One-Piece Mini Dental Implant-Retained Mandibular Overdentures: 10-Year Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of a Non-Comparative Longitudinal Observational Study.

This study presents the first 10-year follow-up investigation of the implant survival and peri-implant outcomes of one-piece mini dental implants (MDIs) retaining mandibular implant overdentures (IODs), including marginal bone level alterations (ΔMBLs), clinical peri-implant parameters, and complications. Twenty participants with horizontally atrophied mandibles received complete dentures and four MDIs (diameter 1.8 mm) at baseline. The dentures were converted into IODs with O-ring attachments. The 10-year follow-up comprised a radiological assessment of ΔMBLs, peri-implant parameters, as well as biological and technical complications. Results from a 10-year follow-up of 14 participants showed a 100% implant survival rate for all 56 implants. The mean ΔMBL after 10 years was -1.12 ± 0.80 mm, with 49 implants classified as successful (ΔMBL < 2 mm) and 7 implants with satisfactory survival (ΔMBL 2-4 mm). Time after implant placement significantly influenced ΔMBL, with stable MBLs after 5 years. The prosthetic survival rate after 10 years was 93%. ΔMBLs were not influenced by implant position or gender but were significantly smaller in subjects older than 65 years. Conclusively, one-piece MDIs with O-ring attachments offer a reliable treatment option for horizontally atrophied mandibles after 10 years, with high implant and prosthetic survival rates, potentially benefiting from advanced age regarding peri-implant bone stability.

Influence of Cementation Mode and Ferrule Design on the Fatigue Resistance of Monolithic Zirconia Endocrowns.

Background: Classic endocrowns made of dental ceramics are considered a promising alternative to traditional post-endodontic restorations. The use of circular ferrules in endocrowns is a topic of controversial discussion. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the effect of ferrule design and cementation mode on the fatigue resistance of zirconia endocrowns. Methods: Eighty human molars were divided into four groups (n = 20): NFC (no-ferrule, conventional cementation), NFA (no-ferrule, adhesive luting), FC (ferrule, conventional cementation) and FA (ferrule, adhesive luting). Both the classic and the modified endocrown preparation with a two-millimeter ferrule design were carried out. Endocrowns were fabricated from zirconia using the CEREC system. After thermocycling, specimens were loaded according to the step-stress test up to 1500 N. Results: Failure rate was low; 88.8% of total specimens passed the step-stress test. Fractures were distributed between all groups; no significant differences in fatigue resistance were detected for preparation design and cementation mode. Conclusions: Endocrowns appear to be a promising concept for endodontically treated molars. Ferrule and also cementation mode have only a minor influence on fatigue resistance of zirconia endocrowns. However, at very high forces, the marginal area of the ferrule represents a weak point.

IMPACT OF LOADING PROTOCOL OF 2-IMPLANT BAR-RETAINED MANDIBULAR OVERDENTURES ON ORAL HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

OBJECTIVES: Aim was to assess whether immediate loading (IL) is more effective than delayed loading (DL) for 2-implant bar-retained mandibular overdentures in terms of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) improvement over a period of 24-month. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 32 edentulous patients (mean age: 65.7 ± 10.6 years, 50.0% female) were included. Potential participants had to be unsatisfied with the retention of their current mandibular complete denture and demanded implant treatment for inclusion in the study. OHRQoL was assessed with the 49-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) at baseline before treatment and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after implant loading and insertion of implant-retained bars for overdenture support. A mixed-effects model with patients as random effect and an unstructured covariance matrix was developed to address repeated outcome measurement. RESULTS: Patients' OHRQoL impairment at baseline was substantial indicated by mean OHIP summary score of 45.1 points. OHIP summary scores decreased substantially from baseline to 1-month follow-up to a mean of 33.5 points (P = .020). OHRQoL further improved during study period indicated by OHIP summary score of 25.7 points at 24-month follow-up. Raw treatment effects (IL vs. DL) ranged from -1.2 OHIP points for 12-month follow-up to 5.8 OHIP points for 24-month follow-up. Assuming constant treatment and time effects, treatment effect was small and not statistically significant (-0.7 OHIP points; P= .918). CONCLUSION: A 2-implant bar-retained mandibular overdentures substantially improves OHRQoL over a period of at least 24 months. There seems to be no significant effect of implant loading protocol.

Dental anxiety in Switzerland: trends in prevalence and associations with socioeconomic factors in 2010 and 2017.

Dental anxiety is a prevalent concern in Western societies, affecting a broad demographic from children to the elderly, and posing a challenge to the delivery of oral health care. The Swiss Dental Association (SSO) has been conducting national surveys since 1980, with additional questions since 2010, to better understand the Swiss population's perception of the dental profession. Their 2010 and 2017 surveys aimed to gain more insight into dental anxiety across Switzerland, and to relate their findings to various demographic and socio-economic factors. A total of 2240 participants (1129 in 2010 and 1111 in 2017), demographically representative of Switzerland's socioeconomic distribution, were surveyed, with an even gender distribution (49.7% male and 50.3% female, p=0.7656). The mean age of the cohort was 43.5 ±16.0 years. The prevalence of dental anxiety decreased from 2010 to 2017. In 2010, 21.3% (CI: 19.0-23.7) reported higher levels of dental anxiety, which decreased to 13.3% (CI: 11.4-15.4) in 2017. Women consistently reported higher levels of dental anxiety than men in both years (2010: p<0.0001, 2017: p=0.0003). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher levels of education (p<0.0001), trust in the dentist (p=0.0005) and satisfaction with the dentist (p=0.0489) significantly predicted lower levels of dental anxiety. In conclusion, these results highlight an overall decrease in dental anxiety from 2010 to 2017, but particularly among highly educated individuals and participants expressing satisfaction and trust in their dentist. While women consistently reported higher levels of anxiety, the overall results suggest promising trends in perceptions of oral health in Switzerland.

Influence of Implant Macro-Design, -Length, and -Diameter on Primary Implant Stability Depending on Different Bone Qualities Using Standard Drilling Protocols-An In Vitro Analysis.

(1) Background: Primary implant stability is vital for successful implant therapy. This study explores the influence of implant shape, length, and diameter on primary stability in different bone qualities. (2) Methods: Three implant systems (two parallel-walled and one tapered) with various lengths and diameters were inserted into polyurethane foam blocks of different densities (35, 25, 15, and 10 PCF) using standard drilling protocols. Primary stability was assessed through insertion torque (IT) and resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Optimal ranges were defined for IT (25 to 50 Ncm) and RFA (ISQ 60 to 80). A comparison of implant groups was conducted to determine adherence to the optimal ranges. (3) Results: Implant macro-design, -length, and -diameter and bone block density significantly influenced IT and RFA. Optimal IT was observed in 8/40 and 9/40 groups for the parallel-walled implants, while the tapered implant achieved optimal IT in 13/40 groups (within a 25-50 Ncm range). Implant diameter strongly impacted primary stability, with sufficient stability achieved in only one-third of cases despite the tapered implant's superiority. (4) Conclusions: The findings highlight the need to adapt the drilling protocol based on diverse bone qualities in clinical practice. Further investigations should explore the impact of these adapted protocols on implant outcomes.

Prevention of internal bacterial colonization of dental implants: A comparative longitudinal observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have indicated a progressive internal bacterial colonization of implants and possible implications for peri-implant bone loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate a decontamination protocol, two disinfectants, and a sealant for their ability to prevent such a colonization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bacterial samples were harvested from the peri-implant sulcus (external) and following abutment removal from the implant cavity (internal) during routine supportive peri-implant care in 30 edentulous patients 2 years after they had obtained two implants. In a split-mouth design, implants were randomly assigned to receive either internal decontamination alone (10% H2 O2 , brush) or additional placement of either sealant (GS), disinfectant agent (CHX-varnish) or disinfectant gel (1% CHX-gel), in the internal cavity before remounting of abutment/suprastructure. Twelve months later, internal and external sampling was repeated. Total bacterial counts (TBCs) were determined using real-time PCR in a total of 240 samples (eight per patient). RESULTS: Total bacterial counts in the internal cavity significantly reduced overall treatment modalities 1 year after the treatments (4.0 [2.3-6.9]-fold reduction; p = .000). No significant differences between the four treatment types were found (p = .348). Comparison of internal and external sampling points revealed significant correlation (R2 = .366; p = .000) with systematically higher TBC counts in external samples. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that the use of disinfectant agents or a sealant did not show an additional benefit in the prevention of internal bacterial colonization of implants compared to a decontamination protocol alone.

O-Ring Attachments on One-Piece Mini Dental Implants: In Vitro Analysis of Retention Force Reproducibility Using Different Pristine Matrix-O-Ring Combinations

PURPOSE: To analyze the influence of pristine matrix and O-ring dimensions on retention force and reproducibility in single one-piece mini dental implants (MDIs) with ball patrices under in vitro conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three different matrix and O-ring combinations (MH1-MH3) were evaluated (n = 50 per group) on 1.8-mm-diameter implants. The matrices were manually mounted on the implants and were subsequently removed in a vertical linear manner using a metal pin with two strain gauges, recording the maximum force during disconnection. After five disconnections, the O-rings were exchanged, and the mean retention force was calculated, resulting in 50 values for each matrix and O-ring combination. Mean retention forces, SDs, and 95% CI were calculated. Analysis of variance was used to test the global differences, and post hoc pairwise comparisons were subsequently applied. The level of significance was set to P < .05. RESULTS: ANOVA (global P < .0001) and pairwise comparisons (all P < .0001) demonstrated statistically significant differences among the three different matrix and O-ring combinations, with mean values of 5.18 N (MH 1), 6.73 (MH 2), and 9.08 (MH 3). Within each combination, retention force variations of > 1 N could not be demonstrated; ie, by exchanging O-rings, a similar retention force can be reestablished. CONCLUSION: Matrix and O-ring dimensions have a significant influence on retention forces in one-piece MDIs. Pristine O-rings demonstrated highly reproducible initial retention forces in all matrices.

Soft Loading Protocol of Short Strategic Implants in Posterior Mandibles Supporting Removable Bilateral Free-End Prostheses: 1-year Results of a Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate 1-year survival and success rates of 6-mm short implants placed in mandibular molar sites with two different abutments (dome/ball) retaining existing removable partial dentures (RPDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 19 patients, 38 implants of 6-mm length were placed bilaterally. After 4 months, each participant received the dome abutment, which 2 months later was exchanged with the ball abutment. Clinical data were recorded at abutment connection (4 months postsurgery) and at 6 and 12 months postsurgery, including probing depth, bleeding on probing, presence of plaque, and standardized radiographs. Implant success was assessed using the following criteria: presence of pain, mobility, radiographic bone loss, probing depth, and the presence of exudate. For descriptive analyses, mean and SD values were calculated. Paired sample t tests and linear regressions with a significance level of α < .05 were applied to analyze the evolution of peri-implant parameters and the influence of implant placement depth. RESULTS: The overall mean marginal bone level alteration (DMBL) was 1.05 ± 0.69 mm. A statistically significant marginal bone loss over time was observed at the mesial and distal aspects of all implants (P < .05). The implant survival rate was 100%. No implants showed pain, exudate, mobility, or probing depth > 7 mm. Three implants were classified as having satisfactory survival due to a DMBL > 2 mm (resulting success rate: 92.1%). No influence of implant placement depth was found. CONCLUSION: These short-term results suggest that short implants can be used in mandibular molar sites for additional posterior support of free-end RPDs. However, in individual cases, DMBL > 2 mm may occur.

Effects of Different Titanium Surface Treatments on Adhesion, Proliferation and Differentiation of Bone Cells: An In Vitro Study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of different sandblasting procedures in acid etching of Ti6Al4V surfaces on osteoblast cell behavior, regarding various physicochemical and topographical parameters. Furthermore, differences in osteoblast cell behavior between cpTi and Ti6Al4V SA surfaces were evaluated. Sandblasting and subsequent acid etching of cpTi and Ti6Al4V discs was performed with Al2O3 grains of different sizes and with varying blasting pressures. The micro- and nano-roughness of the experimental SA surfaces were analyzed via confocal, atomic force and scanning electron microscopy. Surface free energy and friction coefficients were determined. hFOB 1.19 cells were seeded to evaluate adhesion, proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation for up to 12 d via crystal violet assays, MTT assays, ALP activity assays and Alizarin Red staining assays. Differences in blasting procedures had significant impacts on surface macro- and micro-topography. The crystal violet assay revealed a significant inverse relationship between blasting grain size and hFOB cell growth after 7 days. This trend was also visible in the Alizarin Red assays staining after 12 d: there was significantly higher biomineralization visible in the group that was sandblasted with smaller grains (F180) when compared to standard-grain-size groups (F70). SA samples treated with reduced blasting pressure exhibited lower hFOB adhesion and growth capabilities at initial (2 h) and later time points for up to 7 days, when compared to the standard SA surface, even though micro-roughness and other relevant surface parameters were similar. Overall, etched-only surfaces consistently exhibited equivalent or higher adhesion, proliferation and differentiation capabilities when compared to all other sandblasted and etched surfaces. No differences were found between cpTi and Ti6Al4V SA surfaces. Subtle modifications in the blasting protocol for Ti6Al4V SA surfaces significantly affect the proliferative and differentiation behavior of human osteoblasts. Surface roughness parameters are not sufficient to predict osteoblast behavior on etched Ti6Al4V surfaces.

Converting Bilateral Free-End Removable Partial Dentures to Implant-Assisted Removable Partial Dentures Using 6 mm Short Implants: Patient-Reported Outcomes of a Prospective Clinical Study.

The study assessed oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients who received two 6 mm short implants in mandibular molar sites, converting existing bilateral free-end removable partial dentures (RPDs) to implant-assisted RPDs (IARPDs). After a postsurgical healing period of 4 months, the participants received a non-retentive dome abutment for 8 weeks, and then a retentive ball abutment for another 8 weeks. Afterwards, the participants made their final choice on which abutment to keep. The final follow-up was 1 year after implant placement. OHRQoL was evaluated with the 49-items version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) at the abutment exchanges and the final follow-up. Furthermore, numerical rating scales were used to analyze patient satisfaction after 1 year. Questionnaire data of 13 participants were evaluated. Overall, OHRQoL increased with both the dome (p = 0.02) and the ball abutments (p < 0.001), without a significant difference between the abutments (p = 0.953). The questionnaires revealed an improvement in terms of oral situation, quality of life, and masticatory capacity (all p < 0.01). Patients showed a significant preference for the ball abutments (p < 0.001). Converting RPDs to IARPDs resulted in significant improvement of OHRQoL. Patients seem to prefer retentive over non-retentive abutments, although no differences in terms of OHRQoL were observed.

Soft tissue response to different abutment materials: A controlled and randomized human study using an experimental model.

OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study was to compare the soft tissue response to implant abutments made of titanium, zirconia, zirconia veneered with feldspar ceramics and PEEK by various clinical, histological, microbiological, and molecular biological markers in an experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 experimental one-piece healing abutments of four different materials were mounted on bone level implants in 20 volunteering patients (split-mouth design). After a three-month period of open healing, clinical parameters at the abutments were assessed and adjacent mucosa was sampled for inflammatory cytokine mRNA concentrations and histological analysis by a novel method. In addition, PISF samples were obtained for the analysis of periodonto-pathogenic bacteria counts and active MMP-8 levels. Marginal bone level change was measured by intra oral radiographs. RESULTS: Abutments of the different materials did not exhibit significant differences regarding clinical parameters, pathogenic bacteria counts or pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations. Likewise, no significant differences were detected regarding soft tissue morphology or bone level change. Compared to titanium abutments, significantly less mononuclear inflammatory cells were detected in the mucosa at abutments made of zirconia veneered with feldspar ceramics. CONCLUSIONS: All examined abutment materials exhibited a similar soft tissue response compared to titanium and histological data did not reveal early signs of elevated inflammation caused by PEEK- and feldspar-veneered zirconia abutments. Due to the short observation period and the small sample size, a final conclusion on the long-term suitability of those abutment materials cannot be drawn. However, based on the presented data, we consider further studies on that subject as appropriate.

Influence of the loading protocol and platform switching in two-implant bar-retained overdentures: 3-year results from a randomized controlled equivalence clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To test the null hypothesis that vertical peri-implant bone level alterations (ΔIBL) are equivalent in immediately (IL) and 3-month post-placement (DL) loaded implants in mandibular implant overdentures (IODs) on two implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients receiving two interforaminal implants, one with a platform-switched and one with a platform-matching abutment were randomly assigned to the IL or DL group (allocation ratio 1:1). All implants were primarily splinted with chairside-customized bars, converting the existing removable complete dentures to IODs. Standardized radiographs were recorded. The influence of the loading protocol (IL vs. DL), implant platform (platform switched vs. platform matching), implant site (43 vs. 33), participant age (≤65 vs. >65 years), and definition of baseline (implant placement vs. implant loading) were analyzed, applying linear regression analyses (α = 0.05). The equivalence range was [-0.4; 0.4]. RESULTS: Three participants of the IL group were lost during follow-up. The overall mean ΔIBL was -0.96 ± 0.89 mm. The ΔIBL was equivalent in terms of the implant platform and implant site but not in terms of participant age (in favor of more elderly participants) and the loading protocol. A significantly smaller ΔIBL was observed in the IL when the baseline was considered to be implant placement (p = .017), but not when it was considered to be implant loading (p = .084). CONCLUSION: Immediate loading of primary-splinted implants in two-implant bar-retained overdentures, seems beneficial relative to loading 3 months post-placement, with respect to ΔIBL. The ΔIBL were equivalent in terms of platform switching.

Comparison of Digital Self-Assessment Systems and Faculty Feedback for Tooth Preparation in a Preclinical Simulation.

BACKGROUND: Regarding the new dental licensing regulations in Germany (AOZ), this study evaluated the effectiveness of two different digital tooth preparation validation systems in comparison to traditional faculty feedback. METHODS: Participants were randomly divided into groups: Faculty Feedback (FF: n = 33), PrepCheck® (PC: n = 32) and Dental Teacher™ (n = 32). Students had the task to prepare tooth 16 for a retentive full-cast crown. Preparations could be repeated as often as desired. Feedback was provided either by faculty staff or by digital validation systems only. Exams were conducted and graded by two independent and experienced examiners. A survey was performed to evaluate the assessment concepts. RESULTS: No statistical difference in examination performance between groups could be observed. Nevertheless, the survey showed participants preferred consulting the faculty staff rather than the digital validation systems. Students preferred practising with DT rather than with PC. CONCLUSIONS: Although both classical and digital methods showed comparable results regarding the preparation examination performance, direct feedback by the faculty staff is still appreciated by the students. A combination of both methods is mandatory since demonstration and advice by the teacher is needed. However, digital tooth preparation validation systems are predestined for free practice sessions, providing self-assessment.

Comparison of irrigation protocols for the internal decontamination of dental implants-results of in vitro and in vivo studies.

OBJECTIVES: Previous investigations have shown a progressive bacterial colonization of the internal cavities of two-piece dental implants with possible implications for peri-implant bone loss. The aim of the study was to compare different irrigation protocols for the internal decontamination of implants in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the in vitro part, 80 samples were obtained 24 h after inoculation with an aliquot of subgingival bacteria from 40 implants as follows: before and after either cleaning with a brush and an irrigation solution (irrigation-brush-irrigation: test) or repeated irrigation alone (irrigation-irrigation: control). In the clinical study, 40 samples from twenty partially edentulous patients contributing each with one implant were collected after removal of abutment and suprastructure with sterile paper points immediately before and after decontamination and subsequently analyzed for total bacterial counts (TBC) by real-time-PCR. Irrigation solutions were chlorhexidine (0.2% (CHX)), H2 O2 (10%), alcohol (70%, (ALC)), and NaCl (0.9%). Differences in proportional reduction of TBC between the four irrigation solutions were analyzed. RESULTS: Irrigation with H2 O2 showed the highest effect in both parts of the study (relative TBC reduction in vitro: H2 O2 : 87.1%, CHX: 56.9%, ALC: 43.7%, NaCl: 42.7%; in vivo: H2 O2 : 51.4%, ALC: 30.4%, NaCl: 26.3%, CHX: 7.1%). The additional use of a brush showed no beneficial effect (p = 0.088). Overall, H2 O2 was superior to all other irrigation solutions with regard to relative TBC reduction. CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicate the potential of an irrigation protocol that includes a 10% H2 O2 solution for the internal decontamination of implants. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01917305).

Short strategic implants for mandibular removable partial dentures: One-year results from a pilot randomized crossover abutment type study.

OBJECTIVES: The present pilot study analyzed two abutment types (a retentive ball and a non-retentive dome) in implant-assisted removable partial dentures (IARPDs) on 6 mm short implants with respect to clinical, radiological, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), during the first year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two implants were placed bilaterally in mandibular molar sites, converting existing free-end removable partial dentures (RPDs) to IARPDs. Twelve subjects were randomized to initially receive either the dome (Group A, n = 6) or the ball abutment (Group B, n = 6). After eight weeks, the abutments were exchanged. After another 8 weeks, the participants were given the choice of one of the abutments. Mean values and standard deviations (SD) were calculated, and random-effect linear regression analyses were applied to analyze marginal bone level alterations and PROs (α < .05). RESULTS: Twelve participants were included in the study; however, one dropout occurred. Patient ratings increased significantly in both study groups. The majority of the participants (82%) ultimately chose the ball abutment. The implant survival rate was 100%, and the success rate was 90.9% twelve months after implant placement (mean peri-implant bone-loss: -1.2; SD: 0.6 mm) without a statistically significant difference between the study groups, in terms of clinical- and radiological outcomes. CONCLUSION: Placing 6 mm short implants at mandibular molar sites of RPD wearers seems to be a viable treatment option, based on this investigation with a short-term follow-up. Although only minor differences between the two abutments were observed, patients seem to prefer the ball over the dome abutment.

In vitro cytotoxicity of different dental resin-cements on human cell lines.

Adhesive resin-cements are increasingly used in modern dentistry. Nevertheless, released substances from resin materials have been shown to cause cellular toxic effects. Disc-shaped specimens from 12 different resin cements and one conventional zinc phosphate cement were prepared and used for direct stimulation of five different human cell lines via transwell cell culture system or in an indirect way using conditioned cell culture media. Cytotoxicity was determined using LDH and BCA assays. All tested cements led to a decrease of cell viability but to a distinct extent depending on cell type, luting material, and cytotoxicity assay. In general, cements exhibited a more pronounced cytotoxicity in direct stimulation experiments compared to stimulations using conditioned media. Interestingly, the conventional zinc phosphate cement showed the lowest impact on cell viability. On cellular level, highest cytotoxic effects were detected in osteoblastic cell lines. All resin cements reduced cell viability of human cells with significant differences depending on cell type and cement material. Especially, osteoblastic cells demonstrated a tremendous increase of cytotoxicity after cement exposure. Although the results of this in vitro study cannot be transferred directly to a clinical setting, it shows that eluted substances from resin cements may disturb osteoblastic homeostasis that in turn could lead to conditions favoring peri-implant bone destruction. Thus, the wide use of resin cements in every clinical situation should be scrutinized. A correct use with complete removal of all cement residues and a sufficient polymerization should be given the utmost attention in clinical usage.

Novel method to obtain human non-separated histological samples for the assessment of peri-implant soft tissue response: A feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: To introduce a standardized and less invasive clinical model that provides histological information on the abutment-mucosa interface in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: New experimental healing abutments were left in an open healing position on bone-level implants in the interforaminal region of the mandibles in six edentulous patients. The one-piece abutments were hollow cylinder-shaped with two lateral openings that allow for ingrowth of the peri-implant mucosa into the central abutment cavity. After three months of healing, abutments and ingrown mucosa were sampled and processed for histological analysis in a non-separated resin-embedding technique. To test the validity of the new model, the ingrown tissue was compared to the peri-implant mucosa around the same samples. RESULTS: None of the experimental abutments exhibited signs of failure, and all samples showed mucosal ingrowth to the inner-abutment cavity. Comparison of ingrown tissue and peri-implant mucosa revealed no significant differences regarding the traits: tissue morphology, quality of collagen fibers, and adherence to the abutment. Ingrown mucosa exhibited a tendency for higher leukocyte infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: The presented model is a promising approach to reduce invasiveness during the sampling process for human non-separated abutment biopsies.

Recognizing and differentiating dental anxiety from dental phobia in adults: a systematic review based on the German guideline "Dental anxiety in adults".

Objectives: The prevalence of "dental anxiety" (DA) is often underestimated and numerous diagnostic methods are available for dental practitioners. It is difficult to differentiate between a dental phobia requiring an interdisciplinary approach and DA, which can be managed by dental practitioners alone. The appropriate use of diagnostic tools is key for the successful management of highly anxious and/or phobic patients. The aim was to provide a guideline to recognize dental fear and to differentiate DA from patients who are highly anxious or even have a phobia. Data sources: In total, 8,929 articles that were selected for the development of the German guidelines for "Dental anxiety in adults" in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and MedPilot were filtered for diagnosis of DA disorder. The focus for this review was on the use of scales to measure DA levels. The methods and tools used in the 51 reviewed articles to assess DA levels were evaluated in terms of their practicability and suitability in daily practice to differentiate between phobia (ie, DA disorder) and nonpathologic anxiety. In addition, the internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) of the questionnaires/tools was determined. Conclusion: All identified DA questionnaires validated in the German language had an acceptable to excellent internal consistency (0.7 to 0.986). The only validated questionnaire-free method was galvanic skin reaction measurement. For the assessment of DA and diagnosis of a DA disorder in adults, the survey by means of any suitable questionnaire or even several questionnaires in combination with a behavioral observation of the patient is currently the method of choice.

Platform switching in two-implant bar-retained mandibular overdentures: 1-year results from a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The concept of platform switching is widely applied in current implant dentistry; however, the influence on peri-implant bone-level alterations (ΔIBL), especially in the field of implant overdentures (IODs), remains inconclusive. Therefore, the present study aimed to test the alternative hypothesis that there is an equivalent ΔIBLs at platform-switching and platform-matching implant abutments in 2-implant bar-retained IODs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two interforaminal implants were placed in 32 subjects, who were randomly assigned to either an immediate- or a 3-month post-placement loading group. Furthermore, one implant in each subject was randomly assigned to receive a platform-switched abutment (test), and one a platform-matching abutment (control). The implants were splinted with prefabricated, chairside customized bars. ΔIBL was recorded by using customized radiograph holders at implant placement, implant loading, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after loading. RESULTS: After 1 year, equivalent ΔIBL could be identified (test: -0.51 mm ± 0.49 versus control: -0.56 mm ± 0.52; p < .001). ΔIBL increased over time and was more pronounced in the delayed-loaded implants (-0.87 mm ± 0.61) relative to the immediately loaded implants (-0.35 mm ± 0.43; p = .022). CONCLUSIONS: The prosthetic concept of platform switching does not necessarily lead to reduced bone loss. Immediate-loading of implants, primarily splinted with a bar, might be beneficial regarding peri-implant bone-level alterations over a short-term period.

Clinical outcomes and bone-level alterations around one-piece mini dental implants retaining mandibular overdentures: 5-year follow-up of a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To report on the clinical outcomes of one-piece mini dental implants (MDIs) retaining mandibular implant overdentures (IODs), including marginal bone-level alterations (ΔMBLs), clinical peri-implant parameters, and technical- and biological complications during a 5-year follow-up. The null hypothesis was that ΔMBLs would be equal in subjects older than 65 years relative to younger subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four 1.8-mm diameter one-piece MDIs with ball attachments were placed in the interforaminal region of 20 edentulous subjects. The existing complete dentures were converted to IODs. Standardized radiographs of each implant were taken at implant placement (baseline) and during the five-year follow-up. ΔMBLs and potential influencing factors were evaluated, and peri-implant parameters, and biological and technical complications were recorded. RESULTS: The implant and prosthetic survival rates were both 100%. IODs fractured in seven participants. The overall mean ΔMBL after 5 years was -1.18 mm (standard deviation: 0.79 mm). ΔMBLs per month were most pronounced within the first 3 months after implant placement. ΔMBLs were not influenced by the implant location, the presence of keratinized mucosa, or gender. However, ΔMBLs were significantly smaller in subjects older than 65 years (p = .007). CONCLUSIONS: One-piece MDIs retaining mandibular IODs with O-ring attachments are a predictable treatment option, providing stable peri-implant bone and soft tissue conditions over a mid-term follow-up. Incorporating a metal reinforcement can prevent denture fracturing when converting a complete denture into an IOD. The presence of keratinized mucosa does not necessarily lead to decreased bone-level changes. Advanced age might be beneficial in terms of peri-implant bone stability.