Bacterial growth on titanium versus zirconia healing caps. An In vitro study.

Objectives To evaluate and compare bacterial growth on zirconia versus titanium healing caps. Material and methods S. sanguinis (Ss) and F. nucleatum (Fn) were grown on titanium and zirconia healing caps that were fixed to the cover of a 96-well microtiter plate. A drop (10 µL) of bacterial suspension was placed on each healing cap and allowed to dry for 1h at 37°C. After this time, the cover was replaced on the plate such that the caps were completely immersed in fresh liquid medium. Each plate contained only one bacterial strain, with 2 control groups. Bacterial growth was monitored over 18h by following the optical density at 650nm. A one-way ANOVA comparison test was used for statistical analysis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of healing caps of each material were taken after a 48h incubation with Ss or Fn to assess bacterial attachment and with no bacteria as control. Results Ss growth was similar in both types of healing cap with no significant differences between these groups and the control (P=0.990). However, there was significantly less growth of Fn on the zirconia caps than on the titanium samples (P<0.0001) or the control (P<0.0001). SEM imaging revealed obvious differences in the surface characteristics of the titanium and zirconia caps. The number of bacteria attached to the rough apical area was particularly high. Conclusions The use of zirconia healing caps may reduce the growth of some bacterial species compared to that seen on titanium healing caps.

A novel computationally engineered collagenase reduces the force required for tooth extraction in an ex-situ porcine jaw model.

The currently employed tooth extraction methods in dentistry involve mechanical disruption of the periodontal ligament fibers, leading to inevitable trauma to the bundle bone comprising the socket walls. In our previous work, we have shown that a recombinantly expressed truncated version of clostridial collagenase G (ColG) purified from Escherichia coli efficiently reduced the force needed for tooth extraction in an ex-situ porcine jaw model, when injected into the periodontal ligament. Considering that enhanced thermostability often leads to higher enzymatic activity and to set the basis for additional rounds of optimization, we used a computational protein design approach to generate an enzyme to be more thermostable while conserving the key catalytic residues. This process generated a novel collagenase (ColG-variant) harboring sixteen mutations compared to ColG, with a nearly 4℃ increase in melting temperature. Herein, we explored the potential of ColG-variant to further decrease the physical effort required for tooth delivery using our established ex-situ porcine jaw model. An average reduction of 11% was recorded in the force applied to extract roots of mandibular split first and second premolar teeth treated with ColG-variant, relative to those treated with ColG. Our results show for the first time the potential of engineering enzyme properties for dental medicine and further contribute to minimally invasive tooth extraction.

Retrospective 1- to 8-Year Follow-Up Study of Complete Oral Rehabilitation Using Monolithic Zirconia Restorations with Increased Vertical Dimension of Occlusion in Patients with Bruxism.

AIM: The aim of this paper is to perform a retrospective assessment of the clinical performance of the complete oral rehabilitation of patients with bruxism treated with implants and teeth-supported veneered and non-veneered monolithic zirconia restorations with increased occlusal vertical dimension. METHODS: In this retrospective follow-up study, 16 bruxer patients, mean age 59.5 ± 14.9 years, were treated with 152 veneered and 229 non-veneered monolithic zirconia and followed for a mean of 58.8 ± 18.8 months (range 1-8 years). The patients were examined clinically and radiographically, annually. Clinical data were extracted from the medical records. In the recall appointments, modified California Dental Association (CDA) criteria were used to evaluate the restorations. Implant and restoration survival and success rates were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The cumulative survival rates of implants and restorations were 97.7% and 97.6%, respectively. Nine restorations were replaced: three due to horizontal tooth fractures, two because of implant failure and four had secondary caries. A total of 43 biologic and technical complications were recorded. In the veneered group, the predominant complication was minor veneer chipping (16.4%), which required polishing only (grade 1). In the non-veneered group, the main complication was open proximal contacts between the implant restorations and adjacent teeth (14.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The survival rates of restorations and implants in patients with bruxism are excellent, even though veneered zirconia restoration exhibited a high rate of minor veneer chipping, which required polishing only. The biologic complication of fractured single-tooth abutment may occur.

Bacterial Growth on Three Non-Resorbable Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Membranes-An In Vitro Study.

GBR (Guided Bone Regeneration) procedure is challenged by the risk of membrane exposure to the oral cavity and contamination. The barrier quality of these membranes serve as a mechanical block from bacterial penetration into the GBR site. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of three commercial non-resorbable polytetrafluoroethylene membranes. (Two d-PTFE membranes and one double layer e-PTFE +d-PTFE membrane). A validated in vitro model with two bacterial species (Streptococcus sanguinis and Fusobacterium nucleatum) was used. Eight samples from membrane each were placed in a 96-well microtiter plate. The experimental and positive control groups were exposed to a bacterial suspension which involved one bacterial species in each plate. Bacterial growth was monitored spectrophotometrically at 650 nm for 24 h in temperature controlled microplate spectrophotometer under anaerobic conditions. One- Sample Kolmogorov−Smirnov Normal test and the Kruskal−Wallis test was used for the statistical analysis. As shown by the bacterial growth curves obtained from the spectrophotometer readings, all three membranes resulted in bacterial growth. We have not found a statistical difference in F. nucleatum growth between different membrane samples and the positive control group. However, S. sanguinis growth was reduced significantly in the presence of two membranes (CYTOPLAST TXT-200 and NeoGenTM) when compared to the control (p < 0.01). The presence of Permamem® had no significant influence on S. sanguinis growth. Some types of commercial non-resorbable PTFE membranes may have an impact on the growth dynamics of specific bacterial species.

Influence of Practitioner-Related Placement Variables on the Compressive Properties of Bulk-Fill Composite Resins-An In Vitro Clinical Simulation Study.

Aims: To determine if restoration location and/or execution behavior force parameters have an influence on the mechanical properties of bulk-fill composite dental restorations. Methods: Pressure transducers were placed within each quadrant of dental mannequin jaws. Cylindrical molds were placed above the transducers and filled with two bulk-fill composite materials, Filtek and Tetric, by four experienced dentists. Each dentist prepared five specimens per quadrant and material. The total placement time, mean force, number of peak forces (above 25 N), and mean peak(s) force during placement were measured. Then, the stiffness and maximal compressive strength of the specimens were determined while loading the specimens up to failure using a universal loading machine. Results: Placement time was affected by jaw (p < 0.004) and side (p < 0.029), with the shortest time demonstrated for the left side of the mandible. Force exerted during restoration placement was not normally distributed without differences in location (jaw) or material. A higher application force was found on the right side (p < 0.01). The number of peak forces was affected by side (p < 0.03), with less peaks on the left side. No significant differences were found in compressive strength when correlated to restoration location, participant, or material (p = 0.431). The stiffness values of Filtek (3729 ± 228 N/mm) were found to be 15% higher than Tetric (3248 ± 227 N/mm) (p < 0.005). No correlations were found between the compressive strength or stiffness and the amount of force applied during placement. Conclusions: The individual restoration material placement parameters did influence practitioner performance; however, these differences did not affect the mechanical properties of the final restoration.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Israeli Orthodontic Practice: A Clinic's Activity and Patients' Attitudes.

The current study aimed to characterize the activity in orthodontic clinics during the COVID-19-induced lockdown and the inter-lockdown periods, as well as to evaluate patients' perspectives with respect to their fears, their extent of cooperation with treatment, and their emergency needs during the lockdown. The data were gathered from 11 private orthodontic clinics from 1 January 2020 to 8 March 2021, which included three lockdowns and inter-lockdowns. Information specifying the number of admissions, missed appointments, and emergency visits was gathered. Four hundred and twenty-nine orthodontic patients treated in those clinics agreed to complete a questionnaire that evaluated their concerns and expectations, the treatment emergency issues, implementation of the orthodontist's instructions, and contact with the clinical staff during lockdowns. There was a significant increase in the number of scheduled appointments during the inter-lockdown periods, compared with the pre-pandemic period (p = 0.001). No difference in the number of missed/canceled or emergency appointments was found between the different periods (p > 0.420). The majority (89.6%) of the emergency visits involved issues with appliances; 68.7% of the subjects were advised to present themselves at clinics. During the peaks of the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, a sharp rise in the number of missed and urgent appointments was not found. Reducing the number of orthodontic emergencies may assist in reducing patient fears.

Effects of Aging Torque Controllers on Screw Tightening Force and Bacterial Micro-Leakage on the Implant-Abutment Complex.

AIM: We assess the accuracy of torque controllers after several aging processes and the bacterial leakage on implant-abutment complexes (IAC). METHODS: A total of 12 spring-type and 12 friction-type torque controllers and 48 IAC (24 conical and 24 hexagonal connections) were evaluated. Chemical, mechanical, temperature, and pressure-aging methods were applied individually to replicate clinical use. Torque controller accuracy was analyzed before and after aging using a calibrated gauge. To assess bacterial leakage, the IAC were suspended in a bacterial medium for 24 h. Direct Contact Test (DCT) and Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (RT-PCR) analyzed the infiltration of F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis into the IAC micro-gap. RESULTS: A significant decrease in torque after 10 days of aging was found. The spring-type torque controller was affected the most, regardless of the aging method (P < 0.05). PCR results indicated that all groups exhibited significantly more bacterial leakage, regardless of the method used (P < 0.05). The conical IAC demonstrated more bacterial leakage of P. gingivalis compared with the hexagonal IAC (P = 0.07). DCT found bacterial growth in the IAC only before aging and was not identified after aging. CONCLUSION: Aging affects torque accuracy. A reduction in force was noticed after 10 days. The conical IAC exhibits more bacterial leakage, although this was not statistically significant.

Esthetic Assessment Succeeding Anterior Atrophic Maxilla Augmentation with Cancellous Bone-Block Allograft and Late Restoration Loading.

BACKGROUND: Various conditions may lead to bony deficiency in the anterior maxilla. The present study evaluated esthetic (PES-pink esthetic score and WES-white esthetic score) results after augmentation of the anterior atrophic maxilla using cancellous bone-block allograft followed by implant placement and late (conventional) loading. METHODS: Cohort study that included 33 patients with missing teeth in the upper anterior region characterized by extensive bone loss. Allogeneic cancellous bone-blocks were used for augmentation. Six months later, a dental implant was inserted. After a waiting time of an additional six-months, implant exposure and reconstruction were performed. The mean follow-up period was 62.93 ± 17.37 months (range 19-82 months). RESULTS: The mean value of PES/WES was 17.8 ± 2.78. All patients had a PES/WES value above 12 (threshold value defined as clinically acceptable esthetics). The mean value of PES was 9.0 ± 1.79 and the mean value of WES was 8.8 ±1.84. CONCLUSIONS: Bone augmentation of the anterior atrophic maxilla using cancellous block-allograft and late loading supports achievement of a predictable esthetic result with long-term stability of soft and hard tissues around implant-supported reconstructions.

Age-Related Palatal Wound Healing: An Experimental In Vivo Study.

We assessed age-related excisional palatal mucoperiosteal wound closure in rats. A 4.2 mm diameter punch was used to create a secondary healing defect in the palate of Wistar rats. Study group-21, 18-month-old vs. control 21, 2-month-old males. The 2-dimensional area, maximum length and width of the soft tissue defect served as clinical outcome parameters. The dynamics of the initial three healing weeks were assessed. Semi-quantitative histomorphometric analysis of inflammation and myofibroblasts served for the evaluation of the inflammatory and proliferative wound healing phases. Complete wound closure was faster in the old rats. A dimensional related wound closure was observed in the young rats versus a symmetrical wound closure in the old rats. Inflammatory response was significantly delayed and of lower intensity in the old rats. Myofibroblastic response, representing the proliferative stage, was delayed and of lower intensity in the old rats, albeit not statistically significant. Reduced initial tissue damage due to decreased and delayed inflammatory response in the old rats ultimately led to faster clinical wound healing compared to the young rats, despite a statistically non-significant lower proliferative response in the old rats.

Thermal Changes at the One-Piece Implant Surface During the Setting of Two Autopolymerized Acrylic Resins.

PURPOSE: To compare the temperature changes during the setting process of two provisional crown materials, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based acrylic resin (Ac) and bis-acryl composite resin (Co), at the first thread surface of one-piece implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two 3.3-mm-diameter one-piece implants were divided into two groups according to the provisional restoration material. Implants were mounted on a Plexiglas apparatus. A K-type thermocouple was fixed at the most coronal thread. Baseline (Bl Temp) and maximal (Max Temp) temperatures of both groups were recorded during the curing process. Total heat flux (THF) at the implant surface and thermal amplitude (Temp-Amp) were calculated. Differences between groups were compared using a t test for unpaired observations. RESULTS: Upon curing, a statistically significant increase in the Max Temp from the Bl Temp was detected in both groups, with a greater increase in the Ac compared with the Co group. The Temp-Amp and the THF were two times greater in the Ac group than the Co group. CONCLUSION: Significant heat is produced during the polymerization of PMMA-based resin and bis-acryl composite resin provisional crowns in one-piece implants. To decrease the risk of thermal challenge at the implant cervical aspect associated with restoration of immediately loaded implants, bis-acryl composite resin should be used.

The Effect of Aging on the Roughness and Bacterial Adhesion of Lithium Disilicate and Zirconia Ceramics.

PURPOSE: This in vitro study was designed to compare bacterial adhesion to zirconia versus lithium disilicate crowns after artificial aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five discs were tested in this study: 25 Cr-Co base metal discs (control), 25 zirconia discs, and 25 lithium disilicate discs. Each sample was polished and glazed appropriately. The discs were subjected to 1000 thermal cycles between 5 and 55°C, whereby samples stayed in the bath for 20 seconds, at each temperature. Then, 10 µL of Streptococcus sanguinis suspension was placed on the discs. The samples were scanned for surface roughness before and after aging, and after incubation. Sp and Sa were measured with a confocal, visible light disk-scanning system (Sa expresses the difference in height of each point compared to the arithmetical mean of the surface. Sp is the height of the highest peak within the defined area). Optical density of the discs was evaluated by a spectrophotometer. One-way ANOVA was performed to assess differences after aging and incubation. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed significant differences (p = 0.02) in surface roughness between the Cr-Co base metal, zirconia and lithium disilicate before and after aging. The mean Sa was 0.36 ± 0.12 µm, 0.638 ± 0.24 µm, and 1.23 ± 0.42 µm, respectively. Lithium disilicate had the highest surface roughness values. There was a significant difference (p = 0.001) after incubation. The mean and standard deviation surface roughness of Cr-Co base metal, zirconia and lithium disilicate were 0.99 ± 0.49 µm, 1.40 ± 0.46 µm, and 2.44 ± 1.21 µm, respectively. While no significant differences were found in the accumulation of S. sanguinis between zirconia and lithium disilicate, there was a significant difference (p = 0.02) in the optical density between these 2 test groups and the control group (metal). The optical density of metal (0.94 ± 0.15) was higher than for lithium disilicate (0.74 ± 0.10) and zirconia (0.75 ± 0.08). There was no statistical difference in bacterial adherence between lithium disilicate and zirconia. CONCLUSION: Dental crown materials differed significantly in terms of surface roughness and bacterial adhesion between Cr-Co base metal and zirconia and lithium disilicate. After aging and bacterial adherence, the zirconia discs had the smoothest surface, with similar bacterial accumulation as lithium disilicate; suggesting that lithium disilicate may be less sensitive to bacterial adhesion than zirconia.

The Association of the One-Abutment at One-Time Concept with Marginal Bone Loss around the SLA and Platform Switch and Conical Abutment Implants.

OBJECTIVES: Repeated abutment disconnection/reconnection may compromise the mucosal barrier and result in crestal bone level changes. The clinical significance of this phenomenon is not yet clear, as most studies on this topic are short-term. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of abutment disconnections and reconnections on peri-implant marginal bone loss over a medium-term follow-up period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients (6 men and 15 women) with a mean age 66.23 ± 9.35 year at the time of implant placement were included. All patients who received two adjacent nonsubmerged implants were randomly assigned into one of the two groups: definitive multiunit abutments (DEFs) connected to the implant that were not removed (test group) or healing abutments (HEAs) placed at surgery, which were disconnected and reconnected 3-5 times during the prosthetic phase (control group). Peri-implant marginal bone levels (MBL) were measured through periapical X-rays images acquired immediately after the surgery (baseline), at 4-7 months immediately after prosthetic delivery, and at 1-year and 3-year follow-up visits. RESULTS: No implant was lost or presented bone loss of more than 1.9 mm during the 3-year follow-up; thus, the survival and success rate was 100%. Peri-implant mucositis was noticed in 38.1% DEFs and 41.9% of HEAs at the 3-year follow-up assessment. At the end of 3 years, the MBL was -0.35 ± 0.69 mm for participants in the DEFs group and -0.57 ± 0.80 mm for the HEAs group, with significant statistical difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate connection of the multiunit abutments reduced bone loss in comparison with 3-5 disconnections noted in the healing abutments 3 years after prosthetic delivery. However, the difference between the groups was minimal; thus, the clinical relevance of those results is doubtful.

Enhanced Nanoassembly-Incorporated Antibacterial Composite Materials.

The rapid advancement of peptide- and amino-acid-based nanotechnology offers new approaches for the development of biomedical materials. The utilization of fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-decorated self-assembling building blocks for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory purposes represents promising advancements in this field. Here, we present the antibacterial capabilities of the nanoassemblies formed by Fmoc-pentafluoro-l-phenylalanine-OH, their substantial effect on bacterial morphology, as well as new methods developed for the functional incorporation of these nanoassemblies within resin-based composites. These amalgamated materials inhibit and hinder bacterial growth and viability and are not cytotoxic toward mammalian cell lines. Importantly, due to the low dosage required to confer antibacterial activity, the integration of the nanoassemblies does not affect their mechanical and optical properties. This approach expands on the growing number of accounts on the intrinsic antibacterial capabilities of self-assembling building blocks and serves as a basis for further design and development of enhanced composite materials for biomedical applications.

Miniaturized Electromagnetic Device Abutment Improves Stability of the Dental Implants.

BACKGROUND: The overall success and predictability of dental implant treatment hinge on the primary stability, direct bone-to implant contact formation, and quantity and/or quality of residual bone. Pulsed electromagnetic field has been reported to increase bone regeneration in various clinical situations. Therefore, it was hypothesized that devices which could locally generate a Pulsed electromagnetic field would stimulate bone healing and increase bone density surrounding implants. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively assess the effects of the miniaturized electromagnetic device (MED) on the implants stability for the first time in human subjects, in a prospective case controlled series. METHODS: Twelve consecutive patients (28 implants) were included in the study.Twelve MED healing caps and 16 regular control healing caps were inserted. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed at implant placement and abutment connection and an implant stability quotient value was given for each implant. RESULTS: Twenty-eight dental implants were included in the current study. Maxillary implants stability was significantly higher with MED healing cups compared with controls at 15 days postimplantation (66.2 vs 62.1, P = .0008). Resonance frequency analysis test performed at 30 days postimplantation demonstrated significantly increased stability in MED as compared with the control 73.5 ±â€Š3.2 vs 66.7 ±â€Š4.8 in mandibular implants and 74 ±â€Š1.7 vs 65 ±â€Š2.3 in maxillary implants. At the 50 days postimplantation, RFA tests revealed markedly higher stability of the maxillary implants with MED active healing caps compared with nonactive 75.4 ±â€Š5.1 vs 68.5 ±â€Š8.5, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that MED-abutment implants demonstrated a superior stability during the early phase of healing as compared with standard implants.

Effect of Two Traditional Polyacrylic Acid Conditioners and 2% Chlorhexidine Digluconate on Cavosurface Microleakage of Glass Ionomer Restorations.

OBJECTIVES: A lack of appropriate adhesiveness is one of the biggest problems in restorative dentistry today and the main cause of microleakage. This is especially true in pediatric dentistry where moisture control is more difficult to achieve. Glass ionomer restorative materials increase adhesion and decrease microleakage given their chemical adhesion to the remaining tooth substance. Pretreatment improves the adhesion quality. The aim of this study was to assess the microleakage of Glass ionomer restorative materials following application of 20% polyacrylic acid, 10% polyacrylic acid or 2% chlorhexidine digluconate in Class V cavities. STUDY DESIGN: Two Class V preparations were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 24 extracted human molars. The gingival wall was set below or above the CEJ. The teeth were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 was treated with 20% polyacrylic acid or 10% polyacrylic acid. Group 2 was treated with 10% polyacrylic acid or 2% chlorhexidine digluconate. Microleakage was evaluated using a light-reflecting stereomicroscope and stain penetration test. RESULTS: Two percent chlorhexidine digluconate was as efficient as the other conditioners. No statistically significant differences were found among the three types of conditioners. Dye penetration was significantly greater into dentin than into enamel among all three conditioners in both groups (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Two percent chlorhexidine digluconate, with its known added advantages, can be used as a pretreatment conditioner in GI restorations.

The Effect of Moderately Controlled Type 2 Diabetes on Dental Implant Survival and Peri-implant Bone Loss: A Long-Term Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to assess whether long-term implant survival rates and bone loss in patients with moderately controlled type 2 diabetes is similar to the rates reported in the nondiabetic population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study utilized patient medical records from a general practitioner's dental office. The records of patients who had moderately controlled type 2 diabetes with hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) up to 8% and glucose level below 150 mg/dL were reviewed, as patients with HbA1c up to 7% are considered to be well-controlled type 2 diabetes. Follow-up data were recorded and analyzed. Inclusion criteria were as follows: partially edentulous patients with missing teeth who were subsequently treated with implant-supported prosthetic restorations; patients were at least 18 years of age and demonstrated the ability to maintain oral hygiene. Exclusion criteria were as follows: patients did not present for annual follow-up visits; patients presented with a neglected periodontal status; patient records had incomplete surgical or restorative data or nondiagnostic radiographs; implants with external hexagonal and machined surfaces. All the restorations were cement-retained. Three different implant insertion/placement methods were used: (1) implants immediately inserted following tooth extraction; (2) implants inserted 6 to 8 weeks after tooth extraction to allow for primary healing; and (3) implants inserted 4 to 6 months after tooth extraction. RESULTS: After review of more than 3,256 medical records, 169 patients were identified (with 1,112 implants) who met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up time was 8.7 years, with a minimum of 4.9 years. Sixty-seven implants failed, yielding a 94% overall implant survival rate. The overall mean bone loss around the implants was 1.98 (± 1.81) mm. Comparable to data published earlier, no statistical significance in survival rate was found between the nondiabetic and diabetic population. The delayed insertion protocol presented the least bone loss, compared with immediate insertion (P = .06), and compared with early insertion (P = .046). CONCLUSION: The results show that implant survival and bone loss levels were comparable to reported outcomes in the nondiabetic population. The delayed insertion protocol presented less bone loss compared with other insertion methods. Likewise, less bone loss was found in implants placed in the posterior region.

Direct Contact Test for Evaluating Bacterial Growth on Machined and Rough Surface Implants: An In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVE: To use a modified direct contact test (DCT) to evaluate the bacterial growth on 3 commercially available implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Streptococcus salivarius growth was tested on 1 machined surface and 2 commercial rough surface implants. Seven implants from each group were fixed to the cover of a 96-well microtiter plate. Bacterial suspension was placed on each implant, and the plate was incubated at 37°C for 1 hour to allow the suspension fluid to evaporate. Fresh medium was added to 7 corresponding wells in the microtiter plate, and the cover holding the implants was placed on the plate to enable immersion of the implant. Noncontaminated implant samples served as control. Bacterial growth was monitored spectrophotometrically at 650 nm for 24 hours. RESULTS: There was a significant S. salivarius growth in all groups of test implants compared with the control. There was no significant difference between bacterial growth kinetics on treated and nontreated implant surfaces (P = 0.241). CONCLUSION: Using the DCT, we found no difference in bacterial growth between machined and rough surface implants.

Effect of Restorative Configurations and Occlusal Schemes on Strain Levels in Bone Surrounding Implants.

AIM: This study investigated strain levels during and after implant insertion, and during and after simulated mastication, in splinted and nonsplinted restorations with different occlusal schemes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fresh bovine bone resembling type I jawbone was collected. Strain gauges were placed at each implant's neck, one horizontally and one vertically. Strains at and after implant insertion were recorded. The restoration was loaded with cyclic load simulating mastication. Loading and residual strains were recorded for 6 experimental loading types. RESULTS: At and after implant insertion, high horizontal strains were measured. Full splint loading presented higher vertical compared with horizontal strains (P < 0.05). Segmented cross-arch splint showed higher horizontal strains (P < 0.05). Premolar loading guidance presented the most favorable loading and residual strain results (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Splinting implant restorations may reduce strain levels at implant neck area and provide preferable strain distribution during cyclic loading.

Collaboration Patterns and Processes Between Dentists and Dental Laboratories When Planning and Fabricating Implant-Supported Restorations.

INTRODUCTION: The success of implant-supported restorations is dependent on proper treatment planning, effective communication within the clinical team, and the use of appropriate methods and materials in the dental laboratory. The objective of this study was to determine collaboration trends between dentists and laboratories and to assess the common methods and materials involved in fabricating implant-supported restorations. METHODS: Questionnaires were distributed to dental laboratories and technicians. Seventy questionnaires were answered and were included in the data analyses. RESULTS: Most of the impressions (87%) were taken using an individual custom-made open tray. In 83% of impressions, screw-retained transfer units were used, and in 61% of cases, the units were splinted. Bite registration was recorded in 91% of the cases. In 80% of cases, articulator setup was done. When matching the shade of a restoration in the anterior, 57% of the technicians do so in collaboration with the dentist, and 39% match the shade independently. Type of restoration and abutment selection were done mainly by the technicians. Abutment selection was reported to be carried out by 72% of the technicians. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, dentists and technicians follow the standards recommended in the contemporary literature, especially, in major procedures such as impression taking, bite registration, and articulator setup. However, principal decisions, such as abutment and color shade are done mainly by technicians.

Dental Implant Thread Design and the Consequences on Long-Term Marginal Bone Loss.

AIM: The aim of this study was to present the implant macrostructure effect on marginal bone loss using 3 dental implant thread designs with differences in thread pitch, lead, and helix angle. All implants used were sourced from the same company and had the same microstructured surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a nonrandomized, retrospective, double-blind study. Data were collected by an independent Tel Aviv University group from a general practitioner's private practice patient records. In total, 1361 implants met the inclusion criteria representing the 3 types of implants macrostructure. RESULTS: Overall survival rate was 96.3% with 50 implants failing (3.7%) out of a total of 1361 implants. Survival rates for the 3 groups were: group A 96.6%, group B 95.9%, and in group C 100%. Average bone loss for groups A, B, and C were 2.02 (±1.70) mm, 2.10 (±1.73) mm, and 1.90 (±1.40) mm, respectively. Pairwise comparisons revealed that less bone loss occurred in group A compared with group B (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Favorable long-term bone loss results were found in implants with a larger pitch, deeper apical threads, and a narrower implant core. One-piece V-thread design implants demonstrated 100% survival rate.