Influence of surface nanotopography and wettability on early phases of peri-implant soft tissue healing: an in-vivo study in dogs.

BACKGROUND: It is well established that nanotopography and wettability of implant surfaces contribute to osseointegration and long-term implant success. However, the effects of a hydrogenated surface with nanotubular and superhydrophilic properties on peri-implant soft tissue remain unclear. This study was designed to study the impact of a modified abutment surface on early soft tissue integration compared with a machined surface. METHODS: Thirty-six implants were placed at the bone level in the bilateral mandible of six beagles, followed by healing abutments belonging to the standard machined Ti-6Al-4V alloy abutments (TC4-M), anodized abutments with nanotubes (TC4-Nano), and hydrogenated abutments (TC4-H/Nano) groups, which were randomly screwed to the implants. After two and four weeks of wound healing, the animals were euthanized for histological evaluation. RESULTS: A superhydrophilic nanotubular surface developed on the hydrogenated abutment. Histological and histometric analyses revealed similar peri-implant soft tissue healing and dimensions for the three types of abutments at two and four weeks. Connective tissue (CT) length was longer around TC4-H/Nano abutments compared with standard abutments; however, the differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, collagen fibers in the TC4-H/Nano group extended and were attached perpendicularly to the superhydrophilic surface. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that the soft tissue interface adjacent to the hydrogenated abutment is comparable to that of the machined abutment. A tendency of increased CT length and perpendicular collagen fibers was observed around the modified abutment. This study suggests that nanotubular/superhydrophilic surfaces could be a promising modification to enhance soft tissue sealing. However, comprehensive studies should be conducted to evaluate the peri-implant soft tissue around the modified abutment immunohistochemically, histopathologically, and clinically.

Association of lipid profile and reported edentulism in the elder population: data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVES: Relationship between lipid profile and periodontitis has been reported. However, the association between lipid parameters and edentulism is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between lipid profile and reported edentulism in the elder population using a national cohort. METHODS: A total of 3 100 participants aged 65 or above were enrolled in 2011 from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, which was a national population-based survey. We used adjusted logistics models to investigate the relationship between lipid profile and reported edentulism before and after propensity score matching. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 71.96 (5.63) years, and 1 581 (51.0%) were men. There were 254 (8.2%) individuals reporting edentulism, and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was significantly higher in the reported edentulism group, compared with the non-edentulism (122.48 vs. 116.91 mg/dl, P = 0.015). In the multivariable model, LDL-C was significantly associated with a higher odds of reported edentulism (adjusted OR [95% CI], 1.004 [1.001-1.008]). In the matched population, LDL-C, non high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, remnant cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides were positively associated with reported edentulism, while HDL-C was negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid profiles are probably associated with edentulism, indicating the interaction between oral health and metabolic status in the elder population.

The effect of implants loaded with stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth on early osseointegration in a canine model.

BACKGROUND: This in vivo experimental study investigated the effect of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) on early osteogenesis around implants. METHODS: In four healthy adult male Beagle dogs, the left mandibular received implants and SHED as the experimental group, and the right mandibular received implants and phosphate-buffered saline as the control group. The Beagle dogs were randomly divided into groups A and B, which were sacrificed at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation. Micro-computed tomography and histological analysis were used to investigate the effect of SHED-loading on the early osseointegration around the implants. RESULTS: The total bone-to-implant contact (BIC%) and interthread bone improved significantly. The analysis of the bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness showed that the bone trabecula around the implants in the SHEDs group was thicker and denser than that in the control group, suggesting a better osseointegration. CONCLUSIONS: The application of implants pre-adhered with SHEDs improved and accelerated early osseointegration around the implant, resulting in thicker and denser trabecular bone.