Assessment of Peri-Implant Soft Tissues Conditions around Short and Ultra-Short Implant-Supported Single Crowns: A 3-Year Retrospective Study on Periodontally Healthy Patients and Patients with a History of Periodontal Disease.

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate implant survival, marginal bone loss and peri-implant complications in 326 short and ultra-short implants. Implants were placed in the maxillary and mandibular posterior regions of 140 patients with (PP) and without (NPP) a history of periodontal disease. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at 3-year recall appointments. The 8.0, 6.0 and 5.0 mm-length implants placed in PP and NPP were respectively 43.75% and 38.46%, 35.10% and 34.19%, 21.15% and 27.35%; 325 implants (one early failure) were rehabilitated with single crowns in 139 patients. Overall implant survival after 3 years of follow-up was 97.55%, 98.08% and 96.61% for PP and NPP (p = 0.46). Crestal bone level variations were not statistically different among PP and NPP; 15.41% of implants presented signs of mucositis, 14.71% and 16.67% in PP and NPP (p = 0.64). Setting the threshold for bone loss at 2 mm after 36 months, peri-implantitis prevalence was 2.2%, 1.96% and 2.63% in PP and NPP (p = 0.7). Overall implant success was 82.39%, 83.33% and 80.7% for PP and NPP (p = 0.55). Short-term outcomes suggest that short and ultra-short locking-taper implants can successfully be restored with single crowns in the posterior jaws both in PP and NPP.

[The pink and white aesthetics of a new zirconia implant]. / De roze en witte esthetiek van een nieuw zirkoniumdioxide implantaat.

Zirconia implants can offer a good alternative to titanium implants. Due to their specific material properties, they have the potential for a more appealing aesthetic result, which can be particularly important in the anterior zone. In the present study, the pink and white aesthetics of immediately placed zirconia implants in the anterior maxillary zone in 20 patients were assessed on the basis of Pink and White Esthetic Scores (PES and WES). To this end, two clinical photographs were compared: one taken immediately after placement of the permanent crown (mean PES = 12.8; mean WES = 8.5) and the other one taken at a later time (mean PES = 12.8; mean WES = 8.6). No statistically significant difference was found between the two moments. Volunteers found it difficult to correctly identify the implant among the other front teeth. Patients completed a questionnaire regarding the aesthetics of the pink and white implant and they graded the final result with an 8.5 score on a point scale of 0 to 10. The aesthetic appearance of a zirconia implant is excellent and stable over time. Patients are generally satisfied with the result.

Implantes de altura reduzida devem ser esplintados em região posterior de mandíbula? / Should implants with reduced height be splinted in the posterior mandible?

A reabilitação de pacientes parcialmente desdentados é um tratamento viável e com excelente prognóstico. Todavia, a disponibilidade óssea em altura é um fator crucial para o sucesso desse tratamento. O levantamento de seio maxilar, apesar da baixa qualidade óssea da maxila posterior, é considerado um procedimento bastante previsível. Entretanto, técnicas reconstrutivas em mandíbula não possuem a mesma previsibilidade, além de apresentar maior morbidade pós-operatória. Apesar da alta previsibilidade dos implantes com altura reduzida, poucos são os estudos que avaliam a real necessidade da esplintagem do mesmo em mandíbula posterior atrófica. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a necessidade de um implante curto ser esplintado a outro. Após análise criteriosa da literatura concluiu-se que os implantes com altura reduzida unitários apresentam igual previsibilidade em relação ao esplintado. Todavia, a heterogeneidade dos estudos e a falta de ensaios clínicos randomizados justifica a elaboração de novas pesquisas.(AU)

Rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients is a viable treatment with an excellent prognosis. However, bone height availability is a crucial factor in the treatment success. The maxillary sinus lift, despite poor bone quality of posterior maxilla, is considered a predictable procedure. However, reconstructive techniques in the mandible do not have the same predictability and present more postoperative morbidity. Despite the high predictability of short implants, there are few studies evaluating the real necessity for splinting implants in posterior atrophic mandible. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the need for a short implant to be splinted to another. After analysis of the literature, this review concluded that unitary short implants presented equal predictability compared to splinted implants. However, the heterogeneity of the studies and the lack of randomized clinical trials justify the development of new research.(AU)

Evaluation of Pink and White Esthetic Scores for Immediately Placed and Provisionally Restored Implants in the Anterior Maxilla.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the esthetic result of immediately placed implants with immediate provisional restorations in the anterior maxilla using the pink esthetic score (PES) and white esthetic score (WES). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of patients were evaluated retrospectively. The evaluation was carried out by two examiners using 12 evaluation criteria. RESULTS: The average PES value from the evaluation of 53 images obtained from the 53 selected patients (22 men and 31 women) was 8.63 ± 2.4 (range, 1-14), whereas the average WES value was 6.92 ± 1.67 (range, 2-10). The mesial papilla had the highest average PES (1.39 ± 0.4) and the distal papilla had the lowest PES (0.87 ± 0.54). Texture had the highest average WES (1.54 ± 0.34) and tooth shape had the lowest average WES (1.25 ± 0.43). CONCLUSION: Treatment with immediate implants providing immediate provisional restoration in the anterior maxilla yields good clinical esthetic outcomes, as assessed by PES/WES values. The PES and WES values showed strong intraexaminer agreement, but weak interexaminer agreement.

Satisfaction and Patient-Related Outcomes in 128 Patients with Single Implant Crowns In Situ for up to 14 Years.

PURPOSE: To assess patient satisfaction and patient-related outcomes across the domains of appearance, cleansibility, and costs; the perceived value and worth when single implant crowns (SICs) had been in situ up to 14 years; whether satisfaction differed between patients; and whether certain characteristics might affect the questionnaire response rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated at a private prosthodontic practice between 2001 and 2014 (n = 207) who received a SIC (n = 256) were prospectively included. A previously validated patient satisfaction questionnaire (PSQ) exploring patient-centered outcomes was mailed to participants. Demographic (sex, age) and treatment data (number of SICs, time in situ, failure experience, complication experience) were collected. Visual analog scale (VAS) responses were converted to percentages. Differences between respondents and nonrespondents, differences in satisfaction between prosthesis placement and survey date, and differences with respect to demographic and treatment data were assessed. Averages were medians bounded by interquartile ranges. Statistical significance was set at P = .05. RESULTS: Respondents (n = 128, 61.8%) and nonrespondents (n = 79, 38.2%) had similar demographic and treatment characteristics. Prostheses had been in situ for up to 14 years (median, 5 years; interquartile range [IQR], 24 to 96 months). Participants reported that treatment met their expectations (median, 93%; IQR, 85% to 100%); they reported high satisfaction with tooth color, tooth contour, peri-implant mucosa, appearance overall, and ease of cleaning (medians ranging from 90.5% to 95%, IQR ranging from 80% to 100%) and medium satisfaction with costs when prostheses were placed (median, 50%; IQR, 29% to 80%). Satisfaction with tooth contour, peri-implant tissues, overall appearance, and costs significantly improved over time (96%, 92.5%, 91.7%, and 75%, respectively; P < .001 to P = .049). Levels of satisfaction did not differ by sex, number of implants, survival, complications, number of complications, and time in situ. Younger patients were less satisfied with the overall appearance and costs than older patients (P = .004, P = .007, respectively). All patients would choose to undergo treatment again and would recommend it to a friend. CONCLUSION: Patients with SICs that were in situ up to 14 years who responded to the validated PSQ were highly satisfied with the appearance and cleansibility, noted improvements in peri-implant tissue contours, and found the treatment to be valuable and worthwhile. They reported that upfront costs were high, but this concern decreased when the SICs had been in the mouth for a period of time.

Esthetic Evaluation of Anterior Single-Tooth Implants with Different Abutment Designs-Patients' Satisfaction Compared to Dentists' Observations.

PURPOSE: To correlate patients' satisfaction and dentists' observations regarding two abutment designs used for single crowns in the esthetic zone: a divergent one (control) and a curved one (experimental), with special emphasis on muco-gingival esthetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with nonadjacent missing teeth in the esthetic zone were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial (within-subject comparison). Two implants placed in each were restored using abutments of different geometry. Patients' appreciation was assessed on a visual analog scale (VAS) by recording answers to three questions, and dentists' appreciation was determined by means of the Pink Esthetic Score (PES) at T0 (crown cementation, baseline) and at T12 (1 year post-cementation). ANOVA with post hoc analysis was used to identify differences between groups and at different moments in time. Pearson correlations were calculated between all variables, both at T0 and at T12. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found at any time between the control and experimental abutment design, either for the PES or for the VAS score. PES slightly improved after 1 year, as did the VAS rating related to functioning with the implant-crown compared to the natural teeth. All PES and VAS scores demonstrated highly significant correlation. Both patient satisfaction and professional appreciation of muco-gingival conditions after single implant treatment in the esthetic zone were high; however, the curved, experimental abutment design performed no better than the conventional, divergent type. CONCLUSION: Curved abutment design does not significantly impact crown or gingival esthetics as assessed by PES and VAS scored by dentists and patients, respectively.

A Two-Year Evaluation of a Sloped Marginal Contour Implant System Placed in Healed Sites.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the survival rate, bone remodeling, and soft tissue health around sloped marginal contour implants when placed in healed sites posteriorly in the mouth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Implants were placed in healed sites at premolar and molar regions. After a 3-month osseointegration period, definitive prostheses were connected. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at implant placement and then 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after implant placement. An assessment of implant stability, peri-implant mucosa, level of attached gingivae, occlusion, proximal contact, and marginal bone levels was performed at each respective visit. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were treated and restored with 18 single crowns. The cumulative survival rate was 100% after 2 years. The mean marginal bone remodeling was 0.04 ± 0.26 mm (n = 18). The attached gingival change was +0.33 ± 0.35 mm. CONCLUSION: The 24-month results indicate that the sloped marginal contour implant performed well in posterior healed sites with a 100% survival rate and good marginal bone maintenance.

Esthetic Outcome of Implants Placed in Fresh Extraction Sockets by Clinicians with or without Experience: A Medium-Term Retrospective Evaluation.

PURPOSE: This study discussed a 3-year retrospective survey of clinical and esthetic outcomes of immediate implants placed by experienced senior surgeons and residents in implant dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective chart review included patients who received single-tooth extraction and immediate implant placement at the Tuscan Stomatology Institute between 2009 and 2011. Treated independent postextraction areas were divided into two groups according to the operator's experience: expert versus nonexpert group. Patient satisfaction with the esthetic aspect, chewing, speaking, comfort, self-esteem, and ease of cleaning were assessed by visual analog scales. Changes in the marginal bone level and parameters describing the changes of the facial soft tissue and in papilla index were assessed. Proper pairwise comparison tests were applied with a significant level α = .05. RESULTS: Of the 60 selected patients, 31 were in the expert group and 29 in the nonexpert group. At the 3-year follow-up, findings attested to a significantly higher bone loss in the nonexpert group (1.74 ± 0.59 mm) than those registered in the expert group (1.34 ± 0.45 mm), with a P value of .0044. The papilla index (PI) appeared very stable in the group of experts, whereas it showed a significant loss throughout the study in patients in the nonexpert group (PI = 2 at 1 year and PI = 1.5 at 3 years). Moreover, significant recessions at the buccal soft tissue were registered for all groups at both check-ups; however, in the expert group, slight soft tissue recession was evident 3 years later (0.58 ± 0.72 mm), whereas the nonexpert group showed greater recession (1.52 ± 0.74 mm). Patients reported higher overall satisfaction when treated by the group of experts (85.2%) than when treated by the nonexperts (81.1%) with P < .0001. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study suggested that immediate implant procedures could be considered a successful and satisfying treatment strategy when strict selection criteria together with a high level of surgical expertise are applied.

Effect of Diamondlike Carbon Coating on Reliability of Implant-Supported Crowns.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of diamondlike carbon (DLC) coating on abutments and/or abutment screws on the reliability, characteristic strength, and Weibull modulus of implant-supported single crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two external hexagon implants (Emfills Implant 4 mm diameter, 10 mm length, Emfills) were divided into four groups (n = 18 each), according to the presence or not of a DLC coating in the abutment and/or abutment screw, as follows: abutment without coating, screw without coating (AwcSwc); abutment without coating with coated screw (AwcSC); abutment coated with noncoated screw (ACSwc), and coated abutment with coated screw (ACSC). Abutments and screws were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. The specimens were subjected to step-stress accelerated life testing in water. Use-level probability Weibull curves and reliability for a mission of 100,000 cycles at 150 N (90% two-sided confidence intervals) were calculated. Polarized light and scanning electron microscopes were used for fractographic analysis. RESULTS: For a mission of 100,000 cycles at 150 N, reliability was 0.45 (0.20 to 0.67), 0.12 (0.00 to 0.47), 0.56 (0.17 to 0.82), and 0.44 (0.07 to 0.77) for AwcSwc, AwcSC, ACSwc, and ACSC, respectively. The probability Weibull calculation showed a Weibull modulus (m) of m = 5.50, m = 11.64, m = 16.96, and m = 15.08 and the characteristic strengths (η, which indicates the load at which 63.2% of the specimens of each group fail) of η = 202.67 N, ŋ = 206.64 N, ŋ = 192.54 N, and ŋ = 203.59 N for AwcSwc, AwcSC, ACSwc, and ACSC, respectively. Abutment screw fracture was the chief failure outcome in all groups. CONCLUSION: Characteristic strength values were not different among groups; neither was reliability. However, an increase in Weibull modulus (indicating low variability of the results) was observed with DLC coating of abutment or screw or both.

Mechanical Evaluation of Two Grades of Titanium Used in Implant Dentistry.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of core dental implant materials supporting single crowns on the probability of survival and failure modes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six standard external-hex titanium implants (4.0 mm in diameter) were selected to restore single crowns and divided into two groups according to core material: commercially pure grade 2 titanium (G2) and grade 5 titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) (G5). Abutments were screwed to the implants, and standardized maxillary central incisor metal crowns were cemented and subjected to step-stress accelerated life testing in water. Use-level probability Weibull curves and reliability for missions of 100,000 cycles at 150 N and 200 N (with 90% two-sided confidence intervals [CIs]) were calculated. Polarized light and scanning electron microscopes were used to determine the failure modes. RESULTS: Use-level probability Weibull calculations showed beta values of 0.59 (CI, 0.31 to 1.11) and 1.22 (CI 0.81 to 1.84) for G2 and G5, respectively, and significantly higher characteristic strength and Weibull modulus for G5. The calculated reliability (90% CIs) for a mission of 100,000 cycles at 150 N showed that cumulative damage would lead to survival of 45% of implant-supported crowns of G2 and 98% of G5. At 200 N the probability of survival decreased to 0.03% for G2 and 21% for G5. Abutment screw fracture was the failure mode for all groups. CONCLUSION: Reliability, characteristic strength, and Weibull modulus were significantly higher for Ti-6Al-4V dental implants than for commercially pure (grade 2) titanium implants. Failure modes were similar for both groups.

Effects of implant diameter and prosthesis retention system on the reliability of single crowns.

PURPOSE: The probability of survival of implant-supported prostheses may be affected by the interplay between different implant diameters supporting screwed or cemented crowns. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of implant diameter and prosthesis retention system on the reliability and failure modes of single crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Internal-hexagon implants were divided into six groups (n = 21 each) according to implant diameter (3.3, 4.0, or 5.0 mm) and crown retention system (screwed or cemented). Abutments were torqued to the implants, and crowns were then fixed and subjected to step-stress accelerated life testing in water. Use-level probability Weibull curves and reliability for missions of 50,000 cycles at 100, 150, and 200 N were calculated. Failure analysis was performed. RESULTS: Cemented systems presented higher reliability than screwed ones, except between 3.3-mm-diameter cemented and screwed systems at a load of 100 or 150 N. Failure modes were restricted to the abutment screw and varied with implant diameter only in the cement-retained groups. CONCLUSION: Higher reliability was observed for cement-retained crowns and implants of larger diameter compared to screw-retained and smaller diameter. Failure modes differed between groups.

Esthetics of Flapless Single-Tooth Implants in the Anterior Maxilla Using Guided Surgery: Association of Three-Dimensional Accuracy and Pink Esthetic Score.

BACKGROUND: Flapless implant placement using surgical templates may guarantee predictable and esthetic results provided that preplanned implant positions are transfered precisely into surgical reality. PURPOSE: The study aims to investigate the effect of three-dimensional accuracy in guided implant surgery on the esthetic outcome of single-tooth implants in the anterior maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-tooth implants for delayed replacement of upper incisors were inserted in 27 patients using stereolithographic templates. Superimposition of postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans allowed assessment of positional inaccuracy at the implant shoulder and apex, as well as angular deviation. Objective evaluation of implant esthetics was performed after a mean follow-up of 2.3 years using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES). RESULTS: Mean deviation between planned and actual implant position was 0.84 mm at the implant shoulder and significantly correlated to average PES of 12 (p = .031). Inaccuracy toward the buccal side was most frequent (70%). Deviations ≥ 0.8 mm resulted in significantly worse implant esthetics (median PES: 9.5, interquartile range [IQR]: 8-11) compared with more accurate implant positions (median PES: 13, IQR: 12-13, p = .039). CONCLUSION: Positional inaccuracy is low in guided implant surgery, but may however significantly compromise implant esthetics in the anterior maxilla.

Programmatic assessment of a university-based implant training program using patient-reported outcomes.

The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD) established an implant training program that provides training in the use of a single implant system, evidence-based diagnostic and treatment protocols (standardized work practices), and a total quality management system (Implant Quality Assurance Program). The aim of this study was to assess the programmatic effectiveness of the UKCD implant training program by reporting the success and survival of implants placed, using patient-reported outcomes and comparing them to previously established benchmarks. A total of 415 patients (963 implants) were interviewed, approximately 50 percent of all qualified patients. The implant survival rate was 97 percent, and 88 percent of the implants were considered successful (as determined by patient-centric criteria). These outcomes were consistent with the program's previously established benchmarks of 90 percent. These results suggest that work standardization (in the form of specific treatment protocols) and the use of a formal, incremental learning system can result in positive patient outcomes. Clinical outcomes should be monitored in academic dental settings as part of clinical process improvement, and these outcomes can provide a means of assessing the effectiveness of the training program.

[Aftercare for durability and profitability of single-unit and multi-unit fixed dental prostheses]. / Nazorg voor dutrzaamheid en profijtelijkheid van kronen en bruggen.

An important aim ofa treatment with single-unit and multi-unit fixed dental prostheses is a durable and profitable treatment outcome. That requires aftercare, too. First, the frequency of routine oral examinations should be assessed, using an individual risk profile. The objectives of the routine oral examinations are the prevention and, when necessary, the treatment of pathological conditions and complications. With regard to prevention, attention should be paid to information and instruction, oral biofilm and calculus, non-functional activities, hard tooth tissues, periodontal and peri-implant tissues, and saliva. Subsequently, it can be determined whether the intended durability and profitability have been achieved or can still be achieved, whether or not through indicated adjustments. Special attention should be paid to endodontically treated teeth. Restorative, repair or replacement treatments may be indicated in case ofcomplications, such as loose single- or multi-unitfixed dental prosthesis, fracture of a fixed dental prosthesis unit, lost tooth pulp vitality, tooth root fracture, and implant or implant abutment problems.

Single implants in the esthetic zone: analysis of recent peri-implant soft tissue alterations and patient satisfaction. A photographic study.

PURPOSE: The appearance of the peri-implant soft tissue is a crucial factor in the success of implant therapy. However, no effective objective method exists to observe and document this factor over the long term. The aim of this clinical trial was to determine whether oral photographs can be used for peri-implant soft tissue data collection by observing peri-implant soft tissue alterations after placement of a single-tooth implant in the esthetic zone and to determine whether the pink esthetic score (PES) reflects patient satisfaction with the peri-implant soft tissue esthetic result. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight consecutive patients received single implants in the esthetic zone. Clinical photographs were taken to collect data on the peri-implant soft tissue at baseline (crown placement) and again 3 months later. Two observers assigned PES values to the peri-implant soft tissue in the photographs. Changes in the PES value from baseline to the 3-month follow-up were calculated. Patient satisfaction was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) at the 3-month follow-up appointment. The correlation between the VAS and PES scores was calculated. RESULTS: The mean PES value (± SD) was 8.68 ± 2.69 at baseline and 10.37 ± 2.13 at follow-up (P < .01). VAS values ranged from 72.5 to 100. A significant correlation was found between VAS and PES values. The linear regression of patient satisfaction and PES values was significant. CONCLUSIONS: Oral photographs can be used to collect PES data on peri-implant soft tissue. The esthetic result of peri-implant soft tissue is markedly improved 3 months after restoration of the implant with a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. The PES value generally reflects the degree of patient satisfaction with the peri-implant soft tissue esthetic result.

Esthetic index for anterior maxillary implant-supported restorations.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to develop and validate a complex esthetic index (CEI) designed for rating the esthetics of anterior maxillary implant-supported restorations with respect to the surrounding soft and hard tissues. METHODS: Fifty patients (31 males and 19 females; age: 18 to 50 years; mean age +/- SD: 32.4 +/- 9.1 years) previously treated with dental implants were evaluated regarding the esthetic results of their restorations using the proposed CEI. Two calibrated oral surgeons did the evaluation and recording. The evaluation was carried out twice by each of the examiners 2 weeks apart. The weighted Cohen's kappa was used to calculate the intra- and interobserver agreement. RESULTS: An analysis of CEI for 50 anterior maxillary implant-supported restorations showed good intra- and interobserver agreement for the soft tissue index (S) and implant-supported restoration index (R). Only the interobserver agreement for the overall R was rated as moderate (0.54 and 0.52). The single-parameter analysis showed that the lowest (moderate) intra- and interobserver agreement was with the subjective parameters of S (soft tissue color and texture variations) and R (crown surface roughness and ridges and color and translucency). An adequate CEI of S100, P100, and R100 was scored by both examiners in 10% and 12% of cases for evaluations I and II, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents evidence that this newly developed CEI, which incorporates the implant restoration and adjacent soft and hard tissue parameters, is a reproducible tool for scoring anterior implant esthetic predictably. However, prospective clinical trials involving examiners with different training backgrounds are needed to further validate the long-term stability of this index.

Evaluation of soft-tissue alteration around implant-supported single-tooth restoration in the anterior maxilla: the pink esthetic score.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the alterations of soft tissue around a single-tooth implant in the anterior maxilla with a new defined pink esthetic score (PES) at the time of crown placement and 6 months post-loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: According to the case inclusion criteria, 29 patients subjected to single-tooth replacement with ITI implant-supported restoration in the anterior maxilla were included. Assessments of soft tissue after crown placement (baseline) and at 6 months (follow-up) were performed by two orthodontists with PES. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the two observers. PES for the single-tooth implant varied from 6.90 to 9.55 at 6-month follow-up. The scores of the mesial and distal papilla, level of soft-tissue margin, soft-tissue contour, soft-tissue color and soft-tissue texture increased significantly at follow-up. The highest percentage of improvement in PES was found in the cases scoring 0-4 at the baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The esthetic outcome of soft tissue around the single-tooth implant had improved significantly at follow-up compared with baseline according to PES assessment. The results suggested that the potential for significant changes in soft-tissue levels after restorative therapy needs to be considered for single-implant therapy in the anterior maxilla.