Effect of interimplant distance (2 and 3 mm) on the height of interimplant bone crest: a histomorphometric evaluation

Background: Implants restored according to a platform‐switching concept (implant abutment interface with a reduced diameter relative to the implant platform diameter) present less crestal bone loss than implants restored with a standard protocol. When implants are placed adjacent to one another, this bone loss may combine through overlapping, thereby causing loss of the interproximal height of bone and papilla. The present study compares the effects of two interimplant distances (2 and 3 mm) on bone maintenance when bone‐level implants with platform‐switching are used. Methods: This study evaluates marginal bone level preservation and soft tissue quality around a bone‐level implant after 2 months of healing in minipig mandibles. The primary objective is to evaluate histologically and histomorphometrically the affect that an implant design with a horizontally displaced implant–abutment junction has on the height of the crest of bone, between adjacent implants separated by two different distances. Results: Results show that the interproximal bone loss measured from the edge of the implant platform to the bone crest was not different for interimplant distances of 2 or 3 mm. The horizontal position of the bone relative to the microgap on platform level (horizontal component of crestal bone loss) was 0.31 ± 0.3 mm for the 2‐mm interimplant distance and 0.57 ± 0.51 mm above the platform 8 weeks after implantation for the 3‐mm interimplant distance. Conclusions: This study shows that interimplant bone levels can be maintained at similar levels for 2‐ and 3‐mm distances. The horizontally displaced implant–abutment junction provided for a more coronal position of the first point of bone–implant contact. The study reveals a smaller horizontal component at the crest of bone than has been reported for non‐horizontally displaced implant–abutment junctions.     

Influence of placement depth on bone remodeling around tapered internal connection implant: a clinical and radiographic study in dogs

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of placement depth on bone remodeling around implants with two different types of tapered internal implant–abutment interface (IAI): tapped‐in (TI) tapered internal IAI and screwed‐in (SI) tapered internal IAI in dogs. Methods: The second, third, and fourth premolars and the first molar in mandibles of six beagle dogs were extracted. After 8 weeks, two SI implants and two TI implants were placed in one side of the mandible. There were four experimental groups: 1) SI placed crestally (SIC); 2) TI placed crestally (TIC); 3) SI placed 1.5 mm subcrestally (SIS); and 4) TI placed 1.5 mm subcrestally (TIS). Healing abutments were connected 12 weeks after implant surgery. Implants and teeth were brushed every second day during the healing period. Clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded at 4, 10, and 16 weeks after second‐stage surgery. Results: Differences between SI and TI implants inserted in the same vertical position were not significant for peri‐implant probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), or bone resorption (P >0.05). Subcrestal placement of both implants had greater PD and CAL compared to crestal groups. However, distance from IAI to the first bone–implant contact was lower in subcrestal groups compared to crestal groups (1.27 ± 0.42 mm for SIC versus 0.46 ± 0.26 mm for SIS, P <0.05; 1.36 ± 0.31 mm for TIC versus 0.78 ± 0.42 mm for TIS, P <0.05). Conclusions: Tapered internal IAI configuration had no significant effect on crestal bone resorption. Moreover, subcrestal placement of tapered internal IAI had a positive impact on crestal bone preservation around the cervix of the implant.     

Evaluation of a platform-switched Morse taper connection for all-on-four or six treatment in edentulous or terminal dentition treatment: A retrospective study with 1–8 years of follow-up

Background

The survival rate, marginal bone loss and soft tissue health of the Ankylos implants and the balanced base abutments in all-on-four or six implant restoration of edentulous or terminal dentition patients has not been reported in the clinical research.

Purpose

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the Ankylos implants and the balanced base abutments in all-on-four or six implant restoration of edentulous or terminal dentition patients after 1–8 years of follow-up.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted based on the medical records of 33 patients who received all-on-four or six treatments from April 2014 to May 2020. Four radiographic examinations [immediate postoperative (T0), definitive restorations (T1), 1–3 years after prosthetic restorations (T2), and more than 3 years after prosthetic restorations (T3)] were obtained to evaluate vertical bone height (VBH). We also calculated the survival rate and examined the condition of soft tissue with this implant system in edentulous or terminal dentition patients. Three-level linear model analyses were used to explore potential risk factors for VBH changes on the mesial and distal sides. The generalized linear model was used to analyze the influencing factors of BOP and plaque.

Results

A total of 218 implants were included in this study. The cumulative survival rate of the implants was 97.25% before the definitive prosthesis, 96.33% within 3 years of follow-up and 95.32% after more than 3 years of follow-up. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) bone losses of the VBH were 0.27 ± 0.05 mm (T1-T3) on the mesial side and 0.49 ± 0.06 mm (T1-T3) on the distal side. During 1–8 years of follow-up, the height and angle of the abutment (p < 0.001), the mandible implant site (p < 0.001), the length of the implant (p = 0.014 < 0.05) and age (p = 0.029 < 0.05) showed statistically significant effects on vertical mesial bone height (VMBH) and vertical distal bone height (VDBH). The risk of BOP among participants who brushed three times a day was lower than those who brushed less than three times. The plaque risk of short abutment height was higher than the long abutment.

Conclusion

The current study showed that the Ankylos implants with the balanced base abutments in all-on-four or six implants treatment is a viable and predictable option with a high survival rate and low marginal bone loss in edentulous or terminal dentition patients. VBH around the implants was strongly associated with the mandible implant site, abutment height and angle, the length of the implant and age. Moreover, teeth-brushing times and abutment height significantly affect soft tissue health.     

Three Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Stress Distribution Around Implant with Straight and Angled Abutments in Different Bone Qualities

The aim of the study was to compare the stress distribution around implant in different bone qualities of D1, D2, D3, and D4 with straight and angled abutments using three dimensional finite element analysis. A three dimensional finite element model of the premaxilla region, and two solid 4.3 × 10 mm implant, one with a straight abutment and the other with an angled abutment was done. Four distinctly different bone qualities of D1, D2, D3, and D4 were made. A static load of 178 N was applied at the centre of incisal edge along the long axis of each abutment. The maximum equivalent von Misses stress values around the implants were recorded. The distribution of stresses changed considerably with abutment angulation. As angulation increased from 0° to 15° the concentration of Von Misses stresses shifted to the cortical layer of bone on the facial side of the fixture. Although Von Misses stress increased in straight abutment as the bone quality changed from D1 to D4, it was more noticeable under the loading side of the angulated abutments. The high stresses induced through angled abutments at the cervical zone of the implant due to forces and moments could be a dominant factor that may aggravate the peri-implant bone loss or changes the existing peri-implantitis direction.     

Implant Abutment Cleaning by Plasma of Argon: 5‐Year Follow‐Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Contamination of implant abutments could potentially influence the peri‐implant tissue inflammatory response. The aim of the present study is to assess the radiographic bone changes around customized, platform‐switched abutments placed according to the “one‐abutment‐one‐time” protocol, with and without plasma of argon cleaning treatment. Methods: Thirty healthy patients with thin gingival biotype (<1 mm) and history of periodontal disease received one maxillary implant each. Immediately before abutment connection, patients were randomly assigned to control group (cleaning protocol by steaming) or test group (plasma of argon treatment). Outcome measures were: 1) success rate of implants and prostheses; 2) biologic and prosthetic complications; 3) peri‐implant marginal bone loss (MBL); 4) esthetic and periodontal parameters; and 5) patient satisfaction. Results: Neither implants nor prostheses were lost in either group at the 5‐year follow‐up examination. Overall, both groups showed a slight amount of peri‐implant bone loss from baseline to 5 years. A statistically higher mean MBL was found in the control group compared with the test group at 6, 24, and 60 months after crown connection. Nevertheless, during the entire follow‐up period, intragroup comparison demonstrated statistically significant mean MBL in the control group, but not in the test group. The test group showed a higher mean gain at the soft tissue margin, but not for the papilla. All implants showed good periodontal parameters, with no significant differences between groups. Conclusion: Plasma of argon could be used to disinfect implant abutments before insertion to minimize future peri‐implant bone resorption.     

Influence of Implant Neck Surface and Placement Depth on Crestal Bone Changes Around Platform‐Switched Implants: A Clinical and Radiographic Study in Dogs

Background: The aim of this animal study is to analyze bone remodeling around platform‐switching (PS) implants with and without a machined (MACH) collar placed at different levels in relation to the crestal bone in a canine model. Methods: All mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted in five dogs. After 6 months, grit‐blasted acid‐etched (GBAE) PS implants with and without a MACH neck were randomly inserted in each hemimandible, positioning the implant‐abutment interface in either a supracrestal (+1.5 mm), equicrestal, or subcrestal (?1.5 mm) position, and healing abutments were connected. Implant abutments were dis/reconnected at 12, 14, 16, and 18 weeks after implant placement. After 6 months of healing, animals were sacrificed. Clinical parameters and periapical radiographs were registered on the day of implant placement, at 2 months, at every abutment dis/reconnection, and at sacrifice. Crestal bone changes were calculated and defined as the primary outcome variable. Results: When crestal bone changes from implant placement to 6 months were compared between MACH and GBAE groups, no significant differences were encountered except for implants placed in an equicrestal position (P = 0.04). However, multivariable regression analysis revealed no significant differences between MACH and GBAE implants placed in a supracrestal (β = ?0.08; P = 0.45), equicrestal (β = ?0.05; P = 0.50), or subcrestal (β = ?0.13; P = 0.19) position. Conclusion: Surface treatment of the implant neck had no significant influence on crestal bone changes around PS implants with and without a MACH collar.     

The effect of fatigue loading on the screw joint stability of zirconium abutment

PurposeThis study evaluated the effect of fatigue loading on the screw joint stability of a zirconium abutment connected to an external hexagon implant in vitro.Materials and methodsFifteen titanium and 15 zirconia abutments of 3 different heights (5, 8, and 11 mm) were connected to external titanium implants with titanium screws. A torque gauge was used to measure the reverse torque values before and after loading. An air cylindrical loading device was used to simulate mastication at a 45-degree angle to the longitudinal axis of the implant.ResultsThere were significant differences (P < 0.05) before and after the loading of titanium (5 mm) and zirconia (5, 8, and 11 mm) abutments.ConclusionZirconia abutments for external hexagon implants had durability rates similar to those of titanium abutments after repeating load on the reverse torque of the abutment screw, indicating that the zirconia abutment could be reliably used instead of the titanium abutment.     

Biomechanical Evaluation of Platform Switching: Different Mismatch Sizes,Connection Types,and Implant Protocols

Background: It is not yet well understood to what extent different implant–abutment mismatch sizes and implant–abutment connection types may influence the peri‐implant biomechanical environment of implants in different clinical situations. Methods: Computed tomography–based finite element models comprising a maxillary central incisor socket and 4.5 × 13 mm outer‐diameter implants with external and internal hex connection types were constructed. The abutments were designed with diameters of 3.5 mm (platform switching [PS] with 1 mm of diametral mismatch [PS ? 1]), 4.0 mm (PS with 0.5 mm of diametral mismatch [PS ? 0.5]), and 4.5 mm (conventional matching implant–abutment design [CD]). Analysis of variance at the 95% confidence interval was used to evaluate peak equivalent strain (EQV strain) in the bone, bone volume affected by a strain >4,000 με (EQV strain >4,000 με), the peak von Mises stress (EQV stress) in abutment screw, and the bone–implant relative displacement. Results: Similar bone strain levels (EQV strain and EQV strain >4,000 με) were encountered in PS ? 1, PS ? 0.5, and CD models for immediately placed implants, independent of the connection type. For immediately loaded implants, slightly smaller peak EQV strain and EQV strain >4,000 με were found for PS ? 1. However, for both connection types in osseointegrated models, the higher the mismatch size, the lesser the amount of strain found. Conclusions: The increase in mismatch size of PS configuration results in a significant decrease of strain levels in bone for osseointegrated implants, principally for external hex connections. No significant effect of PS could be noted in immediately placed implants.     

Dimensional profile of oral mucosa around combined tooth-implant-supported bridgework in macaque mandible

Purpose: A stable oral mucosa is crucial for long‐term survival and biofunctionality of implants. Most of this evidence is derived from clinical and animal studies based solely on implant‐supported prosthesis. Much less is known about the dimensions and relationships of this soft tissue complex investing tooth‐implant‐supported bridgework (TISB). The aim here was to obtain experimental evidence on the dimensional characteristics of oral mucosa around TISB with two different abutment designs. Methods: Sixteen 3‐unit TISB were constructed bilaterally in the mandible of eight adult Macaca fascicularis. An implant system with a standard progressive thread design was the bone‐anchoring implant in the second mandibular molar region while the second mandibular premolar served as the natural tooth abutment. Eight implants were connected with the tapered abutment, the remaining with butt‐joint abutment, in a split‐mouth design. These were allowed to functional load for 6 months before sacrification for histomorphometry. Six soft tissue indices were scored: coronal gingival mucosa‐to‐implant top distance (DIM); sulcus depth (SD); junctional epithelium (JE); connective tissue contact (CTC); implant top to first bone‐to‐implant contact distance (DIB); and biologic width (BW=SD+JE+CTC); corresponding parameters in the natural tooth abutment were also measured. Results: Mucosal dimensions in tapered implants (^*BW=3.33±0.43; SD=1.03±0.24; JE=1.08±0.13; CTC=1.22±0.23 mm) were comparable with those of natural tooth abutments (BW=3.04±0.18; SD=0.93±0.1; JE=0.78±0.1; Attachment=1.33±0.09 mm), but differed from butt‐joint implants (^*BW=4.88±1.24; SD=1.47±0.38; JE=1.49±0.4; CTC=1.92±0.93 mm) (^*P<0.05). Conclusions: Results suggested that soft tissue dimensions around TISB are influenced by the implant–abutment interface and abutment material used. Mucosa investing tapered abutment tends to recapitulate soft tissue physiologic dimensions of natural tooth. To cite this article:
Siar CH, Toh CG, Ali TBT, Seiz D, Ong ST. Dimensional profile of oral mucosa around combined tooth‐implant‐supported bridgework in macaque mandible.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23 , 2012 438–446.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02145.x     

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??Objective    To evaluate clinical influence of the different angulated abutments on the implant teeth in the anterior region. Methods    Totally 56 patients with 77 Straumann implants in the anterior region were followed up for 6-36 months. Implant restorations were divided into two groups according to their abutments. Cumulative survival rate was calculated by life-table analysis. Evaluate the soft tissue around single -tooth implant in anterior maxilla with a newly developed pink esthetic score??PES??. The software of SPSS 17.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results    Implant cumulative survival rate with angulated abutments was 96.4%??and with 0°abutment it was 100%. There was 9.1% biomechanical complications in 77 implants. No significant difference in annual crestal bone loss or biomechanical complications was found among 2 groups??P > 0.05??. The PES assessment score of prosthesis with angulated abutments was lower than  that with 0°abutment in both the baseline period and follow-up period. Conclusion    There is no significant difference between angulated abutments and 0°abutment in peri-implant crestal bone loss and biomechanical complications. The clinical influence of implant restorations with 0°abutment is better than that with angulated abutments.     

不同角度基台Straumann种植系统行前牙种植修复短期临床效果评价

目的    评价不同角度基台用于前牙种植义齿修复的临床效果。方法    选择2013年1月至2015年10月来齐河县人民医院口腔科接受前牙区种植修复的患者56例,共植入77颗Straumann种植体并完成单冠修复,修复完成后根据选用的基台分为直基台组（49颗）和角度基台组（28颗）。随访6 ~ 36个月,分别记录2组种植义齿机械并发症的发生情况,拍摄平行投照X线片测量种植体周围骨吸收量,采用寿命表法计算两组基台种植义齿的3年累积存留率,应用红色美学指数（pink esthetic score,PES）对上颌前牙区单牙种植修复后软组织的美学效果进行评价。应用SPSS 17.0软件包对数据进行统计学分析。结果    角度基台组的3年累积存留率为96.4%,直基台组为100%。种植义齿机械并发症的总体发生率为9.1%,两组基台种植义齿的机械并发症发生率及年均骨吸收量的差异均无统计学意义（均P > 0.05）。无论在基线期还是随访期,角度基台组的PES总分均明显低于直基台组（P < 0.05）。结论    角度基台与直基台种植义齿修复在种植体周围骨吸收程度及机械并发症发生率方面无明显差异,前牙区种植义齿修复采用直基台的临床美学效果要优于角度基台。     

The implant-abutment interface of alumina and zirconia abutments

Background: Although ceramic and titanium abutments are widely used in clinical practice, the mechanical characterization of the implant‐abutment interface for ceramic abutments has not been evaluated after the dynamic loading. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the implant‐abutment interface after the dynamic loading of titanium, alumina, and zirconia abutments. Materials and Methods: Fifteen aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, and titanium abutments were manufactured by the Procera System® (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) and were connected to Ø 3.75 × 13‐mm regular platform implants (MK III, Nobel Biocare AB) secured in a 30° inclined plane. A mechanical testing machine applied compressive dynamic loading between 20 and 200 N at 1 Hz on a standard contact area of copings cemented on abutments for 47.250 cycles. The measurements of microgaps at the implant‐abutment interface from the labial, palatinal, mesial, and distal surfaces of each specimen were undertaken by scanning electron microscope analyses prior to and after the experiments. The data of the microgaps before and after the dynamic loading were statistically assessed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Kruskal–Wallis variance analysis (α = 0.05). Results: Coping fracture, abutment fracture, or abutment screw loosening or fracture was not detected in any specimen during the entire test period. After the dynamic loading, the titanium abutment control group revealed an increased microgap (3.47 µm) than zirconia (1.45 µm) and alumina (1.82 µm) groups at the palatinal site (p < .05). The mean measurement values at different measurement sites of specimens within and between each abutment group were similar (p > .05). Conclusion: Owing to their comparable microgap values at the implant‐abutment interface after the dynamic loading, ceramic abutments can withstand functional forces like conventional titanium abutments.     

Five‐year outcomes of a randomized clinical trial comparing bone‐level implants with either submerged or transmucosal healing

Aim

To evaluate the long‐term hard and soft tissue peri‐implant tissue stability of bone‐level implants using a different implant placement protocol (submerged versus transmucosal).

Materials and methods

This study was partly a subset analysis of a multicentre study where in 40 patients, a single bone‐level implant with platform switching and a conical implant‐abutment interface was placed either submerged or transmucosal in non‐molar sites. Changes in the peri‐implant tissues between implant placement and 5 years were assessed clinically and radiologically. Patient‐related outcomes were also recorded.

Results

Thirty patients completed the 5‐year follow‐up. Implant survival rate was 100%. The mean radiographic changes in crestal bone levels between baseline and 5 years were 0.59 (0.92) mm and 0.78 (1.03) mm for the submerged and the transmucosal groups, respectively. No statistical significant differences were found between the groups for any of the investigated variables. Peri‐implantitis, defined as changes in the level of crestal bone of ≥2 mm together with bleeding on probing, was only diagnosed in one patient. Patients in both groups were highly satisfied with the treatment received.

Conclusions

Bone‐level implants with submerged or transmucosal healing protocols demonstrated similar outcomes after 5 years. Both protocols yielded optimal clinical and radiographic results when bone‐level implants were placed in non‐molar positions for single tooth replacement.     

Finite element study on the effect of abutment length and material on implant bone interface against dynamic loading

PURPOSE

Finite element study on the effect of abutment length and material on implant bone interface against dynamic loading.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two dimensional finite element models of cylinderical implant, abutments and bone made by titanium or polyoxymethylene were simulated with the aid of Marc/Mentat software. Each model represented bone, implant and titanium or polyoxymethylene abutment. Model 1: Implant with 3 mm titanium abutment, Model 2: Implant with 2 mm polyoxymethylene resilient material abutment, Model 3: Implant with 3 mm polyoxymethylene resilient material abutment and Model 4: Implant with 4 mm polyoxymethylene resilient material abutment. A vertical load of 11 N was applied with a frequency of 2 cycles/sec. The stress distribution pattern and displacement at the junction of cortical bone and implant was recorded.

RESULTS

When Model 2, 3 and 4 are compared with Model 1, they showed narrowing of stress distribution pattern in the cortical bone as the height of the polyoxymethylene resilient material abutment increases. Model 2, 3 and 4 showed slightly less but similar displacement when compared to Model 1.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitation of this study, we conclude that introduction of different height resilient material abutment with different heights i.e. 2 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm polyoxymethylene, does not bring about significant change in stress distribution pattern and displacement as compared to 3 mm Ti abutment. Clinically, with the application of resilient material abutment there is no significant change in stress distribution around implant-bone interface.     

Combination of ultrasonic decontamination,soft tissue curettage,and submucosal air polishing with povidone‐iodine application for non‐surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis: 12‐month clinical outcomes

1 Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes of a concept for non‐surgical peri‐implantitis combining stepwise mechanical debridement measures with adjuvant povidone‐iodine application with and without systemic antibiotics.

2 Methods

Forty‐five patients with chronic periodontitis and a total of 164 screw‐typed implants with peri‐implantitis were included. Peri‐implantitis was defined as radiographic bone loss of > 2 mm, probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm with bleeding on probing (BOP). Stepwise treatment of implants was performed with ultrasonic debridement, soft tissue curettage (STC), glycine powder air polishing (GPAP), and a repeated submucosal application of povidone‐iodine. Teeth with PD > 4 mm were treated simultaneously according to the same concept except STC. In cases with severe periodontitis (n = 24), amoxicillin and metronidazole (AM) were prescribed for 7 days.

3 Results

After 12 months, implants treated without AM showed significant reductions (P < 0.05) of mean PD (1.4 ± 0.7 mm), clinical attachment level (CAL) (1.3 ± 0.8 mm), and BOP (33.4% ± 17.2%). In deep pockets (PD > 6 mm) changes of mean PD (2.3 ± 1.3 mm), CAL (2.0 ± 1.6 mm), and BOP (44.0% ± 41.7%) were more pronounced. Intake of AM did not significantly influence the changes in these parameters. However, the reduction of implant sites with PD > 4 mm and BOP was significantly higher in patients with AM than in those without AM (31.8% ± 12.6% versus 20.8% ± 14.7%; P < 0.05).

4 Conclusions

The combination of ultrasonic debridement, STC, and GPAP with adjuvant povidone‐iodine led to significant clinical improvements at implants. Systemic antibiotics had limited effects on the reduction of persisting implant sites with treatment need.     

Experimental research on the relationship between fit accuracy and fracture resistance of zirconia abutments

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to investigate the correlation between fit accuracy and fracture resistance of zirconia abutments, as well as its feasibility for clinical applications.

Methods

Twenty self-made zirconia abutments were tested with 30 Osstem GSII implants. First, 10 Osstem GSII implants were cut into two parts along the long axis and assembled with the zirconia abutments. The microgaps between the implants and the zirconia abutments were measured under a scanning electron microscope. Second, the zirconia abutments were assembled with 20 un-cut implants and photographed before and after being fixed with a central screw of 30-N cm torque. The dental films were measured by Digora for Windows 2.6 software. Then the fracture resistance of zirconia abutments was measured using the universal testing machine at 90°. All results were analyzed using SPSS13.0 software.

Results

The average internal-hexagon microgaps between the implants and zirconia abutments were 19.38 ± 1.34 μm. The average Morse taper microgap in the implant–abutment interface was 17.55 ± 1.68 μm. The dental film showed that the Morse taper gap in the implant–abutment interface disappeared after being fixed with a central screw of 30-N cm torque, and the average moving distance of the zirconia abutments to the implants was 0.19 ± 0.02 mm. The average fracture resistance of zirconia abutments was 282.93 ± 17.28 N. The internal-hexagon microgap between the implants and zirconia abutments was negatively related to the fracture resistance of the abutments (r₁ = −0.97, p < 0.01). The Morse taper microgap in the implant–abutment interface was negatively related to the fracture resistance of the abutments (r₂ = −0.84, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The microgap between implant and abutment was negatively related to the fracture resistance of the abutment, while the internal-hexagon microgap has better correlation than the Morse taper microgap. The closure of microgap is helpful to improve the fracture resistance of zirconia abutments. The fracture resistance of zirconia abutments can satisfy the clinical application.     

Comparison of fit accuracy between Procera custom abutments and three implant systems

Background: Although increase of misfit has been reported when associating implant and abutment from different manufacturers, Procera® (Nobel Biocare?, Göteborg, Sweden) custom abutment has been universally used in clinical practice. Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to compare the vertical gap of zirconia Procera abutment associated with implants from the same manufacturer (Nobel Biocare) and two other implant systems. Materials and Methods: Twenty‐four zirconia Procera abutments were produced using computer‐assisted design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) and paired with (1) eight MK Iii RP 4.1 × 10 mm implants (Nobel Biocare) – GNB group; (2) eight Try on, 4.1 × 10 mm implants (Sistema de Implantes, São Paulo, Brazil) – ES group; and (3) eight Master screw, 4.1 × 10 mm implants (Conexão Sistema de Prótese, São Paulo, Brazil) – EC group. A comparison of the vertical misfit at the implant‐abutment interface was taken at six measuring sites on each sample using scanning electron microscopy with a magnification of 408×. One‐way analysis of variance was used to test for differences, and Tukey's test was used for pairwise comparison of groups (α = 0.05). Results: Significant differences relative to average misfit were found when Procera abutments were associated with other implant manufacturers. The ES group and EC group did not differ significantly, but both demonstrated significantly larger average misfit than the GNB group (p = .001). The average misfit was 5.7 µm ± 0.39, 9.53 µm ± 0.52 and 10.62 µm ± 2.16, respectively, for groups GNB, ES, and EC. Conclusion: The association of Procera zirconia abutment with other implant systems different from its manufacturer demonstrated significant alteration of vertical misfit at implant‐abutment interface.     

Clinical Outcomes of an Osteotome Technique and Simultaneous Placement of Neoss Implants in the Posterior Maxilla

Background: Insufficient bone volume often hamper placement of dental implants in the posterior maxilla. Purpose: The aim of the present clinical study was to evaluate retrospectively the clinical outcome of implant placement in the resorbed posterior maxilla using an osteotome technique without adding any grafting material. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with 5 to 9 mm of residual alveolar bone height in the posterior maxilla received twenty‐nine implants (Neoss Ltd., Harrogate, UK) using an osteotomy technique without bone grafts. Intraoral radiographs were taken before and after implant placement, at the time of loading and after 11 to 32 months of loading (mean 16.4 months), to evaluate bone formation below the sinus membrane and marginal bone loss. Implant stability measurements (Osstell^TM, Gothenburg, Sweden) were performed after implant installation and at abutment connection 5 months later. All implants were installed with the prosthetic platform level with the bone crest. Results: No implant was lost giving a survival rate of 100% after a mean follow‐up time of 16.4 months. The average vertical bone height was 7.2 ± 1.5 mm at placement and 10.0 ± 1.0 mm after 11 to 32 months. The average increase of 2.8 ± 1.1 mm was statistically significant. There was a statistically significant improvement in implant stability from 70.7 ± 9.2 implant stability quotient (ISQ) at placement to 76.7 ± 5.7 ISQ at abutment connection, 5 months later. The mean marginal bone loss amounted to 0.7 ± 0.3 mm after 11 to 32 months of loading. Conclusion: It is concluded that the osteotome technique evaluated resulted in predictable intrasinus bone formation, firm implant stability, and good clinical outcomes as no implants were lost and minimal marginal bone loss was observed.     

Influence of a machined collar on crestal bone changes around titanium implants: a histometric study in the canine mandible

Background: It has been shown that peri‐implant crestal bone reactions are influenced by both a rough–smooth implant border in one‐piece, non‐submerged, as well as an interface (microgap [MG] between implant/abutment) in two‐piece butt‐joint, submerged and non‐submerged implants being placed at different levels in relation to the crest of the bone. According to standard surgical procedures, the rough–smooth implant border for implants with a smooth collar should be aligned with the crest of the bone exhibiting a smooth collar adjacent to peri‐implant soft tissues. No data, however, are available for implants exhibiting a sandblasted, large‐grit and acid‐etched (SLA) surface all the way to the top of a non‐submerged implant. Thus, the purpose of this study is to histometrically examine crestal bone changes around machined versus SLA‐surfaced implant collars in a side‐by‐side comparison. Methods: A total of 60 titanium implants (30 machined collars and 30 SLA collars) were randomly placed in edentulous mandibular areas of five foxhounds forming six different subgroups (implant subgroups A to F). The implants in subgroups A to C had a machined collar (control), whereas the implants in subgroups D to F were SLA‐treated all the way to the top (MG level; test). Furthermore, the MGs of the implants were placed at different levels in relation to the crest of the bone: the implants in subgroups A and E were 2 mm above the crest, in subgroups C and D 1 mm above, in subgroup B 3 mm above, and in subgroup F at the bone crest level. For all implants, abutment healing screws were connected the day of surgery. These caps were loosened and immediately retightened monthly. At 6 months, animals were sacrificed and non‐decalcified histology was analyzed by evaluating peri‐implant crestal bone levels. Results: For implants in subgroup A, the estimated mean crestal bone loss (± SD) was ?0.52 ± 0.40 mm; in subgroup B, +0.16 ± 0.40 mm (bone gain); in subgroup C, ?1.28 ± 0.21 mm; in subgroup D, ?0.43 ± 0.43 mm; in subgroup E, ?0.03 ± 0.48 mm; and in subgroup F, ?1.11 ± 0.27 mm. Mean bone loss for subgroup A was significantly greater than for subgroup E (P = 0.034) and bone loss for subgroup C was significantly greater than for subgroup D (P <0.001). Conclusions: Choosing a completely SLA‐surfaced non‐submerged implant can reduce the amount of peri‐implant crestal bone loss and reduce the distance from the MG to the first bone–implant contact around unloaded implants compared to implants with a machined collar. Furthermore, a slightly exposed SLA surface during implant placement does not seem to compromise the overall hard and soft tissue integration and, in some cases, results in coronal bone formation in this canine model.