vestibular depth and keratinized gingiva eight weeks after surgery without any complications. In this case, an appropriate vestibular depth and keratinized gingiva were easily obtained by vestibuloplasty using a titanium mesh.

Guided bone regeneration using K-incision technique

Purpose

The present study describes 3 patients with chronic periodontitis and consequent vertical resorption of the alveolar ridge who were treated using implant-based restoration with guided bone regeneration (GBR).

Methods

After extraction of a periodontally compromised tooth, vertical bone augmentation using a K-incision was performed at the healed, low-level alveolar ridge.

Results

The partial-split K-incision enabled soft tissue elongation without any change in buccal vestibular depth, and provided sufficient keratinized gingival tissue during GBR.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this study, the present case series demonstrated that the novel K-incision technique was effective for GBR and allowed normal implant-based restoration and maintenance of a healthy periodontal condition. However, further long-term follow-up and a large-scale randomized clinical investigation should be performed to evaluate the feasibility of this technique.