A 7.5-year randomized controlled clinical study comparing cemented and screw-retained one-piece zirconia-based implant-supported single crowns.

OBJECTIVES: To compare marginal bone levels, biological, and technical outcomes of screw-retained versus cemented all-ceramic implant-supported zirconia-based single crowns after an observation period of 7.5 years. METHODS: Forty-four single implants in the esthetic zone in 44 patients (22 females, 22 males) were randomly assigned to two types of restorations: SR (screw-retained); veneered one-piece zirconia abutment and CR (cement-retained); veneered lithium disilicate crown intraorally cemented on a one-piece zirconia abutment. Patients were recalled annually up to 7.5 years and survival rates, biological, and technical parameters assessed. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients attended the 7.5-year follow-up visit (17 SR group, 14 CR group). The survival rate on the restorative level was 77.5% (74.0% CR, 81.0% SR, p = .6399). Median marginal bone loss (MBL) values yielded -0.073 mm (-0.305; 0.238) in the CR and -0.215 mm (-0.500; 0.555) in the SR group (intergroup p = .6194). Mean bleeding on probing (BoP) values were significantly in favor of group SR with 20 ± 17% compared to 40 ± 22% in group CR (p = .011). The overall biological complication rate amounted to 27.5% (42.1% CR, 14.3% SR, p = .0775), whereas the technical complication rate was 32.5% (42.1% CR, 23.8% SR, p = .314). In total, CR restorations showed significantly more complications (84.2% for CR, 38.1% for SR, p = .0041). CONCLUSION: One-piece zirconia-based single crowns on two-piece dental implants exhibited a high rate of technical and biological complications at 7.5 years of follow-up. Cemented restorations revealed significant higher rates of bleeding on probing and total complications compared to screw-retained restorations.

Segmentation of process-related contaminations on two-piece abutments using pixel-based machine learning: a new quantification approach?

PURPOSE: A reference method for quantifying contaminations on two-piece abutments manufactured using CAD/CAM has not yet been established. In the present in vitro study, a pixel--based machine learning (ML) method for detecting contamination on customized two-piece abutments was investigated and embedded in a semiautomated quantification pipeline. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine CAD/CAM zirconia abutments were fabricated and bonded to a prefabricated titanium base. All samples were analyzed for contamination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging followed by pixel--based ML and thresholding (SW) for contamination detection; quantification was performed in the postprocessing pipeline. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Bland-Altmann plot were applied to compare both methods. The contaminated area fraction was recorded as a percentage. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the percentages of contamination areas (median = 0.004) measured with ML (median = 0.008) and with SW (median = 0.012), asymptotic Wilcoxon test: P = 0.22. The Bland-Altmann plot demonstrated a mean difference of -0.006% (95% confidence interval [CI] from -0.011% to 0.0001%) with increased values from a contamination area fraction of > 0.03% for ML. CONCLUSION: Both segmentation methods showed comparable results in evaluating surface cleanliness; pixel-based ML is a promising assessment tool for detecting external contaminations on zirconia abutments. Further studies are required to investigate the clinical performance of this tool.

Biofilm formation on metal alloys and coatings, zirconia, and hydroxyapatite as implant materials in vivo.

OBJECTIVES: Composition of implant material and its surface structure is decisive for oral biofilm accumulation. This study investigated biofilm formation on eight different materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen healthy subjects wore intraoral splints fitted with two sets of eight materials for 24 h: zirconia [ZrO2 ]; silver-gold-palladium [AgAuPd]; titanium zirconium [TiZr]; Pagalinor [PA]; hydroxyapatite [HA]; silver-platinum [AgPt]; titanium aluminum niobium [TAN]; titanium grade4 [TiGr4]. Total biomass was stained by safranin to assess plaque accumulation while conventional culturing (CFU) was conducted to investigate viable parts of the biofilm. Cell viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) was assessed in vitro. Statistical evaluation was performed with linear mixed-effects models to compare materials (geometric mean ratios, 95% CI), with the level of significance set at ɑ = .05. RESULTS: Less biofilm mass and CFU were found on noble metal alloys (AgPt, AgAuPd, and PA). Compared to AgPt, PA had 2.7-times higher biofilm mass value, AgAuPd was 3.9-times, TiGr4 was 4.1-times, TiZr was 5.9-times, TAN was 7.7-times, HA was 7.8-times, and ZrO2 was 9.1-times higher (each p < .001). Similarly, CFU data were significantly lower on AgPt, AgAuPd had 4.1-times higher CFU values, PA was 8.9-times, TiGr4 was 11.2-times, HA was 12.5-times, TiZr was 13.3-times, TAN was 16.9-times, and ZrO2 was 18.5-times higher (each p < .001). HGF-1 viability varied between 47 ± 24.5% (HA) and 94.4 ± 24.6% (PA). CONCLUSION: Noble alloys are considered as beneficial materials for the transmucosal part of oral implants, as less biofilm mass, lower bacterial counts, and greater cell viability were detected than on titanium- or zirconia-based materials.

13-year follow-up of a randomized controlled study on zirconia and titanium abutments.

OBJECTIVES: To assess survival rates and compare technical, biological, and esthetic outcomes of customized zirconia and titanium abutments at 13 years post loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Initially, 22 patients with 40 implants in posterior regions were included. The sites were randomly assigned to 20 customized zirconia abutments with cemented all ceramic crowns (ACC) and 20 customized titanium abutments with cemented metal ceramic crowns (MCC). At a mean follow-up of 13.4 years, patients were examined and implants/restorations assessed for survival and technical complications, as well as biological and esthetic outcomes (pocket probing depth [PPD], bleeding on probing [BOP], plaque control record [PCR], bone level [BL], papilla index [PAP], mucosal thickness, and recession (distance of the margo mucosae [MM]/margo gingivae MG)). Descriptive analyses were performed for all outcome measures. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with 21 abutments (13 zirconia, 8 titanium) were examined at 13 years. The drop-out rate was 25% (patient level). The technical survival rate of the abutments was 100%. The survival rate on the restorative level (crowns) was 100%. The assessed biological outcomes (PPD, PCR, BOP, BL) and esthetic outcomes (MG, PAP) were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Zirconia and titanium abutments supporting single implant-borne restorations rendered a high survival rate and minimal differences in terms of technical, biological, and esthetic outcomes at 13 years of follow-up.

The influence of titanium-base abutment geometry and height on mechanical stability of implant-supported single crowns.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the influence of titanium base (ti-base) abutment macro- and micro-geometry on the mechanical stability of polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) screw-retained implant-supported single crowns (iSCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve specimens per group were used, comprising six different implant/ti-base abutment combinations restored with PICN iSCs: Nb-T (gingival height [GH]: 1.5 mm, prosthetic height [PH]: 4.3 mm), CC (GH: 0.8 mm, PH: 4.3 mm), CC-P (GH: 0.8 mm, PH: 7 mm), Nb-V (GH: 1.5 mm, PH: 6 mm), St (GH: 1.5 mm, PH: 5.5 mm), and Th (GH: 0.5 mm, PH: 9 mm). The specimens underwent thermo-mechanical aging, and those that survived were subsequently subjected to static loading until failure. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA test followed by Tukey post hoc test (α = .05). RESULTS: All specimens survived thermo-mechanical aging without complications, namely, visible cracks, debonding, or screw loosening. Th group demonstrated the highest strength values among all the groups, with significant differences compared to Nb-T (p < .05), CC (p < .001), and St (p < .001). Additionally, CC-P group exhibited significantly superior fracture strength results compared to CC (p < .05) and St (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The choice of ti-base, particularly prosthetic height, had a significant influence on fracture resistance of PICN iSCs. Nevertheless, the height or geometrical features of the ti-base did not exhibit a significant influence on the mechanical behavior of the iSC/ti-base assembly under thermomechanical loading, as all specimens withstood the aging without complication or failure.

Five-year randomized controlled clinical study comparing cemented and screw-retained zirconia-based implant-supported single crowns.

OBJECTIVES: To compare screw-retained and cemented all-ceramic implant-supported single crowns regarding biological and technical outcomes over a 5-year observation period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 44 patients, 44 two-piece dental implants were placed in single-tooth gaps in the esthetic zone. Patients randomly received a screw-retained (SR) or cemented (CR) all-ceramic single crown and were then re-examined annually up to 5 years. Outcome measures included: clinical, biological, technical, and radiographic parameters. Data were statistically analyzed with Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: During the observation period, three patients (6.8%) were loss to follow-up. Eight restorations (18.2%, CI (8.2%, 32.7%)) were lost due to technical (6 patients, 13.6% (CI (5.2%, 27.4%)), 2 CR and 4 SR group, intergroup p = .673; implants still present) or biological complications (2 patients, 4.5% (CI (0.6%, 16.5%)), only CR group, intergroup p = .201, both implants lost). This resulted in a survival rate of 81.2% (CI (65.9%, 90.1%)) on the restorative level (18 SR; 15 CR, 3 lost to follow-up). At the 5-year follow-up, the median marginal bone levels were located slightly apical relative to the implant shoulder with 0.4 mm (0.5; 0.3) (SR) and 0.4 mm (0.8; 0.3) (CR) (intergroup p = .582). Cemented restorations demonstrated a significantly higher biological complication rate (36.8%, SR: 0.0%; intergroup p = .0022), as well as a significantly higher overall complication rate (68.4%, SR: 22.7%, intergroup p = .0049). All other outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: All-ceramic single-tooth restorations on two-piece dental implants resulted in a relatively low survival rate. Cemented restorations were associated with a higher biological and overall complication rate than screw-retained restorations.

Filling Materials Efficacy on Preventing Biofilm Formation Inside Screw Access Channels of Implant Abutments.

The choice of the material used to fill screw access channels in implant-supported prostheses depends, in most cases, on operator's preference, without considering the susceptibility of biofilm colonization. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine and compare the total amount of biofilm formed on different materials used to fill screw access channels in implant abutments. For this propose, titanium implant analogs were attached on abutments and divided into 5 groups: positive control (no filling material); negative control (closed with resin); and filled with cotton, gutta-percha, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The analogs with attached abutments were then immersed in a brain heart infusion medium containing Candida albicans (strain 10231 from American Type Culture Collection [ATCC]) and incubated aerobically at 37°C with gentle agitation. After 15 days, materials were removed, and total viable biofilm on each material was quantified by methyl tetrazolium reduction assay at 490 nm. All experiments were performed in triplicate. Data were processed by IBM SPSS Statistic software using 1-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests to analyze differences between groups, with an overall significance level of P < .001. A significant difference was observed between cotton and gutta-percha (P < .017) and between cotton and PTFE (P < .025). However, there was no statistical difference between gutta-percha and PTFE (P > .050). Thus, this in vitro experiment showed that gutta-percha and PTFE presented lower biofilm formation compared with cotton when used to fill screw access channels. These results can provide a basis for future clinical studies that can be a guide to decreasing the occurrence of gaps and bacterial growth inside the implant/abutment attachment site. In addition, controlled in vivo studies are necessary to confirm the clinical viability of findings of this study.

Short communication: Cemented implant reconstructions are associated with less marginal bone loss than screw-retained reconstructions at 3 and 5 years of loading.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse whether there is a difference in marginal bone levels (MBL) and the respective changes between cemented and screw-retained reconstructions at 3 and 5 years of loading. METHODS: Radiographic data from 14 prospective multicentre clinical trials following implant loading with fixed cemented (CEM) or screw-retained (SCREW) reconstructions with a 3- to 5-year follow-up were retrieved from a database. MBL and MBL changes were assessed at initiation of implant loading (BL), at 3 (FU-3) and 5 years (FU-5) thereafter. The presence of peri-implantitis was also determined. RESULTS: Data from 1,672 implants at BL, 1,565 implants at FU-3 and 1,109 implants at FU-5 were available. The mean MBL amounted to 0.57 mm (SD 0.87) at BL, 0.55 mm (SD 0.86) at FU-3 and 0.65 mm (SD 1.18) at FU-5. At FU-3, the mean MBL was 0.44 mm (SD 0.65) in group CEM and 0.63 mm (SD 0.99) in group SCREW showing a significant difference between the groups (intergroup <0.05). At FU-5, the mean MBL was 0.42 mm (SD 0.77) in CEM and 0.80 mm (SD 1.37) in SCREW, again with significant differences between both groups (p < .05). MBL changes between BL and FU-3 amounted to 0.11 mm (SD 1.02) (bone loss) in SCREW and -0.17 mm (SD 1.03) (bone gain) in CEM. Similarly, mean MBL changes from BL to FU-5 amounted to 0.23 mm (SD 1.31) (bone loss) in SCREW and -0.26 mm (SD 1.27) (bone gain) in CEM. The prevalence of peri-implantitis amounted to 6.9% in CEM and 5.6% in group SCREW (intergroup p = .29063) at FU-3. At FU-5, peri-implantitis amounted to 4.6% in CEM and 6.2% in group SCREW (intergroup p = .28242). CONCLUSION: Cemented implant reconstructions compared with screw-retained reconstructions revealed higher marginal bone levels and similar rates of peri-implantitis during 5 years. The difference in MBL and the respective changes between the two groups, however, appear to be clinically negligible.

Peri-implant and esthetic outcomes of cemented and screw-retained crowns using zirconia abutments in single implant-supported restorations-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the peri-implant tissue changes and esthetic outcomes of cemented and screw-retained crowns of single-tooth implants in the esthetic zone using zirconia abutments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search was performed on nine databases. The risk-of-bias was assessed by the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized (RoB 2) and non-randomized (ROBINS-I) clinical trials. Marginal bone level change, soft tissue thickness, bleeding on probing, probing depth, survival rates of implants and crowns, complications, plaque and papilla indexes, and pink esthetic score data were extracted and analyzed. The certainty of evidence was accessed through the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Nine records were included and 7 were used in the meta-analyses. Screw-retained crowns presented greater marginal bone level change (MD -0.04 [-0.08, -0.00] p = 0.04, I2  = 0%) compared to cemented crowns up to 1-year. At 3 and 4 years no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed. Soft tissue thickness did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). The bleeding on probing was higher in cemented group than in screw-retained crowns at 1-year (MD 0.17 [0.08, 0.27] p = 0.0005, I2  = 0%), at medium-term periods (3 and 4 years) no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed for this outcome. Probing depth, survival rates of implants and crowns, complications, and plaque index, as well as esthetic analysis using the papilla index and pink esthetic score did not differ statistically (p > 0.05) between both retention systems at short and medium-term periods. CONCLUSION: The connection system considering zirconia abutments presented no influence on peri-implant parameters and esthetics evaluation for medium-term periods (3 and 4 years).

Biofilm formation on metal alloys, zirconia and polyetherketoneketone as implant materials in vivo.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated biofilm formation on discs of metal alloys, zirconia and polyetherketoneketone in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen healthy volunteers conducted two runs of 24 hr each wearing an intraoral splint with 15 discs representing five different materials (gold-based [EL] and silver-based [PA] noble metal alloys; zirconia [ZR]; polyetherketoneketone [PEKK]; titanium zirconium alloy [TiZr]). Safranin staining assays and colony-forming unit (CFU) counts were conducted. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare materials, and geometric mean ratios with 95% confidence interval were calculated with the level of significance set at α = 0.05. RESULTS: Less biofilm mass and lower CFU counts were found on PA and EL, while ZR and PEKK developed similar levels as the reference material TiZr alloy. Compared with PA, biofilm mass was 1.5 times higher for EL (p = .004), 1.7 times higher for PEKK (p < .001), 2.2 times higher for TiZr (p < .001) and 2.4 times higher for ZR (p < .001). The culturing method confirmed these results for EL and PA with lower CFU compared to TiZr. The biomass staining technique and cell culturing correlated for EL and PA. CONCLUSION: Silver-based noble alloy and gold-based high noble alloy demonstrated the least biofilm formation indicating a potential clinical use as material for implant components in the transmucosal compartment. Zirconia and Polyetherketoneketone revealed similar results as the reference material titanium zirconium alloy used in commercially available titanium dental implant.

Influence of margin location and luting material on the amount of undetected cement excess on CAD/CAM implant abutments and cement-retained zirconia crowns: an in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The flexibility in designing the submucosal part of CAD/CAM customized implant abutments and the individual positioning of its shoulder line has been suggested to reduce the risk of leaving undetected cement residues, thus preventing adverse effects on peri-implant tissues. A high correlation between excess cement left in the soft tissues and the occurrence of increased biofilm accumulation with sulcular bleeding and/ or suppuration has been reported. This in turn may cause peri-implant inflammation and peri-implant marginal bone loss. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of cement remnants after the luting of zirconia crowns on CAD/CAM custom molar abutments with different margin levels and to evaluate the impact of the luting material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 20 titanium molar CAD/CAM implant abutments (BEGO Medical GmbH) with internal taper connection/ internal hex anti-rotation protection, and a convex emergence profile with different margin positions (0, 1, 2 and 3 mm below the mucosa), were virtually designed (Implant Studio, 3Shape) and manufactured. A master cast was scanned, duplicated by a 3D printer and individual gingival masks were produced to simulate peri-implant soft tissues. 20 corresponding zirconia crowns were designed (Cerec 3D, Dentsply Sirona), produced and cemented to the abutments with two different luting materials; a zinc oxide non-eugenol cement (Temp Bond NE) or a methacrylate cement (Panavia V5). To ensure retrievability of the crown/abutment connection, occlusal openings providing access to the abutment screws were designed. Excess cement was thoroughly removed and the crown/abutment units were unscrewed to evaluate the occurrence of cement residues. All the quadrants of each specimen were evaluated for calculation of the ratio between the cement remnant area and the total specimen area using Adobe Photoshop. Spearman analysis was performed to detect correlations between different variables. A two-sided t-test, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied to detect differences between the groups. RESULTS: Cement remnants were found in every depth of the crown abutment complex and in almost every area investigated. The amount of cement residues increased as the crown-abutment margin was located more submucosally. Lingual areas were more prone to cement remnants than other surface areas (p = 0.0291). Excess cement was not only found at the margins of the crown-abutment complex, but also underneath (basal) the abutment itself, where cleaning was impossible. No statistical difference in the effect of zinc oxide non-eugenol- and methacrylate cement on the frequency of excess material at the lateral abutment surfaces could be demonstrated in vitro. The proportion of basal abutment aspects covered with cement residues was, however, significantly smaller in Panavia V5 samples with an average of 4.9 ± 3.7% compared to Temp Bond samples with an average of 8.6 ± 5.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Given the results obtained in the present investigation the margin of CAD/CAM molar abutments should be located as coronally as possible to minimize the amount of cement remnants. If an epigingival or supragingival margin location is not feasible due to esthetic concerns, it cannot be recommended to place the margin of molar CAD/CAM abutments deeper than 1.5 mm in the proximal and oral regions.

Correlation between abutment angulation and off-axial stresses on biomechanical behavior of titanium and zirconium implants in the anterior maxilla: A three-dimensional finite element analysis study.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the stress distribution around the titanium and zirconium implant with different abutment angulations in the anterior maxilla to off-axial load. SETTING AND DESIGN: In vitro - Comparative study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two models of titanium and zirconium implants (4 mm × 13 mm) and abutment with at 0°, 15°, 25° angulations were modeled to replace missing right central incisor using three-dimensional finite element analysis. A bite force of 178 N was applied on the lingual fossa of crowns at an angle of 120° off-axial to the long axis of implant. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Nil. RESULTS: Von Misses stresses observed are as follows: (1) at the implant-bone interface Ti 0 (8.31 MPa), Zr 0 (8.57 MPa), Ti 15 (83.59 MPa), Zr 15 (98.07 MPa), Ti 25 (197.8 MPa), and Zr 25 (265.77 MPa); (2) at the implant-abutment interface Ti 0 (5.90 MPa), Zr 0 (6.45 MPa), Ti 15 (19.13 MPa), Zr 15 (19.32 MPa), Ti 25 (38.65 MPa), and Zr 25 (38.26 MPa); and (3) within superstructure Ti 0 (3.11 MPa), Zr 0 (5.02 MPa), Ti 15 (6.17 MPa), Zr 15 (5.02 MPa), Ti 25 (8.15 MPa), and Zr 25 (6.131 Mpa). CONCLUSION: Stress behavior of titanium and zirconium implant with tested abutment angulation at implant-abutment interface and within the superstructure was similar, except at implant-bone interface.

Effect of fatigue loading on the fracture strength and failure mode of lithium disilicate and zirconia implant abutments.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test five types of implant restorations using titanium, zirconia and lithium disilicate abutments after being subjected to long-term fatigue loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty single-tooth implant restorations were assembled on titanium implants (FairTwo; FairImplant). The restorations differed only in the type of abutment used and were divided into five groups [Ti: titanium; Zr: zirconia with no metal base; ZrT: zirconia with titanium base; LaT: lithium disilicate abutment with titanium base; and LcT: lithium disilicate hybrid-abutment-crown with titanium base]. Specimens were subjected to dynamic load of 49 N up to 1,200,000 cycles using a dual-axis chewing simulator (Kausimulator; Willytech). The surviving specimens were subjected to quasi-static loading using a universal testing machine (Z010; Zwick) until the implant-abutment connection failed. The values of force (N) at which fracture or plastic deformation of the restoration occurred were calculated and the rate of deformation was analyzed. The data was then analyzed using Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: Groups Ti, ZrT, LaT and LcT withstood 1,200,000 fatigue load cycles and higher forces than physiological occlusal forces without fracture or debonding of the ceramic suprastructure. In group Zr, some specimen did not survive the chewing simulation and this group showed the lowest resistance to failure with a median of 198 N. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it could be concluded that lithium disilicate abutments and hybrid-abutment-crowns show promising durability and strength after long-term dynamic loading. The use of titanium base enhances the strength of the zirconia abutments.

A systematic review of the influence of the implant-abutment connection on the clinical outcomes of ceramic and metal implant abutments supporting fixed implant reconstructions.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this systematic review was to assess the influence of implant-abutment connection and abutment material on the outcome of implant-supported single crowns (SCs) and fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). METHODS: An electronic Medline search complemented by manual searching was conducted to identify randomized controlled clinical trials, prospective and retrospective studies with a mean follow-up time of at least 3 years. Patients had to have been examined clinically at the follow-up visit. Failure and complication rates were analyzed using robust Poisson regression, and comparisons were made with multivariable Poisson regression models. RESULTS: The search provided 1511 titles and 177 abstracts. Full-text analysis was performed for 147 articles resulting in 60 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of these studies indicated an estimated 5-year survival rate of 97.6% for SCs and 97.0% for FDPs supported by implants with internal implant-abutment connection and 95.7% for SCs and 95.8% for FDPs supported by implants with external connection. The 5-year abutment failure rate ranged from 0.7% to 2.8% for different connections with no differences between the types of connections. The total number of complications was similar between the two connections, yet, at external connections, abutment or occlusal screw loosening was more predominant. Ceramic abutments, both internally and externally connected, demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of abutment fractures compared with metal abutments. CONCLUSION: For implant-supported SCs, both metal and ceramic abutments with internal and external connections exhibited high survival rates. Moreover, implant-supported FDPs with metal abutments with internal and external connections for also showed high survival rates.

Fracture Resistance of Titanium-Based Lithium Disilicate and Zirconia Implant Restorations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the fracture resistance of a newer lithium disilicate abutment material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A premolar-shaped implant crown was designed using CAD/CAM software, and four groups of implant and crown combinations were milled: (1) lithium-disilicate hybrid-abutment crown; (2) "screwmentable" lithium-disilicate hybrid abutment/lithium-disilicate crown with screw channel; (3) lithium-disilicate hybrid abutment/lithium-disilicate crown; and (4) zirconia hybrid abutment/lithium-disilicate crown (control). The specimens were cemented to a titanium-base implant system, subjected to thermocycling and cyclic loading, and fractured in a material testing device. RESULTS: The lithium-disilicate hybrid-abutment crown had significantly greater fracture load than all the other groups, which were not significantly different from each other. CONCLUSIONS: Based on fracture load, the new lithium-disilicate hybrid-abutment material may serve as a viable alternative to the use of zirconia as a hybrid-abutment material.

Incidence of undetected cement on CAD/CAM monolithic zirconia crowns and customized CAD/CAM implant abutments. A prospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of cement residues after cementation of CAD/CAM monolithic zirconia crowns on customized CAD/CAM titanium abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty premolars and molars were restored on Astra Tech Osseospeed TX™ implants using single monolithic zirconia crowns fixed on two types of custom-made abutments: Atlantis™ titanium or Atlantis™ Gold Hue. Occlusal openings providing access to the abutment screws were designed for retrievability of the crown/abutment connection. After fixation with glass ionomer cement, the crown/abutment units were unscrewed to evaluate the presence of residual cement. Dichotomous assessment of the presence or absence of cement at the crown/abutment unit and peri-implant tissues was performed. RESULTS: Clinically undetected cement excess was visible on 44 of 60 restorations (73.3%). There was no interdependency between residual cement presence and implant location or diameter. However, a dependency between the presence of residual cement and the aspect of the abutment/crown connection could be noted. The majority of the residues were observed on the distal (17.9%) and mesial (15%) aspects. While on the palatal/lingual aspect, the cement was visible in 8.8%; only 3.4% of all surfaces displayed cement residues. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that the use of customized CAD/CAM abutments do not guarantee avoidance of subgingival cement residues after crown cementation.

Performance of zirconia abutments for implant-supported single-tooth crowns in esthetic areas: a retrospective study up to 12-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this clinical study was to assess complications, success, and survival rates of zirconia abutments from different implant designs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anterior implant-supported single-tooth restorations, after 1-12 years of clinical function, were evaluated. One hundred and fifty-eight zirconia implant abutments placed in 141 patients were evaluated. Mechanical complications were observed, such as presence or absence of abutment fractures and loss of retention. In addition, the peri-implant parameters were observed. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact tests, and bone level was analyzed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test for non-normally distributed data. RESULTS: Sixteen restorations exhibited different complications. However, no significant difference was observed between the standard and platform switching. The standard platforms exhibited higher marginal bone loss than platform switching design followed up to 5 years. Platform switching has a potentially higher risk of fracture in some designs. In our study, one standard platform as well as two-platform switch designs seem to withstand fracture in the anterior area, regardless of the implant width. Survival and success rates were 93.8% and 81.2% (up to >7 years ≤12), respectively, for standard platform; and 90 and 84% (up to >2 years ≤5), respectively, for platform switching. CONCLUSIONS: In general, standard platform implants restored with zirconia abutments were successful for the longest periods of observation and are a viable treatment alternative in anterior areas. Some of the studied designs of platform switching implants with zirconia abutments performed well for up to 5 years.

Effect of double conical abutment screw on implant preload.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the loosening torque of experimental double conical abutment screws to that of conventional conical abutment screws and flat-head screws in implants with internal connections before and after mechanical loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty implant-screw-abutment assemblies were divided into four groups: flat-head screw (Xive S), conical screw (Straumann), conical screw (Nobel Biocare), and double conical screw (RTB). Abutments were tightened to a torque of 30 Ncm. After 10 min, they were retightened and loosening torque was measured. The same abutments were then retightened with new screws to a torque of 30 Ncm and, again, retightened after 10 min. They were then mechanically loaded for 3 000 000 cycles, and loosening torque was again measured. Data were collected, and an exploratory analysis was performed. RESULTS: Comparisons before mechanical cycling showed significant differences between groups. After mechanical cycling, only the comparisons of Straumann and Nobel Biocare showed no significant differences. Considering the same group before and after mechanical cycling, all comparisons showed significant differences. CONCLUSION: The shape of the abutment screw head significantly influenced loosening torque: Double conical-head screws showed significantly higher loosening torque values than conical-head screws. Conical-head screws showed higher loosening torque values than conventional flat-head screws before and after loading.

Peri-implant soft tissue colour around titanium and zirconia abutments: a prospective randomized controlled clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: To objectively determine the difference in colour between the peri-implant soft tissue at titanium and zirconia abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients, each with two contralaterally inserted osteointegrated dental implants, were included in this study. The implants were restored either with titanium abutments and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, or with zirconia abutments and ceramic crowns. Prior and after crown cementation, multi-spectral images of the peri-implant soft tissues and the gingiva of the neighbouring teeth were taken with a colorimeter. The colour parameters L*, a*, b*, c* and the colour differences ΔE were calculated. Descriptive statistics, including non-parametric tests and correlation coefficients, were used for statistical analyses of the data. RESULTS: Compared to the gingiva of the neighbouring teeth, the peri-implant soft tissue around titanium and zirconia (test group), showed distinguishable ΔE both before and after crown cementation. Colour differences around titanium were statistically significant different (P = 0.01) only at 1 mm prior to crown cementation compared to zirconia. Compared to the gingiva of the neighbouring teeth, statistically significant (P < 0.01) differences were found for all colour parameter, either before or after crown cementation for both abutments; more significant differences were registered for titanium abutments. Tissue thickness correlated positively with c*-values for titanium at 1 mm and 2 mm from the gingival margin. CONCLUSIONS: Within their limits, the present data indicate that: (i) The peri-implant soft tissue around titanium and zirconia showed colour differences when compared to the soft tissue around natural teeth, and (ii) the peri-implant soft tissue around zirconia demonstrated a better colour match to the soft tissue at natural teeth than titanium.

The influence of customized abutments and custom metal abutments on the presence of the interproximal papilla at implants inserted in single-unit gaps: a 1-year prospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare the papilla presence mesially and distally to dental implants restored with customized abutments and custom metal abutments in the anterior maxilla. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients receiving 38 single-tooth implants, restored with 26 customized abutments and 12 custom metal abutments in the anterior maxillary region were enrolled in this study. The cases where did not existed contact point were excluded. Presence/absence of the interproximal papilla, inter-tooth-implant distance (ITD) and distance from the base of the contact point to dental crest bone of adjacent tooth (CPB) were accessed. Global P-values were determined for changes in CPB and papilla score over time (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Thirty-six patients with 36 implants were available for the 12-month follow-up. The abutments and reconstruction survival rate was 100% with no fracture or crown loss. A mean mesial CPB of 5.71 ± 1.54 mm and distal CPB of 4.01 ± 1.73 mm were assessed in the customized abutment group for an overall mean papilla presence of 1.69 ± 0.46. A mean mesial CPB of 5.41 ± 1.31 mm and distal CPB of 4.77 ± 1.21 mm were assessed in the control group for an overall mean papilla presence of 1.08 ± 0.65. CONCLUSIONS: The restoration of single-implants using computer-assisted design/computer-assisted manufacturing abutments appears to help maintaining a regular papillary filling although the variations of the implant positioning or the restoration/teeth relation.