Clinical and immunological evaluation of peri-implant tissues around ultra-polished and conventionally-polished zirconia abutments. A 1-year follow-up randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: This is a randomized clinical trial to compare the clinical and immunological performance of ultrasmooth versus conventionally-smooth zirconia abutments placed subgingivally after a period of 1 year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two bone level platform-switched implants (NobelParallel CC) were placed epicrestally in the mandibular molar or premolar region in 62 patients. After osseointegration, implants were restored with auto polymerizing acrylic resin crowns and subsequently randomly allocated to two groups according to the type of screw-retained zirconia crown prescribed. The control group received custom zirconia restoration with the subgingival zirconia part conventionally polished, whereas the test group implants were restored with ultra-polished zirconia abutments. Periodontal parameters (PD, PI, and BOP) and marginal bone level changes (MBLC) were recorded for each implant 2 months after insertion (T0), 1 month after final delivery of the crown (T2), and at the 1-year follow-up (T3). Immunological mediators from gingival crevicular fluid (IL-1α, IL-1ra, and TNF-α) were inspected at 1 month after provisional (T1) and accordingly at T2 and T3. Data was analyzed statistically, and significance level was set to α = 0.05. RESULTS: After 1 year, there were no significant changes in PD control-2.18 ± 0.89 mm and test-2.5 ± 0.72 mm (p = 0.073). PD between T2 and T3 dropped significantly in the test group (p = 0.037) and remained stable in the control group. PI was not different in both groups at T0 (p = 0.518) and T2 (p = 0.817). At T3, the test group (0.9 ± 1.01) had a significantly lower PI than the control group (1.55 ± 1.23) (p = 0.035). There was no difference in BOP positive cases between groups after 1 year (control-61.3%, test-51.7%, and p = 0.455). The amount of IL-1ra decreased significantly in the test group (41.75 ± 57.58) (p = 0.001) but not in the control group (59.59 ± 70.43) (p = 0.177). MBLC for the control and test groups after 1 year were 0.68 ± 0.7 and 0.94 ± 0.65 mm (p = 0.061). CONCLUSIONS: PD dynamics, PI, BOP, and IL-1ra revealed better outcomes around ultra-polished zirconia abutments than around conventionally polished zirconia abutments.

Influence of Cement Type on its Quality of Removal from Zirconium Oxide Implant-Supported Restorations

PURPOSE: To assess excess cement removal after cementation of implant-supported cementretained restorations using different cements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dental model with soft tissue imitation, 20 individual zirconium oxide abutments, and 20 zirconium oxide crowns were fabricated. Half of the restorations were cemented using resin cement (RX) and the other half with resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (GC). After cement cleaning, each crown-abutment unit was removed from the model, photographed, and analyzed from 4 surfaces, resulting in a final sample size of 80 measurements. Radiographic examination and the computerized planimetric method in Adobe Photoshop were used to determine the amount of the cement left and to evaluate the ratio between the area of cement residue and the whole crown-abutment surface. The significance was set to .05. RESULTS: GC resulted in 7.4% more cement residue on all surfaces (P < .05) than RX. The P value on three of the surfaces (all except mesial) was < .05, meaning that the data were statistically significantly different between groups and surfaces. Absolute removal of the cement was impossible in all cases (100%), and in 95% of the cases, cement remnants could not be detected radiographically. CONCLUSION: More undetected cement remains when using resin-modified glass-ionomer cement. It was impossible to remove excess of both types of cements completely. Most of the cement remains on the distal surface. Radiographic examination could not be considered as a reliable method to identify excess cement.

Comparison of Different Cleaning Procedures for Decontaminating Zirconium Oxide Surface After Polishing.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of cleaning protocols for the decontamination of organic compounds from polished zirconium oxide samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 rectangular plate specimens were sintered from zirconium oxide. All samples were polished with commercially available polishers (coarse, fine, and superfine) and polishing paste. During the first step of the protocol, all specimens were cleaned with steam. Samples were then randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 8 each): A, B, or C. In group A, no additional cleaning was performed, while specimens in group B underwent ultrasonic cleaning in distilled water. Group C specimens were cleaned in an ultrasonic bath with a special detergent solution. After washing, samples were subjected to energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination. In order to detect organic materials, the level of carbon atoms was measured. RESULTS: EDX analysis revealed that samples in group A had the highest percent of carbon atoms (9.57 ± 3.67) on the surface compared to other cleaning protocols. Following the Group B cleaning protocol resulted in lower carbon levels (4.73 ± 3.56), but this difference was not significant compared to group A (P = .439). None of the specimens in group C had detectable carbon atoms (0), which implies that all wax molecules were removed (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Total decontamination of organic compounds from a polished zirconium surface can be expected only following the C cleaning protocol; therefore, it is advised to employ an ultrasonic bath with detergent solution for cleaning procedures of zirconium abutments before delivery. Int J Prosthodont 2023;36:588-594.

Emergence profile management in the esthetic zone.

OBJECTIVE: Implantation and prosthodontics in the anterior zone are considered the most difficult procedures in dentistry. Creating an appropriate emergence profile is necessary to achieve both stable peri-implant tissues and esthetically acceptable outcomes with implant-supported restorations, especially when conditions are limited. This article provides clinical recommendations and presents solutions on how to establish a proper emergence profile when unfavorable clinical outcomes occur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Online database PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched by using the following keywords in various combinations: dental implant, emergence profile, esthetic zone and soft tissue shaping. All studies fulfilling the selection criteria were carefully reviewed and 8 studies that met the principles were selected for this review. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The emergence profile is influenced by multiple factors, including the position of the implant and the surrounding soft tissues. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of different zones of the emergence profile and their relationship with various factors, such as implant position and soft tissue quality. The guidelines presented in this article shows possible manipulations on the restoration design according to implant position and surrounding soft tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Implant position and soft tissue condition have to be evaluated carefully before making prostheses in order to achieve the proper esthetic view. Understanding distinctive emergence profile characteristics results in the best possible esthetic outcome. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Acknowledgement of how to design an emergence profile when clinical conditions are not in clinician's favor helps to accomplish sufficient results.

The use of the connective tissue graft from the palate for vertical soft tissue augmentation during submerged dental implant placement: A case series.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of the soft tissue augmentation vertically, using connective tissue graft from the palate, during submerged dental implant placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Vertical soft tissue augmentation, using connective tissue graft from the palate, combining with submerged dental implant placement was performed for 50 patients (10 males and 40 females, mean age 57.22 years). Soft tissue thickness vertically was measured in the middle of the alveolar crest with the periodontal probe. After 3 months, healing abutments or multiunits were connected to the dental implants, augmented soft tissue thickness was measured vertically in the middle of the alveolar crest. The vertical soft tissue volume gain was calculated using analysis of variance descriptive analysis, significance set to p = .05. RESULTS: All 50 autogenous connective tissue grafts from the palate healed successfully. The average thickness of the soft tissue grafts from the palate was 1.8 ± 0.41 mm. After 3 months, soft tissue thickness vertically increased from 2.27 ± 0.64 mm to 4.35 ± 0.64 mm. This difference between mean figures, between the groups, before and after soft tissue augmentation was found to be statistically significant F (263;477). The mean increase in soft tissue thickness was 2.08 ± 0.71 mm. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that soft tissue augmentation vertically, using connective tissue graft from the palate can be successfully used for vertical soft tissue augmentation.

Effect of Ti-Base Abutment Gingival Height on Maintenance of Crestal Bone in Thick Biotype Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial with 1-Year Follow-up.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of 0.7- and 2.4-mm transmucosal abutment height titanium bases on the crestal bone stability and peri-implant soft tissue condition of bone-level implants with platform switching in patients with vertically thick soft tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty bone-level platform-switched implants were placed in the molar and premolar regions of both arches in 60 patients. All epicrestally inserted nonsubmerged implants had a 4.1-mm diameter and, after osteointegration, were randomly allocated into two groups: (1) the short group, with a titanium base of 0.7-mm transmucosal abutment height, and (2) the high group with a 2.4-mm height. Monolithic zirconia restorations were fabricated for all implants. Parallel intraoral radiographs were obtained after the delivery of restorations (T1) and after 1 year (T2). Crestal bone levels and peri-implant soft tissue conditions were calculated for each implant. The significance level was set at α = .05. RESULTS: After 1 year, 55 patients were evaluated, with a mean bone loss of 0.6 ± 0.51 mm (median: 0.71, range: 0 to 2.09 mm) in the short group (23 patients) and 0.45 ± 0.59 mm (median: 0.65, range: 0 to 2.12 mm) in the high group (22 patients), showing no significant difference between groups (P = .168). A significant increase in marginal bone height was noted between the T1 and T2 time points in the short and high (P = .029 and .001, respectively) groups. The peri-implant soft tissue health parameters did not show statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: Crestal bone stability after 1 year of follow-up around epicrestally placed platform-switched implants is not influenced by transmucosal abutment height, if the vertical soft tissue thickness is ≥ 3 mm.

Connective tissue graft vs porcine collagen matrix after immediate implant placement in esthetic area: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of connective tissue graft (CTG) with immediate implant placement and provisionalisation have shown promising results. It is not clear if the same outcome could be achieved using porcine-derived collagen matrix (PDCM) as grafting material. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the esthetic and functional outcomes of immediate temporization of immediately placed fully tapered implants combined with bone and soft tissue augmentation, using either a CTG or a PDCM, in fresh extraction sockets of the anterior sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a failing anterior tooth were included in this study. After extraction, they received an immediate implant with simultaneous hard and soft tissue augmentation and immediate provisional restoration. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the group. Soft tissue augmentation in the control group (CTG) consisted of a CTG, whereas PDCM was used in the test group. After 4 months, definitive restorations were delivered, and pink esthetic score (PES) was evaluated at T1, prosthetic delivery, and at 12-month follow-up (T2). In addition, crestal bone change, probing depth, bleeding on probing, plaque index, bleeding on provisional removal, and implant stability quotient were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients received the intended treatment (22 controls and 23 tests) 45 implants totally, with no implant failures at T2. PES mean ± SD after 1 year was noted to be 12.9 ± 1.2 for the CTG group and 12.1 ± 1.3 for the PDCM group (p = 0.507). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this trial, both treatment protocols resulted in comparable esthetic outcomes, with results showing PES >12 and stable clinical parameters after 1 year of follow-up.

Immediate implant placement vs. early implant treatment in the esthetic area. A 1-year randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of implant placement and temporization timing on esthetic outcomes of single maxillary anterior implants with intact bone walls and interproximal bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Test group patients received an immediate implant with immediate provisional restoration and socket preservation, while patients in the control group received an early implant placement with guided bone regeneration and delayed loading. Patients were followed for 1 year after final prosthetic and pink esthetic score (PES), mid-buccal mucosal level (MBML), crestal bone changes (CBC), and peri-implant soft tissue parameters, and patient chair time was recorded. RESULTS: Fifty patients received the intended treatment (25 test and 25 control). No implants failed. PES after 1 year was 12.8 ± 1.19 for the test group and 12.5 ± 1.36 for the control group (p = .362). MBML difference between baseline (after final crown delivery) and the 1-year follow-up was gain of 0.2 ± 1.02 mm for the test group (p = .047) and no change in the control group. CBC after 1 year were 0.1 mm ± 0.21 mm (mesial) and 0.2 mm ± 0.22 mm (distal) for the test group and 0.2 mm ± 0.25 mm (mesial) and 0.3 mm ± 0.19 mm (distal) for the control group, p = .540 (mesial) and p = .462 (distal). Test group required half the chair time (127 ± 13 min) when compared to the control group (259 ± 15 min, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this trial, both treatment protocols resulted in excellent esthetic outcomes with PES >12 after 1-year follow-up.

One abutment one time vs. repeatable abutment disconnections in implants, restored with cemented / screw retained fixed partial dentures: Marginal bone level changes. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of abutment disconnections / reconnections on peri-implant marginal bone loss changes in partially edentulous patients. METHODS: Clinical studies were selected via electronic and hand searches in English language journals until January 1, 2020. Only randomized clinical trials (RCGTs) and prospective controlled clinical trials (CCTs) showing direct comparison between the definitive implant abutments and multiple abutment replacements in the same patient or different patient groups in the partially edentulous patients were considered. The outcome measures were (1) the type of the abutment was used, (2) the time the abutment was placed, (3) marginal bone loss changes, (4) biological complications, (5) mechanical complications. RESULTS: After evaluation, 4 controlled clinical studies were included. Majority of the articles reveled protective marginal bone loss preservation for the implants with FAP (final abutment placement) at the time of implant placement compared with the implants with MAP (multiple abutment placements) in connected dental implants, in partially edentulous patients. Meta-analysis of the four studies with 280 implants reviled significantly greater bone loss in cases with multiple abutment disconnections/reconnections. The weighted mean difference in marginal bone loss was 0.4 mm (95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.63 mm), showing bone preservation in the FAP group. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this meta-analysis, multiple abutments disconnections significantly affected marginal bone loss changes in partially edentulous patients. The finding suggests to overview current prosthetic and surgical treatment planning protocols to prevent greater marginal bone loss.

Influence of Implant Placement Depth and Soft Tissue Thickness on Crestal Bone Stability Around Implants With and Without Platform Switching: A Comparative Clinical Trial.

This case control study measured early crestal bone changes around subcrestally placed platform-switched implants surrounded by thin soft tissue and compared them with regular, matching-platform implants placed in a supracrestal position and surrounded by thick soft tissue. Sixty-six patients received two-piece internal hex dental implants. Control group patients (n = 33) received implants that had a horizontally matching implant-abutment connection and were placed approximately 0.5 to 1 mm supracrestally. Test group patients (n = 33) received platform-switched implants that were placed about 1.5 mm subcrestally. Clinical examinations were conducted, intraoral radiographs were taken, and statistical analysis was performed. After 2 months, the mean bone loss was 0.2 mm (SD: 0.22 mm; range: 0.1 to 1.2 mm) in the control group and -0.69 mm (SD: 0.65 mm; range: 0 to 2.6 mm) in the test group; this difference was found to be statistically significant (P < .05). After 1 year, mean bone loss was 0.28 mm (SD: 0.36 mm; range: 0.1 to 1.63 mm) in the control group and -0.6 mm (SD: 0.55 mm; range: 0.05 to 1.8 mm) in the test group. Platform-switched implants placed in a subcrestal position in vertically thin soft tissues showed statistically significantly more bone loss than non-platform-switched implants placed supracrestally with vertically thick tissues.

Survey of Dental Clinicians for Attitude and Use of Torque-Limiting Devices.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to survey practicing clinicians and determine if differences existed concerning their use of torque-limiting devices (TLDs) and screw-tightening protocols, comparing this with existing universal industry standards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nine-question survey was administered with 428 dentists providing data for three specific areas: (1) demographic information-TLD ownership, device age, frequency of use, and observations of screw loosening; (2) recognition information-calibration, reading measurements of the TLD, and the meaning of preload; (3) usage information-screw-tightening protocols and effect of speed during actioning of the TLD. Data collection was compared with industry standards for use of hand torque tools including ISO-6789 1,2:2017 and related texts pertaining to screw fastener protocols. RESULTS: The beam-type TLD was the most popular; however, 33% surveyed used it incorrectly. Most TLDs being used were older than 1 year, with only 6% calibrated. Forty-eight percent observed screw loosening less than once per year, while 44% reported three or more occurrences per year. A similar number used the TLD for implant placement and abutment screw tightening. Screw-tightening protocols varied. Preload was not understood by the majority of those surveyed. CONCLUSION: Dentistry does not appear to adhere to the protocols and standards recommended by other industries that also rely on screw-fastening mechanisms and TLDs. Further education and training appears to be warranted in this area of implant dentistry to reduce the risks of screw-associated complications.

Clinical Performance of a Novel Two-Piece Abutment Concept: Results from a Prospective Study with a 1-Year Follow-Up.

Development of a stable and healthy soft-tissue barrier around dental implants is key to long-term success of implant-supported prostheses. The novel two-piece abutment concept shifts the prosthetic interface to the soft-tissue level to protect bone interface/connective tissue during the healing phase and restorative procedures. This prospective study included 72 patients treated with 106 implants to support a single-tooth or a three-unit bridge restored with two-piece abutments. The evaluation included marginal bone level change (MBLC), implant and prosthetic survival, soft-tissue health including keratinized mucosa height and mucosal margin position, patient quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction, and clinician satisfaction and ease-of-use rating of the concept. Mean MBLC from implant placement to 1 year was -0.36 ± 1.26 mm (n = 89), the 1-year implant and prosthetic survival rates were 97.1 and 96.7%, respectively, while keratinized mucosa height increased from 2.9 ± 1.2 mm at prosthetic delivery to 3.2 ± 1.3 mm, and mucosal margin migrated coronally by 0.49 ± 0.61 mm by 1 year. Patient satisfaction and QoL were high. Clinicians were satisfied with the esthetic and functional results and rated the concept as easy to use. In conclusion, the novel two-piece abutment concept promotes good peri-implant tissue health, while providing an easy-to-use workflow and high treatment satisfaction to both patients and clinicians.

Comparing effectiveness of rubber dam and gingival displacement cord with copy abutment in reducing residual cement in cement-retained implant crowns: A crossover RCT.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the amount of residual cement after cementation of implant crown abutments with rubber dam and retraction cord with copy abutments techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty single posterior metal-ceramic implant-supported restorations were delivered to 20 patients. The crowns were fabricated with occlusal openings obturated with composite, and then luted with resin-reinforced glass-ionomer cement on customised standard abutments. The cementation procedure was performed twice in the same specimens using rubber dam (group 1) and retraction cord with copy abutment (group 2). If no cement remnants were seen on periapical radiographs after cleaning, the crown-abutment unit was dismounted. All quadrants of the specimens were photographed to calculate the percentage proportions of residual cement area. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In each group, 120 measurements were performed (30 implants, 4 surfaces each). The median percentage ratio with interquartile range (IQR) between the cement remnant area and total specimen area was 1.39% (IQR 0.77%-2.29%) and 0.58% (IQR 0.31%-1.33%) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Lesser cement remnants were found in group 2 with a statistically significant difference (p < .001). The comparison of the mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual surfaces in each group showed no statistically significant differences between them (group 1, p = .482; group 2, p = .330). CONCLUSIONS: The retraction cord and copy abutment reduced the excess cement more efficiently than the rubber dam did. Notwithstanding, undetected cement remnants were observed with both methods, and neither should be considered reliable in clinical applications.

The influence of new immediate tissue level abutment on crestal bone stability of subcrestally placed implants: A 1-year randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The relation between implant abutment disconnection (AD) and increased crestal bone loss is still debated. PURPOSE: To compare bone changes below implant-abutment junction of subcrestally placed implants between: (1) implant level restorations, that underwent four ADs and (2) implants with immediate tissue level abutment with no AD, 1 month (T2) and 1-year (T3) after final restoration delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients received 64 bone level implants with platform-switching and conical connection in edentulous sites of posterior mandible and maxilla. All implants were placed 1.5 mm subcrestally and distributed among: (1) control group, that received a regular healing abutment and (2) test group with immediate tissue level (ITL) abutment, which was torqued to implants during surgery, transforming bone level implant to tissue level type. After 2-3 months of healing and a 1-month temporization, final zirconia-based screw-retained crowns were delivered to both groups. Crestal bone levels were calculated after final crown delivery (T2); after 1-year follow-up (T3) and compared using Mann-Whitney U test (p ≤ .05). RESULTS: Early bone loss of the test and control groups was 0.14 ± 0.27 mm and 0.64 ± 0.64 mm, respectively; the 0.5 mm difference was statistically significant (p = .0001). Late bone loss was 0.06 ± 0.16 mm and 0.21 ± 0.56 mm for the test and control group, respectively; the 0.15 mm difference between the groups was no more statistically significant (p = .22). Both groups displayed bone gain, 0.08 and 0.43 mm, respectively, and the overall crestal bone loss was reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate tissue level abutments can significantly reduce early bone loss when measured 1 month after final prosthesis delivery, however, after 1-year follow-up, difference between the groups was no more statistically significant.

The influence of submerged healing abutment or subcrestal implant placement on soft tissue thickness and crestal bone stability. A 2-year randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Aims of the study were: (a) to register crestal bone loss around 1.5 mm subcrestally placed implants and epicrestally placed implants with soft tissue tenting technique, (b) to record bone remodeling in subcrestal group, and (c) to determine the increase of vertical soft tissues after tenting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with vertically thin tissues of 2 mm or less received 40 submerged bone level platform-switched implants, divided into two groups-(a) 1.5 mm subcrestally placed implants and (b) epicrestally placed implants with soft tissue tenting over 2 mm healing abutments. At the second stage surgery, implants received 4 mm healing abutments, soft tissue thickness was measured in epicrestal group, and later implants were restored with zirconia-based screw-retained single restorations. Radiological images were taken at the second stage surgery, restoration delivery and after 2 years of follow-up. Bone loss was calculated as a distance between implant neck and first radiographically visible bone-to-implant contact. Bone remodeling was calculated as a distance between the bone crest and implant neck. Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis, significance set to 0.05. RESULTS: After 2 years of follow-up, Group 1 (subcrestal) had 0.18 ± 0.32 mm of bone loss, Group 2 (epicrestal with 2 mm healing abutment) had 0.51 ± 0.4 mm of bone loss, with statistically significant difference (P = .001). Bone remodeling in Group 1 (subcrestal) was 1.17 ± 0.51 mm. Vertical tissue thickness in epicrestal group before the intervention was 1.85 ± 0.26 and 3.65 ± 0.41 mm after the use of 2 mm healing abutment, with a statistical difference (P = .005). CONCLUSION: Subcrestal implant placement can significantly reduce crestal bone loss, compared to vertical soft tissue thickening by tenting of epicrestally placed implants, although soft tissue tenting can significantly increase soft tissue thickness.

The Effect of a Polishing Protocol on the Surface Roughness of Zirconium Oxide.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surface roughness values of zirconium oxide samples that were gradually polished using a commercially available polishing system and polishing paste. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 rectangular specimens of predetermined size (10 × 10 × 3 mm) were sintered from zirconium oxide. Samples were randomly assigned to one of five groups (n = 10 each): control, coarse (Co), fine (F), super fine (SF), or polishing paste (PP). In the control group, no polishing was done; in the Co group, a coarse polisher was used; and the specimens in the remaining three groups underwent additional processing with a fine rubber abrasive. For SF and PP samples, subsequent treatment with a super fine polisher was applied. Finally, for the PP group, a goat-hair brush with diamond polishing paste was used. An optical profilometer was used to evaluate roughness average (Ra) in micrometers (µm). ANOVA and Games-Howell post hoc tests were utilized to detect differences between groups. The significance level was set to α = .05. RESULTS: Surface roughness gradually decreased with further polishing throughout the groups: control Ra = 0.525 ± 0.099 µm; Co Ra = 0.252 ± 0.038 µm; F Ra = 0.196 ± 0.035 µm; SF Ra = 0.114 ± 0.031 µm; and PP Ra = 0.054 ± 0.020 µm. Statistically significant differences were detected among all groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION: A surface roughness of 0.054 µm can be achieved if a full zirconia polishing protocol is used. Zirconium oxide can be polished to various surface roughnesses using commercially available polishing products.

Photo-activated implants: a triple-blinded, split-mouth, randomized controlled clinical trial on the resistance to removal torque at various healing intervals.

OBJECTIVES: Hydrophilic implant surfaces promote faster osseointegration of dental implants with a higher bone-implant contact (BIC) rate. Animal and in vitro studies proved that ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of titanium implants regains hydrophilicity. Clinical impact is still unclear. The objective of this RCT was to assess the removal torque (RT) required to unfix a surface-treated implant (test group) versus the original surface implant (control group) performed at various points in time. The null hypothesis stated that test and control implants will show the same deliberation force at specific time points. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred eighty partially edentulous patients were randomly assigned to six groups. In single-stage surgery, each patient received one test and one control implant. In total, 180 test and 180 control implants were placed epicrestally. Test implants received a surface treatment with UV irradiation prior to insertion, in order to reduce carbon and enhance hydrophilicity and thus wettability. Maximum RT values for test and control implants were recorded with a torque measuring device at implant placement (T1), after 1 (group 1), 2 (group 2), 3 (group 3), 4 (group 4), 6 (group 5) (T2), and 8 weeks (group 6) of healing. Subsequently, implants were returned to their original position for the continuation of the healing process. RESULTS: No implant was lost. Age, gender, smoking, implant position, and bone quality could be excluded as confounding factors because of the lack of statistical significance. At T2, RT values were higher for test implants compared with those for control implants, being statistically significant in groups 2, 3, 4, and 6 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data support rejection of the null hypothesis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Photo-activation of the surface of titanium implants leads to higher resistance to RT forces compared with that of non-treated implants, indicating improved healing and implant stability especially in the early healing phase.

Bone Remineralization around Dental Implants following Conservative Treatment after Peri-Implantitis.

The aim of this case report is to show that bone remineralization around dental implants with a history of peri-implantitis is possible after irritant factors are removed and only conservative treatment is performed. Patient came to the clinic after three years of dental implant placement complaining about swelling, sensitivity and gingiva color changes at the posterior part of the maxilla. During radiographic and intraoral examinations peri-implantitis of the #24 implant site was diagnosed. The surgical treatment method was rejected and performed conservative treatment instead. The outcome is promising; periapical radiographs three months later showed bone remineralization as well as stable bone after 10 years. A key clinical message: Bone remineralization around dental implants with a history of peri-implantitis is possible after irritant factors are removed and conservative treatment performed.

Early crestal bone loss: Is it really loss?

Bone remineralization around dental implants might be possible after early crestal bone loss.

Clinical and Histologic Evaluations of Porcine-Derived Collagen Matrix Membrane Used for Vertical Soft Tissue Augmentation: A Case Series.

This case series aimed to clinically and histologically evaluate porcine-derived membrane used for vertical thickening of thin soft tissues. Twenty porcine-derived collagen membranes and bone-level implants were placed in 20 patients. After 2 months, thickened soft tissues were measured and biopsy samples were harvested. All xenografts healed successfully. The average thickness of thin soft tissue before vertical thickening was 1.65 ± 0.36 mm, while tissue thickness increased to 3.45 ± 0.52 mm after the procedure (P < .001); the mean thickness increase was 1.8 ± 0.13 mm. Histologic analysis showed complete integration of the graft and no differences (P = .4578) in vascularization between the host (39.74 ± 17.15 vessels/mm2) and graft (30.43 ± 11.26 vessels/mm2). It can be concluded that porcine-derived membrane can be used for vertical soft tissue thickening with substantial gain in tissue height.