Critical-size defects reconstruction with four different bone grafts associated with e-PTFE membrane: A histomorphometric experimental in vivo study.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to assess the newly formed bone and the remnant biomaterial by comparing four different bone grafts used to treat critical-size defects, associated or not with the non-resorbable membrane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two calvaria critical-size bone defects were created in 50 male Wistar rats. They were divided into blood (G1), autogenous (G2), bioglass (G3), hydroxyapatite (G4), and xenograft (G5) groups, associated or not with e-PTFE. The experimental periods were 15 and 45 days. Sections were prepared for histomorphometric assessment. All data were analyzed by the mixed-effects model with multiple comparisons (significance level, p < .05). RESULTS: A similar level of new bone was observed for all groups, associated with a high level of vascularization. G1 and G2 ensured sovereignty over the greater quantity of new bone. A non-significant result was reported comparing groups with and without membranes. No significant result was found between the experimental synthetic biomaterials (G3 and G4). G5L achieved 22.0% of new bone after 45 days (p > .05). All groups had a stable volume of biomaterial kept in the short term (p > .05). G2 was the best material for new bone formation and final volume of biomaterial, followed by G4 < G5 < G3. Thus, it is possible that G4 had a better degradation profile among the experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: The best results were found in the autogenous group, with higher resorption and integration; non-significative new bone was found among the experimental groups; and the regeneration of critical bone defects using an e-PTFE barrier did not present significant results on new bone formation.

Heating of metallic orthodontic devices during anti-aging treatment with vacuum and electromagnetic fields: In vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The physical appearance of an individual plays a primary role as it influences the opinion of the viewer. For this reason, orthodontic therapy to improve perceived aesthetics is in high demand among patients. This factor, combined with the increase in the number of non-invasive facial aesthetic treatments, has led to the need to understand potential risk factors in the application of medical devices to the perioral skin in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro heating of the orthodontic bracket following electromagnetic fields and negative pressure (V-EMF) used as an anti-aging treatment. METHODS: Two different types of titanium alloy wires, one made of "beta-Titanium" alloy and the other "Ni-Ti" (DW Lingual Systems GmbH-Bad Essen-Germany) were used. The orthodontic wires and brackets mounted on a resin mouth were covered with porcine muscle tissue, then subjected to anti-aging therapy with a Bi-one LifeTouchTherapy medical device (Expo Italia Srl-Florence-Italy) which generates a combination of vacuum and electromagnetic fields (V-EMF) already adopted for antiaging therapy. During administration of the therapy, the orthodontic brackets and porcine tissue were thermally monitored using a Wavetek Materman TMD90 thermal probe (Willtek Communications GmbH-Germany). In total 20 orthodontic mouths were used, 10 with Beta Titanium wires and 10 with Nickel Titanium wires. RESULTS: A temperature increase of about 1°C was recorded in each group. The outcome of the present research shows that the absolute temperatures measured on orthodontic appliances, which, despite having a slightly different curve, both show an increase in temperature of 1.1°C at the end of the session, thus falling well within the safety range of 2°C as specified by the standard CENELEC EN 45502-1. Therefore, V-EMF therapy can be considered safe for the entire dental system and for metal prostheses, which tend to heat up at most as much as biological tissue (+0.9°C/1.1°C vs. 1.1°C/1.1°C). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, anti-aging therapy with V-EMF causes a thermal increase on orthodontic brackets that is not harmful to pulp health.

Influence of Restorative Material on the Distribution of Loads to the Bone in Hybrid Abutment Crowns-In Vitro Study.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the load transmitted to the peri-implant bone by seven different restorative materials in single-unit rehabilitations with morse taper implants using a strain gauge. Materials: In a polyurethane block that simulated type III bone, a morse taper platform implant was installed (3.5 × 11 mm) in the center and 1 mm below the test base surface, and four strain gauges were installed around the implant, simulating the mesial, distal, buccal and lingual positions. Seven similar hybrid abutment crowns were crafted to simulate a lower premolar using different materials: 1-PMMA; 2-glass ceramic over resin matrix; 3-PEEK + lithium disilicate; 4-metal-ceramic; 5-lithium disilicate; 6-zirconia + feldspathic; 7-monolithic zirconia. All groups underwent axial and oblique loads (45 degrees) of 150 N from a universal testing machine. Five measurements (n = 5) were performed with each material and for each load type; the microdeformation data underwent statistical analysis. The data were obtained in microdeformation (µÎµ), and the significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the evaluation among the materials under either the axial load or the oblique load at 45 degrees. In turn, in the comparison between axial load and oblique load, there was a difference in load for all materials. Conclusion: The restorative material did not influence the load transmitted to the bone. Furthermore, the load transmitted to the bone was greater when it occurred obliquely at 45° regardless of the material used. In conclusion, it appeared that the different elastic modulus of each material did not influence the load transmission to the peri-implant bone.

Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Insertion Torque and Implant Stability of Two Different Implant Macrogeometries in the Initial Periods of Osseointegration.

Objectives: The present study compared two implants with different macrogeometries placed in healed alveolar sites, evaluating the insertion torque (ITV) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) values at three different periods. Methods: Seventy patients with a total of 100 dental implants were allocated into two groups (n = 50 per group): DuoCone implants (DC group) that included 28 implants in the maxilla and 22 in the mandible, and Maestro implants (MAE group) that included 26 in the maxilla and 24 in the mandible. The ITV was measured during the implant placement, and the ISQ values were measured immediately at implant placement (baseline) and after 30 and 45 days. Results: The mean and standard deviations of the ITV were statistically significant (p < 0.0001), 56.4 ± 6.41 Ncm for the DC group and 29.3 ± 9.65 Ncm for the MAE group. In the DC group, the ISQs ranged between 61.1 ± 3.78 and 69.8 ± 3.86, while the MAE group presented similar values compared with the other group, ranging between 61.9 ± 3.92 and 72.1 ± 2.37. Conclusions: The value of implant insertion torque did not influence the ISQ values measured immediately after implant placement. However, the ITV influenced the ISQ values measured in the two initial periods of osseointegration, with implants installed with lower torques presenting higher ISQ values.

Evaluation of Behavior of Castable versus Machined Solid Abutments for Morse Tapper Implant Connection: A Clinical Retrospective Study.

Objective: The primary objective of the present retrospective clinical study was to evaluate and compare the clinical performance presented by castable abutments developed for the MT system versus intermediate machined abutments, specifically regarding prosthetic or implant fractures/loss; the secondary objective was to verify the looseness of the abutments and the behavior of the peri-implant soft tissues. Methods: This clinical retrospective study was conducted on patients rehabilitated between 2019 and 2020. Inclusion criteria were patients in good general health, with an implants-supporting single crown; with solid machined abutments (control group) or castable UCLA abutments; with a connection portion (base) machined in cobalt-chrome (test group) over Morse taper DuoCone implants in the posterior mandible area; and at least two years in function. Clinical assessment was carried out by the same professional, considering the following parameters: (A) prosthetic: (i) loosening of the fixation screw, (ii) fracture of the screw and (iii) the number of times the patient had some type of complication after the installation of the prostheses were evaluated; (B) biological: (i) without keratinized mucosa (KM), (ii) 1 mm or less, (iii) between 1 and 2 mm and (iv) greater than 2 mm of KM width; and the presence or absence of mucositis. Furthermore, radiographic evaluation was performed in order to assess the marginal bone loss. These evaluations permitted to compare the groups analyzed and patients enrolled. Data were statistically analyzed, with the level of significance set at α = 0.05. Results: 79 patients with 120 MT implants were evaluated (80 castable UCLA abutments and 40 machined solid abutments). The follow-up was from 2 to 4 years. There was a 100% implant survival rate. Therefore, the control group showed two fractured abutments (5%) and no abutment loosening (95% for prosthetic survival rate), whereas the test group showed no abutment fracture but nine loosening screws (11.3%) (100% for prosthetic survival rate). Keratinized mucosa was considered thin or absent in 19 implants in the control group (47.5%) and 42 in the test group (52.5%). Mucositis was found in 11 implants in the control group (27.5%) and 27 in the test group (33.8%). A positive correlation was observed between the width of keratinized mucosa and mucositis (r = 0.521, p = 0.002). The mean marginal bone loss was 2.3 mm, ranging from 1.1 to 5.8 mm. No correlation was observed when considering marginal bone loss versus the three parameters (implant diameter, implant length and time of the prosthesis in function). Conclusions: The results suggest that UCLA-type abutments are a viable option for rehabilitating implants with Morse taper connections, suggesting lower fracture risk. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and thoroughly evaluate the clinical performance and long-term outcomes.

Effects of different switched or not-switched implant and abutment platform designs and marginal bone loss on fracture strength: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The use of reduced platform sets (implants and abutments) can help to control crestal bone loss around implants, which is essential for optimizing esthetics and biomechanical behavior. However, the information available on the fracture resistance of implants with a reduced platform is sparse. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to analyze the maximum fracture strength value of implants with different platform designs during quasistatic fatigue, followed by a simulation of different bone levels of cervical insertion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty sets of dental implants and abutments with different diameters and platform designs were tested. All implants had an internal hexagon connection and conical macrogeometry. Four groups (n=30) were studied: Ø4.0-mm implants with a regular matched platform (rMatch group), Ø4.0-mm implants with a regular switched platform (PSwitch group), Ø5.0-mm implants with a wide matched platform (wMatch group), and Ø5.0-mm implants with a wide switched platform (wSwitch group). Three conditions simulating different levels of bone position around the cervical portion of the implants were proposed: insertion at the implant shoulder level=0 mm (L0), level=3 mm of insertion loss (L3), and level=5 mm of insertion loss (L5). All sets of all groups and proposed insertion level were subjected to a fracture strength test at 30 degrees in relation to the axis of the sets in a universal testing machine. RESULTS: Regardless of the insertion levels tested, the switched platform implants (rSwitch and wSwitch groups) showed similar mean fracture strength values (P>.05), while the implants of matched platforms (rMatch and wMatch groups) showed different fracture strength values for all insertion levels tested (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The fracture strength values of the switched platform implants were lower at all insertion levels tested. However, for all insertion levels tested, the implants with a switched platform presented less deformation, whereas, in the matched platform implants, there was significant deformation of the implant structure.

Evaluation of the insertion torque, implant stability quotient and drilled hole quality for different drill design: an in vitro Investigation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to compare the insertion torque and implant stability quotient between different drill design for implant site preparation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Synthetic blocks of bone (type I density) were used for drilling procedures. Three groups were evaluated: Group G1 - drilling with a single bur for a 4.2 mm conical implant; Group G2 and Group G3 - drilling with three consecutive burs for a 4.1 mm cylindrical implant and for a 4.3 mm conical implant respectively. For each group, 15 drilling procedures were performed without irrigation for 10-mm in-depth. The drilled hole quality (HQ) after the osteotomy for implant site preparation was measured in the five-first holes through a fully automated roundness/cylindricity instrument at three levels (top, middle, and bottom of the site). The insertion torque value (ITV) was achieved with a computed torquimeter and the implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were measured using a resonance frequency apparatus. RESULTS: The single drill (group 1) achieved a significantly higher ITV and ISQ than the multiple drills for osteotomy (groups 2 and 3). Group 1 and 3 displayed significantly better HQ than group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the study, the results suggest that the hole quality, in addition to the insertion torque, may significantly affect implant primary stability.

The influence of drill length and irrigation system on heat production during osteotomy preparation for dental implants: an ex vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure the influence of drill length and irrigation system on heat production during osteotomy preparation for dental implants using bovine bone rib as experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups were created: Group 1: drilling with three consecutive burs with double irrigation (internal and external) for a 4.0 mm conical implant; and Group 2 and Group 3: drilling with three consecutive burs with external irrigation for a 4.1 mm cylindrical implant and for a 4.3 mm conical implant, respectively. Four lengths were tested: 10, 12, 14 and 16 mm; in site prepared on bovine ribs using a surgical unit linked to a testing device, to standardize and simulate implant drilling procedures. Bone temperature variations were recorded using three thermocouples in different positions as of the crestal bone: 2 mm, position (p1); 7 mm, position 2 (p2); and 12 mm, position 3 (p3). RESULTS: The highest temperature changes were invariably recorded during the process of withdrawal. Significantly lower temperature changes (P < 0.02) could be recorded at maximum drilling depths during the shearing process regardless of drilling depth or irrigation method. Double irrigation was associated with significantly lower temperatures compared with external irrigation by the use of implant drills (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this ex vivo study was possible concluded that the use a double irrigation system in multiple conventional drill for osteotomy can decrease the heat generation when increase the drill length.

Retracted: Histologic evaluation of new bone in post-extraction sockets induced by melatonin and apigenin: an experimental study in American fox hound dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical applications of melatonin and apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone) on new bone formation in post-extraction sockets after 30, 60 and 90 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six American fox hounds were used in the study, extracting mandibular premolars (P2, P3 and P4) and first molar (M1). Melatonin or apigenin impregnated in collagen sponges were applied at P3, P4 and M1 sites in both hemimandibles; P2 sites were used as control sites. Bone biopsies were taken at 30, 60 and 90 days and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. RESULTS: At 30 days, a higher percentage of immature bone was observed in the control group (58.11 ± 1.76%) than in the apigenin (34.11 ± 1.02%) and melatonin groups (24.9 ± 0.14%) with significant differences between the three groups (P < 0.05). At 60 days, results were significantly better at melatonin sites (10.34 ± 1.09%) than apigenin (19.22 ± 0.35%) and control sites (36.7 ± 1.11%) (P < 0.05). At 90 days, immature bone percentages were similar for all groups. New bone formation was higher in melatonin group (79.56 ± 1.9%) than apigenin (68.89 ± 1.5%) and control group (58.87 ± 0.12%). CONCLUSIONS: Topical applications of either melatonin or apigenin have a potential to accelerate bone tissue in early healing stages; melatonin was seen to have stimulated bone maturation to a greater extent at the 60 days of follow-up.

Effects on the osseointegration of titanium implants incorporating calcium-magnesium: a resonance frequency and histomorphometric analysis in rabbit tibia.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the bone formation around titanium surface incorporating the calcium-magnesium (CaMg) deposited by blasted in rabbit tibia bone to determine whether this surface would further enhance bone healing compared with commercially available implant surface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The deposition of CaMg on the titanium SLA surface were obtained by blasting formed the experimental group (EX group), while implants with traditional SLA surface were used as control group (CO group), in this study. Fifty cylindrical threaded implants with a length of 8 mm were used (P = 25 per group). Five implants of each group were used to surface characterization by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, and optical profilometry. Ten New Zealand white rabbits received 40 implants (n = 20 per group). Resonance frequency analysis was performed three times (0, 4, and 6 weeks). Histomorphometric analysis was performed 4 and 6 weeks after implantation. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Blasted CaMg deposition on SLA implant surface displayed almost identical surface morphologies and R(a) values at the micron scale. In comparing the implant stability quotient at the three time points, highly significant statistic differences were found (P < 0.001). Histomorphological analysis showed higher degrees of bone organization in the samples of test implant surfaces at both implantation times. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the results indicate that the deposition of CaMg on the SLA titanium surface may be effective in enhancing the osseointegration of moderately rough grit-blasted implants by increasing the degree of bone-implant contact.

Retracted: A new cervical implant design compared with standard design in order to increase peri-implant hard and soft tissue behavior: histomorphometric and histological study in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate a new design of the cervical portion of dental implant with the objective to increase the volume of peri-implant tissues in the crestal area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight tapered dental titanium implants with internal conical connection were implanted in healed alveolar sites of six dogs. Twenty-four conventional implants design (C1 implant) formed the control group, and 24 new implant design (V3 implant) formed the test group. The groups were randomized. Histological, histomorphometric, and implant stability quotient were performed. After 12 weeks of healing period, histomorphometric analyses of the specimens were carried out to measure the crestal bone level values and the tissue thickness in the cervical implant portion. The data were compared using statistical tests (α = 5%). RESULTS: The mean of the measurements in the buccal and lingual aspects measured of crestal bone level was 0.31 ± 0.24 mm and 0.30 ± 0.19 mm in the control group, respectively, and 0.71 ± 0.28 and 0.42 ± 0.30 mm in the test group, respectively, whereas the mean of the tissue thickness was 1.63 ± 0.33 mm and 2.04 ± 0.23 mm in the control group, respectively, and 2.11 ± 0.35 mm and 2.51 ± 0.41 mm in the test group. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, our findings suggest that more thickness of peri-implant hard and soft tissues may be expected in this new implant design. However, the control group with traditional implant design was found to have more height values of the crestal bone compared with new V3 implants.

A comparative evaluation between aluminium and titanium dioxide microparticles for blasting the surface titanium dental implants: an experimental study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare, through biomechanical and histological analysis, the aluminium (AlO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) microparticles for blasting during the sandblasting acid surface treatment in titanium dental implants using a rabbit tibia model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight commercially available titanium dental implants were divided into two test groups (n = 24 per group): implants with surface treated by AlO2 followed by acid etching as control group (Con group) and implants with surface treated by TiO2 followed by acid etching as test group (Test group). The implants were randomly installed in both tibias of eight rabbits and block samples were removed 4 and 8 weeks after implantation. Resonance Frequency Analyses were performed immediately after the implantation and at 8 weeks. Twelve implants of each group were removed to measure the reverse torque. The remaining implants were used for histological analysis. The data were compared using statistical tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: In comparing the implant stability quotient at the two time points, no significant statistical differences were found (P > 0.05), as well as in the removal torque test at 8 weeks after implant placement, no found significant difference between the two groups was tested. Histomorphometric analysis showed a high degree of bone organization in all samples with no significant difference between groups in the bone-to-implant contact (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the results indicate that the media of surface blasting (AlO2 or TiO2 microparticles) did not show significant differences in the tested parameters for assessing the osseointegration of the implants.

The influence of three different apical implant designs at stability and osseointegration process: experimental study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to perform a histomorphometric and biomechanical comparison of three implants with different designs of the apical area to promote a better bone initial stability and its correlation with the osseointegration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-four tapered implants with same length, diameter and surface properties but with three different apical configurations (Group I: MK4: Group II: C1 and Group III: MK7) were inserted in the tibia of rabbits. Implant stability and bone formation were evaluated by resonance frequency analysis measured at 0, 6, 8 and 12 weeks and by histomorphometric analysis performed at 6, 8 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Statistical test to compare the stability through the implant stability quotient in the four times showed few differences between the groups and time periods proposed, with significance set at P < 0.05. In the bone-implant contact, by comparing the groups in the three times proposed, it was possible concluded that there is a similar behavior among the three implant design (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: With the limitations of this animal study, it can be concluded that the design of the apical area influences the implant stability and the bone-to-implant contact.

Effects of Surface Treatment Modification and Implant Design in Implants Placed Crestal and Subcrestally Applying Delayed Loading Protocol.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the surface modification and cervical implant design on the bone remodeling in implants installed at the crestal and subcrestal bone level. METHODS: Ten American Fox Hound of approximately 1 year of age, each weighing approximately 14 to 15 kg, were used for this study. Two different dental implant macrodesign were used: cylindric-conical with 3.5 mm of diameter and 9 in length (implant A) and conical with 2.9 mm of diameter and 9 mm in length (implant B). Two surfaces were used: sandblasting and acid etching (surface 1) and sandblasting and acid etching, then maintained in an isotonic solution of 0.9% sodium chloride (surface 2). Four groups were performed (n = 20 implants): Group A1 (implant A with the surface 1), Group A2 (implant A with surface 2), Group B1 (implant B with surface 1), and Group B2 (implant B with surface 2). The mandibular premolars and molars (P1, P2, P3, M1) were removed and, after 2 months of healing, implants were inserted at the crestal and 2 mm subcrestal position related to the buccal bone level. Analysis was performed at 4 and 8 weeks. Histomorphometry with longitudinal measurements and bone implant contact, bone remodeling and implant stability quotient analysis were realized. RESULTS: The surface 2 showed to get more close contact between implant and new bone formed after implant placement and more stability surrounding platform both at 4 and 8 weeks. Surface 2 groups and subrestally placed showed to have better results in terms of linear measurements, with less bone loss and soft tissue distance to the IS. The data showed significant differences among the groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Surface modification (surface 2) has shown to be an effective alternative to conventional surface with better results in situations placed subcrestally and combined with implant design.

The effect of cigarette smoking on early osseointegration of dental implants: a prospective controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of cigarette smoking on the percentage of early bone-to-implant contact (BIC%), the bone density in the threaded area (BA%) as well as the bone density outside the threaded area (BD%) around micro-implants with sandblasted acid-etched surface retrieved from human jaws. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two subjects (mean age 55.4 ± 4.5 years) were divided in two groups: smokers (n = 11 subjects) and never-smokers (n = 11 subjects). Each subject received one micro-implant during conventional mandible or maxilla implant surgery. After 8 weeks, the micro-implants and the surrounding tissue were removed and prepared for histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: Two micro-implants placed in smokers showed no osseointegration. Early stages of maturation of the newly formed bone were present, mainly in the never-smokers. Marginal bone loss, gap, and fibrous tissue were present around some implants retrieved from smokers. Histometric evaluation indicated that the mean BIC% ranged between 25.9 ± 9.1 and 39.8 ± 14.2 for smokers and non-smokers, respectively (P = 0.02). Smokers presented 28.6 ± 10.1 of BA% while never-smokers showed 46.4 ± 18.8 (P = 0.04). The mean of BD% ranged between 19.1 ± 7.6 and 28.5 ± 18.8 for smokers and never-smokers, respectively (P = 0.21). CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking has a detrimental effect on early bone tissue response around sandblasted acid-etched implant surface topographies.

Stability of implants placed in fresh sockets versus healed alveolar sites: Early findings.

OBJECTIVES: The present study measured implant stability quotient (ISQ) values at three different time points after surgical procedures to compare whether the stability values differed between implants placed in fresh extraction sockets versus healed alveolar sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To measure implant stability, resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed in 77 patients (53 women, 24 men) with a total of 120 dental implants. These implants were divided into two groups: Group 1 included 60 implants in healed alveolar sites (22 in the maxilla, 38 in the mandible), and Group 2 included 60 implants in fresh sockets (41 in the maxilla, 19 in the mandible). Implant stability was measured immediately at implant placement (baseline), 90, and 150 days later. Statistical analysis was made using a multivariate regression linear model at implant level (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Overall, the means and standard deviations of the ISQ values were 62.7 ± 7.14 (95% confidence interval [CI], 39-88) at baseline, 70.0 ± 6.22 (95% CI, 46-88) at 90 days, and 73.4 ± 5.84 (95% CI, 58-88) at 150 days. In Group 1, the ISQs ranged between 64.3 ± 6.20 and 75.0 ± 5.69, while in Group 2, presented lower values that ranged between 61.2 ± 8.09 and 71.9 ± 5.99 (P = 0.002). Anatomic location and times periods were the only identified variables with an influence on ISQ values at implant level (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The stabilities of the implants placed in the fresh sockets and in healed sites exhibited similar evolutions in ISQ values and thus osseointegration; however, the implants in the healed alveolar sites exhibited superior values at all time points.

Mechanical behavior of zirconia and titanium abutments before and after cyclic load application.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Esthetic factors influence the decision to use titanium or zirconia abutments in anterior regions. Clinicians may have concerns about the durability and behavior of these zirconia abutments. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the longitudinal and transverse long axes of the implant-abutment interface before and after the cyclic loading of titanium and zirconia abutments with an external hexagon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty dental implants with an external hexagon and 40 corresponding abutments made of titanium (Ti) and zirconia (Zr) were subjected to cyclic load (c1) versus no load (c2). The longitudinal and transverse axes of 4 experimental groups (Tic1, Tic2, Zrc1, and Zrc2) were analyzed (vertical/horizontal adjustment) using a scanning electron microscope at ×1000 magnification. The differences among the groups were determined by 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey tests (α=.05). T tests were used to identify the statistically significant differences between each group and each condition (α=.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were found among the groups with respect to the misfits analyzed in the 2 sections (longitudinal and transverse) before and after load application (P<.05). The behaviors of the groups differed particularly with regard to the accommodation of sets (abutment/implant) after the application of cyclic loads (P<.05). CONCLUSION: The use of zirconia abutments in titanium implants can cause changes to and/or permanent deformation of the implant hexagon.

An alternative to nerve repair using an antioxidant compound: a histological study in rats.

The fascicular composition and organisation of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) were determined to confirm the microarchitecture of the IAN bundles into each of the mandibular teeth, including the composition of the mental nerve. The aim of this study was to evaluate peripheral nerve repair after the application of an antioxidant compound to the damaged nerve tissue to elevate the concentration and bioavailability of elements capable of favouring tissue repair. Twenty-five Wistar rats were divided into groups: The Control 1 (Ctl 1) (n = 5) animals had the ischiatic nerve exposed with no suture injury and were sacrificed at 30 days post-operatively. The Control 2 (Ctl 2) (n = 10) animals had the ischiatic nerve exposed, and the nerve was injured using suture in three distinct regions. In the experimental (Exp) animals (n = 10), an antioxidant organic compound was applied to the nerve injury site. The animals with nerve injury (Ctl2 and Exp group) were sacrificed at 15 and 30 days post-operatively. The histological analysis showed less degeneration in the Exp group at 15 and 30 days post-operatively. Nerve neoformation forming a connection between the distal and proximal suture sites was observed in the experimental group. This study presented an alternative to nerve repair using an antioxidant compound.

Influence of bone insertion level of the implant on the fracture strength of different connection designs: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present in vitro study was to assess resistance to static fatigue of implants with different connections at various insertion levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty implants and abutments were used with the smallest diameter of each model. Four groups (n = 15) were created on the basis of the implant design and connection: cylindrical external hexagon Ø3.30 mm (group 1), cylindrical internal hexagon Ø3.30 mm (group 2), conical internal hexagon Ø3.50 mm (group 3), and conical Morse taper Ø3.50 mm (group 4). Three insertion levels in resin were tested, 0 mm at the platform level (l1), 3 mm (l2), and 5 mm (l3) above the platform of the resin. All groups were subjected to quasi-static loading at 30° to the implant axis in a universal machine. RESULTS: The mean fracture strengths for group 1 were 1,991 N (l1), 1,020 N (l2), and 767 N (l3); for group 2: 2,119 N (l1), 1,034 N (l2), and 903 N (l3); for group 3: 2,373 N (l1), 1,407 N (l2), and 929 N (l3); and for group 4: 1,710 N (l1), 1,680 N (l2), and 1,182 N (l3). CONCLUSIONS: Resistance to loading decreases significantly with the loss of insertion, and the connection design between the implants and abutments can change the performance and resistance of the system. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When implants are used in areas where there is a possibility of bone loss, the selection of a connection type is an important consideration for the longevity of the system.

Study of temperature variation in cortical bone during osteotomies with trephine drills.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare temperature variation during osteotomies with trephine drills under different irrigation conditions: without irrigation, external irrigation, and double irrigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Synthetic blocks of bone (type I density) were used for drilling procedures with an experimental computed machine, which measured the maximum temperature in the cortical bone during osteotomy with a bone cut that was 5 mm in both diameter and depth. Three groups were formed depending on the irrigation conditions: no irrigation (G1), external irrigation (G2), and double irrigation (G3). Fifty drillings were performed for each group. RESULTS: The average thermal increase in the groups was 21.7 ± 1.52 °C in G1, 14.2 ± 0.70 °C in G2, and 12.4 ± 0.75 °C in G3. The results presented statistically significant differences among all groups (α = 0.05). CONCLUSION: The double irrigation technique resulted in a smaller increase in temperature in the cortical bone model, demonstrating a greater efficiency, which may be beneficial when compared to external irrigation alone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The trephine has been widely used in removing small blocks for bone graft, especially the posterior mandible, where the possibility of heating may be higher due to the density of cortical bone in this area. So it is important that the professionals select instruments that can reduce the risks of complications in the proposed treatment.