Surface Modifications of Commercial Dental Implant Systems: An Overview.

The aim of this review was to perform a comprehensive overview of evidence pertaining to the influence of various surface modifications on the surface roughness, bone implant contact, and the success and complication rates of the implants. Modified sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) implants (SLActive implants) have a higher implant stability quotient compared with conventional SLA implants. Also, when compared between the implant surfaces from various manufacturers, Biomet 3i Nanotite implants were shown to have a relatively higher implant stability quotient compared to Straumann implants as well as the Biomet Osseotite implants. Only one study reports the insertion torque values as obtained by the various implant surfaces, with the findings being statistically similar for all the types, and a higher mean value for Biomet 3i Nanotite implants. Among SLA and SLActive surfaces, the latter was found to have a lower marginal bone loss, and among Astratech implants, the marginal bone loss levels were similar for Osseospeed and Tioblast surfaces. When Osseospeed, TiUnite and SLActive surfaces were compared, Osseospeed was found to have the minimum bone loss while TiUnite was found to have the highest. The bone implant contact percentages are similar and satisfactory for most of the implant surface modifications that are available currently. Upon assessing the recent literature on the survival rates for implants with various surface modifications, it was found that among Nobel Biocare implants, the survival rate was higher for TiUnite implants, compared with the turned surfaces. Surprisingly, among the Straumann implant surfaces, the survival rates were found to be higher for the SLA implants when compared to the modified SLA implants. Only one of the included studies evaluated the survival rate for Astratech implant surfaces and found a 100% survival rate for both the Osseospeed and Tioblast surface implants. Therefore, major advancements have been made in developing novel surfaces of dental implants. The numerous innovations set the stage for rehabilitating patients with high success and predictable survival rates even in challenging conditions.

Balancing Routine and Pandemic: The Synergy of India's Universal Immunization Program and COVID-19 Vaccination Program.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed substantial challenges to healthcare systems globally and severely disrupted essential health services, including routine immunization programs. In India, these disruptions were exacerbated due to the sudden emergence of the pandemic and lockdown measures, leading to mass migrations and a shortage of healthcare workers. Caregivers' concerns about routine immunization sessions further compounded the problem, resulting in a sharp increase in zero-dose children. This review paper examines India's strategies for conducting one of the world's largest COVID-19 vaccination programs while effectively restoring and perpetuating its Universal Immunization Program (UIP). The UIP played a pivotal role in sustaining immunization services during the pandemic, ultimately improving immunization coverage compared to pre-pandemic levels. India's accomplishments in this regard are highlighted through key performance indicators, the reach of immunization services, a reduction in zero-dose children, and antigen-wise coverage. The paper also discusses the successful integration of COVID-19 vaccination within the UIP framework, underscoring the significance of existing infrastructure, technology, and capacity building. India's dedication to concurrently managing routine immunization and COVID-19 vaccination showcases the adaptability and resilience of its healthcare system. India's journey serves as a global example of efficient mass immunization during challenging times, emphasizing the importance of political will, healthcare infrastructure investment, skilled healthcare workforces, and comprehensive vaccination programs. In a world grappling with the dual challenge of COVID-19 and routine immunization, India's experience provides a roadmap for strengthening healthcare systems and promoting public health as the critical agenda in challenging times.