Mucosal Manifestations in the Edentulous Maxilla with Implant Supported Prostheses: Clinical Results from a Well-Maintained Patient Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Prostheses in the edentulous maxilla affect the mucosa. PURPOSE: To evaluate mucosal alterations with implant supported fixed prostheses (FDP) and overdentures (IOD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients receiving prostheses during a time period of 10 years were recruited. Maxillary mucosal conditions in relation to FDPs, IODs were analyzed. Peri-implant parameters were measured and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) was administered. RESULTS: One hundred seven patients wearing 74 IODs and 33 FDPs were identified with a total of 519 implants, the mean observation time was 6.5 ± 2.7. Cumulative implant survival was 93%. Erythema and hyperplastic tissue were identified in 71% of the IOD wearers, but were mostly absent with FDPs. The peri-implant parameters demonstrated healthy peri-implant mucosa. Medication and smoking had no effect on mucosal alteration (OR = 1.065 and 1.568). The average OHIP value was 3.73 ± 4.12. A lower value (p < 0.0048) was found for FDPs and one type of IOD. CONCLUSIONS: A rigorous maintenance program did not prevent IOD mucosal alterations in IOD wearers, but the health of the peri-implant mucosa was maintained and was comparable for all types of prostheses.

Retrievability of implant-supported crowns when using three different cements: a controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the removal of implant-supported crowns retained by three different cements using an air-accelerated crown remover and to evaluate the patients' response to the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This controlled clinical trial was conducted with 21 patients (10 women, 11 men; mean age: 51 ± 10.2 years) who had received a total of 74 implants (all placed in the posterior zone of the mandible). Four months after implant surgery, the crowns were cemented on standard titanium abutments of different heights. Three different cements (two temporary: Harvard TEMP and Improv; and one definitive: Durelon) were used and randomly assigned to the patients. Eight months later, one blinded investigator removed all crowns. The number of activations of the instrument (CORONAflex, KaVo) required for crown removal was recorded. The patients completed a questionnaire retrospectively to determine the impact of the procedure and to gauge their subjective perception. A linear regression model and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. RESULTS: All crowns could be retrieved without any technical complications or damage. Both abutment height (P = .019) and cement type (P = .004) had a significant effect on the number of activations, but the type of cement was more important. An increased total number of activations had no or only a weak correlation to the patients' perception of concussion, noise, pain, and unwillingness to use the device. CONCLUSIONS: Cemented implant crowns can be removed, and the application of an air-accelerated device is a practicable method. A type of cement with appropriate retention force has to be selected. The impact on the patients' subjective perception should be taken into account.

Space requirement of a prefabricated bar on two interforaminal implants: a prospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: This clinical study measured the dimensional changes of existing lower complete dentures due to the integration of a prefabricated implant bar. Additionally, the impact of this dimensional change on patient satisfaction and oral function was analyzed. METHODS: Twenty edentulous patients (10 men/10 women; aged 65.9 ± 11.8 years) received two interforaminal implants. Subsequent to surgery, a chair side adapted, prefabricated bar (SFI Bar(®), C+M, Biel, Switzerland) was inserted, and the matrix was polymerized into the existing lower denture. The change of the denture's lingual dimension was recorded by means of a bicolored, silicone denture duplicate that was sectioned in the oro-vestibular direction in the regions of the symphysis (S) and the implants (I-left, I-right). On the sections, the dimensional increase was measured using a light microscope. Six months after bar insertion, patients answered a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: All dentures exhibited increased lingual volume, more extensively at S than at I (P = 0.001). At S, the median diagonal size of the denture was doubled (+4.33 mm), and at I, the median increase was 50% (I-left/-right = +2.66/+2.62 mm). The original denture size influenced the volume increase (P = 0.024): smaller dentures led to a larger increase. The amount of denture increase did not have negative impact on either self-perceived oral function or patient satisfaction. Approximately, 95% of the patients were satisfied with the treatment results. CONCLUSIONS: The lingual size of a lower denture was enlarged by the integration of a prefabricated bar without any negative side effects. Thus, this attachment system is suitable to convert an existing full denture into an implant-supported overdenture.

[Enlargement of keratinized peri-implant mucosa at the time of second stage surgery (re-entry)]. / Verbreiterung der keratinisierten periimplantären Mukosa zum Zeitpunkt der Implantatwiedereröffnung.

A tightly attached keratinized mucosa around endosseous dental implants is believed to be protective against peri-implant bone loss. Tension caused by buccal frena and mobile non keratinized mucosa is to avoid. This case report documents the optimization of peri-implant mucosal conditions in the upper and lower jaw. At the time of second stage surgery (re-entry) at submucosally osseointegrated dental implants an enlargement of keratinized mucosa and a thickening of soft tissue was obtained administrating a vestibuloplasty combined by a free gingival graft or a vestibuloplasty combined by an apically moved flap.

Radiographic bone level changes of implant-supported restorations in edentulous and partially dentate patients: 5-year results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare crestal bone level changes and peri-implant status of implant-supported reconstructions in edentulous and partially dentate patients after a minimum of 5 years of loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who received a self-tapping implant with a microstructured surface during the years 2003 and 2004 at the Department of Prosthodontics, University of Bern, were included in this study. The implant restorations comprised fixed and removable prostheses for partially and completely edentulous patients. Radiographs were taken immediately after surgery, at impression making, and 1 and 5 years after loading. Crestal bone level (BIC) was measured from the implant shoulder to the first bone contact, and changes were calculated over time (ΔBIC). The associations between pocket depth, bleeding on probing (BOP), and ΔBIC were assessed. RESULTS: Sixty-one implants were placed in 20 patients (mean age, 62 ± 7 years). At the 5-year follow-up, 19 patients with 58 implants were available. Implant survival was 98.4% (one early failure; one patient died). The average ΔBIC between surgery and 5-year follow-up was 1.5 ± 0.9 mm and 1.1 ± 0.6 mm for edentulous and partially dentate patients, respectively. Most bone resorption (50%, 0.7 mm) occurred during the first 3 months (osseointegration) and within the first year of loading (21%, 0.3 mm). Mean annual bone loss during the 5 years of loading was < 0.12 mm. Mean pocket depth was 2.6 ± 0.7 mm. Seventeen percent of the implant sites displayed BOP; the frequency was significantly higher in women. None of the variables were significantly associated with crestal bone loss. CONCLUSION: Crestal bone loss after 5 years was within the normal range, without a significant difference between edentulous and partially dentate patients. In the short term, this implant system can be used successfully for various prosthetic indications.

Piezoelectric alveolar ridge-splitting technique with simultaneous implant placement: a cohort study with 2-year radiographic results.

PURPOSE: Extended grafting procedures in atrophic ridges are invasive and time-consuming and increase cost and patient morbidity. Therefore, ridge-splitting techniques have been suggested to enlarge alveolar crests. The aim of this cohort study was to report techniques and radiographic outcomes of implants placed simultaneously with a piezoelectric alveolar ridge-splitting technique (RST). Peri-implant bone-level changes (ΔIBL) of implants placed with (study group, SG) or without RST (control group, CG) were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two cohorts (seven patients in each) were matched regarding implant type, position, and number; superstructure type; age; and gender and received 17 implants each. Crestal implant bone level (IBL) was measured at surgery (T0), loading (T1), and 1 year (T2) and 2 years after loading (T3). For all implants, ΔIBL values were determined from radiographs. Differences in ΔIBL between SG and CG were analyzed statistically (Mann-Whitney U test). Bone width was assessed intraoperatively, and vertical bone mapping was performed at T0, T1, and T3. RESULTS: After a mean observation period of 27.4 months after surgery, the implant survival rate was 100%. Mean ΔIBL was -1.68 ± 0.90 mm for SG and -1.04 ± 0.78 mm for CG (P = .022). Increased ΔIBL in SG versus CG occurred mainly until T2. Between T2 and T3, ΔIBL was limited (-0.11 ± 1.20 mm for SG and -0.05 ± 0.16 mm for CG; P = .546). Median bone width increased intraoperatively by 4.7 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it can be suggested that RST is a well-functioning one-stage alternative to extended grafting procedures if the ridge shows adequate height. ΔIBL values indicated that implants with RST may fulfill accepted implant success criteria. However, during healing and the first year of loading, increased IBL alterations must be anticipated.

Patients with oral tumors. Part 2: Quality of life after treatment with resection prostheses. Resection prosthetics: evaluation of quality of life.

In the present study, the oral health-related quality of life of 18 patients (13 men and 5 women) was evaluated using validated questionnaires as proposed by the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). The patients belonged to a cohort of 48 patients, whose prosthetic treatment was performed during the years 2004-2007. In the course of tumor resection, 12 patients underwent graft surgery and 14 patients radiotherapy. One patient required a nasal epithesis since resection of the nose became necessary. Five patients underwent a full block resection of the mandible, and tumor resection in 3 patients resulted in a large oronasal communication. Prosthetic rehabilitation was performed in all patients, and the follow-up period with regular care covered a minimum of 3 years. Eleven patients received dental implants for better support and retention of the prostheses. In spite of compromised oral conditions, functional restrictions, and some difficulties with the prostheses, the answers to the questionnaire were quite positive. The majority judged their general health as good or even excellent. The subjective perception of the patients may contradict the objective view by the dentist. In fact, the individual patient's history and experience provide a better understanding of the impact of oral tumors on daily life. The overall assessment identified 4 items that were perceived as major problems by all patients: swallowing solid food, dry mouth, limited mouth opening, and appearance. Prosthetic rehabilitation has only a limited influence on such problems.

Patients with oral tumors. Part 1: Prosthetic rehabilitation following tumor resection.

The present study reports on the surgical and prosthodontic rehabilitation of 46 patients, 31 male and 15 female, after resection of oral tumors. The treatment was carried out from 2004 to 2007 at the Department of Prosthodontics, University of Bern, with a follow-up time of 3 to 6 years. The average age at diagnosis was 54 years. 76% of all tumors were squamous cell carcinoma, followed by adenocarcinoma. Resection of the tumors including soft and/or hard tissues was performed in all patients. 80% of them additionally underwent radiotherapy and 40% chemotherapy. A full block resection of the mandible was perfomed in 23 patients, and in 10 patients, the tumor resection resulted in an oronasal communication. 29 patients underwent grafting procedures, mostly consisting of a free fibula flap transplant. To enhance the prosthetic treatment outcome and improve the prosthesis stability, a total of 114 implants were placed. However, 14 implants were not loaded because they failed during the healing period or the patient could not complete the final treatment with the prostheses. The survival rate of the implants reached 84.2% after 4 to 5 years. Many patients were only partially dentate before the tumors were detected, and further teeth had to be extracted in the course of the tumor therapy. Altogether, 31 jaws became or remained edentulous. Implants provide stability and may facilitate the adaptation to the denture, but their survival rate was compromised. Mostly, patients were fitted with removable prostheses with obturators in the maxilla and implant-supported complete dentures with bars in the mandible. Although sequelae of tumor resection are similar in many patients, the individual intermaxillary relations, facial morphology and functional capacity vary significantly. Thus, individual management is required for prosthetic rehabilitation.

Virtual implant planning in the edentulous maxilla: criteria for decision making of prosthesis design.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate prosthetic parameters in the edentulous anterior maxilla for decision making between fixed and removable implant prosthesis using virtual planning software. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CT- or DVT-scans of 43 patients (mean age 62 ± 8 years) with an edentulous maxilla were analyzed with the NobelGuide software. Implants (≥3.5 mm diameter, ≥10 mm length) were virtually placed in the optimal three-dimensional prosthetic position of all maxillary front teeth. Anatomical and prosthetic landmarks, including the cervical crown point (C-Point), the acrylic flange border (F-Point), and the implant-platform buccal-end (I-Point) were defined in each middle section to determine four measuring parameters: (1) acrylic flange height (FLHeight), (2) mucosal coverage (MucCov), (3) crown-Implant distance (CID) and (4) buccal prosthesis profile (ProsthProfile). Based on these parameters, all patients were assigned to one of three classes: (A) MucCov ≤ 0 mm and ProsthProfile≥45(0) allowing for fixed prosthesis, (B) MucCov = 0-5 mm and/or ProsthProfile = 30(0) -45(0) probably allowing for fixed prosthesis, and (C) MucCov ≥ 5 mm and/or ProsthProfile ≤ 30(0) where removable prosthesis is favorable. Statistical analyses included descriptive methods and non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Mean values were for FLHeight 10.0 mm, MucCov 5.6 mm, CID 7.4 mm, and ProsthProfile 39.1(0) . Seventy percent of patients fulfilled class C criteria (removable), 21% class B (probably fixed), and 2% class A (fixed), while in 7% (three patients) bone volume was insufficient for implant planning. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed classification and virtual planning procedure simplify the decision-making process regarding type of prosthesis and increase predictability of esthetic treatment outcomes. It was demonstrated that in the majority of cases, the space between the prosthetic crown and implant platform had to be filled with prosthetic materials.

Prosthetic rehabilitation, implant survival and quality of life 2 to 5 years after resection of oral tumors.

BACKGROUND: After oral tumor resection, structural and functional rehabilitation by means of dental prostheses is complex, and positive treatment outcome is not always predictable. PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to report on oral rehabilitation and quality of life 2-5 years after resection of malignant oral tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 46 patients (57 ± 7 years) who underwent oral tumor surgery were available. More than 50% of tumors were classified T3 or T4. Open oro-nasal defects resulted in 12 patients and full mandibulary block resections in 23 patients. Comprehensive planning, implant placement, and prosthetic rehabilitation followed an interdisciplinary protocol. Analysis comprised tumor location, type of prostheses, implant survival, and quality of life. RESULTS: Because of advanced tumor status, resections resulted in marked alteration of the oral anatomy requiring complex treatment procedures. Prosthetic rehabilitation comprised fixed and removable prostheses, with 104 implants placed in 28 patients (60%). Early implant loss was high (13%) and cumulative survival rate of loaded implants was <90% after 5 years. Prosthetic plans had to be modified because of side effects of tumor therapy, complications with implants and tumor recurrence. The majority of patients rated quality of life favorable, but some experienced impaired swallowing, dry mouth, limited mouth opening, appearance, and soreness. CONCLUSIONS: Some local effects of tumor therapy could not be significantly improved by prosthetic rehabilitation leading to functional and emotional disability. Many patients had passed away or felt too ill to fill the questionnaires. This case series confirms the complex anatomic alterations after tumor resection and the need for individual treatment approaches especially regarding prosthesis design. In spite of disease-related local and general restrictions, most patients gave a positive assessment of quality of life.

Temporomandibular disorders/myoarthropathy of the masticatory system. Costs of dental treatment and reimbursement by Swiss federal insurance agencies according to the Health Care Benefits Ordinance (KLV).

The goal of the study was to calculate the direct costs of therapy for patients with MAP. This retrospective study included 242 MAP patients treated at the Department of Prosthodontics of the University of Bern between 2003 and 2006. The following parameters were collected from the clinical charts: chief complaint, diagnosis, treatment modalities, total costs, costs of the dental technician, number of appointments, average cost per appointment, length of treatment, and services reimbursed by health insurance agencies. The average age of the patients was 40.4 ± 17.3 years (76.4% women, 23.6% men). The chief complaint was pain in 91.3% of the cases, TMJ noises (61.2%) or limitation of mandibular mobility (53.3%). Tendomyopathy (22.3%), disc displacement (22.4%), or a combination of the two (37.6%) were more often diagnosed than arthropathy alone (7.4%). Furthermore, 10.3% of the MAP patients had another primary diagnosis (tumor, trauma, etc.). Patients were treated with counseling and exercises (36.0%), physiotherapy (23.6%), or occlusal splints (32.6%). The cost of treatment reached 644 Swiss francs for four appointments spread over an average of 21 weeks. In the great majority of cases, patients can be treated with inexpensive modalities. 99.9% of the MAP cases submitted to the insurance agencies were reimbursed by them, in accordance with Article 17d1-3 of the Swiss Health Care Benefits Ordinance (KLV) and Article 25 of the Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG). The costs of treatment performed by dentists remain modest. The more time-consuming services, such as providing information, counseling and instructions, are poorly remunerated. This aspect should be re-evaluated in a future revision of the tariff schedule.

[Treatment of advanced peri-implantitis in the mandible]. / Behandlung einer fortgeschrittenen Periimplantitis im Unterkiefer.

This case report shows the experimental treatment of a 85 year old female with advanced periimplantitis, the surgical augmentation, the clinical as well as the radiological follow-up until twelve months after surgery. the treatment of the advanced periimplantitis with a three-dimensional vertical defect around the implant consisted of a surgical bone augmentation technique supported by the Air-Flow Master® system (EMS, Nyon, Switzerland).

Effect of platform switching on peri-implant bone levels: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The concept of platform switching has been introduced to implant dentistry based on observations of reduced peri-implant bone loss. However, randomized clinical trials are still lacking. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that platform switching has a positive impact on crestal bone-level changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two implants with diameters of 4 mm were inserted epicrestally into one side of the posterior mandibles of 25 subjects. After 3 months of submerged healing, the reentry surgery was performed. On the randomly placed test implant, an abutment 3.3 mm in diameter was mounted, resulting in a horizontal circular step of 0.35 mm (platform switching). The control implant was straight, with an abutment 4 mm in diameter. Single-tooth crowns were cemented provisionally. All patients were monitored at short intervals over the course of 1 year. Standardized radiographs and microbiological samples from the implants' inner spaces were obtained at baseline (implant surgery), and after 3, 4, and 12 months. RESULTS: After 1 year, the mean radiographic vertical bone loss at the test implants was 0.53±0.35 mm and at the control implants, it was 0.58±0.55 mm. The mean intraindividual difference was 0.05±0.56 mm, which is significantly <0.35 mm (P=0.0093, post hoc power 79.9%). The crestal bone-level changes depended on time (P<0.001), but not on platform switching (P=0.4). The implants' internal spaces were contaminated by bacteria, with no significant differences in the total counts between the test and the control at any time point (P=0.98). CONCLUSIONS: The present randomized clinical trial could not confirm the hypothesis of a reduced peri-implant bone loss at implants restored according to the concept of platform switching.

Open or submerged healing of implants with platform switching: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

AIM: The temporal pattern of bone-level alterations in conventionally restored implants is dependent upon healing mode (open or submerged). This study examined the influence of healing on marginal bone levels at implants with a medium-rough surface including the implant collar and a clearance-fit implant-abutment connection restored according to a platform-switching concept. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two implants were placed in the posterior mandible of 21 test subjects, randomly assigned to open (OH) or submerged (SH) healing. Standardized radiographs were obtained after implant surgery, before re-entry, after crown mounting, 1 and 2 years after implant surgery, and evaluated for implant-bone-level alterations (ΔIBL). Bacterial samples of the implants' inner cavities were analysed by cultivation. STATISTICS: Brunner-Langer Model, equivalence testings by Wilcoxon's (equivalence range ±0.4mm). RESULTS: After 2 years, ΔIBL were -0.47±0.46mm (OH) and -0.54±0.38mm (SH). At the 1-year follow-up, all implants were contaminated with bacteria. ΔIBL (p<0.001) and the amount of bacterial contamination (p<0.001) significantly depended on time, but not on healing mode. ΔIBL of OH and SH were equivalent at all time points (all p0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Platform-switched implants showed very limited peri-implant bone-level alterations. The healing-mode neither affected the total amount nor the temporal patterns of ΔIBL. Thus, the results for the tested implants with a non-rigid implant-abutment connection were similar to results reported previously for implants with a rigid implant-abutment connection.

A multidisciplinary approach to the functional and esthetic rehabilitation of amelogenesis imperfecta and open bite deformity: a case report.

UNLABELLED: The treatment of amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) with an anterior open bite (AOB) is a challenge for the clinician and often requires a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Most often, patients suffering from these conditions are young and a good functional and esthetic long-term result must be aspired. This clinical report illustrates the orthodontic, maxillofacial, restorative, and prosthodontic rehabilitation of a 20-year-old woman with a hypoplastic form of AI and an AOB malocclusion, having received treatment for the last 6 years. It included adhesive resin composite restorations, orthodontical and maxillofacial surgery with a one-piece Le Fort I osteotomy, and a genioplasty. Subsequent prosthodontic therapy consisted of 28 all-ceramic crowns whereby a solid interdigitation, a canine guidance, and consistent and regular contacts between tooth crowns could be achieved to assure a good functional and esthetic oral situation. The tooth preparation techniques guaranteed minimally invasive treatment. The patient was affected very positively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This article describes an interdisciplinary approach to the successful treatment of a patient with a hypoplastic form of amelogenesis imperfecta over a period of 6 years. It starts with a discussion of the conservative steps taken during adolescence and concludes with the final prosthetic rehabilitation with all-ceramic crowns after reaching adulthood.

[Management of a failing implant supporting a bar-retained maxillary overdenture by means of alveolar ridge augmentation. Implant loss and reimplantation]. / Management eines Implantatverlustes bei bestehender Stegprothese im Oberkiefer mittels Kammaugmentation. Implantatverlust und Reimplantation.

This case report presents the treatment sequence of a 56 years old patient after he developed periimplantitis at the implant in position of tooth 22. This implant was integrated in an overdenture reconstruction connected to a soldered screw retained gold bar. The entire 2-stage procedure of implant explantation, simultaneous bone augmentation and new implant placement is documented. The onlay-graft was performed by means of the Transfer-Ring-Control System (Meisinger). The existing gold bar could be resoldered and adapted to the new implant. Accordingly the overdenture was relined and the female retainer mounted. The treatment period covered almost one year.

A posteriori registration and subtraction of panoramic compared with intraoral radiography.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the feasibility of panoramic image subtraction for implant assessment. STUDY DESIGN: Three titanium implants were inserted into a fresh pig mandible. One intraoral and 2 panoramic images were obtained at baseline and after each of 6 incremental (0.3, 0.6, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 mm) removals of bone. For each incremental removal of bone, the mandible was removed from and replaced in the holding device. Images representing incremental bone removals were registered by computer with the baseline images and subtracted. Assessment of the subtraction images was based on visual inspection and analysis of structured noise. RESULTS: Incremental bone removals were more visible in intraoral than in panoramic subtraction images; however, computer-based registration of panoramic images reduced the structured noise and enhanced the visibility of incremental removals. CONCLUSION: The feasibility of panoramic image subtraction for implant assessment was demonstrated.

Prosthetically driven, computer-guided implant planning for the edentulous maxilla: a model study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze computer-assisted diagnostics and virtual implant planning and to evaluate the indication for template-guided flapless surgery and immediate loading in the rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with an edentulous maxilla were selected for this study. The three-dimensional analysis and virtual implant planning was performed with the NobelGuide software program (Nobel Biocare, Göteborg, Sweden). Prior to the computer tomography aesthetics and functional aspects were checked clinically. Either a well-fitting denture or an optimized prosthetic setup was used and then converted to a radiographic template. This allowed for a computer-guided analysis of the jaw together with the prosthesis. Accordingly, the best implant position was determined in relation to the bone structure and prospective tooth position. For all jaws, the hypothetical indication for (1) four implants with a bar overdenture and (2) six implants with a simple fixed prosthesis were planned. The planning of the optimized implant position was then analyzed as follows: the number of implants was calculated that could be placed in sufficient quantity of bone. Additional surgical procedures (guided bone regeneration, sinus floor elevation) that would be necessary due the reduced bone quality and quantity were identified. The indication of template-guided, flapless surgery or an immediate loaded protocol was evaluated. RESULTS: Model (a) - bar overdentures: for 28 patients (70%), all four implants could be placed in sufficient bone (total 112 implants). Thus, a full, flapless procedure could be suggested. For six patients (15%), sufficient bone was not available for any of their planned implants. The remaining six patients had exhibited a combination of sufficient or insufficient bone. Model (b) - simple fixed prosthesis: for 12 patients (30%), all six implants could be placed in sufficient bone (total 72 implants). Thus, a full, flapless procedure could be suggested. For seven patients (17%), sufficient bone was not available for any of their planned implants. The remaining 21 patients had exhibited a combination of sufficient or insufficient bone. DISCUSSION: In the maxilla, advanced atrophy is often observed, and implant placement becomes difficult or impossible. Thus, flapless surgery or an immediate loading protocol can be performed just in a selected number of patients. Nevertheless, the use of a computer program for prosthetically driven implant planning is highly efficient and safe. The three-dimensional view of the maxilla allows the determination of the best implant position, the optimization of the implant axis, and the definition of the best surgical and prosthetic solution for the patient. Thus, a protocol that combines a computer-guided technique with conventional surgical procedures becomes a promising option, which needs to be further evaluated and improved.

Reconstruction of the severely atrophic mandible using calvarial split bone grafts for implant-supported oral rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES: This article describes reconstruction of the severely atrophic mandible using calvarial bone grafts for implant-supported prosthetic oral rehabilitation. The study aim was to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment by determining implant survival and complication rates, and the extent of the postoperative graft resorption. STUDY DESIGN: Ten patients who underwent the treatment were followed clinically and radiologically using panoramic radiographs and CT scans during a mean postoperative period of 30 months. RESULTS: Good bone healing was observable 6 months postoperatively. The height reduction measured on panoramic radiographs was insignificant (mean 0.68 mm). Only minor complications occurred. Implant survival was 95%. Prosthodontic treatment was successfully performed in all cases, resulting in an improvement of oral function. Histological analysis of 1 bone biopsy showed minimal resorptive changes in otherwise very dense bone. CONCLUSION: Augmentation using calvarial grafts is a promising treatment alternative for the severely atrophic mandible.

Implant-prosthodontic treatment for special care patients: a case series study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess implant survival and complications with implants and prostheses in patients exhibiting a variety of systemic diseases and congenital defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with specific medical conditions are regularly treated at the Department of Prosthodontics, University of Bern, Switzerland. All those who had received implant-prosthodontic treatment during the past 12 years were reexamined for this study. Among these patients the following diseases were observed: cleft lip/palate (n = 8), Down syndrome (n = 3), Sjogren syndrome and scleroderma (n = 2), ectodermal dysplasia (n = 4), developmental retardation (n = 2), chronic leukemia (n = 2), lichen planus (n = 1), cerebral palsy (n = 1), deaf-muteness (n = 1), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n = 1). At the time of the treatment the mean age was 55.6 years. ITI implants had been placed according to a standard protocol with local anesthesia, except for one patient in whom full anesthesia was used. One hundred three implants were loaded and supported a total of 34 fixed or removable prostheses. All patients were appointed to a regular maintenance care program. In the context of the present study, all but 1 patient were reexamined clinically. New radiographs were obtained, and the implants and prostheses assessed. Additional information was obtained from regular records in the patients' charts. RESULTS: Three implants were lost in the healing phase, and 1 implant was replaced. Only 1 patient with 4 implants was lost from the study (she had passed away). The survival rate of the loaded implants was 100%. In 1 patient, peri-implant bony defects were detected around all 3 intraforaminal implants. The prosthetic plan was maintained in all patients, and they continued to wear the originally planned type of prosthesis. Complications included insufficient hygiene, soft tissue hyperplasia, extraction of remaining teeth, and minor maintenance or repair of the prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: So far, the mostly unknown implications and possible risks for the process of osseointegration and long-term maintenance in patients with such rare diseases and defects has resulted in a rather restricted application of implants. However, from the present results, it appears that implants can successfully be placed and maintained. This is ascribed in part to a strict maintenance care program provided by the caregivers and to a high compliance of the patients who participated in this program to perform good oral hygiene.