A randomized multi-centre study on the effectiveness of non-surgical periodontal therapy in general practice.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of two non-surgical treatment protocols for periodontitis patients in general dental practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five dental hygienists (59 dental clinics) were randomly assigned to one of two treatment protocols: (i) establishment of adequate self-performed oral hygiene prior to a single session of ultrasonic instrumentation (guided periodontal infection control [GPIC]) or (ii) conventional non-surgical therapy (CNST) including patient education and scaling and root planing integrated in multiple sessions. Residual pockets at 3 months were retreated in both groups. The primary outcome was pocket closure (probing pocket depth ≤ 4 mm) at 6 months. Multilevel models were utilized. RESULTS: Based on data from 615 patients, no significant differences with regard to clinical outcomes were observed between treatment protocols. Treatment-related costs (i.e., chair time, number of sessions) were significantly lower for GPIC than CNST. Smoking and age significantly affected treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences between the two approaches were observed in regard to clinical outcomes. GPIC was more time-effective. Patient education should include information on the detrimental effects of smoking. CLINICALTRIALS: gov (NCT02168621).

Health economic aspects of implant-supported restorative therapy.

BACKGROUND: It is poorly understood how much additional dental care patients consume subsequent to implant therapy. The aim of the present study is to evaluate costs associated with implant-supported restorative therapy during the long-term follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Costs associated with preventive measures and complication-related procedures over a mean follow-up period of 8.2 years were assessed in patient files of 514 Swedish subjects provided with implant-supported restorative therapy. The restorative therapy and each of the subsequent interventions were assigned a specific cost. Accumulated costs were calculated in three categories: (i) total cost including initial restorative therapy and complication-related interventions, (ii) cost of preventive measures alone, and (iii) cost of complication-related procedures alone. Potential differences by background variables were analyzed using growth curve models. RESULTS: In the whole sample, costs during follow-up ranged from 878 € (95% CI 743; 1,014) for patients with single-tooth restoration(s) to 1,210 € (95% CI 1,091; 1,329) for subjects with full-jaw restoration(s). The majority of costs during follow-up originated from preventive measures (741 € 95% CI 716; 766). Among individuals receiving ≥1 intervention dealing with a complication (n = 253), complication-related costs amounted to 557 € (95% CI 480; 634). For patients with full-jaw restorations, the corresponding amount was 769 € (95% CI 622; 916). Procedures related to peri-implantitis and technical complications resulted in costs similar to each other. Implant loss generated greater costs than any other type of complication. CONCLUSIONS: Costs related to implant-supported restorative therapy during follow-up were associated with the extent of initial therapy. The higher costs during follow-up noted in patients provided with full-jaw restorations were explained by complication-associated procedures. Implant loss was the most costly type of complication.

Patient-reported experiences and outcomes following two different approaches for non-surgical periodontal treatment: a randomized field study.

CONTEXT: The current report is part of a prospective, multi-center, two-arm, quasi-randomized field study focusing on the effectiveness in general praxis of evidence-based procedures in the non-surgical treatment of patients with periodontitis. OBJECTIVE: The specific aims were to (i) evaluate patient-reported experience and outcome measures of treatment following a guided approach to periodontal infection control (GPIC) compared to conventional non-surgical therapy (CNST) and to (ii) identify potential predictors of subjective treatment outcomes and patient's adherence to self-performed infection control, i.e. adequate oral hygiene. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 494 patients treated per protocol with questionnaire- and clinical data at baseline and 6-months. The GPIC approach (test) comprised patient education for adequate oral hygiene prior to a single session of full-mouth ultra-sonic instrumentation, while the CNST approach (control) comprised education and instrumentation (scaling and root planing) integrated at required number of consecutive appointments. Clinical examinations and treatment were performed by Dental Hygienists, i.e. not blinded. Data were processed with bivariate statistics for comparison between treatment groups and with multiple regression models to identify potential predictors of subjective and clinical outcomes. The primary clinical outcome was gingival bleeding scores. RESULTS: No substantial differences were found between the two treatment approaches regarding patient-reported experiences or outcomes of therapy. Patients' experiences of definitely being involved in therapy decisions was a significant predictor for a desirable subjective and clinical outcome in terms of; (i) that oral health was considered as much improved after therapy compared to how it was before, (ii) that the treatment definitively had been worth the cost and efforts, and (iii) adherence to self-performed periodontal infection control. In addition, to be a current smoker counteracted patients' satisfaction with oral health outcome, while gingival bleeding scores at baseline predicted clinical outcome in terms of bleeding scores at 6-months. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that there are no differences with regard to patient-reported experiences and outcomes of therapy following a GPIC approach to periodontal infection control versus CNST. Patients' experiences of being involved in therapy decisions seem to be an important factor for satisfaction with care and for adherence to self-performed periodontal infection control. Registered at: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02168621).

Risk for recurrence of disease following surgical therapy of peri-implantitis-A prospective longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present prospective study was to assess the risk for disease recurrence following surgical therapy of peri-implantitis. MATERIAL & METHODS: 73 patients (130 implants) treated surgically for peri-implantitis were examined at 1 and 5 years after therapy. The primary outcome was recurrence/progression of disease defined as any of the following events: (a) bone loss >1.0 mm, (b) surgical retreatment, (c) implant removal/loss after year 1. Patient- and implant-related parameters as well as 1-year outcomes were evaluated as potential predictors through multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 57 implants (44%) displayed recurrence/progression of peri-implantitis during follow-up. Among these, 27 implants were removed. Residual deep probing pocket depth (≥6 mm; odds ratio 7.4; 95% confidence interval 2.8-19.3) and reduced marginal bone level (OR 1.4; 95%CI 1.1-1.7) at 1 year after surgery constituted risk factors for recurrence/progression of disease. Furthermore, implants with modified surfaces were at higher risk than implants with non-modified surfaces (OR 5.1; 95%CI 1.6-16.5). CONCLUSION: Implants with (a) residual deep probing pocket depth, (b) reduced marginal bone level, or (c) modified surfaces following surgical therapy of peri-implantitis present with increased risk for recurrence/progression.

Occurrence and clustering of complications in implant dentistry.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate the overall occurrence and potential clustering of biological and technical complications in implant dentistry. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 596 patients provided with implant-supported reconstructions were evaluated for the occurrence of (a) technical complications, (b) peri-implantitis and (c) implant loss during a period of 9 years. Time and type of event were scored, and potential risk factors were explored through parametric modelling of survival and hazards. Clustering of complications was assessed at the patient level, and patient satisfaction was evaluated by questionnaire completed at the 9-year examination. RESULTS: 42% of patients were affected by technical and/or biological complications during the 9-year observation period. Extent of therapy (Hazard Ratio 2.5: patients with partial jaw restorations; HR 3.9: patients with full jaw restorations) and a history of periodontitis (HR 1.6) were identified as risk factors. While technical complications occurred mostly as isolated events, 41% of subjects identified with peri-implantitis and 52% of subjects with implant loss also presented with other complications. The hazard for technical complications and implant loss peaked at 0.7 years and 0.2 years, respectively, while the hazard for peri-implantitis was consistent throughout the observation period. The overall proportion of satisfied patients at 9 years was high (95%), and only minor differences between individuals with and without complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Complications following implant-supported restorative therapy were common findings. Extent of therapy and periodontitis were identified as risk factors. While technical complications occurred in an isolated pattern, peri-implantitis and implant loss demonstrated clustering with other types of complications.

Complexity of best-evidenced practice in periodontal therapy: Views of Swedish Dental Hygienists.

OBJECTIVES: Dental hygienists (DHs) have an important role in the treatment of patients with periodontitis. The objective of the current qualitative interview study was to gain understanding about personal and organizational factors that influence best-evidenced DH practice in the treatment of periodontitis. METHODS: Data were obtained by interviewing Swedish DHs, who had been engaged in a preceding clinical field study on evidence-based periodontal therapy. Qualitative content analysis was used for analysis. Data sampling was terminated after 18 interviews, when deemed that sufficient amount of information had been gained. RESULTS: In the analysis of the interview data, a main theme was identified as "I know what to do, but I do as I usually do; DHs' ambivalence between theory and practice in the treatment of patients with periodontitis." The results elucidated that the DHs were well aware of "what to do" in order to offer their patients adequate periodontal care, but this knowledge was not congruent with how they usually worked. Established routines and culture at the clinic, DHs' predetermined beliefs about lack of motivation and ability to cooperate among patients, lack of time and reflection, economic demands in care and lack of interest and support by co-working dentists were barriers to best-evidenced DH practice in periodontal care. CONCLUSIONS: The results elucidate the complexity of best-evidenced DH practice in the treatment of periodontal patients and indicate needs for quality improvement of the periodontal care provided in general dental practice, by actions taken on both individual/professional and organizational levels.

Interventions for peri-implantitis and their effects on further bone loss: A retrospective analysis of a registry-based cohort.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess interventions and their consequences with regard to further bone loss at sites diagnosed with peri-implantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2017, records of 70 patients diagnosed with moderate/severe peri-implantitis at ≥1 implant sites 4 years earlier were obtained. Changes of marginal bone levels during the study period assessed on radiographs and predictors of disease progression were identified by Cox regression and mixed linear modelling. Patient files were analysed for professional interventions related to the treatment of peri-implantitis. RESULTS: Mean bone loss (±SD) at implants diagnosed with moderate/severe peri-implantitis was 1.1 ± 2.0 mm over the observation period of 3.3 years. While non-surgical measures including submucosal and/or supra-mucosal cleaning of implants were provided to almost all patients, surgical treatment of peri-implantitis was limited to a subgroup (17 subjects). Surgically treated implant sites demonstrated a mean bone loss of 1.4 ± 2.4 mm prior to surgical intervention, while only minor changes (0.2 ± 1.0 mm) occurred after therapy. Clinical parameters (bleeding/suppuration on probing and probing depth) assessed at diagnosis were statistically significant predictors of disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: Non-surgical procedures were insufficient to prevent further bone loss at implant sites affected by moderate/severe peri-implantitis. Surgical treatment of peri-implantitis markedly diminished the progression of bone loss. Clinical assessments of bleeding on probing and probing depth at diagnosis predicted further bone loss.

Swedish Quality Registry for Caries and Periodontal Diseases - a framework for quality development in dentistry.

OBJECTIVES: There is a need for monitoring dental health and healthcare, as support for quality development, allocation of resources and long-term planning of dental care. The aim of this paper is to describe the concept and implementation of the Swedish Quality Registry for Caries and Periodontal Diseases (SKaPa). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SKaPa receives information by automatic transfer of data daily from electronic patient dental records via secure connections from affiliated dental care organisations (DCOs). The registry stores information about DCOs, dental professionals and patients. Information on a patient level includes personal identifier, gender, age, living area, dental status, risk assessments for caries and periodontitis, and dental care provided. In addition, data generated from a global question on patient-perceived oral health are uploaded. In total, more than 400 variables are transferred to the registry and updated daily. RESULTS: In 2018, all of the 21 public DCOs and the largest private DCO in Sweden were affiliated to SKaPa, representing a total of 1,089 public and 234 private dental clinics. The accumulated amount of information on dental healthcare covers 6.9 million individuals out of the total Swedish population of 10 million. SKaPa produces reports on de-identified data, both cross-sectional and longitudinal. CONCLUSION: As a nationwide registry based on automatic retrieval of data directly from patient records, SKaPa offers the basis for a new era of systematic evaluation of oral health and quality of dental care. The registry supports clinical and epidemiological research, data mining and external validation of results from randomised controlled trials.

Technical complications following implant-supported restorative therapy performed in Sweden.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and consequences of technical complications in implant-supported restorative therapy. MATERIAL & METHODS: The occurrence and consequences of technical complications in implant-supported restorative therapy over a mean follow-up period of 5.3 years were assessed based on documentation in files from 2,666 patients. Risk indicators were identified by the use of survival models, considering repeated events. Results were expressed as hazard ratios (HR) including 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Technical complications occurred in 24.8% of the patients. Chipping and loss of retention were the most common, affecting 11.0% and 7.9% of supraconstructions, respectively, while implant-related complications (e.g., implant fracture) were rare. More than 50% of the affected patients experienced technical complications more than once and almost all reported complications led to interventions by a dental professional. The extent of the supraconstruction was the strongest risk indicator for both chipping (HR < 0.2) and loss of retention (HR > 3). CONCLUSION: Over a 5-year period, technical complications in implant-supported restorative therapy occurred frequently and their management required professional intervention.

Marginal bone loss at implants with different surface characteristics - A 20-year follow-up of a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This report is a 20-year follow-up of a randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the potential long-term effect of a modified implant surface on the preservation of the peri-implant marginal bone level. MATERIAL & METHODS: In each of 51 patients and for each fixed partial denture (FPD), by randomization at least one implant installed had a non-modified turned surface and one a modified and roughened surface (TiOblast® ). Clinical and radiological examinations were performed at various follow-up intervals. Primary outcome variables were peri-implant marginal bone level change from time of loading and proportion of implants with no bone loss at 20 years. Multilevel analysis followed by nonparametric and Pearson's Chi-Square tests were applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: At the 20-year follow-up, 25 patients carrying 64 implants were available for evaluation. Turned and TiOblast implants presented with a mean bone level change from the time of FDP delivery amounting to -0.41 mm (95% CI -0.84/0.02) and -0.83 mm (95% CI -1.38/-0.28) respectively (inter-group comparison p > .05). 47% of the Turned and 34% TiOblast implants (p > .05) showed no bone loss. All but one of these implants were free of bacterial plaque and inflammation as well as presented with probing pocket depths ≤5 mm at both the 5- and 20-year follow-up examinations. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that a moderate increase of implant surface roughness has no beneficial effect on long-term preservation of the peri-implant marginal bone level.

Long-term outcome of surgical treatment of peri-implantitis. A 2-11-year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical treatment of peri-implantitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Files and radiographs from 50 patients who had received surgical treatment for peri-implantitis were analyzed. Data on clinical characteristics prior to surgical therapy and at latest follow-up were obtained. In each radiograph, the marginal bone level was assessed at the mesial and distal aspects of the affected implants. The treatment included oral hygiene instruction, professional supra-mucosal instrumentation, and surgical therapy aiming at pocket elimination. Following flap elevation and removal of inflamed tissue, the affected implant was cleaned using gauze soaked in saline. Calculus was removed. When indicated, osseous re-contouring was carried out to facilitate pocket elimination. Flaps were adjusted, sutured, and compressed to the crestal bone. Supportive therapy including oral hygiene control was provided with 4-month intervals. RESULTS: Treatment was effective in resolving the inflammatory condition as documented by marked reduction in peri-implant probing depth and bleeding on probing scores together with crestal bone level preservation. Treatment outcome was significantly better at implants with non-modified surfaces than at implants with modified surfaces. The probability of an implant to exhibit no further bone loss or bone gain after treatment was high if the peri-implant mucosa at the site presented with shallow pockets and the absence of bleeding on probing at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study revealed that (i) surgical treatment of peri-implantitis was effective in the long-term, (ii) outcome was better at implants with non-modified than with modified surfaces, and (iii) preservation of crestal bone support was consistent with healthy peri-implant tissue conditions.

Surgical treatment of peri-implantitis: 3-year results from a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study reports on the 3-year follow-up of patients enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial on surgical treatment of advanced peri-implantitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients with advanced peri-implantitis were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. Surgical therapy aiming at pocket elimination was performed and, in three test groups, supplemented by either systemic antibiotics, use of an antiseptic agent for implant surface decontamination or both. Outcomes were evaluated after 1 and 3 years by means of clinical and radiological examinations. Differences between groups were explored by regression analysis. RESULTS: Clinical examinations at 3 years after treatment revealed (i) improved peri-implant soft tissue health with a mean reduction in probing depth of 2.7 mm and a reduction in bleeding/suppuration on probing of 40% and (ii) stable peri-implant marginal bone levels (mean bone loss during follow-up: 0.04 mm). Implant surface characteristics had a significant impact on 3-year outcomes, in favour of implants with non-modified surfaces. Benefits of systemic antibiotics were limited to implants with modified surfaces and to the first year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that surgical treatment of peri-implantitis is effective and that outcomes of therapy are affected by implant surface characteristics. Potential benefits of systemic antibiotics are not sustained over 3 years.

Altered expectations on dental implant therapy; views of patients referred for treatment of peri-implantitis.

AIM: The aim was to explore patients' reactions on being diagnosed with peri-implantitis, their opinions on dental implant therapy and expectations on treatment of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study subjects were patients referred to a specialist clinic for treatment of peri-implantitis. The method of grounded theory was used in collecting and analyzing data. Audiotaped, thematized open-ended interviews were conducted. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and consecutively analyzed in hierarchical coding processes that continued until saturation was met (n = 15). RESULTS: In the analysis, a conceptual model was generated that illuminated a process among patients. From having very high initial expectations on dental implant therapy as a permanent solution of oral/dental problems, patients realized that dental implants, such as teeth, require continuous care and that there is no guarantee for that dental implants provides a treatment alternative free from future problems. The core concept of the model "altered expectations on dental implant therapy" was composed of three main categories: "initial expectations on dental implant therapy and living with dental implants", "being referred to periodontist and become diagnosed with peri-implantitis" and "investing again in an expensive therapy with no guarantee for the future". CONCLUSION: Patients may have unrealistically high expectations on dental implant therapy. The results illuminate the importance of patient-centered communication in dentistry and that treatment decisions should be based not only on professional expertise but also on expectations, abilities, wishes and life circumstances of the individual patient.

Early healing of peri-implant mucosa in man.

AIM: To analyse (i) cellular and vascular densities in the connective tissue interface portion of the peri-implant mucosa and (ii) tissue interactions with the titanium surface during early stages of healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Circumferential biopsies of peri-implant soft tissues were retrieved together with custom-made abutments at 27 implants in 21 patients after 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks of healing. Following fixation, the peri-implant soft tissue was separated from the abutments, divided into four units and embedded in paraffin. Sections were produced and prepared for immunohistochemical analysis. The abutments were examined by SEM. RESULTS: T and B cells occurred in clusters with a decreasing cell density from 4 to 8 weeks of healing in the connective tissue lateral of the abutment. Macrophages were evenly distributed in the connective tissue along the abutment/tissue interface, while polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells were confined to the tissue portion lateral to the junctional epithelium. Vascular structures showed a decrease in density from 2 to 8 weeks of healing. SEM analyses of the abutments revealed an increased presence of tissue remnants attached to the surface with increasing healing time. A biofilm was consistently observed in a supra-mucosal position, apical of which a "clear zone" occurred that separated the tissue remnants and the biofilm. CONCLUSION: Onset and resolution of inflammation together with increasing tissue attachment to the implant characterize healing of peri-implant mucosa.

Peri-implantitis - onset and pattern of progression.

BACKGROUND: While information on the prevalence of peri-implantitis is available, data describing onset and progression of the disease are limited. MATERIAL & METHODS: A 9-year follow-up examination of 596 randomly selected implant-carrying individuals identified 62 patients with moderate/severe peri-implantitis. Longitudinal assessments of peri-implant marginal bone levels were used to construct a statistical model with bone loss as the dependent variable. A multilevel growth model estimated the pattern of bone loss for each implant/patient. Onset of peri-implantitis was determined by evaluating the cumulative percentage of implants/patients presenting with estimated bone loss at each year following prosthesis delivery. RESULTS: The analysis showed a non-linear, accelerating pattern of bone loss at the 105 affected implants. The onset of peri-implantitis occurred early, and 52% and 66% of implants presented with bone loss of >0.5 mm at years 2 and 3 respectively. A total of 70% and 81% of subjects presented with ≥1 implants with bone loss of >0.5 mm at years 2 and 3 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that peri-implantitis progresses in a non-linear, accelerating pattern and that, for the majority of cases, the onset occurs within 3 years of function.

Implant-supported single-tooth restorations. A 12-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the 12-year outcome of implant-supported single-tooth restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Originally 45 self-tapping Astra Tech TiOblast® ST-implants were installed by a two-stage protocol in 40 subjects requiring single-tooth prosthetic replacement for a missing tooth. Clinical and radiologic examinations were performed at completion of the prosthetic treatment 4-7 months after implant installation surgery and after 5 and 12 years in function. RESULTS: At 12 years 31 patients and 35 implants were available for evaluation. The overall failure rate after 12 years was 10.3% on the subject level and 9.1% on the implant level. The mean bone loss amounted to 0.67 mm (SD 2.20) on a subject level and 0.47 mm (1.72) on an implant level. Three subjects (10%) and three implants (8.6%) were diagnosed with peri-implantitis. Five subjects had experienced technical complications; three incidences of loosening of the abutment retention screw during the first 5 years and two minor porcelain fracture of the crown (two patients) between 5- and 12-years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The findings reported in this 12-year prospective case series suggest that the use of the Astra Tech dental implants may be a valid treatment alternative for single-tooth replacement prostheses.

Health investment behaviours and oral/gingival health condition, a cross-sectional study among Swedish 19-year olds.

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that certain individual, environmental and lifestyle factors are positively associated with beneficial health investment behaviours and oral/periodontal health among adolescents. METHODS: Five hundred and six randomly selected 19-year old subjects living in two different areas (Fyrbodal and Skaraborg) in the county council of Västra Götaland, Sweden participated in a clinical examination and answered questionnaires covering psycho-social and health behavioural issues. Two oral-health models were estimated with gingivitis score as an objective and self-perceived oral health as a subjective indicator. Three health- investment behaviour models were designed with indicators directly related to oral health and two with indicators related to general health as well. The explanatory variables included gender, upper secondary education programme, native country, living area, general self-efficacy and parents' education level. RESULTS: In the objective oral-health model, theoretical studies and living in the Skaraborg area were both positively associated with a lower gingivitis score. For the subjective oral-health indicator, none of the explanatory variables showed statistical significance. In the investment-behaviour model with 'tooth-brushing ≥ 2 times daily' as a health indicator, female gender and theoretical studies showed statistically significant associations. With the indicators 'no/few missed dental appointments', 'no tobacco use' and 'weekly exercise', theoretical studies were statistically significant and positively associated. In the investment model with 'perceived oral health care attention' as an indicator, a high score of general self-efficacy was significantly associated with the feeling of taking good care of the teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Individual, environmental and lifestyle factors are associated with young individuals' oral health investment behaviours and gingival health conditions.

Three-Dimensional buccal bone anatomy and aesthetic outcome of single dental implants replacing maxillary incisors.

OBJECTIVES: This case series investigated by means of CBCT, buccal bone three-dimensional anatomy at delayed, two-stage implants in the maxillary incisal tooth region. Moreover, the relation between buccal bone anatomy and soft tissue aesthetics was assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve implants were analysed after on average 8.9 years in function. Baseline and re-evaluation photographs were assessed using the pink aesthetic score (PES). Marginal bone changes were measured from intraoral X-rays. The buccal bone volume associated with the implant and the implant surface not covered by visible buccal bone was computed on CBCT data sets. Buccal bone thickness and level were assessed, as well as the thickness of the crest distally and mesially of the implant. Changes in soft tissue forms and correlation between aesthetics and bone anatomy were calculated by nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: Buccal bone level was located 3.8 mm apical of the implant shoulder, and none of the implants had complete bone coverage. Buccal bone volume was 144.3 mm(3) , and 4.29 mm(3) in the more coronal 2 mm portion. PES did not differ at re-evaluation (9.7) and baseline (9.2). PES was directly correlated with crestal thickness mesially and distally of the implant shoulder. No other significant correlations were observed between bone anatomy and PES or buccal peri-implant health. Marginal bone gain over time was associated with greater coronal bone volume buccally and with greater buccal and marginal bone thickness, while loss was related to less or no bone. CONCLUSIONS: Within present limitations, acceptable and stable aesthetics are not jeopardized by a thin or missing buccal bone.

Patient-reported outcomes of dental implant therapy in a large randomly selected sample.

BACKGROUND: In addition to traditional clinical parameters, the need to include patient-reported assessments into dental implant research has been emphasized. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes following implant-supported restorative therapy in a randomly selected patient sample. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four thousand seven hundred and sixteen patients were randomly selected from the data register of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. A questionnaire containing 10 questions related to implant-supported restorative therapy was mailed to each of the individuals about 6 years after therapy. Associations between questionnaire data, and (i) patient-related, (ii) clinician-related and (iii) therapy-related variables were identified by multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Three thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven patients (81%) responded to the questionnaire. It was demonstrated that the overall satisfaction among patients was high. Older patients presented with an overall more positive perception of the results of the therapy than younger patients and males were more frequently satisfied in terms of esthetics than females. While clinical setting did not influence results, patients treated by specialist dentists as opposed to general practitioners reported a higher frequency of esthetic satisfaction and improved chewing ability. In addition, patients who had received extensive implant-supported reconstructions, in contrast to those with small reconstructive units, reported more frequently on improved chewing ability and self-confidence but also to a larger extent on implant-related complications. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that patient-perceived outcomes of implant-supported restorative therapy are related to (i) age and gender of the patient, (ii) the extent of restorative therapy and (iii) the clinician performing the treatment.