Clinical long-term and patient-reported outcomes of dental implants in oral cancer patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this clinical study was to investigate the clinical long-term and patient-reported outcome of dental implants in patients with oral cancer. In addition, analysis of the influence of radiation therapy, timing of implant insertion, and augmentation procedures on implant survival was performed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study investigated the clinical outcome of 711 dental implants in 164 oral cancer patients, inserted by experienced surgeons of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, Germany. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was evaluated. RESULTS: Cumulative 5-year and 10-year implant survival rates for all included implants were 87.3% and 80.0%. Implants placed straight after ablative surgery (primary implant placement) and implants placed after completing the oncologic treatment (secondary implant placement) showed a comparable implant survival (92.5% vs. 89.5%; p = 0.635). Irradiation therapy had no significant influence on implant survival of secondary placed implants (p = 0.929). However, regarding implant site (native bone vs. augmented bone) and radiation therapy (non-irradiated bone vs. irradiated bone), implants inserted in irradiated bone that received augmentation procedures showed a statistically significant lower implant survival (p < 0.001). Patients reported a distinct improvement in OHRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Promising long-term survival rates of dental implants in patients after treatment of oral cancer were seen. In addition, patients benefit in form of an improved OHRQoL. However, bone augmentation procedures in irradiated bone may result in an impaired implants' prognosis.

Clinical and radiographic performance of self-locking conical connection implants in the posterior mandible: Five-year results of a two-centre prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study aims to assess the 5-year clinical performance of implants with internal conical connection and platform-switched abutments in the posterior mandible. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Healthy adults missing at least two teeth in the posterior mandible and with a natural tooth mesial to the implant site received two or three adjacent implants. After a transmucosal healing period single crown restorations were cemented on platform-switched abutments. Changes in marginal bone levels were investigated in standardized periapical radiographs from surgery and loading (baseline) to 60-months post-loading. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients received 52 implants. Bone remodelling took place between surgery and loading (mean:-0.5, SD:±0.4 mm). From loading to 60 months, there was a mean bone change of 0.27 (SD:±0.47 mm) which stabilized 24 months after prosthesis delivery (mean:0.2, SD:±0.46 mm). 71.7% of all implants presented bone preservation at 60 months irrespective of the initial insertion depth. Two implants were lost after 5 years and the success rate was 95.1%. Patient enquiry revealed high satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Internal conical connection implants with platform-switched abutments presented a high success rate and preservation of marginal bone levels at the implant shoulder after 5 years of loading.

Alloimmune Myositis as Paraneoplastic Complication of an Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Severe Chronic Graft vs Host Disease or a Manifestation of Chronic Graft vs Host Disease? A Case Report and Literature Discussion.

A 53-year-old female patient with acute myeloid leukemia developed severe chronic graft vs host disease (cGVHD) of the oral mucosa after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with leukoplakia and relapsing oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue. cGVHD needed long-lasting immunosuppressive therapy; SCC was treated with radiation and surgery. Acute myeloid leukemia remained in complete remission. The patient developed a myositis with pain of all muscles as well as paraparesis with elevated creatine kinase and C-reactive protein and detection of antiskeletal muscle autoantibodies 3500 days after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. No other clinical features of chronic GVHD were apparent at this time. Symptoms disappeared after treatment with corticosteroids but relapsed while tapering. Weekly therapy with the B-cell-depleting antibody rituximab was started and administered for 6 weeks. Symptoms disappeared again but partly returned after some weeks, so therapy with azathioprine was started. During therapy with azathioprine slow tapering of corticosteroids was possible and clinical symptoms remained absent. Here we present a case report and review of the literature on alloimmune myositis as paraneoplastic complication of an oral SCC of the tongue after severe chronic GVHD or as late manifestation of chronic GVHD itself.

Peri-implant marginal bone loss reduction with platform-switching components: 5-Year post-loading results of an equivalence randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To compare the clinical performance and marginal bone levels of implants restored with platform-switching (PS) or platform-matching (PM) abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients missing two or more adjacent teeth in the posterior mandible received 2-4 CAMLOG SCREW-LINE implants and were randomly allocated to the PM or PS group, receiving the corresponding prosthetic components from surgery onwards. Implants were conventionally loaded with single cemented crowns. Patients were followed annually for 5 years. Outcome measures were marginal bone level changes, implant survival, performance of the prosthetic components and clinical parameters plaque index, sulcus bleeding index and pocket probing depth. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients received 72 implants in the PM group, and thirty-five patients received 74 implants in the PS group. Sixty patients attended the final appointment, 31 had received PS components and 29 had received PM components with 65 and 63 implants, respectively. Global survival rate was 96.6% with no differences between groups (p = 0.647). After 5 years of functional loading, PS restored implants presented 0.23mm (95% CI: [0.03, 0.43], p = 0.025) lower marginal bone level changes. The two groups were declared non-equivalent. CONCLUSION: Patients requiring implant supported restorations in healed bounded or free end edentulous gaps of the mandible benefit from the use of PS components in terms of peri-implant marginal bone level maintenance, though it may not be clinically noticeable.

Current concepts in cleft care: A multicenter analysis.

The current surgical techniques used in cleft repair are well established, but different centers use different approaches. To determine the best treatment for patients, a multi-center comparative study is required. In this study, we surveyed all craniofacial departments registered with the German Society of Maxillofacial Surgery to determine which cleft repair techniques are currently in use. Our findings revealed much variation in cleft repair between different centers. Although most centers did use a two-stage approach, the operative techniques and timing of lip and palate closure were different in every center. This shows that a retrospective comparative analysis of patient outcome between the participating centers is not possible and illustrates the need for prospective comparative studies to establish the optimal technique for reconstructive cleft surgery.

Implants in free fibula flap supporting dental rehabilitation - Implant and peri-implant related outcomes of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the difference in success rates of implants when using two or four implant-supported-overdentures following segmental mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flap. METHODS AND DESIGNS: This prospective, parallel designed, randomized clinical study was conducted with 1:1 ratio. At baseline, all participants already had segmental reconstruction of mandible with free fibula flap. The participants were randomized into two groups: Group-I received implant-supported-overdentures on two tissue-level implants and Group-II received implant-supported-overdentures on four tissue-level implants. Success rates of the implants were evaluated at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months following implant loading using marginal bone level changes as well as peri-implant indices (Buser et al., 1990). RESULTS: 52 patients were randomized into two treatment groups (26 each), out of which 18 patients (36 implants) of Group-I and 17 patients (68 implants) of Group-II were evaluated. One implant in Group-I was lost due to infective complications and one patient in the same group had superior barrel necrosis. There was a statistically significant increase at both time points (p = 0.03, p = 0.04 at 6 months, 12 months) in the amount of marginal bone loss in Group-I (0.4 mm, 0.5 mm at 6 months, 12 months) as compared to Group-II (0.1 mm, 0.2 mm at 6 months, 12 months). There were no clinically significant changes peri-implant parameters between both groups. Peri-implant soft tissue hyperplasia was seen in both groups, 32% of implants at 3-months, 26% at 6-months and 3% at 12-months follow-up. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that patients with 2-implant-supported-overdentures had higher marginal bone loss as compared to patients with 4-implant-supported-overdentures. There were no clinically significant differences in peri-implant soft tissue factors in patients with 2- or 4-implant-supported-overdentures. Hyperplastic peri-implant tissues are common in the early implant-loading phase and tend to decrease over time under appropriate management.

Implant supported dental rehabilitation following segmental mandibular reconstruction- quality of life outcomes of a prospective randomized trial.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to assess the difference in quality of life (QoL) in patients with dental rehabilitation using two or four implant-supported overdentures following segmental mandibulectomy defect reconstruction with fibula free flap. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective, parallel designed, randomized clinical study was conducted with a 1:1 ratio. At baseline, all participants already had fibula flap reconstruction for segmental defects of the mandible and rehabilitation with conventional (non-implant supported) removable partial dentures. The participants were then randomized into two groups. Group I received implant supported overdentures on two implants, and Group II received four implants. QoL outcomes were evaluated using standardized questionnaires (EORTC_QLQ c30, H&N35, OHIP, DSI). Outcomes of treatment were evaluated at 6 months (T1) and 1 year (T2) following rehabilitation. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients were randomized into two treatment groups (26 each). After accounting for the loss to lack of follow-up, 22 patients in Group I and 24 patients in Group II were evaluated for QoL at the end of the study. There was a significant improvement in QoL with implant-assisted dental rehabilitation. However there were no significant differences in QoL between the two-implant and four-implant groups. CONCLUSION: Implant-supported removable overdentures improve QoL outcomes in patients with reconstructed mandibles. This study showed no significant difference in QoL outcomes in patients with two- or four-implant supported removable prostheses.

Effect of platform switching on crestal bone levels around implants in the posterior mandible: 3 years results from a multicentre randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of differences in the clinical performance and crestal bone levels between implants restored with single crowns with platform-matched or platform-switched abutments after 3 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study enrolled adult patients missing two or more adjacent teeth in the posterior mandible with natural teeth mesial to the implant site. Randomization followed open-flap implant insertion and the corresponding matching or switching healing abutments placed at surgery. Conventional loading was made with cemented crowns. Clinical follow-up took place annually after loading up to 3 years. Bone level changes were measured in standardized radiographs as the variation in crestal bone from one evaluation to the next. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients with a total of 135 implants (66 platform matching, 69 platform switching) were analysed. From surgery to 36 months, mean bone loss was 0.28 ± 0.56 mm for the platform-switching group and 0.68 ± 0.64 mm for the platform-matching group. A statistically significant difference was found between groups (p = 0.002) with an estimate of 0.39 mm (0.15-0.64, 95% CI) in favour of platform switching. CONCLUSIONS: After 3 years, platform-switching restorations showed a significant effect in the preservation of marginal bone levels compared to platform-matching restorations.

Clinical and Radiological Long-Term Outcome of a Tapered Implant System with Special Emphasis on the Influence of Augmentation Procedures.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Tapered implant designs aim to improve primary stability and implant survival in soft bone. However, respective clinical long-term data are scarce. Therefore, a clinical and radiological evaluation of the long-term success of a transgingival-supracrestal inserted tapered implant system with special emphasis on the influence of augmentation procedures was conducted. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective study design, all in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany, between May 2002 and March 2012, placed tapered implants (Straumann TE®, Basel, Switzerland) were analyzed. In this time period, a total of one hundred ninety-seven tapered implants were inserted in 90 patients. For patients available for clinical recall, success criteria according to Albrektsson and Buser were evaluated. RESULTS: The in situ rate was 96.3% after an average time in situ of 62 ± 31 months. In one hundred twenty-seven sites, bone augmentation procedures were performed. Hereof, 96 sites were sinus augmentation procedures and 31 sites were alveolar ridge augmentations. For patients with sinus augmentation procedures, implant survival was 97.9% and for patients with alveolar ridge augmentations, implant survival was 93.5% after 5 years, indicating a higher implant survival for sinus augmentation, however not statistically different (p = .194). Implant diameter and timing of implant placement had no significant impact on implant survival (p > .05). Mean marginal bone loss was -0.50 ± 1.54 mm for patients receiving maxillary sinus augmentation and -1.16 ± 1.13 mm for patients with alveolar ridge augmentations, indicating a lower marginal bone loss in patients receiving maxillary sinus augmentation (p = .046). Implant success rates ranged between 88% and 92% after a mean follow-up of 6 years. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of the retrospective character of this study, the tapered soft tissue level implant showed especially in maxillary sinus augmentation promising long-term survival and success rates and a low peri-implant bone resorption compared with the literature.

Radiographic evaluation of conical tapered platform-switched implants in the posterior mandible: 1-year results of a two-center prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Long-term success of dental implants depends on healthy peri-implant soft tissues and adequate bone levels. This prospective study aims to assess bone level changes around implants with internal conical connection and platform-switching abutments in the posterior mandible. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adult patients missing at least two teeth in the posterior mandible and with a natural tooth mesial to the implant site received two or three adjacent internal conical connection implants. After a minimum transmucosal healing period of 8 weeks, single crown restorations were cemented over platform-switching abutments. Changes in marginal bone levels were measured in standardized periapical radiographs from surgery and loading (baseline) to 12 months post-loading. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients received 52 implants. Bone remodeling took place between surgery and loading (-0.53 ± 0.40 mm). From loading to 12 months, there was a mean bone gain of 0.12 ± 0.42 mm which occurred mainly in the first 6 months after prosthesis delivery (0.11 ± 0.36 mm) and stabilized afterward. A total of 71.7% of all implants presented bone preservation or gain. No implant was lost at 1 year and the success rate was 100%. Patient inquiry revealed high satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Internal conical connection implants with platform-switching abutments presented high success rate and enhancement or preservation of marginal bone levels after 1 year of loading.

Vital Life-Threatening Hematoma after Implant Insertion in the Anterior Mandible: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Dental implant insertion is considered a safe and reliable surgical procedure and severe complications are seldom reported. However, we present a case of a 52-year-old patient who attended our Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, with spreading hematoma in the floor of the mouth and acute airway obstruction after insertion of a dental implant in the anterior mandible. The hematoma was removed and submentally drained by a silicon drainage. However, the progressive swelling of the tongue and the floor of the mouth necessitated a temporary tracheotomy for three days. The review of the literature summarizes guidelines for prevention and management of this life-threatening complication.

A bar-retained overdenture as an external fixator device in a three-dimensional CAD/CAM-based surgical reconstruction of the mandible.

Large defects of the human face often cause esthetic as well as functional disorders. We present a new technique for reconstruction of the mandible with prosthodontic rehabilitation in a single surgery, using the implant-supported, bar-retained overdenture as an external fixator. A 58-year-old patient presented with a near total defect of the mandible after cancer resection. For rehabilitation, the mandibular condyles were virtually positioned in the centre of the fossae, and four dental implants were planned. The position of the fibula segments as well as their angulation and lengths were adapted to the implant position. To transfer this plan into surgery, a combined cutting/implant drilling guide was computer-aided printed. To provide the correct angulation of the fibula segments, a CAD/CAM dental arch-bar was made from titanium, fulfilling three functions: to bear the provisional prosthesis; to stabilize the molded fibula as an external fixator; and to position the complete fibula with the prosthesis in a correct relation to the upper jaw and occlusion, as indicated by the prosthesis. This innovative approach of combined prosthodontic and reconstructive rehabilitation could shorten the total reconstruction/rehabilitation time and avoid the need for additional extended surgeries.

Abordagem de tratamento protética e ortodôntica combinada no caso de inibição do crescimento induzida por implantes dentários: relato de caso clínico / A combined prosthodontic and orthodontic treatment approach in a case of growth inhibition induced by dental implants: a case report

Resultados estéticos e funcionais podem ser melhorados significativamente quando uma abordagem de tratamento protética e ortodôntica combinada é usada em casos que necessitam de reabilitação oral extensa. Este paciente apresentado neste relato de caso foi tratado no final de sua adolescência com implantes dentários para reposição dos incisivos superiores. Dez anos depois, todo o segmento anterior da maxila estava em infraoclusão, comparado ao resto da dentição e da linha labial. Já que o acompanhamento protético em si não poderia alcançar um resultado funcional e estético adequado, a paciente foi tratada ortodonticamente antes de trocar a restauração. Um aparelho fixo foi usado para intruir os dentes anteriores inferiores e alinhar verticalmente os incisivos laterais superiores que estavam em infraposição.

Retrospective Clinical Study of Marginal Bone Level Changes with Two Different Screw-Implant Types: Comparison Between Tissue Level (TE) and Bone Level (BL) Implant.

AIM: The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to compare the amount of marginal bone loss (MBL) in a bone-level and a soft-tissue-level implant system, both of which have similar intra-bony shape and surface composition. A subgroup analysis was done to compare the amount of MBL of each implant type in relation to the different vertical placement within the respective groups of implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of all patients who underwent implantation for replacement of teeth using comparable bone level (BL) and soft tissue level implants (TE) from 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2009 were scrutinized. Initial depth of implant placement (IDIP) was measured for all implants. Marginal bone loss was measured in patients whose records were available at time point corresponding to 12, 24 and 36 months post insertion. RESULTS: Out of a total of 384 implants, 337 implants were included for study. The mean MBL for the BL implants were 0.3, 0.38, 0.48 and for TE implant were 0.6, 0.54 and 0.93 for time periods 12, 24 and 36 months respectively. Although there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at time periods at 6-12 months, in later time periods, there was a slightly greater amount of MBL around TE implants as compared to BL implants (p < 0.001). When comparing the IDIP and MBL in the same implant type, there was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) positive correlation between the depth of implant placement and the amount of MBL, with deeper placed implants having more bone loss. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this retrospective cohort study design, one can conclude that BL implants had statistically significant lesser MBL as compared to TE in time periods above 12 months. Although the difference is statistically significant, the difference may not be clinically significant. The IDIP had an influence on the amount of MBL, with deeper placed implants and screw structure of the implant placed below the bone, having more MBL in the period of study.

Platform switch versus platform match in the posterior mandible ­ 1-year results of a multicentre randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this ongoing randomized study was to assess differences in bone level changes and success rates using implants supporting single crowns in the posterior mandible either with platform matched or platform switched abutments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients aged 18 and above, missing at least two teeth in the posterior mandible and with a natural tooth mesial to the most proximal implant site were enrolled. Randomization followed implant placement. Definitive restorations were placed after a minimum transgingival healing period of 8 weeks. Changes in crestal bone level from surgery and loading (baseline) to 12-month post-loading were radiographically measured. Implant survival and success were determined. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients received 74 implants in the platform switching group and 72 in the other one. The difference of mean marginal bone level change from surgery to 12 months was significant between groups (p < 0.004). Radiographical mean bone gain or no bone loss from loading was noted for 67.1% of the platform switching and 49.2% of the platform matching implants. Implant success rates were 97.3% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Within the same implant system the platform switching concept showed a positive effect on marginal bone levels when compared with restorations with platform matching.

Modification of xenogenic bone substitute materials--effects on the early healing cascade in vitro.

INTRODUCTION: Initial platelet activation with subsequent cytokine release at the defect site plays a crucial role in tissue integration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of topographic and biomimetic collagen modifications of a xenogenic bone substitute material (BSM) on in vitro platelet activation and cytokine release. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three types of xenogenic BSM were used. Two BSM with different levels of granularity (large granule BSM [XBSM/L], small granule BSM [XBSM/S]) and a BSM with collagen (XBSM/C). All three samples were incubated with platelet concentrate of four healthy volunteers at room temperature for 15 min. For all groups, highly thrombogenic collagen type 1 served as a reference and an additional preparation with platelet concentrate only (without XBSM) served as control. Platelet count and cytokine release of VEGF, PDGF, TGF-ß, and IGF into the supernatant were measured. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, XBSM/C showed an increase in platelets consumption (mean 41,000 ± 26,000/ml vs. 471,000 ± 38,000/ml), cytokine release of VEGF (mean 46.8 ± 7.2 pg/ml vs. 18.8 ± 2.7 pg/ml), and PDGF (mean 18,350 ± 795 pg/ml vs. 2726 ± 410 pg/ml) but not IGF (194,728 ± 51,608 pg/ml vs. 1,333,911 ± 35,314 pg/ml). There was also an increase in cytokine release of TGF-ß in XBSM/C compared with XBSM/S (77,188 ± 27,413 pg/ml vs. 38,648 ± 13,191 pg/ml), but no such difference when compared with XBSM/L (77,188 ± 27,413 pg/ml vs. 53,309 ± 29,430 pg/ml). XBSM/L showed higher platelets consumption (301,000 ± 45,000 vs. 415,000 ± 98,000) and a higher cytokine release of PDGF (3511 ± 247 pg/ml vs. 3165 ± 78 pg/ml) compared with XBSM/S. There was no distinct difference in the levels of VEGF, TGF-ß, and IGF between XBSM/L and XBSM/S. CONCLUSIONS: Topographic as well as biomimetic modifications of the xenogenic BSM showed an increased platelet activation and cytokine release in vitro. This effect on the intrinsic healing cascade could result in comparable enhanced soft- and hard-tissue regeneration in vivo.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma in the vicinity of dental implants.

OBJECTIVES: The study at hand presents a cohort of patients treated for carcinomas in the vicinity of dental implants for identification of potential risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective analysis covers patients treated for peri-implant carcinoma at our department between 1995 and 2011. An additional literature search focused likewise on peri-implant carcinomas. Obtained articles were screened for relevant risk factors and discussed in relation to our patient cohort. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were treated for peri-implant carcinoma. Six reported ongoing alcohol/tobacco consumption. Nine had a previously reported carcinoma of whom six had received radiotherapy after surgery. Time from implant placement until carcinoma diagnosis was 53.4 months on average. The literature search revealed 25 patients with peri-implant carcinoma and one with a sarcoma. Eight patients reported alcohol/tobacco consumption. Most patients exhibited risk factors for possible malignant transformation: previous carcinoma (n = 12), lichen (n = 4), irradiation (n = 3), and leukoplakia (n = 3). The average time until diagnosis was 51.6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and the history of previous carcinoma characterize patients at risk for a peri-implant carcinoma. A balanced gender ratio might point at a higher risk for woman and additional risk factors promoting carcinogenesis apart from tobacco and alcohol consumption, a novel finding that has to be proven by larger patient counts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The incidence of carcinomas next to dental implants is low but may attain clinical relevance with raising implant figures worldwide. Patients at risk potentially profit from individualized recall intervals and careful evaluation.

Long-term bony integration and resorption kinetics of a xenogeneic bone substitute after sinus floor augmentation: histomorphometric analyses of human biopsy specimens.

In this case series, a systematic histomorphometric analysis of two human bone biopsy specimens was conducted 1 and 5 years after grafting with a xenogeneic bovine bone substitute material (BSM). While the 1-year specimen still showed extensive signs of an active desmal ossification, the specimen after 5 years mainly showed mature lamellar bone without bone turnover or remodeling. A completed bony integration without extensive resorption of the BSM particles could be detected. Altogether, a good integration in the bone with osteoconduction and a high biocompatibility was seen.

Long-term effect of overdenture bar design on peri-implant tissues.

PURPOSE: To evaluate factors promoting mucositis and peri-implantitis (plaque accumulation, poor peri-implant soft tissue health, bone loss) with regard to prosthetic attachment systems consisting of implant-supported bar-retained overdentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who received TiOblast implants to support overdentures retained by either (1) prefabricated bars with or without extensions or (2) cast bars were recalled and examined clinically and radiographically. Plaque Index (PI), Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and peri-implant bone loss were measured. Peri-implant tissue health was assessed, and the presence of mucositis and peri-implantitis was recorded. One-way analysis of variance with the Bonferroni adjustment was used to compare groups (α = .05). RESULTS: Five to 10 years after prosthetic loading, 107 patients who received 516 TiOblast implants were evaluated; 31 of these patients were treated with 131 implants to support bar-retained overdentures. PI, SBI, PPD, and pathologic bone loss were least common in the group with prefabricated bars, followed by the group with prefabricated bars with extensions, and were most common in the group with cast bars. Plaque accumulation and pathologic bone loss values were higher with implants that supported mandibular bar-retained overdentures than with those supporting maxillary bar-retained overdentures. However, these differences among attachment systems or between maxillary and mandibular implants were not significant (P > .05). Mucositis was observed in one implant in the group with prefabricated bars, four implants in the group with prefabricated bars with extensions, and four implants in the group with cast bars. Peri-implantitis was observed in one implant of the cast bar group. CONCLUSIONS: Five to 10 years after prosthetic loading, no significant difference in PI, SBI, PPD, pathologic bone loss, or peri-implant tissue conditions among the different bar designs tested was observed.

The original family revisited after 37 years: odontoma-dysphagia syndrome is most likely caused by a microduplication of chromosome 11q13.3, including the FGF3 and FGF4 genes.

OBJECTIVES: Fibroblast growth factors consist of receptor tyrosine kinase binding proteins involved in growth, differentiation, and regeneration of a variety of tissues of the head and neck. Their role in the development of teeth has been documented, and their presence in human odontogenic cysts and tumors has previously been investigated. Odontoma­dysphagia syndrome (OMIM 164330) is a very rare disorder characterized by clustering of teeth as compound odontoma, dysplasia and aplasia of teeth, slight craniofacial abnormalities, and dysphagia. We have followed the clinical course of the disease in a family over more than 30 years and have identified a genetic abnormality segregating with the disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated clinical data from nine different family members and obtained venous blood probes for genetic studies from three family members (two affected and one unaffected). RESULTS: The present family with five patients in two generations has remained one out of only two known cases with this very rare syndrome. All those affected showed teeth dysplasia, oligodontia, and dysplasia and odontoma of the upper and lower jaw. Additional signs included dysphagia and strictures of the oesophagus. Comorbidity in one patient included aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease, requiring coronary bypasses and aortic valve replacement. Genome-wide SNP array analyses in three family members (two affected and one unaffected) revealed a microduplication of chromosome 11q13.3 spanning 355 kilobases (kb) and including two genes in full length, fibroblast growth factors 3 (FGF3) and 4 (FGF4). CONCLUSION: The microduplication identified in this family represents the most likely cause of the odontoma­dysphagia syndrome and implies that the syndrome is caused by a gain of function of the FGF3 and FGF4 genes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mutations of FGF receptor genes can cause craniofacial syndromes such as odontoma­dysphagia syndrome. Following this train of thought, an evaluation of FGF gene family in sporadic odontoma could be worthwhile.