A randomized controlled trial for evaluation of bone density changes around immediate functionally and nonfunctionally loaded implants using three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare and assess bone density changes around immediate functionally and nonfunctionally loaded implants. Settings and design: In vivo comparative study. Materials and Methods: Sixty participants selected based on the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria received single tooth implants in mandible under two implant loading protocols: Immediate functionally loaded (IFL) and immediate nonfunctionally loaded (INFL). Randomization was done by computer-aided simple randomization procedure. Self-tapering, aggressive SLA implants were placed in the single tooth edentulous sites of mandible in both the groups. Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (3D CBCT) was taken at baseline, 3 and 6 months postimplant placement. Quantitative analysis of the bone density was performed using 3D CBCT in three areas around the implants at crestal, middle, and apical regions of implants. Statistical Analysis Used: Quantitative data were summarized as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software version 21.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) by unpaired t-test. Results: Bone density changes after implant placement in IFL group from baseline to 3 months were; crestal region (314.18 ± 71.69), middle (278.23 ± 70.17), apical (274.70 ± 59.79) and changes from 3 to 6 months were; crestal (-105.55 ± 39.60), middle (-114.80 ± 41.46), apical (-141.88 ± 69.58). Bone density changes after implant placement in INFL group from baseline to 3 months were crestal region (199.42 ± 47.97), middle (56.91 ± 10.39), apical (200.98 ± 67.43) and changes from 3 to 6 months were; crestal (-194.38 ± 75.30), middle (-204.40 ± 63.75), apical (-191.28 ± 62.33). Conclusions: It was concluded that INFL implant group showed better bone density when compared to IFL implant group.

Clinical outcomes of flap versus flapless immediately loaded single dental implants in the mandibular posterior region: One-year follow-up results from a randomized controlled trial.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Flapless implant placement with immediate functional loading has been reported in anterior locations. However, data on posterior locations are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine and compare clinical outcomes of flap versus flapless surgically placed single posterior mandibular dental implants subjected to immediate functional loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants with missing mandibular first molar teeth were recruited and randomized into 2 groups (n=51): flapped and flapless. Dental implants were surgically placed and loaded immediately with interim restorations following implant protective occlusion. Outcome measures were implant failure, crestal bone loss, and periodontal parameters: modified plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, and pocket depths. Outcome data were recorded at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up visits. Cone beam computed tomography scans were used to calculate crestal bone loss, and periodontal outcomes were recorded by using a resin covered periodontal probe (α=.05). RESULTS: After 12 months, similar implant failure rates (P>.05) were found between the groups. Crestal bone loss in the flapped group was statistically higher than in the flapless group at 6 months (0.83 ±0.21 mm versus 0.75 ±0.23 mm) and at 12 months (1.04 ±0.27 mm versus 0.90 ±0.24 mm) from the baseline. The modified plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, and peri-implant probing depths (PDs) in both groups increased from the baseline to 6-month follow-ups (Baseline modified plaque index: 0.82 ±0.54 versus 0.79 ±0.21; Baseline modified sulcus bleeding index: 0.74 ±0.21 versus 0.70 ±0.43; Baseline PD: 1.25 ±0.37 mm versus 1.20 ±0.22 mm; 6 months modified plaque index: 1.54 ±0.70 versus 1.21 ±0.45; 6 months modified sulcus bleeding index: 1.93 ±0.54 versus 1.51 ±0.61; 6 months PD: 3.20 ±0.73 mm versus 2.80 ±0.43 mm). At 12-month follow-ups after repeated oral hygiene reinforcements, periodontal parameters had improved (decreased) significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Flapless implant insertion with immediate functional loading could be considered as an appropriate treatment option for providing functional restorations on the day of implant placement with minimal surgical intervention, reducing crestal bone loss, and periodontal complications.

A randomized clinical study to compare implant stability and bone loss using early loading protocol in two implant systems with different design.

Aims: The study compared changes in implant stability and bone loss of implants with different designs using early loading at 6 weeks. Setting and Design: In vivo-comparative study. Materials and Methods: Forty subjects were selected and divided randomly by sealed envelope method in Group X and Group A for early loading for missing single posterior tooth in mandible. Implants in Group X had flared crest module and buttress thread design, whereas implants in Group A had parallel crest module and V-shaped thread design. All subjects were evaluated by Ostell for implant stability at the interval of baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. ImageJ software was used for measurement of crestal bone loss in intraoral periapical radiographs at the interval of 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Statistical Analysis Used: Unpaired t test, repeated ANOVA, Tukey post hoc test. Results: The mean bone loss values of Group X at predetermined interval were 1.51 ± 0.20 mm, 2.11 ± 0.21 mm and 2.13 ± 0.21 mm. The mean bone loss values of Group A were 1.79 ± 0.16 mm, 2.92 ± 0.23 mm and 2.95 ± 0.23 mm. The mean bone loss was statistical significant (P < 0.05) at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. It was highly significant in Group A at 6 months (P < 0.001). Conclusions: It was concluded that Group X implants design showed better implant stability and less bone loss when compared to Group A implants design.

Color matching in facial prosthetics: A systematic review.

Color matching to the surrounding skin is extremely important in patients wearing maxillofacial prostheses. It is of utmost importance to know the different techniques of color matching and coloring in maxillofacial prostheses. The purpose of this study is to review the literature data with regard to color matching in maxillofacial prosthetics. An electronic search of peer review restricted to English language dental literature was conducted to identify the relevant scientific article on color matching and coloring in maxillofacial prostheses. The publication year was up to December 2015 so that the search could include all the articles provided in that particular database. Two independent observers independently read the abstracts and later preselected full-text articles. A full-text review was carried out only for 15 articles. Out of the 15 articles, 7 were related to coloring using tinting, spraying, milling, and use of commercial cosmetics. Three studies were related to shade matching in maxillofacial prostheses. Two studies conducted the measurement of color in maxillofacial prostheses. Only one study had explained color and its relevance in maxillofacial prosthetics. Only one study was done for reproducing silicone shade guide matching Indian skin color. In addition, a single pilot study was done to measure facial skin and lip color in a human population sample stratified by race, gender, and age. Currently, there is no evidence discussing the best technique available for perfectly matching the color for the fabrication of maxillofacial prostheses. However, the latest instruments such as spectrophotometer and colorimeters are believed to have improved efficiency in matching the color.

A retrospective study to compare improvement of implant maintenance by Medical Treatment Model.

BACKGROUND: Study comparing the improvement of implant maintenance is limited. Clinicians must be aware of implant maintenance to improve long-term success of implant. AIMS: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether the Medical Treatment Model (MTM), which is a comprehensive treatment, includes initial risk assessment, lifestyle instructions, such as diet and habits, and a customized maintenance program to improve implant prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who were comprehensively treated were included and divided into two groups, test and control groups. The test group included patients who started treatment with MTM, whereas control group included patients who started treatment without MTM introduction. Moreover, subsequently, compliance with maintenance, occurrence of biological complications, and implant failure were evaluated. RESULTS: About 199 patients with 515 implants were analyzed in the control group and 38 patients with 59 implants in the test group. In the control and test groups, the percentages of patients in the four compliance categories were, respectively, 73.9% and 89.5% for excellent compliance, 7.0% and 7.9% for good compliance, 14.6% and 0% for fair compliance, and 4.5% and 2.6% for poor compliance. There was a statistically significant difference in the compliance with periodontal and implant maintenance between the test and control groups (P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this study, MTM significantly enhanced the compliance of patients treated with implants.

Changes in alveolar bone density around immediate functionally and nonfunctionally loaded implants.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Few studies compare the radiographic changes in bone density associated with immediate implant loading protocols. PURPOSE: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to quantitatively assess radiographic changes in alveolar bone density around immediate functionally and nonfunctionally loaded implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in which 20 participants with partially edentulous mandibles received implants that were immediately loaded either functionally (IFL) or nonfunctionally (INFL). Standardized intraoral periapical radiographs were made at baseline, 3, and 6 months. These were digitized and analyzed using the histogram tool of the GNU Image Modulation Program for changes in alveolar bone density at crestal and lateral apical levels around the implant. RESULTS: An increase in the mean lateral apical pixel grayscale values of 4.68 ±0.80 at 3 months and 4.15 ±0.29 at 6 months was observed with IFL, while INFL demonstrated an increase of 5.66 ±0.53 at 3 months and 6.07 ±0.59 at 6 months. A decrease in the mean crestal pixel grayscale values of -24.40 ±7.41 with IFL and -16.86 ±5.14 with INFL was found from baseline to 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this longitudinal study, it was concluded that immediate loading stimulated alveolar bone formation at 6 months after implant placement. The immediate functional loading of implants resulted in a significantly greater degree of bone demineralization at the alveolar crest from implant placement up to 3 months compared with immediate nonfunctional loading.

An In Vivo 24-Month Study to Compare Crestal Bone Loss and Pocket Depth of Platform-Switched Implants Placed in Maxillary Anterior and Mandibular Posterior Regions.

PURPOSE: To analyze and compare crestal bone loss and pocket depth around platform-switched implants placed at two intraoral locations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty platform-switched implants, 40 in the maxillary anterior region (group - ANT) and 40 in the mandibular posterior region (group - POST), were placed in healthy men aged between 25 and 45 years, and restored following two-stage surgical and progressive loading protocols. Digital radiographs for crestal bone level assessment and pocket depths on facial, mesial, distal, and palatal/lingual sites around the implant were recorded at definitive restoration cementation (baseline) and 6-month follow-up. Difference in pre- and post-periodontal pocket depths and crestal bone loss levels were measured and analyzed statistically using SPSS v.16.0, applying the Mann-Whitney test (p < 0.05 considered significant). RESULTS: Mean bone loss was significantly higher in group ANT (1.2 ± 0.3 mm) than in group POST (0.7 ± 0.02 mm). Palatal pocket depth increase was significantly greater in the ANT group (p = 0.01), and distal pocket depth increase was significantly greater for the POST group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The amount of bone loss noted in the maxillary anterior region compared to the mandibular posterior region was significantly more. This could possibly be because of greater vertical cantilever and offset loads in the anterior compared to the posterior region. Significantly greater pocket depth in mandibular posterior distal and maxillary anterior palatal regions could be related to oral hygiene maintenance issues.

Evaluation of various treatment modalities in sleep bruxism.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Sleep bruxism (SB) is an oral condition that is associated with tooth wear, orofacial pain, and interference with sleep. The most recommended management technique is the use of an occlusal splint. Although the mandibular advancement device (MAD) has shown good results, few well-designed randomized controlled trials are available with which to compare these treatment options. Therefore, an evaluation of the effect of these 2 appliances on SB is needed. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a MAD and a maxillary occlusal splint (MOS) on the sleep quality and SB activity of participants with SB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 28 participants were randomly supplied with either a MAD or MOS. The sleep quality of the participants was evaluated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and their SB activity with electromyographic activity of the masseter with polysomnography. These variables were measured at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. RESULTS: Of 32 participants, 28 had data available for statistical analysis, as 4 participants did not return for follow-up examination. Both the MOS and MAD significantly reduced the PSQI and SB episodes and bursts in participants after 3 months (P<.05). The MAD provided greater reduction in SB episodes per hour after 3 months compared to the MOS. Participants supplied with a MAD reported more discomfort in their feedback form than participants using a MOS. CONCLUSIONS: Both the MAD and MOS provided significantly improved sleep quality and a decrease in SB episodes at 3 months.

Assessment of swallowing and masticatory performance in obturator wearers: a clinical study.

PURPOSE: To assess function by identifying changes in swallowing and masticatory performance in maxillary obturator prosthesis wearers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty subjects were recruited for the study, of which 20 were obturator wearers, 20 were completely dentulous and 20 had removable partial/complete dentures with similar Eichner's Index. Swallowing ability was evaluated with and without obturator using the "Water Drinking Test"; Masticatory performance was evaluated with the Sieve test; and maximum occlusal force was recorded with the help of a digital bite sensor. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 15.0 with a confidence level at 95%. RESULTS: Profile, behavior of drinking and time taken to drink were significantly improved (P<.001) in subjects after wearing obturator. Masticatory performance was not significantly different (P=.252) in obturator wearer when compared with dentulous or removable partial/complete denture wearer, but significantly (P<.001) high inter group difference in maximum occlusal force existed. Correlation between masticatory performance and maximum occlusal force was not significant (P=.124). CONCLUSION: Swallowing ability was significantly improved after wearing obturator but masticatory performance was not significantly different from those having similar occlusal support zone in their dentition.

A technique for using short term soft liners as complete dentures final impression material.

Tissue conditioners can be used to condition abused tissues, record functional impressions, make temporary relining for surgical splints and obturators, and for other clinical applications, mainly because of their specific viscoelasticity. Their function in complete denture fabrication is debatable but their use as a functional impression material has been proved. The present article describes a technique for using tissue conditioners as functional impression materials. Correct method of usage, manipulation, specific properties as impression materials and precautions in different situations for obtaining accurate impressions has been highlightened.

Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Amputated Thumb: A Simplified Approach.

This case report presents a case of prosthetic rehabilitation of an amputated thumb. It emphasizes that prosthetic replacement is a better option for aesthetic and psychological improvement, particularly in cases where the victim is unwilling to undergo complicated surgical procedures for reconstruction of thumb or where functioning of thumb cannot be restored even by multiple surgeries. In the present case, a 20 years old female patient, with missing thumb of her right hand was rehabilitated aesthetically by a non-invasive and cost effective prosthetic procedure by using heat temperature vulcanizing silicone material. The prosthesis (the thumb) was attached using medical adhesives. On 3 months recall appointment, no complications were observed. The prosthesis was in good shape and required no further intervention. The prosthetic thumb lacks the sensation of a normal or reconstructed thumb, although it does not require the multiple procedures of surgical reconstruction and the accompanying loss of time for rehabilitation and healing.

Finger prosthesis: a boon to handicapped.

This is a clinical case report of a 52-year-old male patient with four partially missing fingers of the left hand. The article describes the clinical and laboratory procedure of making prosthesis with modern silicone material. A wax pattern was fabricated using the right hand of the patient. A special type of wax was formulated to make the pattern so that it can be easily moulded and carved. Intrinsic and extrinsic staining was also performed to match the adjacent skin colour. The patient was given the finger prosthesis and was asked to use a half glove (sports) to mask the junction between the prosthesis and the normal tissue. It also provides additional retention to the artificial fingers. The patient felt his social acceptance improved after wearing the finger prosthesis.

Rehabilitation of anterior teeth with customised incisal guide table.

Restoration of anterior guidance is a major challenge to the clinician in planning of all restorative treatments. An accurate anterior guidance is important for proper function, aesthetics, comfort and phonetics. This article describes anterior rehabilitation of a patient who met with a road traffic accident and lost his anterior teeth. Anterior guidance developed in the provisional restorations was accurately recorded in the customised incisal guide table and permanent restorations were fabricated accordingly.

A multidisciplinary approach for management of postenucleation socket syndrome with dermis-fat graft and ocular prosthesis: a clinical report.

A contracted eye socket is a cosmetic blemish to the patient. It not only renders patients unable to wear an eye prosthesis, but also becomes a source of chronic discharge and irritation. Orbital implants allow for cosmesis and volume replacement of an enucleated or eviscerated eye. Alloplastic orbital implants are associated with potential complications, including exposure and extrusion. A dermis-fat graft offers the advantages of relative availability and an autologous nature. This article reports on a patient suffering from severe postenucleation socket syndrome after enucleation of the bulbus with postoperative irradiation of the orbit due to retinoblastoma and its subsequent management by a dermal-fat graft and ocular prosthesis. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the usefulness of dermal-fat grafting as a safe and stable orbital volume replacement following enucleation.

Management of mandibular deviation after mandibulectomy by simplified approach.

Unfavourable sequelae from mandibular surgeries include malocclusion and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The management of the situation before these complications arise is largely based on experience. This report presents a case where mandibular deviation is decreased through an additional row of teeth in the maxillary removable partial denture, and by decreasing scar contracture in the surgical site by means of a simple exercise.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of partial ear loss with custom-made acrylic attachment and long-term soft liner.

BACKGROUND: The craniofacial implants are used for retaining the prostheses although these are costly and often require complex laboratory procedures. The aim of this case report is to describe a case of successful rehabilitation of partial ear loss with long-term soft liner and mechanically retained by custom-made heat-cured acrylic attachment. CASE DESCRIPTION AND METHODS: A female patient underwent a scalp avulsion injury and lost major portion of her hair and upper part of the left ear till the antitragus. A partial auricular prosthesis was fabricated, and mechanical retention was achieved through custom-made heat-cured acrylic attachment engaged in anatomic undercuts of remained ear. FINDINGS AND OUTCOMES: Permanent soft liner provided a life-like appearance and consistency to the prosthetic ear and bonded to custom-made heat-cured acrylic attachment through chemical cross-linking. CONCLUSION: Patient accepted the prosthesis satisfactorily without any social and psychological embracement. This technique simplified the clinical and laboratory procedures and reduced the cost of the prosthesis.

Effect of complete dentures on craniofacial growth of an ectodermal dysplasia patient: a clinical report.

The aim of this clinical report was to observe the effect of complete dentures on craniofacial growth and development of an ectodermal dysplasia (ED) patient. A complete anodontia patient diagnosed with ED was successfully rehabilitated with conventional complete dentures at the ages of 5, 8, and 10 years. Three sets of complete dentures were made with age-appropriate denture teeth and a bilaterally balanced lingualized occlusal scheme. Periodic follow-up and adjustment when needed was done to maintain proper oral function and esthetics. Serial cephalometric analysis exhibited a marked restriction of forward growth at the anterior nasal spine (ANS) point between 5 and 10 years of age, although there was little change from average in the anteroposterior length of the mandibular body and the height of the mandibular ramus. So, while maxillary growth was reduced, mandibular growth did not significantly change. Cast analysis showed that the increase in arch length was greater than in arch width for both the maxilla and mandible. There was little increase in alveolar ridge height in the anterior region but a considerable increase in the height of the alveolar ridge in the middle and the posterior region. Our findings concluded that the absence of teeth did not affect the growth of the jaws, and it is probable that the denture flange did not arrest the jaw growth, but rather improved the masticatory function by providing good denture stability and retention.

Management of maxillectomy defect with a hybrid hollow bulb obturator.

A woman having already undergone maxillectomy came to the department complaining of difficulty in eating and speech. During the construction of an obturator, the bulb area should be hollowed to reduce weight so that the teeth and supporting tissues are not stressed unnecessarily. The conventional open design drains fluid from the adjacent mucosa, possibly increasing the weight of the prosthesis, and is difficult to clean. The closed bulb design does not drain secretions and may cause obstruction and susceptibility to infection in the paranasal and pharyngeal regions, though it is easier to maintain. An alternative to the two designs, combining their advantages, is presented in this report. As the open hollow part of the obturator was shallow, it was easy to clean. Making the inferior part of the bulb hollow and closed led to a reduction in the overall weight of the prosthesis while increasing its resonance.

A Preliminary Study to Analyze the Cranio-facial Growth of an Ectodermal Dysplasia Patient After Prosthetic Rehabilitation.

An experimental study on craniofacial development and jaw growth pattern of an ectodermal dysplasia patient was performed and was compared with normal individual. An ectodermal dysplasia patient with complete anodontia was prosthetically rehabilitated with complete dentures at age of 6 and 8 years. Two sets of complete dentures were made with age-appropriate denture teeth and a lingualized occlusal scheme. Periodic follow up and adjustment whether needed was done to maintain proper oral function and aesthetics. Serial cephalometric analysis exhibited a marked restriction of forward growth at the ANS point during 6-8 years of age although there was a little change from average in the anteroposterior length of mandibular body and the height of mandibular ramus. So, the maxillary growth was reduced but there was no significant change in the mandibular growth. Cast analysis showed that increase in arch length was greater than in arch width for both maxilla and mandible. There was a little increase in alveolar ridge height in the anterior region but there was a considerable increase in the height of the alveolar ridge in the middle and the posterior region. Our findings concluded that the absence of teeth did not affect the growth of the jaws and probably the denture flange did not arrest the jaw growth, rather it improved the masticatory function by providing good denture stability and retention.

A comparative study of physical properties of gypsums manufactured in India.

Gypsum products are one of the most widely used materials in dentistry. The wide use of plaster of paris motivated a number of manufacturers to introduce different brands of the profession but their physical and mechanical properties were still questionable. The aim of this study was to access, compare and evaluate the physical properties of different brands of laboratory gypsum available in Indian dental market. Seven brands namely Calspar, Rajhans, Elephant, Horse, Lion, Johnson and Shree Niwas Chemicals were selected for the comparison of their particle size, consistency and setting time. The obtained data were tabulated and compared with Indian, Australian and US standard specification. Statistical analysis for comparative study was done. It was found that none of the brands were up to mark. The present study shall be able to provide some beneficial information regarding their quality control and guide the manufacturers for improving the standardization of their products so that most suitable type of material may be available to the profession.