Digital wear analysis and retention of poly-ether-ether-ketone retentive inserts versus conventional nylon inserts in locator retained mandibular overdentures: in-vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: this study aimed to digitally compare wear behavior and retention between PEEK and nylon retentive inserts used in locator-retained, mandibular implant overdentures when attachment design and size were standardized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of sixty-four inserts (32 PEEK and 32 nylon inserts); were picked-up in implant overdentures. Overdentures of both groups were submerged in artificial saliva and mounted to chewing simulator. After 480,000 chewing cycles (equivalent to 2 years of clinical use) all inserts were scanned by scanning electron microscope (SEM), then all acquired images were digitally analyzed by software to detect and compare quantitative and qualitative changes of inserts in both groups. On the other hand, retention of both groups was measured by universal testing machine and the collected data was statistically analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test with significance level set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: PEEK inserts showed significantly higher mean retentive values compared to the nylon inserts in the control group. Also, PEEK retentive inserts exhibited statistically lower mean wear values than the control group P ≥ 0.000. Qualitative investigation revealed significant and more pronounced changes in the surface roughness of nylon inserts compared to PEEK ones. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding retention, wear behavior and dimension stability, PEEK can be recommended as retentive insert material in cases of locator-retained mandibular implant overdentures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PEEK inserts offer enhanced retention, reduced wear, and greater dimensional stability over two years time interval. Clinically, this reduces prosthodontic maintenance and adjustments, improving patient satisfaction and long-term prosthetic success.

Hyoid displacement during swallowing function for completely edentulous subjects rehabilitated with mandibular implant retained overdenture.

BACKGROUND: Hyoid bone is attached to the mandible, tongue, larynx, temporal bone, and cervical spine via different types of muscles or ligaments. The tongue, mandible, and hyoid system play a crucial role in swallowing function. This within subject study aimed to evaluate the impact of mandibular implant overdentures on the displacement of the hyoid bones during the swallowing process. METHODS: Twenty five healthy edentulous subjects were selected for participating in the study. New complete dentures were constructed for all the participants. Subsequently two dental implants were inserted in the canine regions of the participant's mandibular arch. In order to retain the mandibular prosthesis in place, ball attachments were incorporated into the mandibular dentures to convert them into implant overdentures. Using 10 ml of thin liquid bolus, videofluoroscopy swallowing examination was performed in three different oral conditions: without complete dentures (WCD), with complete denture (CDs), and with a mandibular implant overdenture (IODs). ANOVA with Bonferroni test was used to analyze the data in order to determine how the hyoid displacement varied throughout different oral conditions. RESULTS: Compared to complete dentures, mandibular implant overdentures showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in both anterior hyoid displacement and duration of hyoid maximum anterior excursion (DOHMAE). However, there was a non-significant difference (P > 0.05) between the two oral circumstances in terms of superior hyoid displacement or duration for hyoid maximum elevation (DOHME). There is no penetration or aspiration for both complete denture and implant overdenture oral conditions. CONCLUSION: Implant retained overdentures have a positive effect on hyoid displacement during swallowing of thin liquid bolus consistency relative to conventional complete dentures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered (NCT06187181) 02/1/2024.

Immediate rehabilitation of a palatal defected edentulous patient by implant-supported overdenture: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Immediate rehabilitation is a considerable therapeutic challenge but is necessary for edentulous patients with oronasal fistulas, especially those with inadequate residual bone and a history of radiotherapy. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a rare case of a 63-year-old patient who was missing the majority of his maxillary teeth and who had a defect due to palatal mucoepidermoid carcinoma resection. The patient also received radiotherapy twice within one year postoperatively. An implant-supported prosthesis with an obturator was fabricated immediately. CONCLUSION: This technique improved patients' oral function, enhanced the aesthetic effect, and increased their confidence.

Mandibular overdenture retained by four one-piece titanium-zirconium mini implants: A 2-year follow-up on prosthodontic outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This 2-year prospective study reports the incidence of prosthetic complications and maintenance events after treatment with mandibular overdenture retained by four mini implants opposed to a maxillary denture. METHODS: Implant intervention included flapless or flapped surgery combined with immediate or delayed loading, as part of a randomized clinical trial. Four one-piece titanium-zirconium mini-implants (Straumann Mini Implant System) were inserted, and the retentive PEEK elements (Optiloc) were incorporated into the overdenture using chairside procedures. Prosthodontic complications and maintenance events were recorded over a 2-year follow-up, and the final outcome was defined according to standardized criteria. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, incidence and incidence density rates, and Kaplan-Meier survival. RESULTS: 73 out of 74 patients (64.9 % female), mean age of 64 (SD=8.2) years, completed the study follow-up (one withdrew after 9 months). Implant survival was 100 %. A total of 163 prosthodontic events occurred in 53 patients (72.6 %), and 20 patients had no clinical complaints or maintenance needs. The most common procedures were adjustment/repair of the overdenture base (47.0 %), replacement of retentive inserts (19.8 %), and laboratory relining (12.9 %). A high prosthodontic success rate was achieved (93.2 %), and all patients presented serviceable overdentures and continuous use after the resolution of prosthodontic complications. The incidences of matrix replacement and laboratory relines were low in the first year, while denture base adjustments were common within the first year, especially in the first 6 months. CONCLUSION: The mini implant system showed high prosthodontic success rates. Minor adjustments/repairs during the initial follow-up were common. Relines and matrix replacements tend to occur after one year of overdenture use, and matrix replacements may occur as a consequence of the need for relining.

Scalp-Split Technique: A Concept of Bone Splitting and Expansion for Thin Alveolar Ridges to Place Dental Implants.

Bone expansion is when the existing bone at the implant site is split and separated to create a gap to widen it. This article introduces a novel concept of bone expansion for the ultrathin alveolar ridges to place dental implants with zero wastage of existing natural bone in long-term edentulous arches. Instead of using twist drills and piezo surgery kits, the bone is split with a surgical scalpel blade to prevent natural bone wastage. The split helps to expand the bone horizontally by using expanders to accommodate the smaller diameter implants. This technique was applied to 12 individuals to rehabilitate their atrophic edentulous mandibles to facilitate the implant-supported overdentures, and it revealed that all the cases achieved successful osseointegration after placing implants following this method. The scalp-spilt technique is promising for providing implant-retained or implant-supported prostheses over ultrathin edentulous alveolar ridges.

Maxillary and mandibular overdentures retained by two unsplinted narrow-diameter titanium-zirconium implants - A clinical pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the survival rates and marginal bone loss of narrow-diameter titanium-zirconium implants supporting complete maxillary and mandibular overdentures up to 3 years after loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten completely edentulous patients who were dissatisfied with their complete dentures were enrolled. Two narrow-diameter implants were placed in the canine region of the maxilla and mandible. After second-stage surgery, implant-supported overdentures (palatal-free) attached by parallel alignable stud-attachments were placed. Patients were followed periodically for up to 36 months. Standardized radiographs were taken at baseline, 12 and 36 months to analyze mean marginal bone level changes around the implants. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier survival rates were 100% for mandibular and 68.0% (SE ± 10.9%) for maxillary implants at 36 months (p = .008). Six maxillary implants failed after loading; no mandibular implants were lost. Five implants failed due to loss of osseointegration. One implant fractured. The mean marginal bone level changes around the analyzed implants (n = 28, 9 patients) were -0.71 ± 0.82 mm in the mandible and -2.08 ± 1.52 mm in the maxilla at the 36-month follow-up. The difference in marginal bone level changes between the maxilla and mandible was significant (p = .019) at the 12- and 36-month follow-ups. CONCLUSION: Two narrow-diameter titanium-zirconium implants with stud-attachments showed a highly satisfactory outcome in the mandible. The maxillary implants showed a high failure rate and significantly more bone loss over time than the mandibular implants. The minimal concept of two implants and an overdenture should be limited to the edentulous mandible.

Double crown removable partial denture for a patient with ectodermal dysplasia: A clinical report after 31 years.

This clinical report describes the prosthodontic management of a 5-year-old boy with ectodermal dysplasia who had been followed for 31 years. During the first 15 years, several interim removable overdentures were fabricated and modified according to his skeletal growth. At age 20, after the completion of jaw development, 4 endosseous dental implants were inserted in the mandible with a nerve repositioning procedure. After a 6-month healing period, maxillary and mandibular double crown removable partial dentures (RPDs) using a gold electroforming system were delivered. In the 16 years since delivery, the implants and abutment teeth have shown no pathologic signs. The double crown RPDs supported by implants and natural teeth were found to be an effective, long-term stable treatment option for this patient with hypodontia. The authors are unaware of a longer follow-up period of dental rehabilitation in a patient with ectodermal dysplasia providing satisfactory functional and esthetic results.

Efficacy of laser biostimulation for mandibular narrow ridges treated with one-stage ridge splitting and two-implant overdentures: A one-year preliminary study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The management of patients with narrow-mandibular ridges who seek prosthetic rehabilitation is challenging. PURPOSE: The purpose of this one-year preliminary clinical study was to compare the effects of laser biostimulation and a placebo on peri-implant tissues for a 2-implant-retained mandibular polyetheretherketone (PEEK) overdenture on expanded narrow mandibular ridges. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen completely edentulous participants were enrolled for mandibular ridge splitting in the canine regions, followed by expansion, the placement of implants, and the application of a bone graft. In the test group, laser therapy was applied labially and lingually at the surgical sites, while a placebo laser was used in the control group. PEEK overdentures retained by LOCATOR attachments were provided after 6 months. Clinical evaluations were performed using probing depth, plaque, bleeding, and gingival indices at insertion and 3, 6, and 12 months after insertion. Vertical bone loss (VBL) was evaluated with periapical radiograph at insertion and 6 and 12 months later. The Mann-Whitney test was used to test the difference between the 2 different groups at each evaluation time (α=.05). The Friedman-test was used, followed by Wilcoxon signed rank test, to test the change over time in the same group, and the Bonferroni adjusted significance level was used for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Some clinical and radiographic parameters significantly increased with time in both groups (P<.001). Significant differences between the 2 groups were revealed in bleeding scores at 3 months (P=.006) and 6 months (P=.018). Also, significant differences between the 2 groups were observed in gingival scores at 3 months (P=.002), 6 months (P=.015), and 12 months (P=.019) after overdenture insertion in favor of the laser group. Peri-implant VBL was significantly higher in the non-laser group at 6 months (P=.015), and 12 months (P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this clinical study, respecting the small sample size and the short follow-up period, laser bio-stimulation after 1-stage ridge splitting in narrow mandibular ridges enhanced the soft and hard peri implant tissues when used with LOCATOR attachments and PEEK overdentures.

One-time definitive attachment connection versus healing abutment placement for an implant-retained mandibular overdenture: Peri-implant metabolic activity.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Unscrewing the healing abutment can affect the soft tissue integration and apical migration of the biological width, which may compromise the integrity of peri-implant soft tissue. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to determine the level of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) detected in the peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) between the test group (1-time abutment) and control group (healing abutment) for implant-retained mandibular overdentures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two dental implants were installed in the canine regions of the mandibular ridge of 18 healthy completely edentulous participants using 2-stage surgery and a delayed loading protocol. At the second stage surgery, the implant on the right side was exposed, and a healing abutment was screwed onto the implant (control group), while on the left side the definitive ball abutment was screwed onto the implant (test group). After 10 days, the healing abutment in the control group was unscrewed and replaced with the definitive ball abutment. For both groups, the ball attachment was directly picked up to incorporate the attachment house to the mandibular denture. PICF samples were collected from the participants at 7 days, 3 months, and 6 months after overdenture use. Statistical analysis was done with an independent samples t test (α=.05). RESULTS: A significant difference was found in the volume of PICF and the level of GAG between the test and control groups at the 7-day evaluation period (P=.008, P=.002, respectively), while the volumes of PICF and the levels of GAG were not significantly different (P>.05) at the other evaluation periods. CONCLUSIONS: The 1-time abutment protocol offers biochemical and economic advantages compared with the conventional method of using the healing abutment before placement of the definitive attachment for an implant-retained overdenture with single attachments.

Proof of Concept of a New 3D-Guided System for a Single Implant Overdenture in the Mandible: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the precision and efficiency of a novel guide system for single implant placement in the mandibular symphyses and to evaluate whether the outcome is affected by the level of operator experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 implants were placed in three different mandibular cast types (Cawood and Howell class III, IV, and V). For each model, a complete denture was 3D printed. A polyether ether ketone rail with a guide sleeve was embedded in the middle of the denture. To determine the ideal implant position, the sleeve could be moved in a buccolingual direction. Adjustment of implant angulation was possible, and an angle correction of 0, 12, or 24 degrees was available. A total of 30 clinicians were divided into three groups: group 1 (experienced, n = 10), group 2 (beginner, n = 10), and group 3 (inexperienced, n = 10). Each clinician was asked to plan and perform a guided flapless implant placement in the mandibular symphysis. Two preoperative CBCT scans were taken; the first was to verify the planning, and the second was to adjust the planning if needed. Finally, a postoperative CBCT scan was taken to compare the planning to the final implant position. RESULTS: Based on the first CBCT, the clinicians adjusted their planning by an average of 1.66 ± 1.65 mm coronally, 2.41 ± 2.44 mm apically, and by a mean angular correction of 6.08 ± 0.77 degrees. After implant placement, the mean deviation from the planned implant position was 0.87 ± 0.58 mm at the coronal aspect and 0.98 ± 0.64 mm at the apical aspect. The mean angular deviation was 6.05 ± 0.71 degrees. Overall, there were no significant differences in coronal and apical deviation (P > .05) based on the level of experience. In terms of angulation, a significant difference was found in both planning (P = .049) and placement (P = .038) between beginners and experienced clinicians. CONCLUSIONS: Guided implant placement of a single implant in the mandibular symphysis using a removable denture with guide sleeve had an acceptable level of accuracy. Clinicians with limited experience spent more time on the procedure, resulting in less angular deviation during implant planning and placement compared to experienced clinicians.

Oral Health-related Quality of Life Among Denture Stomatitis Patients with Implant Overdenture Treated with Photodynamic Therapy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the impact of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among denture stomatitis patients with implant overdenture prostheses (IODs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients were recruited from a specialist dental practice according to selection criteria. The Candida spp. were identified and confirmed by the microbiological culture technique. Candida counts were estimated as colony-forming units (CFU/ml) at baseline, 15, 30, and 60 days. PDT was carried out twice a week with 72 h intervals for a period of 4 weeks. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. It included the demographic details of the patients, including age, gender, education, marital and socioeconomic status (SES), oral habits, and smoking status. In addition, the Oral Health Impact Profile-EDENT (OHIP-EDENT) scale was added to assess the OHRQoL of all patients before and after PDT treatment. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the t-test and the Shapiro-Wilk test; statistical signifcance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: At baseline, the overall mean Candida CFU/ml were quite high in the implant overdenture (IODs) samples, 37.12 ± 15.8, as compared to palatal mucosa samples with 5.1 ± 2.3. After PDT treatment, a statistically significant reduction was noted in the mean Candida CFU/ml on both surfaces at all follow-up visits. It was observed that all domains of OHIP-EDENT except for physical disability and handicap showed statistically significant improvement in mean scores after PDT treatment. FL, P1, P2, D2, and D3 had statistically significant mean score improvements of 2.2, 3.1, 2.2, 1.4, and 0.7, respectively. Furthermore, after PDT treatment, the total OHIP-EDENT score showed a statistically significant improvement of 11.6. CONCLUSION: PDT treatment has a positive impact on the OHRQoL for patients with denture stomatitis. It can be used as an effective treatment option for the treatment of denture stomatitis in IOD patients.

Estudio in vitro del ajuste de supraestructuras pasivadas sobre implantes múltiples / In vitro study of the adjustment of passivated suprastructures on multiple implants

Objetivo: Comparar dos procedimientos de soldadura convencionales empleando una aleación de Cr-Co, para co- nectar barras coladas seccionadas a ser fijadas sobre implantes. Materiales y métodos: A partir de un modelo maes- tro que representa un maxilar desdentado con cuatro implan- tes, se confeccionaron veinte (n=20) probetas seccionadas en tres partes. Se conformaron dos grupos, cada uno con diez (n=10) ejemplares. Una vez acondicionadas, fueron atornilla- das al modelo maestro. Su desajuste inicial se analizó utili- zando una lupa estereoscópica, con una cámara incorporada y un software. Las partes fueron soldadas empleando un pro- cedimiento diferente para cada grupo. Las correspondientes al Grupo I se invistieron en un block refractario a base de sílico-fosfato. Las del Grupo II se montaron en una estructu- ra metálica Clever Spider. El desajuste fue mensurado y los resultados procesados estadísticamente. El nivel de significa- ción fue establecido en p<0,05. Resultados: El Grupo I tuvo un desajuste inicial de 97,30±13,81µm y el Grupo II de 98,53±11,24µm. Luego de la soldadura, el Grupo I registró 98,53±17,17µm, 1,23µm mayor respecto al inicial. En el Grupo II se observó 103,13±17,61µm, 4,60µm por encima del original. Se analizaron mediante prue- ba t de Student; en ambos casos el resultado fue de p>0,05. Al comparar entre sí los grupos I y II, por medio de la prueba t y de comprobación no paramétrica de Mann-Whitney, se ob- servaron diferencias no significativas, p=0,41 y p=0,38 res- pectivamente (AU)

Aim: Compare two conventional welding procedures us- ing a Cr-Co alloy, to connect sectioned cast bars to be fixed on implants. Materials and methods: From a master model representing a toothless jaw with four implants, twenty (n=20) specimens sectioned into three parts were made. Two groups were formed, each with ten (n=10) specimens. Once conditioned, they were screwed to the master mod- el. Its initial mismatch was analyzed using a stereoscop- ic magnifier, with a built-in camera and a software. The parts were welded using a different procedure for each group. Those corresponding to Group I were invested in a refractory block based on silyl-phosphate. Those of Group II were mounted on a Clever Spider metal structure. The mismatch was measured, and the results processed statisti- cally. The level of significance was established at p<0.05. Results: Group I had an initial mismatch of 97.30 ±13.81µm, and Group II of 98.53±11.24µm. After welding, Group I registered 98.53±17.17µm, 1.23µm higher than the initial one. In Group II, 103.13±17.61µm was observed, 4.60µm above the original. They were analyzed using Stu- dent's t test; in both cases the result was p>0.05. When com- paring groups I and II, using the t-test and the Mann-Whitney nonparametric verification, non-significant differences were observed, p=0.41 and p=0.38 respectively. Conclusions: Under the conditions of this study, it was ob- served that the two welding methods analyzed were reliable for joining metallic superstructures without affecting their final fit (AU)

Rehabilitation with implant-supported overdentures in preteens patients with ectodermal dysplasia: A cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) patients suffering of oligo-anodontia require early dental treatment to improve oral functions and reduce social impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the skeletal growth, implant and prosthetic survival rate, success, and complications after the rehabilitation with a maxillary denture and an implant-supported overdenture provided by a sliding bar in case of severe hypodontia/anodontia related to HED. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study began in 2009. Nine patients over 7 years old with HED and associated oligo-anodontia who presented at the University of Bologna for dental treatment were included in the study. They were first treated with conventional dentures and then with a maxillary denture and an implant-supported overdenture with a sliding bar connected to two implants placed in the anterior mandible. The subjects treated were followed for 3-12 years. In each case, orthopanoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographic exam were taken before implant placement and annually after prosthetic load. Vertical and transverse dimensions of the mandible in the symphysis area at implant sites were taken on the lateral cephalometric radiography at the time of implant placement and after 5 years from the prosthetic loading to assess the presence or absence of an anterior mandibular growth. Biologic and mechanical complications were also recorded at every visit. RESULTS: A mandibular vertical growth under the implant apex, at the implant neck, and a sagittal growth of the symphysis after 5 years from the prosthetic loading were observed and measured. Implant and prosthetic success and survival rates were 100% after 8.1 years (mean) follow-up period. No complications were reported except in one patient, where the repositioning of a retentive cap on the counter bar in the superstructure was necessary after 3 years from the prosthetic loading. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that the growth of the mandible near implant sites continues even after their positioning. Implants can be successfully placed and provide support for prosthetic rehabilitation in preteens patients with HED.

Functional performance and impact on the quality of life of three treatment strategies for mandibular edentulism: Results of a parallel 3-group cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This parallel cross-sectional study compared masticatory function and patient-centered outcomes among 3 removable treatment strategies for mandibular edentulism. METHODS: Thirty-six edentulous participants rehabilitated using 3 removable treatment strategies for mandibular edentulism were allocated to one of the three groups (n=12): CCD (control), 2-IMO, and 3-IMO. Narrow diameter implants were installed using single-stage surgery and conventionally loaded with stud abutments. After 3 months of usage, the quality of life, maximum bite force, and masticatory function were evaluated. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc pairwise Mann-Whitney tests with Bonferroni correction (α=0.05). RESULTS: The 2-IMO and 3-IMO wearers did not show significant differences in any outcome, except for the 2 domains of 3-IMO wearers quality of life that obtained better Pain and General Performance scores. Both IMO groups presented significantly higher maximum bite force than CCD wearers. The 2-IMO wearers showed superior outcomes to the CCD group in all outcomes of the masticatory performance test and the X50, B and ME5.6 outcomes of the swallowing threshold test (p = 0.01), while 3-IMO participants only showed superior masticatory performance in terms of lower X50 values (19.86%, p = 0.02) and higher ME 2.8 (141.15%, p = 0.04) than CCD wearers. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to 2-IMO wearers, 3-IMO wearers report superior impact of treatment on daily living activities in the Pain and General Performance domains. 2-IMO and 3-IMO wearers showed no significant differences between them for all evaluated bite force and masticatory function parameters. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although overdentures retained by 3 implants (3-IMO) provide biomechanical advantages over those retained by 2 implants (2-IMO), superior clinical and functional effectiveness is not yet proven.

Five years clinical outcome of maxillary mini dental implant overdenture treatment: A prospective multicenter clinical cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The long-term clinical outcome of mini dental implants (MDIs) to support an overdenture is underreported especially in severely atrophic maxillae and when installed flaplessly. PURPOSE: The current report is a 5-years follow-up of the previously published 2- and 3-years clinical outcome of MDIs supporting a maxillary overdenture in narrow alveolar ridges. MDI survival, marginal bone level, peri-implant health, technical complications, and oral health related quality of life (OHIP) and respective changes over time are reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects aged 50 years or older, in need of improvement of maxillary denture retention, were included. The MDIs were 2.4 mm diameter one-piece tapered implants, Class 4 pure Titanium, and lengths 10 or 11.5 mm. Under local anesthesia, 5-6 MDIs were placed in atrophic maxillae with a free-handed flapless approach. One week postoperative the denture was adapted with a retentive soft reliner. The final prosthetic connection was established after 6 months with a metal-reinforced horse-shoe denture. Clinical outcome after 5 years was assessed with probing pocket depts (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP), and additional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) MDI bone level measurements were performed. Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) investigated with OHIP-14 was assessed preoperative, during provisional loading, and after final prosthetic connection up to 5 years. RESULTS: Initially, 31 patients (14 females and 17 males) with mean age 62.30 underwent treatment. In the provisional loading interval, 16 patients encountered 32/185 MDIs failures, resulting in a failure of 17.3%; 170 MDIs were functionally loaded in 29 patients. Additionally, 14 implants were lost in three patients, all of whom had had already previous failures. Reimplantation of 17 MDIs were performed during the provisional loading and 2 MDI after functional loading. After 5 years, the absolute implant failure rate was 46/204 (22.5%), corresponding to a cumulative failure rate of 23.2%. Prosthetic failure was observed in four patients due to implant loss and in two patients related to excessive one-piece implant ball attachment wear, making the 5-years prosthetic success 80.0%. The mean PPD and absence/presence of BoP for 149 implants at 5 years was 4.3 and 0.2 mm, respectively. Average mesial-distal-vestibular-palatal bone loss in the interval 2-5 years was 0.08 mm. No statistically significant difference in marginal MDI bone loss between male or female (p = 0.835), smoking and nonsmoking (p = 0.666) was observed. The five-years total measured CBCT interdental bone level (mesial and distal) correlates with the 5-years PPD (Pearson 0.434; p = 0.01). After 5 years, OHRQoL with the treatment procedure was assessed in 27/31 participants. Decreasing mean total OHIP-14 scores with improved OHRQoL, was observed in 27/31 participants, with values of 21.3 at baseline to 15.6 at the time of provisional loading which significantly (p = 0.006) decrease to 7.3 at the final prosthetic connection. The next 3-5 years further decrease was observed with 6.5 and 4.96, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary MDIs for overdentures are an accessible and acceptable treatment option. Although after 5 years between one fifth and one fourth of the MDIs were lost, prosthetic success remains 80.0% and high OHRQoL could be achieved.

Implant survival/success and peri-implant outcomes of titanium-zirconium mini implants for mandibular overdentures: Results from a 1-year randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To report the 1-year implant survival/success and peri-implant outcomes of mandibular overdentures retained by four titanium-zirconium mini implants (Straumann® Mini Implant System), and to assess how surgery and loading protocols influence these outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 2 × 2 factorial randomized clinical trial (RCT) tested the combined effects of two loading protocols (immediate or delayed) and two surgical approaches (flapless or flapped) on the success/survival of the mini implants, and peri-implant parameters (plaque, bleeding, sulcus depth, gingival position, and marginal bone loss). Outcomes were assessed up to 1-year after loading, and generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to analyze longitudinal and within-patient clustered data. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-six implants were placed in 74 patients. The implant survival/success rates after 1 year were 100%, and no major biological complications were observed. After 1-year, descriptive data suggest no noticeable changes in plaque scores, whilst a reduction in bleeding scores at the 6-month and 1-year follow-ups compared to baseline. Good longitudinal stability was observed for the probing depth and gingival margin height measures. Overall mean marginal bone loss was 0.68 (±0.68) mm after 3 months and 0.89 (±0.75) mm after 1-year. The flapless protocol showed better results on soft tissue stability and health but a slightly higher risk for marginal bone loss. CONCLUSION: The results of this RCT suggest that mandibular overdentures retained by this novel mini implant system represent a safe and predictable treatment option as confirmed by implant survival/success and peri-implant outcomes, even when flapless surgery and immediate loading protocols are adopted.

Efficacy of adjunct photodynamic therapy on Candida growth and oral health quality of life in denture stomatitis patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus wearing implant-retained overdentures: A randomized clinical study.

AIM: The aim of the present clinical trial was to study the efficacy of combined miconazole and PDT in the improvement of quality of life and levels of Candida species in chronic hyperglycemic patients with denture stomatitis (DS). METHODS: One hundred patients were randomly divided into five groups; 20 each in the miconazole, PDT, miconazole+ PDT, CHX and distilled water groups. Methylene blue mediated irradiation was conducted using 600 nm diode laser with power, energy density and radiance as 100 mW, 3527 mW/cm2 and 9 J, respectively. Patients were advised to apply 2.5 ml of 2% topical miconazole four times a day. The existence of Candida spp. was detected by means of microbiological culture technique. Candida colony counts from the palates and dentures surfaces, quantified as colony forming unit (CFU)/mL were evaluated at baseline, end of 14 days, 28 days and 60 days. Oral health related quality of life was assessed with the help of a questionnaire. RESULTS: The quality of life showed significant improvement in the group where combination treatment was executed. The overall CFU/mL values were greater in the dentures in comparison to those from the palates of the patients of all the five groups. During all time periods of the study, the CFU/mL values obtained from combination treatment group showed significant differences. Candida albicans was the most predominant yeast. CONCLUSION: This study showed the effectiveness of methylene blue- PDT in combination with miconazole in improving oral health related quality of life and significantly reducing Candida CFU counts to resolve palatal inflammation in diabetic individuals with implant-supported complete dentures.

Patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life for four implant-assisted mandibular overdentures fabricated with CAD/CAM milled poly methyl methacrylate, CAD/CAM-milled poly ether ether ketone, or conventional poly methyl methacrylate: A crossover clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: New materials for overdenture base construction were evolved. Thus, more clinical trials are needed to validate these materials. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the difference between CAD/CAM-milled poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) and conventional mandibular implant-assisted overdentures regarding patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQL). METHODS: This randomised, crossover, clinical study included 18 completely edentulous subjects rehabilitated with three mandibular implant-assisted overdentures with three different denture base materials opposing a maxillary single denture. These materials were as follows: CAD/CAM-milled PMMA, CAD/CAM-milled PEEK and conventional PMMA. Every participant first received each mandibular overdenture in a random manner. After 6 months of each overdenture use, patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-EDENT-19), respectively, and then crossover to other groups was done. The same was repeated to the last group. Comparison of VAS and OHIP-EDENT-19 between groups was done using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Bonferroni test. RESULTS: Regarding all the VAS items, there were statistically significant higher scores for CAD/CAM-milled PMMA and PEEK than conventional PMMA base except for speech, aesthetic and smell. Regarding OHIP-EDENT-19, many items revealed statistically lower problem scores for CAD/CAM-milled PMMA, and CAD/CAM-milled PEEK than conventional PMMA base except psychological discomfort, psychological disability and social disability. CONCLUSION: Within the limit of this study, CAD/CAM-milled PMMA and CAD/CAM-milled PEEK were recommended as implant-assisted overdenture bases as it revealed higher patient satisfaction and better oral health-related quality of life in comparison with conventional PMMA implant-assisted overdenture.

Marginal Mandibulectomy and Oral Rehabilitation of Xeroderma Pigmentosum Patient.

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) may cause tissue deformation in patients who have undergone oral cancer surgery requiring resection of any part of the mandible. Oral rehabilitation is a pivotal factor in the restoration of function and esthetics. The aim of this study was to report a clinical case of successful prosthetic rehabilitation of a 57-year-old woman who presented with marginal mandibulectomy and a significant reduction in maximal mouth opening after treatment for XP. With her reduced opening and considerable loss of structure and tissue, she had difficulty speaking, swallowing, and altered esthetics. The oral rehabilitation was performed with complete maxilla denture and mandible overdenture retained by 2 implants. This case demonstrates that the rehabilitation with mandible overdentures and complete maxilla dentures provide function and esthetic improvement in the mutilated area for XP patients with marginal mandibulectomies.

Mini-implant mandibular overdentures under a two-step immediate loading protocol: A 4-6-year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study to evaluate the treatment outcomes of mandibular mini-implant overdentures (MIODs) placed under a two-step immediate loading protocol. BACKGROUND: The mini-implant overdenture emphasises the advantages of simplicity using flapless surgery and immediate loading. However, some mini-implant have lowe initial stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 participants who used mandibular MIODs and maxillary removable complete dentures (RCDs) over 4 years were included. Four one-piece mini-implants (<3 mm in diameter) were placed by a flapless surgical approach after fabrication of new RCDs, and the O-ring attachment was attached at least 8 weeks after implant placement. RESULTS: The average observation period was 58.9 ± 9.2 months after mini-implant loading. The survival rate of the implants was 100.0%, and the overall change in mean marginal bone level (ΔMBL) was -0.9 ± 1.1 mm. The implant success rate was 83.3% at the implant level, and 66.7% at the patient level. The mean initial Periotest value was 0.9 ± 3.1, and it was positively associated with ΔMBL and implant success (P < .05). Patient satisfaction improved after conversion from RCDs to MIODs (P < .05), and mastication and pain showed greater satisfaction with longer loading time (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The mandibular MIODs could be chosen as an alternative treatment under a two-step immediate-loading protocol in edentulous patients with limited alveolar bone volume. To ensure superior treatment outcomes of MIODs, initial stability of implant must be obtained using as wide a diameter as possible within the anatomically allowable limits.