Primary stability with osseodensification drilling of dental implants in the posterior maxilla region in humans: A systematic review.

Currently, a new non-subtractive drilling technique, called osseodensification (OD), has been developed. It involves using specially designed drills with large negative cutting angles that rotate counterclockwise, causing expansion through plastic bone deformation, thus compacting the autologous bone to the osteotomy walls, which improves the primary stability of the implant.The present systematic review aimed to determine whether the OD technique can increase the primary stability of dental implants in the posterior maxilla region as compared to the conventional drilling (CD) technique.Five databases were searched up to June 30, 2022. The inclusion criteria embraced observational clinical studies, randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, human studies in vivo, comparing OD and CD, with the measurement of the primary stability of implants in the posterior maxilla region by means of the implant stability quotient (ISQ). The tools used to assess the risk of bias were RoB 2 and the NewcastleOttawa Scale (NOS).Seven articles met the inclusion criteria, with 4 classified as having a low risk of bias and 3 with a moderate risk of bias. The OD technique consistently demonstrated an average ISQ value of 73 KHz across all studies, whereas CD yielded an average value of 58.49 kHz (p < 0.001 for 5 articles).It can be concluded that in comparison with CD, OD improves primary stability at baseline in low-density bone, such as the maxilla.

Analysis of risk indicators for implant failure in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Dental implant restoration shows an effective method for the rehabilitation of missing teeth. The failure rate of periodontal implants in patients with chronic periodontitis is associated with periodontal flora, inflammation, and long-term periodontal bone resorption caused by chronic periodontitis. However, the therapeutic effects of dental implant restoration on inflammation in patients with chronic periodontitis have not addressed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risk indicators for inflammation, bone loss and implant failure in patients with chronic periodontitis. A total of 284 patients with dental implant restoration were recruited and divided into periodontally healthy patients (n = 128) and chronic periodontitis patients (n = 156). Periodontal indices including probing depth (PD), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), plaque index (PLI), gingival bleeding (GIL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were compared in two groups. Inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels at baseline, 6 and 12 months after surgery, and the implant survival rate at 12 months after surgery, as well as the risk factors associated with failure of dental implant were also assessed. Outcomes demonstrated that patients in the chronic periodontitis group had higher values of periodontal indices than those in the periodontally healthy group. All inflammatory parameters in the chronic periodontitis group were higher than those in the periodontally healthy group and negatively associated with the chronic periodontal index (CPI) in chronic periodontitis patients. Chronic periodontitis patients had higher the prevalence of mucositis and peri-implantitis than patients with healthy periodontium. Implant diameter, length and design was associated with the risk of implant failure for chronic periodontitis patients receiving dental implant. The cumulative implant failure rate and incidence of implant fractures for chronic periodontitis patients at 12 months after surgery were 12.10% and 7.23% (p < 0.05), respectively, while were lower in the heathy periodontitis patients. Location, diameter, implant design, immediate loading and bone defect were risk indicators for bone loss for dental implant patients. The risk factors associated with failure of dental implant was higher in chronic periodontitis patients than patients in the periodontally healthy group (14.25% vs. 4.92%, p < 0.05). In conclusion, data in the current study indicate that inflammation is a risk indicator bone loss, implant fracture and implant failure in patients with chronic periodontitis.

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Timing of Soft-Tissue Augmentation in Immediate Implant Placement: Hard-Tissue Changes and Clinical Outcome.

AIM: To assess the impact of the timing of soft-tissue augmentation (STA) on mean buccal bone changes following immediate implant placement (IPP) in the anterior maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a failing tooth and intact buccal bone wall in the anterior maxilla (15-25) were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Following single IIP and socket grafting, they were randomly allocated to the control group (immediate STA performed during the same surgical procedure) or the test group (delayed STA performed 3 months later). Implants were placed with a surgical guide and immediately restored with an implant-supported provisional crown. Changes in bone dimensions were assessed using superimposed CBCT images taken prior to surgery and at 1-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes were registered at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty patients were randomized to each group (control: 16 females, 4 males, mean age 57.6; test: 9 females, 11 males, mean age 54.2). Ten patients in the control group and 13 patients in the test group had a thick bone wall phenotype. Estimated marginal mean horizontal buccal bone loss at 1 mm below the implant shoulder was -0.553 and -0.898 mm for the control and test group, respectively. The estimated mean difference of 0.344 mm in favour of the control group was not significant (95% CI: -0.415 to 1.104; p = 0.363). Also at all other horizontal and vertical levels, no significant differences could be observed between the groups. The combination of socket grafting and STA enabled counteraction of any buccal soft-tissue loss (≥ 0 mm) at 1 mm below the implant shoulder in 82% of the patients in the control group and in 75% of the patients in the test group (p = 1.000). The clinical outcome was favourable in both groups, yet implants in the control group demonstrated slightly less marginal bone loss (median difference 0.20 mm; 95% CI: 0.00-0.44; p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: In patients with an intact and mainly thick buccal bone wall in the anterior maxilla, the timing of STA following IIP had no significant impact on mean buccal bone loss. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05537545.

A Comprehensive Review of the Contemporary Methods for Enhancing Osseointegration and the Antimicrobial Properties of Titanium Dental Implants.

Titanium dental implants with various restorative options are popular for replacing missing teeth due to their comfortable fit, excellent stability, natural appearance, and impressive track record in clinical settings. However, challenges such as potential issues with osseointegration, peri-implant bone loss, and peri-implantitis might lead to implant failure, causing concern for patients and dental staff. Surface modification has the potential to significantly enhance the success rate of titanium implants and meet the needs of clinical applications. This involves the application of various physical, chemical, and bioactive coatings, as well as adjustments to implant surface topography, offering significant potential for enhancing implant outcomes in terms of osseointegration and antimicrobial properties. Many surface modification methods have been employed to improve titanium implants, showcasing the diversity of approaches in this field including sandblasting, acid etching, plasma spraying, plasma immersion ion implantation, physical vapor deposition, electrophoretic deposition, electrochemical deposition, anodization, microarc oxidation, laser treatments, sol-gel method, layer-by-layer self-assembly technology, and the adsorption of biomolecules. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the surface modification methods for titanium implants to address issues with insufficient osseointegration and implant-related infections. It encompasses the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of these methods to provide researchers and dental professionals with a robust resource to aid them in their study and practical use of dental implant materials, ensuring they are thoroughly knowledgeable and well-prepared for their endeavors.

Assessing the Prevalence and Length of the Anterior Loop of Inferior Alveolar Nerve and the Position and Dimension of Mental Foramen Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

Background To prevent harm to the neurovascular bundle during clinical and surgical operations, it is crucial to understand the position and dimension of the mental foramen, as well as the prevalence and length of the anterior loop (AL). Methods An iCAT Vision (CT Dent, London, UK) was used to take a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. Measurement of height, length of anterior loop, position and width of mental foramen was examined. Results Assessed prevalence of anterior loop and saw difference among genders, which was found to be more among males than females; anterior loop decreased as age advances. Mean anterior loop length of study subjects in different age group on right side was more than the left side, and the most common location of the mental foramen (61.87% in females and 61.36% in males) is located below the apex of the second premolar. The mean value of the distance from inferior border was 9.72mm in females and 10.78mm in males. Conclusion The current study was done with all of these characteristics in mind to assess the effectiveness of CBCT in determining anterior looping of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and the position and dimension of mental foramen. In more than half of the cases analyzed, an anterior loop was discovered.

Comparison of Different Intraoral Scanners With Prefabricated Aid on Accuracy and Framework Passive Fit of Digital Complete-Arch Implant Impression: An In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of digital complete-arch implant impressions with prefabricated aids using three intraoral scanners (IOSs) and explore the correlation between virtual deviation measurement and physical framework misfit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four edentulous maxillary master models with four and six parallel and angular implants were fabricated and scanned by a laboratory scanner as reference scans. Ten scans of each master model were acquired using three IOSs (IOS-T, IOS-M, and IOS-A) with and without prefabricated aids. Trueness and precision of root mean square (RMS) errors were measured. Ten aluminum alloy frameworks were fabricated, and the misfit was measured with a micro-computed tomography scan with one screw tightened. RESULTS: Trueness and precision showed significant improvement when prefabricated aids were used for all three IOSs (p < 0.010). Median (interquartile range) RMS errors of trueness reduced from 67.5 (30.4) to 61.8 (30.3) µm, from 100.6 (35.4) to 45.9 (15.1) µm, and from 52.7 (33.2) to 41.1 (22.5) µm for scanner IOS-T, IOS-M, and IOS-A, respectively (p < 0.010). The precision of IOS-A and IOS-M was significantly better than IOS-T when using prefabricated aid (p < 0.001). RMS errors and the maximum marginal misfit of the framework were significantly correlated (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.845). CONCLUSIONS: With the prefabricated aids, the accuracy of IOSs enhanced significantly in digital complete-arch implant impressions. Three IOSs showed different levels of improvement in accuracy. Virtual RMS errors <62.2 µm could be the clinically acceptable threshold (150 µm) for framework passive fit.

Genetics Affecting the Prognosis of Dental Treatments.

Genetics plays a significant role in determining an individual's susceptibility to dental diseases, the response to dental treatments, and the overall prognosis of dental interventions. Here, the authors explore the various genetic factors affecting the prognosis of dental treatments focusing on dental caries, orthodontic treatment, oral cancer, prosthodontic treatment, periodontal disease, developmental disorders, pharmacogenetics, and genetic predisposition to faster wound healing. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of dental health can help personalize treatment plans, predict outcomes, and improve the overall quality of dental care.

Effect of Clinical Experience on Accuracy of Implant Placement Using Dynamic Navigation and Static Guidance: an in vitro Study.

This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of implants placed by clinicians with varying dental implant experience using dynamic navigation (DN) and static guidance (SG). Sixty identical custom-made drillable maxillary models were fabricated, missing the right central incisor (#8) and left first molar (#14) with simulated gingival tissue. Models planned with a dynamic navigation system and guided surgery software were randomly allocated to an experienced clinician, an inexperienced clinician, and a nonexperienced clinician. The accuracy of implant placement was evaluated by overlaying the preoperative virtual surgical plan with the postoperative Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan. Deviations between the placed and planned implants were quantified using a mathematical algorithm. Independent-sample t-tests revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) in angular deviation but not in coronal and apical deviations when comparing dynamic navigation with static guidance for all three clinicians. One-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test found no significant differences between clinicians of varying dental implant experience in dynamic navigation and static guidance groups. The study concluded that the level of dental implant experience and surgical site do not significantly impact the accuracy of implant placement when either dynamic navigation or static guidance is used. Dynamic navigation produced less angular deviation in comparison with static guidance. This finding suggests dynamic navigation could benefit clinical settings, particularly for less experienced clinicians.

The effect of compressive force in bone tissue induced by implants of different primary stabilities on macrophage polarization and bone regeneration.

Dental implants with different primary stabilities give rise to distinct stress distributions at the implant-bone interface after placement and exert mechanical force on the cells in the bone tissue. This study aimed to investigate whether the mechanical forces in peri-implant bone participate in the body's immune response and influence macrophage polarization. Therefore, an in vivo rat implantation model with different primary implant stabilities was established. The osteoimmune response and macrophage polarization were investigated, and the osseointegration of the implants was evaluated. In an in vitro experiment, an external compressive force was applied to RAW264.7 cells, and the polarization phenotype was observed. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in macrophage-conditioned medium to investigate the regulatory effect of the macrophage-secreted cytokines on the osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts. In vivo experimental results indicated that the primary stability of implants is positively correlated with the mechanical force. The osteoimmune response was significantly amplified by compressive force generated from implants. This compressive force first induced both M1 and M2 macrophage polarization and then accelerated the progression of the transition to M2 macrophages in the bone repair phase. In vitro, compressive force significantly upregulated the M1 and M2 macrophage polarization. In addition, the suppressive effect of macrophages on the osteogenesis of MC3T3 cells was relieved by cytokines secreted by macrophages under compressive force loading, which promoted their osteogenesis. Overall, these results clarify that compressive force from different primary stabilities is an important influencing factor regulating the osteoimmunne response and macrophage polarization in addition to maintaining the implant.

Does crown-to-implant ratio affect marginal bone loss around a single short implant at the posterior of the mandible?

Context: Short implants are acceptable treatment options for atrophic ridges; however, they increase the crown-to-implant (C/I) ratio compared to regular length implants. The study aimed to assess the correlation between the C/I ratio and marginal bone loss (MBL) in single short implants at the posterior of the mandible. Aims: The study aimed to assess the correlation between the C/I ratio and MBL in single short implants at the posterior of the mandible. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed short implants with 6 mm lengths at the posterior of the mandible. The long-cone peri-apical digital radiographs were taken immediately after loading and 24 months later. Age, gender, implant diameter, gingival biotype, and implant brands were the study variables, and the C/I ratio was the predictive factor. The mean MBL at 2 years was considered the study outcome. Statistical Analysis Used: The Pearson correlation test was applied to assess the correlation between MBL and C/I. Results: Seventy implants (36 Straumann and 34 SGS implants) were studied. A significant difference was observed in the mean MBL between the two implant brands (P < 0.001). Besides, a correlation was found between MBL and the C/I ratio (P = 0.002). Conclusions: It seems that the C/I ratio is associated with an MBL increase in single short implants at the posterior of the mandible.

Application of calcium sulfate as graft material in implantology and maxillofacial procedures: A review of literature.

Calcium sulphate (plaster of Paris) has been used since 1892 to fill bone defects and as a good bone graft substitute. Calcium sulphate is an osteoconductive, inorganic substance. Following 75 years, many other authors reported variable and a better result in grafting of bone defects and in several cases of immediate and delayed dental implants for good osseointegrations, with no complications attributed to the calcium sulphate. Early results were variable, because of its conflicting crystalline structure, purity, and quality of the calcium sulphate. Apart from this, calcium sulphate also shows predictable resorption rate in vivo, presence of minimal trace elements and extremely uniform crystalline structure. Calcium sulphate is a bio-inert material and get resorbed over a period of weeks and fibrovascular tissue takes its place which eventually allows neovascularization and bone formation within the area. Use During the conventional surgical treatment addition of calcium sulphate as a bone graft of in case of placement of dental implants and pathological bony defects it improves the clinical outcome. Calcium sulphate also act as a barrier and filling material for the treatment of "through and through" bony lesions. Use of calcium sulphate as a bone graft substitute avoids the complications and morbidity associated with autograft like infection, second surgery.

Evaluation of the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the detection of peri-implant fenestration.

BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment of the bone supporting the implant is crucial. Early detection of bone defects around the implant can prevent the loss of bone support that ultimately leads to the loss of the implant. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to check the accuracy of CBCT in detecting peri-implant fenestrations around the implant. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this laboratory study, healthy beef ribs were used. The ribs were divided into three groups of 12 (control group, 1-2 mm fenestration group, and 2-3 mm fenestration group). The blocks were cut to a length of 20 mm and 36 osteotomies with dimensions of 4 × 12 mm were made by the periodontist in order to place the implant in these bone blocks. Then the titanium implant was placed in the holes and the initial scan was performed with CBCT. In the second group, fenestration-like lesions were created on the same buccal side at a distance of 10 mm from the crest with a diameter of 1-2 mm and in the third group with a diameter of 2-3 mm, and the CBCT scan was performed again with the same parameters. Two radiologists evaluated the images twice for the presence and absence of fenestration. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between direct measurements and CBCT in the fenestration group of 1-2 mm (p < 0.05), but there was a significant difference between direct measurements and CBCT in the fenestration group of 2-3 mm and underestimation was observed in CBCT measurements. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that CBCT radiography has a higher accuracy in measuring the fenestration around the implant with a smaller diameter and has an acceptable diagnostic value in detecting bone loss around the implant.

The Role of Bone Tacks in Sinus Floor Lift Surgery: A Single-Center Experience.

Background: Maxillar atrophy is a prevalent condition associated with diminished bone volume, which precludes the conventional placement of dental implants. Sinus floor lift is a surgical procedure that aims to address this atrophy through the insertion of a graft within the sinus cavity. A multitude of techniques have been documented in the international literature for the management of the sinus bone window, though each approach has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Methods: The present study is a retrospective analysis of traditional sinus floor lift surgery, comparing the outcomes of two surgical approaches: placement of a collagen membrane over the maxillary lateral bone window with or without bone tacks. The study enrolled a total of 48 consecutive patients. Twenty-four patients underwent sinus floor lift surgery, with the placement of a collagen membrane over the maxillary lateral bone window without bone tacks (control group). The remaining 24 patients underwent the same procedure, but with bone tacks (study group). All patients received an amoxicillin 875 mg + clavulanic acid 125 mg administration for six days and underwent Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) before the sinus floor lift surgery and six months later before the implant surgery. The parameters measured on the preoperative Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan included residual bone, the preoperative thickness of the lateral bone in the center, and the distance between the lateral wall and the medial wall of the sinus. Only the bone height increment was measured on the postoperative CBCT scan. Postoperative complications and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score were also recorded. A statistical analysis was performed, and the correlation between the parameters was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. A comparison of the mean of the parameters between the treatment group and the control group was conducted using the t-test. Results and Conclusions: The study group was found to have superior outcomes in terms of bone height increment (p = 0.001) and VAS after 7 days (p = 0.11) compared to the control group. The novel application of bone tacks on the collagen membrane over the bone window following sinus elevation surgery was associated with superior outcomes in terms of bone height and reduced pain at seven days, as measured by the VAS, with no postoperative complications.

Clinical Outcomes of Pterygoid and Maxillary Tuberosity Implants: A Systematic Review.

Background: This study aimed to assess the survival of implants placed in the maxillary tuberosity or in the pterygomaxillary region of the maxilla, based on a systematic review of the literature. Methods: An electronic search was undertaken in three databases. The cumulative survival rate (CSR) was calculated. The log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test was used to compare the survival distributions between some groups. Results: Thirty-eight studies were included, reporting 3446 implants (3053 pterygoid, 393 tuberosity) in 2245 patients, followed up for a mean ± SD of 61.0 ± 36.3 months (min-max, 1-144). A total of 208 pterygoid and 12 tuber implants failed, with a clear concentration of failures in the first year of follow-up and a 10-year CSR of 92.5% and 96.9%, respectively. The survival of pterygoid implants was lower than that of implants in the maxillary tuberosity (p = 0.006; log-rank test), and the survival of implants submitted to early/delayed loading was lower than that of immediately loaded implants (p < 0.001; log-rank test). Non-splinted implants presented higher failure rates. Few cases of intra- or postoperative complications were reported. Conclusions: Implants placed in the pterygoid process/maxillary tuberosity present a high 10-year CSR, although with lower survival for pterygoid in comparison to tuber implants. Pterygoid/tuber implants that are splinted with other implants may present higher survival rates than those that are not splinted.

Clinical efficacy of two vertical soft tissue augmentation techniques for peri-implant crestal bone level stability: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two techniques-acellular dermal matrix (ADM) grafting and tenting technique (TT)-for soft tissue height (STH) augmentation simultaneous to implant placement to minimize peri-implant crestal bone level (CBL) changes. METHODS: Forty patients with a healed single mandibular posterior edentulous site with a thin soft tissue phenotype were enrolled. Twenty patients received simultaneously to implant placement ADM grafting, while the others received submerged healing abutment (TT). Clinical peri-implant soft tissue height and radiographic CBL changes were measured at restoration delivery and 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Both techniques effectively increased soft tissue thickness, resulting in a final average STH of 3.4 ± 0.5 mm after augmentation. On average, soft tissue increased by 1.6 ± 0.5 mm in group ADM and by 1.8 ± 0.4 mm in group TT after augmentation. In Group ADM, mesial CBL decreased from 0.4 ± 0.3 mm to 0.1 ± 0.2 mm, and distal CBL decreased from 0.5 ± 0.3 mm to 0.2 ± 0.3 mm over 1 year. In Group TT, mesial CBL remained stable at 0.3 ± 0.2 mm, while distal CBL reduced slightly from 0.5 ± 0.5 mm to 0.3 ± 0.2 mm. Both groups showed minimal changes in CBL, indicating great stability (pmesial = 0.003, pdistal = 0.004). TT was particularly effective in preventing mesial bone loss (pmesial = 0.019). The mesial CBL changes significantly differed between groups (p = 0.019), and not significantly at distal sites (p = 0.944). Neither treatment exhibited significant bone remodeling below the implant shoulder. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that both techniques were successful in STH augmentation, and they may effectively reduce peri-implant crestal bone level changes, with TT being slightly superior. TT was more prone to post-surgical complications. This RCT was not registered before participant recruitment and randomization.

3D surface defect map for assessing buccolingual profile of single tooth gaps following alveolar ridge preservation.

AIM: A new, non-invasive approach suggests using single intraoral optical scanning to analyze the ridge profile of single-tooth gaps following alveolar ridge preservation in the absence of a baseline scan. This method involves creating a three-dimensional (3D) surface map to identify and assess contour changes and ridge profiles based on the adjacent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional pilot analysis on a convenience sample of patients undergoing alveolar ridge preservation. Intraoral optical scans were taken on 23 patients, capturing data from 30 edentulous sites. The digital models were then imported into an image analysis software for a 3D surface defect map analysis performed by one examiner. This analysis characterized the buccolingual profile of the single tooth gap relative to the adjacent teeth. 10 linear divergence points, spaced 0.5 mm apart in a corona-apical direction, were identified at the midfacial aspect of the sites. Based on these points the sites were plotted and grouped in three different buccolingual profiles (linear, concave, and convex). Clinical parameters including Keratinized mucosa Width (KMW), and soft tissue phenotype with Colorvue biotype probes were also recorded. RESULTS: Three different buccolingual patterns (linear, convex, and concave) were identified. Seven sites exhibited a linear profile, 10 sites displayed a concave shape, and 13 showed a convex profile. The linear profile had surface discrepancies similar to the neighboring teeth. In contrast, the convex profile revealed mid-buccal discrepancy localized only at the crestal aspect, while the concave had an extended divergence ranging from 1 to 5 mm below the soft tissue margin. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses did not reveal any statistically significant variables influencing profilometric analysis; however, when combining phenotype and KMW, thick phenotypes demonstrated a higher proportion of concavity (OR = 4.83) compared to thin ones, suggesting a significant trend. With every 1 mm of increase in KMW, the probability of showing a concavity decreased (p = 0.057). CONCLUSION: A 3D surface defect map represents a useful tool for objectively quantifying ridge defects and profiles by assessing profilometric and surface differences compared to adjacent dentition using a single intraoral scan. This method also indicates that KMW may play a critical role in preventing concavity defects. The 3D defect map can guide decision-making during soft tissue augmentation procedures by emphasizing the specific location of the defect and providing more detailed insights into its localization. These parameters can enable the tailoring of flap management and soft tissue grafting strategies to address the patient's individual needs.

Laminin 332 functionalized surface improve implant roughness and oral keratinocyte bioactivity.

Objective: The biological seal (BS) at the implant-tissue interface is essential for the success of dental implants (DIs), and the absence of a proper BS can lead to peri-implantitis. The basement membrane (BM) and junctional epithelium are critical for sealing the peri-implant mucosa, and laminin 332 is an important protein in binding the epithelium to the implant surface. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of oral keratinocytes to titanium dental implant surfaces biofunctionalized with laminin 332. Design: The dental implant surface was treated with a piranha solution to create hydroxyl (OH) groups, facilitating biofunctionalization with laminin 332. The modified surface underwent scanning electron microscopy, surface roughness evaluation, and chemical composition analysis. Human keratinocytes from the Cal-27 line were then cultured on the modified implants for 24 and 48 h to assess viability, morphology, cytokine secretion, and mRNA expression of tissue repair-associated genes. Results: The results showed that laminin 332 biofunctionalization of the implant surface resulted in lower values of Ra, Rq and positive surface roughness parameters Rsk, Rku and Rv. The elemental composition showed an increase in nitrogen and carbon content corresponding to protein binding. The biofunctionalized surfaces did not affect cell viability and promoted cytokine secretion (IL-1a and IL-8) and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in MCP-1, EGF, FGF, TGF and VEGF gene expression compared to the control. Conclusion: In conclusion, laminin 332 coating Ti implants was shown to be effective in promoting keratinocyte adhesion, spreading, and viability. This approach could be an alternative way to improve biocompatibility.

Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in reducing postoperative pain after dental implant surgery: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: A clinical trial was conducted to measure the effectiveness of a combined wavelength of 660 nm and 808 nm Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in reducing postoperative pain in partially and totally edentulous patients who underwent dental implant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 20 blinded individuals divided in a randomized split-mouth fashion; the experimental group in one hemiarch and the control group in the other hemiarch. The experimental group received a total of 22.5 Joules (J) of LLLT divided into 5 points per implant immediately after surgery. The control group received a placebo treatment. At 24 h, 72 h, and 7 days, a blinded surveyor administered a pain questionnaire using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) combined with a Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) to assess pain onset after surgery, duration of the first pain episode, and pain evolution. Group data were analyzed with an ANOVA test for repeated measures and a paired t-test at defined time intervals. RESULTS: The experimental group showed a significant decrease in postoperative pain at 24 h and at 72 h for fully edentulous patients. There was a non-significant difference in the duration of the first pain episode. The mean pain levels decreased over time for both the experimental and control treatments, but only statistically significantly for the experimental group in the 24-72 h and 24 h to 7 days intervals. The same was true for the control group when comparing 24 and 72 h and between 24 h and 1 week. The time range between 72 h and 1 week showed no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, a single dose of 22.5 J LLLT per implant helps to decrease postoperative pain in dental implant surgery at 24 h for partially edentulous patients and at 24 and 72 h for fully edentulous patients.

Mandibular Unilateral Paresthesia Following Implant Placement and Clinical Management: Clinical Case Report.

Dental implantology has been considered the mainstay in the rehabilitation of partial or complete edentulism. Nevertheless, complications and failures are occasionally encountered, and the most significant is the neurosensory disturbance. It not only causes persistent discomfort to the patient but frequently degrades the patient's oral health-related quality of life, even leading to a negative psychological impact. This paper presents a case report of a 65-year-old male patient who underwent the replacement of his missing tooth in the right mandibular region (46) with an implant-supported prosthesis two years ago. Since then, he has been experiencing numbness in the right side of the lip and occasional drooling of saliva from the right corner of the mouth. Clinical examination revealed the presence of a prosthetic crown supported by an implant in relation to 46 with inflamed and enlarged gingiva in the region with paresthesia of the right lower lip region. Radiological examination with orthopantomogram (OPG) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed that the implant apex rested on the inferior alveolar nerve canal. Careful surgical retrieval of the well-osseointegrated implant was performed under local anesthesia in about seven days. The patient gradually experienced neurosensory improvement, and the paraesthesia was completely resolved in a six-week period. After complete recovery, as evaluated with an objective and subjective assessment, the edentulous site was successfully restored with a provisional fixed partial denture.

Is Vitamin D Deficiency a Risk Factor for Osseointegration of Dental Implants - A Prospective Study.

Introduction: Early dental implant failure (EDIF) can occur even when optimal materials are used, surgical protocols are strictly followed and the quantity and quality of bone at the recipient site are sufficient. The existence of specific patient-related risk factors require an investigation into the regulatory mechanisms controlling bone metabolism, bone remodelling and bone turnover as well as serum Vitamin D. The implant stability quotient is used as a prognostic indicator for possible implant failure. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between serum Vitamin D levels and EDIF. Materials and Methods: A total of 143 implant placement sites were identified in 53 patients enrolled in this study. All patients had the assessments of serum Vitamin D levels side by side with assessments of primary and secondary implant stability at proposed implant sites at the time of implant placement and after 12 weeks using a resonance frequency analysis device. Results: Ten early failures (7%) were recorded. There was no correlation between gender, age, smoking, hyperglycaemia or an increased incidence of early failures. Statistical analysis reported two early failures (4.5%) in patients with serum levels of Vitamin D >30 ng/mL, two early failures (2.3%) in patients with levels between 10 and 30 ng/mL and six early failures (46.2%) in patients with levels <10 ng/mL. Discussion: The role of Vitamin D as a risk factor for early implant failure should be considered in patients with Vitamin D deficiency. The incidence of early implant failures was higher in patients with low serum levels of Vitamin D. Patients with low serum Vitamin D levels had a greater rate of early implant failure.