Group 4 ITI Consensus Report: Patient benefits following implant treatment in partially and fully edentulous patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of Working Group 4 was to address patient benefits associated with implant dentistry. Focused questions on (a) dental patient-reported outcomes (dPROs), (b) improvement in orofacial function, and (c) preservation of orofacial tissues in partially and fully edentulous patients following provision of implant-retained/supported dental prostheses were addressed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three systematic reviews formed the basis for discussion. Participants developed statements and recommendations determined by group consensus based on the findings of the systematic reviews. These were then presented and accepted following further discussion and modifications as required by the plenary of the 7th ITI Consensus Conference, taking place in 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. RESULTS: Edentulous patients wearing complete dentures (CD) experience substantial improvements in overall dPROs and orofacial function following treatment with either complete implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (CIFDP) or implant overdentures (IODs). With respect to dPROs, mandibular IODs retained by two implants are superior to IODs retained by one implant. However, increasing the number of implants beyond two, does not further improve dPROs. In fully edentulous patients, rehabilitation with CIFDP or IOD is recommended to benefit the preservation of alveolar bone and masseter muscle thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Completely edentulous patients benefit substantially when at least the mandible is restored using an CIFDP or an IOD compared to CD. In fully edentulous patients, implant prostheses are the best option for tooth replacement. The availability of this treatment modality should be actively promoted in all edentulous communities, including those with limited access and means.

A comparative retrospective study of different surgical guide designs for static computer-assisted implant surgery in posterior single edentulous sites.

AIM: The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to compare the accuracy of static Computer-assisted implant surgery (sCAIS) in posterior single edentulous patients using different surgical guide designs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven partially edentulous patients with a total of 54 implants were included in the study. Seventeen implants were included in Group 1-Unbounded Tooth-Mucosa Supported; 18 implants in Group 2-Unbounded Tooth Supported; and 19 implants in Group 3 (Control)-Bounded Tooth Supported. All partially edentulous patients were treated with fully guided implant surgery using the corresponding surgical guide. Discrepancies between the pre-planned and post-operative implant position were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean angular deviation ± standard deviation (SD) was 2.91 ± 1.56°, 3.33 ± 1.72° and 2.25 ± 1.13° for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The mean ± SD 3D offset at base was 0.66 ± 0.29 mm, 0.77 ± 0.24 mm, and 0.49 ± 0.22 mm; and 3D offset at tip was 0.84 ± 0.45 mm, 1.07 ± 0.38 mm, and 0.75 ± 0.25 mm for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. No statistically significant differences between groups were found for angular deviation. There were statistically significant differences between Groups 2 and 3 for 3D offset at base (p = .002) and 3D offset at tip (p = .010). CONCLUSIONS: Different surgical guide designs for posterior single edentulous areas appear to be associated with the accuracy level of sCAIS. In unbounded sites, having additional posterior attached soft tissue support is preferable.

Comparative analysis of dimensional alterations following extraction of maxillary molars using three-dimensional images' superimposition: a CBCT study.

The aims of this study were to (i) evaluate the bone alterations following maxillary molar extraction and (ii) identify the factors associated with bone alterations using a tomographic analysis. Cone Beam Computer Tomographies (CBCTs) of 17 subjects with 25 maxillary molars were analyzed, before and, in average, 12 months following extraction. Fifty CBCTs were segmented as 3D models that were used as reference for analysis. Cross-sectional planes were established to measure the dimensional changes in the vertical, horizontal aspects, and the area of the alveolar bone. Associations between root divergence, initial bone location related to the maxillary sinus, and the thickness of buccal and palatal bone at baseline was assessed using mixed-effect models. Overall, the average reduction in vertical bone height was 35.23% (2.61 ± 1.76 mm). The mean reduction of area of alveolar process and horizontal bone width were 18.89% (56.08 ± 44.23 mm2) and 65.10% (8.33 ± 4.51 mm), respectively. There was a marginal significant association between horizontal bone changes and the thickness of palatal bone (p = 0.05). The results of the present study indicated that following maxillary molar extraction, significant dimensional changes occur in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The vertical changes were mainly attributed to remodeling on the coronal aspect of the alveolar ridge and sinus pneumatization was rare.

Influence of zirconia crown artifacts on cone beam computed tomography scans and image superimposition of tomographic image and tooth surface scan: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Zirconia restorations create significant artifacts on 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. Static computer-assisted implant surgery (s-CAIS) relies on the accuracy of superimposition between an intraoral surface scan and CBCT imaging. However, how the artifacts from zirconia on the tomographic image might affect the predictability of s-CAIS is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of zirconia crown restorations on the superimposition process for s-CAIS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four stone casts generated 4 groups: a control group (CG) with no crowns and 3 experimental groups with 4 (TG4), 7 (TG7), and 13 (TG13) zirconia crowns. A total of 40 CBCT scans were made for the 4 groups (n=10). All CBCTs were imported into a computer planning software program, and the casts from all 4 groups were scanned by using a high-resolution laboratory scanner. The standard tessellation language (STL) files were imported, segmented, and the 3 files superimposed for all groups. The accuracy of the superimposition was assessed, in millimeters, in 3 planes corresponding to anterior-posterior, horizontal, and vertical, as well as the overall measurement, and the results were analyzed statistically (α=.05). RESULTS: The overall analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences between all groups (P<.001), except between CG and TG4. The anterior-posterior dimension demonstrated significant differences between CG and TG7 (P<.001), CG and TG13 (P<.001), TG4 and TG7 (P=.004), and TG4 and TG13 (P=.001). For the vertical dimension analysis, significant differences were found between CG and TG7 (P=.001), CG and TG13 (P<.001), and TG4 and TG13 (P<.001). For the horizontal variable, statistically significant differences were found between CG and TG7 (P=.049), CG and TG13 (P<.001), TG4 and TG13 (P<.001), and TG7 and TG13 (P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of the superimposition of the images was influenced by the number of zirconia crowns, with an increased number reducing the superimposition accuracy.

Effect of time in function on the predictability of short dental implants (≤6 mm): A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyse randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies reporting on the survival and failure rates of functionally loaded short implants (SI) based on the actual length of time in function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Electronic and manual searches were conducted to identify RCTs and prospective cohort studies reporting survival and complication rates of short dental implants (≤6 mm) based on the time in function. Secondary outcomes included the location (maxilla or mandible), type of restoration (single crown [SC] versus fixed dental prosthesis [FDP]) and marginal bone loss (MBL). RESULTS: A total of 20 studies (11 RCTs and 9 prospective) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and featured a total of 1238 SI placed in 747 patients. The overall (early and late) mean percentage of short implant failure was 4%. SI with up to 1-year follow-up presented failure rate of 2%, while SI followed up for >3 years showed a failure rate of 10%. SI restored with SC presented a late failure rate of 4% while SI restored with FPD 2%. The late failure rate did not differ in terms of location (maxilla or mandible) both with 3%. CONCLUSION: Short implants in function for more than 3 years presented higher failure rates compared to SI in function for <3 years. Splinting crowns supported by SIs in the posterior area should be considered. However, SI is a valid option for selected cases given their relatively high long-term survival rates.

Narrow- and regular-diameter implants in the posterior region of the jaws to support single crowns: A 3-year split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this 3-year split-mouth randomized controlled clinical study was to compare narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) to regular-diameter implants (RDIs) in the posterior region of the jaws (premolars and molars) in regards to (i) the marginal bone level (MBL) and (ii) implant and prosthesis survival and success rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 22 patients were included in the study. Each patient received at least one implant of each diameter (Ø3.3 and Ø4.1 mm), placed either in the maxilla or mandible to support single crowns. A total 44 implants (22 NDIs and 22 RDIs) were placed and included in the study. Twenty-one implants were placed in the premolar, whereas 23 were placed in molar areas. Radiographic evaluations to access the MBL were performed immediately after implant placement, 1 and 3 years after implant loading. Peri-implant clinical variables including probing pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BoP) were obtained after crown delivery, 1 and 3 years after loading. Furthermore, the survival and success rates of the implants and prosthesis were also evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty patients were able to complete the study. There was no statistically significant difference regarding MBL between groups at implant placement (p = .084), 1-year (p = .794) and 3-year (p = .598) time intervals. The mean peri-implant bone loss at 3-year follow-up was -0.58 ± 0.39 mm (95% CI: -0.751 to -0.409) and -0.53 ± 0.46 mm (95% CI: -0.731 to -0.329) for NDIs and RDIs, respectively. BoP was present at 15% and 10% of NDIs and RDIs, respectively, at 3-year follow-up. PPD >5 mm was observed in 5% and 0% of the implants of NDIs and RDIs, respectively, at 3-year follow-up. At the 3-year examination, the implant success rates were in the NDIs and RDIs sites, respectively, 95% and 100%. The corresponding values for prosthesis success rates were 90% for NDIs and 95% for RDIs. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that NDIs placed to support single crowns in the posterior region did not differ to RDIs in regards to MBL, implant survival, and success rates.

Short-term changes on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels after non-surgical periodontal treatment in systemically healthy individuals.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in chronic periodontitis patients and periodontally healthy individuals and to assess the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on the CRP levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with chronic periodontitis (test group) and 22 periodontally healthy individuals (control group), both groups without any systemic disorder or potential confounding factors, were included in the study. At baseline, periodontal clinical variables and CRP levels were obtained in both groups. In the test group, oral hygiene instruction and scaling and root planning were carried out; then, after 60 days, periodontal clinical variables and CRP levels were reevaluated. RESULTS: The baseline CRP level in the test group was significantly higher than the corresponding value in the control group (1.98 ± 1.55 vs. 1.26 ± 1.05 mg/L; p < 0.05). After periodontal treatment in the test group, there were improvements in all periodontal clinical variables (p < 0.05). The CRP level decreased significantly in those patients with higher baseline levels of CRP (>3 mg/L). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic periodontitis seemed to promote elevated levels of CRP. Furthermore, non-surgical periodontal treatment significantly decreased the levels of CRP only in patients with high baseline levels of such pro-inflammatory cytokine. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Periodontitis may be a potential factor to change the risk of CVD. Thus, the control of periodontal infection performed by health professionals may improve cardiovascular health.

Restorative Alveolar Interface Management Combined With Tunnel Technique and Connective Tissue Graft: A Conservative Approach for Root Fracture Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: The infringement of supracrestal tissue attachment by subgingival restorative margins, extensive caries, and root fractures, can compromise the periodontal health, resulting in inflammation and loss of periodontal supporting tissues. This report describes a case of a root fracture on the upper left central incisor that was successfully treated using a conservative approach, by applying the restorative alveolar interface (RAI) management combined with tunnel technique and a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG). CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old male patient presented with a provisional single-unit fixed prosthesis on his upper left central incisor, in function for 4 years, with the chief complaint of prosthesis discoloration. After clinical and radiographic examination, a diagnosis of root fracture was established. Following the removal of the provisional prosthesis, a full-thickness flap was elevated creating a tunnel. The elimination of the fracture line/angle, root recontouring, and planning was then performed with the aid of a conical long diamond bur and periodontal curets. Additionally, an SCTG was placed buccally into the tunnel. The final zirconia layered with E-max crown was placed 6 months after surgery. At 12- and 24-month follow-up, the periodontal tissues presented healthy aspect, no bleeding on probing, and a 4-mm probing depth. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repositioning of the restorative margin can be an alternative and conservative treatment approach to compromised teeth with subgingival fracture line/angle. However, case selection should be carefully considered and restorability assessed as limitations might apply.

Multidisciplinary Treatment for Peri-Implantitis: A 24-Month Follow-Up Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Although osseointegrated implants are a highly predictable and effective alternative in the rehabilitation of partially or totally edentulous patients, the prevalence of implant biologic complications has been rising. This report describes a case of peri-implantitis involving multiple maxillary implants that was successfully treated by combining the removal of two implants, surgical debridement associated with implantoplasty of the remaining implants, and prosthetic design changes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old female patient with a fixed full-arch implant-supported maxillary prosthesis presented with chief complaints of halitosis and difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene. Based on clinical and radiographic findings, a diagnosis of peri-implantitis was established. Two implants were removed because of advanced peri-implant bone loss and inadequate prosthetic positioning. The remaining implants were treated with access surgery, removal of granulation tissue, and implantoplasty of the exposed implant threads. Three months after surgery, an O-ring-retained bar overdenture was delivered. At 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment completion, peri-implant probing depths (PDs) were reduced significantly. None of the implants exhibited residual PDs >4 mm, bleeding on probing, or suppuration. Moreover, peri-implant bone levels remained stable over time. CONCLUSION: Surgical therapy combined with implantoplasty of the exposed threads and prosthetic design changes can be used successfully for treating peri-implantitis.