Does an untreated peri-implant dehiscence defect affect the progression of peri-implantitis?: A preclinical in vivo experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the early impact of plaque accumulation in a buccal dehiscence defect on peri-implant marginal bone resorption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In six male Mongrel dogs, four dental implants were placed in the posterior maxilla on both sides (two implants per side). Based on the group allocation, each implant was randomly assigned to one of the following four groups to decide whether buccal dehiscence defect was prepared and whether silk ligation was applied at 8 weeks post-implant placement for peri-implantitis induction: UC (no defect without ligation); UD (defect without ligation); LC (no defect with ligation); and LD (defect with ligation) groups. Eight weeks after disease induction, the outcomes from radiographic and histologic analyses were statistically analyzed (p < .05). RESULTS: Based on radiographs, the exposed area of implant threads was smallest in group UC (p < .0083). Based on histology, both the distances from the implant platform to the first bone-to-implant contact point and to the bone crest were significantly longer in the LD group (p < .0083). In the UD group, some spontaneous bone fill occurred from the base of the defect at 8 weeks after implant placement. The apical extension of inflammatory cell infiltrate was significantly more prominent in the LD and LC groups compared to the UC group (p < .0083). CONCLUSION: Plaque accumulated on the exposed implant surface had a negative impact on maintaining the peri-implant marginal bone level, especially when there was a dehiscence defect around the implant.

Early implant placement versus ridge preservation and delayed implant placement: Analysis of profilometric, clinician- and patient-reported outcomes from a two-centre RCT.

OBJECTIVES: To compare early implant placement (EP) to alveolar ridge preservation and delayed implant placement (ARP/DP) in terms of contour changes, along with clinician- and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) until the delivery of the implant-supported restoration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a failing single tooth in the maxilla or mandible were recruited in two centres. After tooth extraction, patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either EP or ARP/DP. At abutment connection and crown delivery, the buccal contour changes at 3 mm below the mucosal margin (primary outcome) along with clinician- (ease of treatment) and patient-reported outcomes were assessed using numeric rating scales and OHIP-14. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients were analysed. The mean buccal contour at abutment connection decreased by -1.2 ± 0.6 mm in group EP and -1.6 ± 0.8 mm in group ARP/DP (estimated mean difference; 0.45 [95%CI, -0.02; 0.94]; p = .061) with no significant differences between the groups. ARP/DP was consistently easier than EP across all stages of the surgery (estimated mean difference; 2.0 [95%CI, 1.3; 2.7] p < .001): during flap elevation (EP: 4.8 vs. ARP/DP: 1.6), implant placement (EP: 5.7 vs. ARP/DP: 2.2) and wound closure (EP: 3.4 vs. ARP/DP: 1.6). Both interventions improved quality of life but patients who underwent ARP/DP were significantly more satisfied at the time of crown delivery (ARP/DP: 9.6 vs. EP: 9.1, p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: EP and ARP/DP show no significant differences in buccal contour changes, aesthetics and patient-reported outcomes. However, ARP/DP is an easier procedure at all stages of the surgery compared to EP and could therefore be the preferred therapy for less experienced clinicians.

Digital three-dimensional assessment of free gingival graft remodeling over 12 months.

OBJECTIVE: To digitally evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) remodelling of FGG used to treat RT2 gingival recessions and lack of keratinized tissue on mandibular incisor teeth. METHODS: Data from 45 patients included in a previous multicentric RCT were analyzed. Silicone impressions were taken before (baseline) and 3, 6 and 12 months after standardized FGG placement. Casts were scanned and images were superimposed, using digital software, to obtain measurements of estimated soft tissue thickness (eTT; 1, 3, and 5 mm apical to baseline gingival margin). In addition, soft tissue volume (STV) and creeping attachment (CA) were assessed. RESULTS: All patients exhibited postoperative eTT and STV increases, at all time points. The greatest mean thickness gain was observed at eTT3 (1.0 ± 0.4 mm) at 12 months. At 12 months, STV was 52.3 ± 21.1 mm3, without relevant changes compared to the 3- and 6-month follow-up. CA, which was observed as early as six months postoperatively, was evident in ∼85 % of teeth at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Application of FGG was an effective phenotype modification therapy, as shown by the significantly increased tissue thickness postoperatively. Despite the use of FGG technique not aiming for root coverage, digital 3D assessment documented the early and frequent postoperative occurrence of CA, which helped improve recession treatment outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of 3D assessment methodology allows precise identification of the tissue gain obtained with FGG, which, regardless of technique, results in predictable phenotype modification and frequent occurrence of creeping attachment.

Use of optical see-through head-mounted devices in dentistry - a scoping review.

AIM: The aim of this scoping review was to identify the scientific evidence related to the utilization of Optical See- Through Head-Mounted Display (OST-HMD) in dentistry, and to determine future research needs. METHODS: The research question was formulated using the "Population" (P), "Concept" (Cpt), and "Context" (Cxt) framework for scoping reviews. Existing literature was designated as P, OST-HMD as Cpt, and Dentistry as Cxt. An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts and performed the full-text analysis. RESULTS: The search identified 286 titles after removing duplicates. Nine studies, involving 138 participants and 1760 performed tests were included in this scoping review. Seven of the articles were preclinical studies, one was a survey, and one was a clinical trial. The included manuscripts covered various dental fields: three studies in orthodontics, two in oral surgery, two in conservative dentistry, one in general dentistry, and the remaining one in prosthodontics. Five articles focused on educational purposes. Two brands of OST-HMD were used: in eight studies HoloLens Microsoft was used, while Google Glass was utilized in one article. CONCLUSIONS: The overall number of included studies was low; therefore, the available data from this review cannot yet support an evidence-based recommendation for the clinical use of OST-HMDs. However, the existing preclinical data indicate a significant capacity for clinical and educational implementation. Further adoption of these devices will facilitate more reliable and objective quality and performance assessments, as well as more direct comparisons with conventional workflows. More clinical studies must be conducted to substantiate the potential benefits and reliability for patients and clinicians.

Immediate loading on two adjacent single dental implants with definitive nonsplinted restorations: A proof of concept in the posterior zone.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinical, clinician- and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of two adjacent single posterior implants immediately loaded with definitive single crowns up to 1 year. Ten patients in need of two adjacent posterior single implants were included. All implants were placed applying a fully digital workflow. Definitive screw-retained single zirconia crowns were delivered within 72 h after implant placement. Clinical parameters, patient- and clinician-reported outcomes were assessed up to 1 year of follow-up. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Clinical outcomes remained stable, with no implant failures or technical and biological complications throughout the observation period. Patient satisfaction was very high at baseline (crown delivery) and remained consistently high at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. Crown insertion 3 days after implant placement was rated as an easy procedure by clinicians. CONCLUSIONS: Two adjacent single implants with immediate definitive restorations (<72 h) in the posterior region appear to be a viable and easy treatment option to shorten the overall treatment time and potentially enhancing patient satisfaction. However, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the advantages of this treatment protocol over a delayed loading approach. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In selected cases, immediate implant loading with definitive restorations in the posterior region appears a valuable and straightforward option to shorten the overall treatment time.

Effects of implant placement timing and type of soft-tissue grafting on histological and histomorphometric outcomes in a preclinical canine model.

AIM: To determine the effects of implant timing and type of soft-tissue grafting on histological and histomorphometric outcomes in a preclinical model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four implant placement protocols were randomly applied at the mesial root sites of the third and fourth mandibular premolars in 10 mongrel dogs: immediate placement (group IP), early placement (group EP), delayed placement with/without alveolar ridge preservation (groups ARP and DP, respectively). A connective-tissue graft (CTG) or porcine-derived volume-stable collagen matrix (VCMX) was applied to enhance the ridge profile (simultaneously with implant placement in group IP and staged for others), resulting in five sites for each combination. All dogs were sacrificed 3 months after soft-tissue grafting. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed, and the data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS: CTG and VCMX were difficult to differentiate from the augmented area. The median total tissue thickness on the buccal aspect of the implant was largest in group IP/CTG (between 2.78 and 3.87 mm). The soft-tissue thickness was generally favourable with CTG at all implant placement timings. Within the DP groups, CTG yielded statistically significantly larger total and soft-tissue thickness than VCMX (p < .05). Among the groups with VCMX, group EP/VCMX showed the largest soft-tissue thickness at apical levels to the implant shoulder. CONCLUSIONS: CTG generally led to greater tissue thickness than VCMX.

Feasibility of Immediate Implant Placement in Maxillary First Premolars: Prediction of Implant Locations Using Restorations- A Radiographic Study.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary premolars have a unique anatomical location. This is an CBCT based study where the suitability of maxillary premolars for immediate implant placement (IIP) is evaluated. Based on prosthetically driven treatment treatment planning a simple classification system is put forth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 150 CBCTs of maxillary first premolars were analysed in BlueskyBio software. The topographic position of the tooth was determined by analysing the dimensions of the buccal and lingual cortical plates, the distance between the bucco-lingual plates and the residual bone height from the root apex to the floor of the sinus. Virtual placement of an implant was carried out such that the implant would be positioned 1 mm apical to the buccal bone crest, would engage 3 mm of bone apical to the root apex, and would have a trajectory so that the abutment access was from the central fossa. Four categories were identified and the classification was proposed. RESULTS: It was observed that 74% of cases had buccal bone<1mm,26% had buccal bone >1mm. 79% cases had an average distance >3mm between root apex and maxillary sinus, 21% had an average distance of root apex and maxillary sinus <3mm. The categorizations of implant placement were as follows -Type 1- 24%, Type 2- 56.6%, Type 3-43.3%, Type 4- 0%. CONCLUSIONS: In majority of maxillary 1st premolars an IIP is possible with the implants to be placed in the palatal sockets or the furcation area. In cases were the buccal plate thickness is inadequate, simultaneous grafting should be considered between the implant position and buccal plate.

Impact of keratinized mucosa on implant-health related parameters: A 10-year prospective re-analysis study.

AIM: To investigate whether the lack of keratinized mucosa (KM) affects peri-implant health after 10 years of loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 74 patients with 148 implants from two randomized controlled studies comparing different implant systems were included and analyzed. Clinical parameters including bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), plaque index, marginal bone loss (MBL), and KM width (KMW) at buccal sites were collected at baseline (time of the final prosthesis insertion), 5-year and 10 years postloading. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models by means of a generalized estimated equation (GEE) were used to evaluate the influence of buccal KM on peri-implant clinical parameters; BOP, MBL, PD, and adjusted for implant type (one-piece or two-piece) and compliance. RESULTS: A total of 35 (24.8%) implants were healthy, 67 (47.5%) had mucositis and 39 (27.6%) were affected by peri-implantitis. In absence of buccal KM (KM = 0 mm), 75% of the implants exhibited mucositis, while in the presence of KM (KMW >0 mm) 41.2% exhibited mucositis. Regarding peri-implantitis, the corresponding percentages were 20% (KM = 0 mm) and 26.7% (KM >0 mm). Unadjusted logistic regression showed that the presence of buccal KM tended to reduce the odds of showing BOP at buccal sites (OR: 0.28 [95% CI, 0.07 to 1.09], p = 0.06). The adjusted logistic regression model revealed that having buccal KM (OR: 0.21 [95% CI, 0.05 to 0.85], p = 0.02) and using two-piece implants (OR: 0.34 [95% CI, 0.15 to 0.75], p = 0.008) significantly reduced the odds of showing BOP. Adjusted linear regression by means of GEE showed that KM and two-piece implants were associated with reduced MBL and MBL changes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The lack of buccal KM appears to be linked with peri-implant parameters such as BOP and MBL, but the association is weak. The design of one-piece implants may account for their increased odds of exhibiting BOP.

The use of digital technologies in peri-implant soft tissue augmentation - A narrative review on planning, measurements, monitoring and aesthetics.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the different uses and modalities of digital technologies to diagnose, plan and monitor peri-implant soft tissue conditions and aesthetics. METHODS: A comprehensive narrative review of pertinent literature was conducted, critically appraising key digital technologies that may assist peri-implant soft tissue augmentation and assessment. An electronic search on four databases including studies published prior to 1st July 2023 was performed and supplemented by a manual search. RESULTS: Predominantly, tools such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), intraoral scanning (iOS), intraoral ultrasonography and digital spectrophotometry were commonly to assess and monitor peri-implant soft tissues. The main clinical and research applications included: (i) initial assessment of mucosal thickness, supra-crestal tissue height and keratinized mucosa width, (ii) evaluation of peri-implant soft tissue health and inflammation, (iii) monitoring profilometric changes and midfacial mucosal margin stability over time and (iv) aesthetic evaluation through colour assessment. While evidence for some digital tools may be limited, the integration of digital technologies into peri-implant soft tissue management holds great promise. These technologies offer improved precision, comfort and speed in assessment, benefiting both patients and clinicians. CONCLUSION: As digital technologies progress, their full potential in peri-implant soft tissue augmentation and their value will become more evident with ongoing research. Embracing these innovations and their potential benefits is recommended to ensure that during progress in implant dentistry, patient care is not hindered.

Flapless early implant placement into the uncalcified provisional matrix-Does it lead to osseointegration of the implant? A preclinical study.

AIM: To test whether early implant placement into the extraction socket containing an uncalcified provisional matrix leads to successful osseointegration and stable marginal bone levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In six mongrel dogs, the mandibular molars were extracted. Three weeks later, early implant placement was performed according to three experimental protocols: (i) flapless implant placement with preservation of the provisional matrix; (ii) flap elevation, socket debridement and implant placement; and (iii) flap elevation, socket debridement, implant placement and guided bone regeneration (GBR). One untreated extraction socket served as a control group. Data analyses were based on histologic slides 3 months after implant placement. RESULTS: There were no differences in bone-to-implant contact between the three experimental groups (66.97%, 58.89% and 60.89%, respectively) (inter-group comparison p = .42). Marginal bone levels, first bone-to-implant contact as well as the thickness of the connective tissue did not reveal any significant differences between the groups (p = .85, .60 and .65, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Flapless early implant placement into posterior extraction sockets was as effective as an open flap approach in conjunction with GBR. Mineralization of the socket seems to occur irrespective of the presence of dental implants or biomaterials.

Augmentation of keratinized tissue using autogenous soft-tissue grafts and collagen-based soft-tissue substitutes at teeth and dental implants: Histological findings in a pilot pre-clinical study.

AIM: To histomorphometrically assess three treatment modalities for gaining keratinized tissue (KT) at teeth and at dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In five dogs, the distal roots of the mandibular second, third and fourth premolars were extracted. Dental implants were placed at the distal root areas 2 months later. After another 2 months, KT augmentation was performed at both distal (implants) and at mesial root (teeth) areas in the presence (wKT groups) or absence (w/oKT groups) of a KT band at the mucosal/gingival level. Three treatment modalities were applied randomly: apically positioned flap only (APF), free gingival grafts (FGGs) and xenogeneic collagen matrices (XCMs). A combination of the above produced six groups. Two months later, tissue sections were harvested and analysed histomorphometrically. RESULTS: The median KT height and length were greatest at implants with FGG in both wKT (3.7 and 5.1 mm, respectively) and w/oKT groups (3.7 and 4.6 mm), and at teeth with FGG in wKT groups (3.7 and 6.1 mm) and with APF in the w/oKT groups (3.9 and 4.4 mm). The XCM and APF produced more favourable results at teeth than at implants. CONCLUSIONS: FGG was advantageous in gaining KT, especially at implants.

Clinical and histological wound healing patterns of collagen-based substitutes: An experimental randomized controlled trial in standardized palatal defects in humans.

AIM: To evaluate the progression of wound healing of standardized palatal defects in groups using three different collagen-based wound dressings and a control group, in terms of wound closure, pain perception and descriptive histology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty participants were enrolled in this experimental study, in whom four palatal defects were created. The defects (6 mm diameter, 3 mm depth) were randomly assigned to one of four treatment modalities: C (control), MG (Mucograft®), MD (mucoderm®) and FG (Fibro-Gide®). Photographs were taken, and pain assessment was performed before and after treatment and at 5, 7, 9, 12, 14 and 16 days after surgery. All participants wore a palatal splint for a duration of 16 days. RESULTS: All groups achieved complete wound closure at 14 days. The percentage of the remaining open wound on day 7 amounted to 49.3% (C; interquartile range [IQR]: 22.6), 70.1% (FG; IQR: 20.7), 56.8% (MD; IQR: 26.3) and 62.2% (MG; IQR: 34.4). Statistically significant differences were found between FG and C (p =.01) and between MD and FG (p =.04). None of the participants rated pain higher than 4 out of 10 during the entire study period. CONCLUSIONS: Collagen-based wound dressings provide coverage of open defects, albeit without acceleration of wound closure or reduction of pain. FG (which is not intended for open oral wounds) showed slower wound closure compared to C and MD.

Is transmucosal healing of an implant as effective as submerged healing when simultaneous guided bone regeneration is performed? A preclinical study.

AIM: To investigate whether transmucosal healing is as effective as submerged healing in terms of buccal bone regeneration when guided bone regeneration (GBR) is performed simultaneously with implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In six dogs, buccal dehiscence defects were created in the edentulous mandibular ridge, sized 5 × 5 × 3 mm (length × height × depth). In each defect, a bone-level implant was placed, and four experimental groups were randomly assigned as follows: (i) transmucosal healing with GBR (T-GBR), (ii) transmucosal healing without GBR (T-control), (iii) submerged healing with GBR (S-GBR) and (iv) submerged healing without GBR (S-control). Data analyses were based on histological slides 5 months after implant placement. RESULTS: The T-GBR group showed significant differences compared to the control groups regarding defect height resolution, buccal bone thickness and mineralized tissue area (p < .05), but showed no significant differences when compared with the S-GBR group (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The mode of healing (transmucosal vs. submerged) does not influence bone regeneration at implant sites. The clinician may therefore choose the approach based on further clinical and patient-specific parameters.

Masking capacity of minimally invasive lithium disilicate restorations on discolored teeth-The impact of ceramic thickness, the material's translucency, and the cement color.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate minimally invasive restorations' capacity to mask discolored teeth and explore the impact of ceramic thickness, translucency, and cement color. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four assessment pairs of naturally colored and discolored bovine dentin samples were formed, using lithium disilicate specimens in six different thicknesses (0.3-0.8 mm), two different translucencies (high, low), and two cements (transparent, tooth-colored). Evaluators assessed the color differences in each assessment pair, and the threshold for detecting a color difference was determined using sequential testing and the Bonferroni-Holm method. RESULTS: A thickness of 0.6 mm effectively masked color differences using high translucent ceramic with transparent cement, detectable differences were still observed at 0.7/0.8 mm. A threshold thickness of 0.4 mm was seen using high translucent ceramic and tooth-colored cement, with color differences still discernible at 0.5 and 0.8 mm. A threshold thickness of 0.4 mm was detected using low translucent ceramic and transparent cement, while detectable differences persisted at 0.5, 0.7, and 0.8 mm. A 0.5 mm threshold thickness was observed when using low translucent ceramic and tooth-colored cement, and no detectable color differences were detected beyond this thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Masking can be achieved with a thickness of 0.4-0.5 mm using a low translucent material and tooth-colored cement. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the impact of ceramic thickness, translucency, and cement color can aid clinicians in making informed decisions for achieving the best esthetic outcomes while preserving tooth structure. Effective masking can be accomplished with ceramic thicknesses starting at 0.4 mm, especially when employing a low translucent material and tooth-colored cement. However, clinicians should be aware that discolorations may still be detectable in certain scenarios when using minimally invasive lithium disilicate restorations.

Alveolar ridge changes 1-year after early implant placement, with or without alveolar ridge preservation at single-implant sites in the aesthetic region: A secondary analysis of radiographic and profilometric outcomes from a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess both the radiographic and profilometric outcomes of early implant placement with or without alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) (using two different ARP techniques) after 1 year of loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients with a failing single tooth in the anterior maxilla were randomly allocated to three groups (1:1:1): (a) ARP using demineralized bovine bone mineral containing 10% collagen (DBBM-C) covered by a collagen matrix (CM), (b) ARP using DBBM-C covered with a palatal graft (PG), and (c) unassisted socket healing (control). Eight weeks after tooth extraction, early implant placement was performed in all patients. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and impressions were taken 8 weeks after tooth extraction (ARP/unassisted healing) prior to implant placement and 1-year post-loading. Radiographic and profilometric outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Out of the 70 patients available for re-examination at 1-year post-loading, 55 datasets could be assessed (ARP-CM 19; ARP-PG 17; Control 19). The need for additional guided bone regeneration (GBR) at implant placement amounted to 31.6% (ARP-CM), 29.4% (ARP-PG), and 68.4% (unassisted healing). Adjusted models revealed that residual buccal bone height and additional GBR at implant placement significantly influenced the magnitude of the alveolar changes at 1 year (p < 0.05). In patients with ARP (group ARP-CM or ARP-PG) without additional GBR, the presence of bone convexity amounted to 36.0% (9/25) at 1-year post-loading. For patients that received ARP and additional GBR at implant placement, the frequency of bone convexity increased to 72.7% (8/11) (p = 0.042). Regarding profilometric measurements, a tendency toward agreement with radiographic outcomes was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Early implant placement with ARP can attenuate alveolar ridge changes at 1-year post loading by minimizing both radiographic and profilometric alterations. However, early implant placement with simultaneous GBR consistently yields superior radiographic and profilometric outcomes, regardless of whether ARP is performed.

Ridge preservation using a self-retaining block type bone substitute for extraction sockets with buccal dehiscence defects - A preclinical study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a self-retaining block-type bone substitute (srBB) on the dimensional stability of the horizontal ridge width at the coronal level in a buccal dehiscence model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four box-shaped bone defects with a buccal dehiscence were surgically prepared in the partially edentulous mandible (n = 6). Experimental biomaterials were randomly assigned to each site: (1) Control group: no treatment, (2) particle-type bone substitute (PBS) group, (3) collagenated soft block bone substitute (csBB) group, and (4) self-retaining synthetic block bone (srBB) group. In all grafted groups, a collagen membrane covered the biomaterials. At 16 weeks, clinical, histological, and radiographic analyses were performed. RESULTS: Three of the six blocks in the srBB group became exposed and fell out during the first week after surgery. Therefore, the remaining three specimens were renamed RsrBB group. The RsrBB group showed an increase horizontal ridge compared to the pristine bone width at 2-4 mm below the CEJ, while the other groups showed resorption (augmented width at 2 mm below: 4.2, 42.4, 36.2, and 110.1% in the control, PBS, csBB, and RsrBB groups, respectively). The mineralized bone area was largest in the RsrBB group (4.74, 3.44, 5.67, and 7.77 mm2 in the control, PBS, csBB, and RsrBB groups, respectively.). CONCLUSIONS: The srBB group demonstrated the highest volume stability at the coronal level. These findings would potentially suggest that self-retaining block bone substitute might be a good candidate for alveolar ridge preservation.

Clinical use of digital applications for diagnostic and treatment planning in prosthodontics: A scoping review.

AIM: This scoping review aimed to compile and evaluate clinical trials investigating digital applications in prosthetic diagnostics and treatment planning by assessing their clinical relevance and future potential. METHODS: Following the PCC-framework for scoping reviews and combining the source of analysis (Population/P: "prosthodontics"), the technique of interest (Concept/C: "digital application") and the field of interest (Context/C: "diagnostics"), a three-pronged search strategy was applied in the database PubMed and Web of Science. Clinical trials (≥10 study participants, English/German) were considered until 2023-03-09. Reporting adhered to the PRISMA-ScR statement. RESULTS: The search identified 520 titles, of which 18 full-texts met the inclusion criteria for data extraction. The trials involved a total of 14,457 study participants and were mapped for prosthetic subdisciplines: fixed (n = 9; 50%) and removable (n = 4; 22%) prosthodontics, reconstructive dentistry in general (n = 3; 17%), and temporo-mandibular joint disorders (n = 2; 11%). Data merging of medical format files, as DICOM+STL, was the dominant digital application (n = 7; 39%); and virtual treatment simulation using digital smile design or digital wax-up represented the most frequent prosthetic diagnostics (n = 6; 33%). CONCLUSION: This scoping review identified a relatively low number of clinical trials. The future potential of digital diagnostics appears to be mostly related to the subdiscipline of fixed prosthodontics, especially regarding virtual treatment simulation for communication with the patient and among dental professionals. Artificial intelligence emerged as a key technology in many of the identified studies. Further research in this area is needed to explore the capabilities of digital technologies in prosthetic diagnostics and treatment planning.

Survival and complication rates of two dental implant systems supporting fixed restorations: 10-year data of a randomized controlled clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical, radiographic, biological and technical long-term outcomes of two types of dental implants over a period of 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight implants were placed in 64 patients, randomly allocated to one of two manufacturers (AST and STM). All implants were loaded with fixed restorations. Outcome measures were assessed at implant insertion (Ti), at baseline examination (TL), at 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10 (T10) years. Data analysis included survival, bone level changes, complications and clinical measures. RESULTS: Re-examination was performed in 43 patients (23 AST and 20 STM) at 10 years. The implant level analysis was based on 37 (AST) and 32 (STM) implants. Survival rates of 100% were obtained for both groups. The median changes of the marginal bone levels between baseline and T10 (the primary endpoint) amounted to a loss of 0.07 mm for group AST and a gain of 0.37 mm for group STM (intergroup p = 0.008). Technical complications occurred in 27.0% of the implants in group AST and in 15.6% in group STM. The prevalence of peri-implant mucositis was 29.7% (AST) and 50.1% (STM). The prevalence of peri-implantitis amounted to 0% (AST) and 6.3% (STM). CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of the implant system used, the survival rates after 10 years were high. Minimal bone level changes were observed, statistically significant but clinically negligible in favor of STM. Technical complications were more frequently encountered in group AST, while group STM had a higher prevalence of peri-implant mucositis.

The 'One Customized Abutment One Time' concept - An innovative technique for optimizing immediacy and digital protocols.

Disconnection and reconnection of abutments multiple times have known to affect the mucosal barrier around implants leading to marginal bone loss. This clinical report describes a novel technique that amalgamates the benefits of digital technologies encompassing the fabrication of surgical guides for implant placement, customized hybrid zirconia abutments and all ceramic lithium disilicate crowns prior to implant placement. A correct 3-dimensional implant positioning along with immediate placement of the definitive hybrid customized abutment and a lithium disilicate crown has the potential to reduce treatment time, visits and costs while delivering optimal esthetic outcomes.

ITI consensus report on zygomatic implants: indications, evaluation of surgical techniques and long-term treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the ITI Consensus Workshop on zygomatic implants was to provide Consensus Statements and Clinical Recommendations for the use of zygomatic implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three systematic reviews and one narrative review were written to address focused questions on (1) the indications for the use of zygomatic implants; (2) the survival rates and complications associated with surgery in zygomatic implant placement; (3) long-term survival rates of zygomatic implants and (4) the biomechanical principles involved when zygoma implants are placed under functional loads. Based on the reviews, three working groups then developed Consensus Statements and Clinical Recommendations. These were discussed in a plenary and finalized in Delphi rounds. RESULTS: A total of 21 Consensus Statements were developed from the systematic reviews. Additionally, the group developed 17 Clinical Recommendations based on the Consensus Statements and the combined expertise of the participants. CONCLUSIONS: Zygomatic implants are mainly indicated in cases with maxillary bone atrophy or deficiency. Long-term mean zygomatic implant survival was 96.2% [95% CI 93.8; 97.7] over a mean follow-up of 75.4 months (6.3 years) with a follow-up range of 36-141.6 months (3-11.8 years). Immediate loading showed a statistically significant increase in survival over delayed loading. Sinusitis presented with a total prevalence of 14.2% [95% CI 8.8; 22.0] over a mean 65.4 months follow-up, representing the most common complication which may lead to zygomatic implant loss. The international experts suggested clinical recommendations regarding planning, surgery, restoration, outcomes, and the patient's perspective.