A resonance frequency analysis of sandblasted and acid-etched implants with different diameters: a prospective clinical study during the initial healing period

PURPOSE: The possibility of immediate or early loading has become popular in implant dentistry. A prerequisite for the immediate or early loading of an implant prosthesis is the achievement of initial stability in the implant. Moreover, in response to clinicians' interest in verifying clinical stability to determine the optimal time point for functional loading, a non-invasive method to assess implant stability has been developed on the basis of resonance frequency analysis (RFA). The primary objective of this study was to monitor the stability of sandblasted, large-grit, and acid-etched (SLA) implants with different diameters during the early phases of healing by RFA. The secondary objective was to evaluate how the initial stability of implants varied depending on different surface modifications and other contributing factors. METHODS: Thirty-five implants (25 SLA implants and 10 resorbable blasting media [RBM] implants) placed in 20 subjects were included. To measure implant stability, RFA was performed at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 10 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The longitudinal changes in the implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were similar for the SLA implants with different diameters and for the RBM implants. During the initial healing period, the ISQ decreased after installation and reached its lowest values at 1 week and 2 weeks, respectively. The mean ISQ values in the SLA implants were significantly higher in Ø 5.0 mm implants than in Ø 4.0 mm implants. Men showed a higher ISQ than women. Mandibular sites showed a higher ISQ than maxillary sites. CONCLUSIONS: All implants used in this study are suitable for immediate or early loading under appropriate indications. A wider diameter and SLA surface treatment of implants could improve the stability, if the implant is fixed with at least 30 Ncm of insertion torque.

Relationship between the facial bone thickness and gingival biotype of the anterior maxilla in Koreans

PURPOSE: The objects of this study were to examine the thickness of labial plate of anterior maxillary teeth and the gingival biotype in Koreans and to evaluate whether there is a correlation between the gingival biotype and the thickness of labial plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on 335 teeth of 57 subjects at the Pusan National University Dental Hospital. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was used to measure the thickness of labial plate at 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm from the cementoenamel junction and the gingival biotype was determined by the visibility of periodontal probe. RESULTS: Thin facial bone less than 1 mm was observed in 87% at 4 mm, 88% at 6 mm and 90% at 8 mm. In 21% of total objects, thin gingival biotype was observed. There is no correlation between the thickness of labial plate and gingival biotype. CONCLUSION: Additional thorough radiographic examination such as CBCT was mandatory for aesthetic dental implant in the anterior dentition besides clinical oral examination.