Biomechanical Effects of Ti-Base Abutment Height on the Dental Implant System: A Finite Element Analysis.

This study aims to analyse, using a finite element analysis, the effects of Ti-base abutment height on the distribution and magnitude of transferred load and the resulting bone microstrain in the bone-implant system. A three-dimensional bone model of the mandibular premolar section was created with an implant placed in a juxta-osseous position. Three prosthetic models were designed: a 1 mm-high titanium-base (Ti-base) abutment with an 8 mm-high cemented monolithic zirconia crown was designed for model A, a 2 mm-high Ti-base abutment with a 7 mm-high crown for model B, and a 3 mm-high abutment with a 6 mm-high crown for model C. A static load of 150 N was applied to the central fossa at a six-degree angle with respect to the axial axis of the implant to evaluate the magnitude and distribution of load transfer and microstrain. The results showed a trend towards a direct linear association between the increase in the height of the Ti-base abutments and the increase in the transferred stress and the resulting microstrain to both the prosthetic elements and the bone/implant system. An increase in transferred stress and deformation of all elements of the system, within physiological ranges, was observed as the size of the Ti-base abutment increased.

Hybrid surface implants: Influence of residual stress on mechanical behavior, evaluated by finite element analysis and validation by fatigue tests.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of different surface roughness and residual stress of hybrid surface implants on their behavior and mechanical failure. METHODS: Three types of implants with different surface roughness were used as specimens: smooth, rough, and hybrid. A diffractometer was used to determine the residual stress of the implants according to their different surface treatment. These results were used as an independent variable in a finite element analysis that compared the three specimens to determine the von Mises stress transferred to the implants and supporting bone and the resulting microdeformations. Flexural strength and fatigue behavior tests were performed to compare the results of the three types of implants. RESULTS: Higher residual stress values were found for rough surfaces (p < 0.05, Student's t-test) compared to smooth surfaces, and both types of stress were different for the two types of hybrid implant surfaces. Finite element analysis found different von Mises stress and microdeformation results, both at the level of the implant and the bone, for the three types of implants under study. These results were correlated with the different flexural strength behaviors (lower resistance for hybrids and higher for rough surfaces, p < 0.05) and fatigue behavior (the rough implant had the longest fatigue life, while the hybrid implant exhibited the worst fatigue behavior). SIGNIFICANCE: The results show a trend toward a less favorable mechanical behavior of the hybrid implants related to the retention of different residual stresses caused by the surface treatment.

A Biomechanical Analysis of the Influence of the Morfology of the Bone Blocks Grafts on the Transfer of Tension or Load to the Soft Tissue by Means of the Finite Elements Method.

Edentulism produces resorption of alveolar bone processes, which can complicate placement of dental implants. Guided bone regeneration techniques aim to recover the volume of bone. These treatments are susceptible to the surgical technique employed, the design of the autologous block or the tension of the suture. These factors can relate to major complications as the lack of primary closure and dehiscence. The present study, using finite element analysis, aimed to determine differences in terms of displacement of the oral mucosa, transferred stress according to Von Mises and deformation of soft tissue when two block graft designs (right-angled and rounded) and two levels of suture tension (0.05 and 0.2 N) were combined. The results showed that all the variables analyzed were greater with 0.2 N. Regarding the design of the block, no difference was found in the transferred stress and deformation of the soft tissue. However, displacement was related to a tendency to dehiscence (25% greater in the right-angled/chamfer design). In conclusion different biomechanical behavior was observed in the block graft depending on the design and suture tension, so it is recommended to use low suture tension and rounded design. A novel finite element analysis model is presented for future investigations.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Retentive Effectiveness of Axial Attachments Used in Implant-Retained Overdentures After 1 Year of Function.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to measure and compare the retention degrees of different attachment systems before and after 1 year of mastication and removal/insertion simulations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 4 × 10-mm implant embedded in self-curing acrylic resin was placed inside a rectangular metal frame installed in a plastic container with artificial saliva at 37°C. Three different attachment systems were connected to the implants: Dalbo Classic, Locator (with blue, pink, and clear inserts), and Klockner Rotula. A loading test at 100 N and 1.25 Hz frequency was repeated 10 times for each attachment (changing the matrix component or plastic insert) until a total of 300,000 cycles and 1,095 removal/ insertion sequences. The retention force was assessed at baseline until the end of the test (1 year) after 3-month intervals of simulation. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey test (P < .05) were performed for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Klockner Rotula showed the highest retention values at the beginning (69.6 ± 9.2 N; 7.1 ± 0.9 kg) and the end of the test (51.4 ± 5.4 N; 5.2 ± 0.6 kg), while Dalbo Classic showed the lowest values both at the beginning (13.1 ± 1.7 N; 1.3 ± 0.2 kg) and the end of the test (6.7 ± 1.6 N; 0.7 ± 0.2 kg). Locator with clear insert exhibited the lowest retention loss ratio (20.4%), while Locator with blue insert showed the highest (50.8%). At the end of the test, all attachment systems showed a significant decrease in retention force in comparison with the initial retention (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Locator attachments with clear and pink inserts and the Klockner Rotula attachment system showed retention forces > 20 N (2 kg) after 1 year of mastication and prosthesis insertion/removal simulation. All attachment systems showed a progressive loss of retention, which was higher for Locator attachments with blue and pink inserts and Dalbo Classic. The Klockner Rotula attachment system showed the highest retention values both at the beginning and the end of the test.

Zirconia vs. Titanium Dental Implants: Primary Stability In-Vitro Analysis.

The present experimental trial uses two types of dental implants, one made of titanium (Ti6Al4V) and the other one of zirconia (ZrO2), but both of identical design, to compare their stability and micro-movements values under load. One of each type of implant (n = 42) was placed into 21 cow ribs, recording the insertion torque and the resonance frequency using a specific transducer. Subsequently, a prosthetic crown made of PMMA was screwed onto each of the implants in the sample. They were then subjected to a static compression load on the vestibular cusp of the crown. The resulting micromovements were measured. The zirconia implants obtained a higher mean of both IT and RFA when compared with those of titanium, with statistically significant differences in both cases (p = 0.0483 and p = 0.0296). However, the micromovement values when load was applied were very similar for both types, with the differences between them (p = 0.3867) not found to be statistically significant. The results show that zirconia implants have higher implant stability values than titanium implants. However, the fact that there are no differences in micromobility values implies that caution should be exercised when applying clinical protocols for zirconia based on RFA, which only has evidence for titanium.

Logistic Regression Analysis of the Factors Involved in the Failure of Osseointegration and Survival of Dental Implants with an Internal Connection and Machined Collar: A 6-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the long-term success rate of dental implants is currently close to 95%, it is necessary to provide more evidence on the factors related to the failure of osseointegration and survival. PURPOSE: To establish the risk factors associated with the failure of osseointegration and survival of dental implants with an internal connection and machined collar and to establish a predictive statistical model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analytical, retrospective, and observational clinical study of a sample of 297 implants with a follow-up of up to 76 months. Independent variables related to the implant, patient, and surgical and rehabilitative procedures were identified. The dependent variables were failure of osseointegration and failure of implant survival after prosthetic loading. A survival analysis was carried out by applying the Kaplan-Meier model (significance for p < 0.05). The log-rank test and the Cox regression analysis were applied to the factors that presented differences. Finally, the regression logit function was used to determine whether it is possible to predict the risk of implant failure according to the analyzed variables with the data obtained in this study. RESULTS: The percentages of osseointegration and survival were 97.6 and 97.2%, respectively. For osseointegration, there were significant differences according to gender (p = 0.048), and the risk of nonosseointegration was 85% lower in women. Regarding survival, the Cox analysis converged on only two factors, which were smoking and treatment with anticoagulant drugs. The risk of loss was multiplied by 18.3 for patients smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day and by 28.2 for patients treated with anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: The indicated risk factors should be considered, but the analysis of the results is not sufficient to create a predictive model.

Effect of implantoplasty on the elastic limit of dental implants of different diameters.

BACKGROUND: Implantoplasty reduces both implant diameter and the thickness of its walls, subsequently reducing the ability of the implant to resist fracture in response to functional load. In combination with an increase in the crown-implant ratio due to bone loss, this could increase the lever effect, which in presence of high masticatory forces or parafunctional habits, could lead to complications such as fracture of the implant or loosening of the prosthetic screw. OBJECTIVES: To determine the elastic limits of internal connection, dental implants of different designs and diameters after an implantoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro study included 315 tapered internal connection titanium dental implants, the threads of which were removed with an industrial milling machine-for standardized implantoplasty (IMP1; n = 105)-or with the conventional approach-manually, using high-speed burs (IMP2; n = 105). The remaining 105 implants were used as controls. The final implant diameters were recorded. The quality of the newly polished surfaces was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. All implants were subjected to a mechanical pressure resistance test. A Tukey's test for multiple comparisons was used to detect differences in the elastic limit and final implant diameters between the implant groups. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the elastic limit between the IMP1, IMP2, and control groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the implant diameter was significantly smaller in the IMP1 and IMP2 groups (p < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy revealed smooth implant surfaces in the IMP1 and IMP2 groups, with some titanium particles visible in the IMP1 group. CONCLUSIONS: Implantoplasty significantly decreased the elastic limit of internal connection titanium dental implants, especially in those with a smaller diameter (3-3.5 mm).

Zirconia and radioactivity: An in vitro study to establish the presence of radionuclides in dental zirconia.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Dental zirconia possesses concentrations of radionuclides, but their possible radioactivity is unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the radioactivity and radionuclide concentration in dental zirconia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three specimens were obtained from commonly used dental yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal materials: Vita In-Ceram YZ, Zirkonzahn, and Zirkonzahn Prettau-producing a powder for the evaluation of radioactivity through gamma spectrometry. For the determination of radioactivity, a group of radionuclides (Ac-228, Pb-212, Tl-208, Pb-214, Bi-214, and Be-7) was evaluated. RESULTS: The measurements of all the specimens reported that most activity came from the decay chain of uranium, radium, and thorium, obtaining a radioactivity of 11.082 Bq/kg for Vita In-Ceram YZ, <11.63 Bq/kg for Zirkonzahn, and <34.91 Bq/kg for Zirkonzahn Prettau. CONCLUSIONS: Although all specimens contained radionuclides, their radioactivity was below the limit established by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The Bone Buttress Theory: The Effect of the Mechanical Loading of Bone on the Osseointegration of Dental Implants.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of mechanical loading of bone on the stability and histomorphometric variables of the osseointegration of dental implants using an experimental test in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 4 human implants were placed in both tibiae of 10 New Zealand rabbits (n = 40). A 6-week osseointegration was considered, and the rabbits were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (Test group) included 5 rabbits that ran on a treadmill for 20 min daily during the osseointegration period; Group B (Controls) included the other 5 that were housed conventionally. The monitored variables were related to the primary and secondary stability of the dental implants (implant stability quotient-ISQ), vertical bone growth, bone to implant contact (BIC), area of regenerated bone and the percentage of immature matrix. RESULTS: The results of the study show a greater vertical bone growth (Group A 1.26 ± 0.48 mm, Group B 0.32 ± 0.47 mm, p < 0.001), higher ISQ values (Group A 11.25 ± 6.10 ISQ, 15.73%; Group B 5.80 ± 5.97 ISQ, 7.99%, p = 0.006) and a higher BIC (Group A 19.37%, Group B 23.60%, p = 0.0058) for implants in the test group, with statistically significant differences. A higher percentage of immature bone matrix was observed for implants in the control group (20.68 ± 9.53) than those in the test group (15.38 ± 8.84) (p = 0.108). A larger area of regenerated bone was also observed for the test implants (Group A 280.50 ± 125.40 mm2, Group B 228.00 ± 141.40 mm2), but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.121). CONCLUSIONS: The mechanical loading of bone improves the stability and the histomorphometric variables of the osseointegration of dental implants.

The Utility of Implant-Supported Fixed Dental Prosthesis Material for Implant Micromovement and Peri-implant Bone Microstrain: A Study in Rabbit Tibia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the effects of two restorative materials with different stiffness on peri-implant bone microstrain and implant micromovements during occlusal loading in implant-supported single and adjacent splinted crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two 3 × 10-mm implants were inserted into the tibia of four rabbits. During the osseointegration process, prosthetic restorations were performed. Before suturing the flap, each implant's position and direction were obtained by fastening two splinted transfer abutments, onto which implant analogs were placed and fastened; the splinted transfer abutments were subsequently unfastened. Splinted transfer abutment/analog complexes were cast using type IV plaster to obtain eight different working models. Two single mandibular premolar crowns of monolithic zirconia and acrylate polymer composite were generated using CAD/CAM technology, and 16 adjacent splinted crowns (eight of each material) with the same design were also generated. After 6 weeks of implant osseointegration, the animals were sacrificed. Tibial sections with the implants were extracted, and prosthetic restorations (performed during implant osseointegration) were fastened to the implants. Static loading tests were performed with 100-N force application and an inclination of 6 degrees over the central fossa of the premolars. Implant micromovement was measured using an image analysis technique. Bone microstrain was quantified using two strain gauges placed on the crestal bone around the implants. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The mean implant micromovement values were lower for monolithic zirconia single and splinted crowns (61.5 ± 26.3 µm and 57.7 ± 8.8 µm, respectively) than for acrylate polymer composite-based single and splinted crowns (78.9 ± 37.3 µm and 59.61 ± 11.5 µm, respectively). No significant differences between the materials were noted. Bone microstrain around the implants was lower for splinted crowns (303.7 ± 281.3 µÎµ for acrylate polymer composite; 312.4 ± 226.8 µÎµ for monolithic zirconia) than for single crowns (539.7 ± 8.8 µÎµ for acrylate polymer composite; 574.6 ± 271.9 µÎµ for monolithic zirconia). CONCLUSION: Using restorative materials of different stiffness did not significantly affect the micromovement of already-osseointegrated implants supporting single or splinted crowns. Independent of material stiffness, single crowns transfer significantly more microstrain than splinted crowns.

Monolithic and Minimally Veneered Zirconia Complications as Implant-Supported Restorative Material: A Retrospective Clinical Study up to 5 Years.

OBJECTIVE: Long-term clinical data on the success and complication rates of monolithic or minimally veneered zirconia implant-supported restorations are lacking. Hence, the purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to analyze the complications of monolithic or partially veneered zirconia implant-supported restorations up to 5 years follow-up. Material and Methods. Single crowns, bridges, and full-arch rehabilitations were included. The selection process was achieved by reviewing data from the prosthetic laboratory and excluding cases in which zirconium and full-ceramic coating restorations were used. A total of 154 restorations were included (82 monolithic and 72 with buccal ceramic stratification). All the complications encountered, and the solutions applied, were explained. RESULTS: A total of 93 restorative units had a follow-up of between 24 and 60 months, and 61 restoration units had a follow-up of between 12 and 24 months. A total of 7 complications were encountered (14.58% of cases; 95.45% per prosthetic unit). The technical complication rate was 2.08% (one case of minor chipping in one prosthetic unit); regarding the mechanical complications, four decementations (8.33% of the cases) and two screw loosening (4.17% of the cases) were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that monolithic or partially veneered zirconia implant-supported restorations have a good clinical behavior during a follow-up period of up to 5 years.

The Impact of Compaction Force on Graft Consolidation in a Guided Bone Regeneration Model.

PURPOSE: Compaction of particulated grafts is done manually; thus, the effect of compression force on bone regeneration remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of two different compression forces on the consolidation of particulated bovine hydroxyapatite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two titanium cylinders were fixed on the calvarium of eight New Zealand rabbits. Both defects were filled with particulated bovine hydroxyapatite subjected to a compression force of 0.7 kg/cm2 or 1.6 kg/cm2 before being covered with a resorbable collagen membrane. A handheld device that uses a spring to control the compression force applied by the plugger was used. At 6 weeks, histomorphometry of the area immediately adjacent to the calvaria bone and to the collagen membrane was performed. RESULTS: It was shown that next to the calvaria, the bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV) was 29.0% ± 8.8% and 27.6% ± 8.2% at low and high compression force, respectively; the bone-to-biomaterial contact (BBC) was 58.2% ± 25.0% and 69.3% ± 22.9%, respectively (P > .05). In the corresponding area next to the collagen membrane, BV/TV was 4.9% ± 5.1% and 5.7% ± 4.7%, and the BBC was 18.3% ± 20.8% and 20.1% ± 15.9%, respectively (P > .05). In addition, the number and area of blood vessels were not significantly affected by compression force. CONCLUSION: Both compression forces applied resulted in similar consolidation of bovine hydroxyapatite expressed by new bone formation and vascularization based on a rabbit calvaria augmentation model.

Effect of Different Implant Designs on Strain and Stress Distribution under Non-Axial Loading: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis.

Implant design evolved alongside the development of implant therapy. The purpose of this finite element analysis (FEA) study was to analyze the influence of different implant designs on the stress and strain distribution to the implants and surrounding bone. Three implant designs with the same length and diameter were used. The three-dimensional geometry of the bone was simulated with a cortical bone of three different thicknesses and two medullar bone densities: low density (150 Hounsfield units) and high density (850 Hounsfield units). A 30° oblique load of 150 N was applied to the implant restoration. Displacement and stress (von Mises) results were obtained for bone and dental implants. The strain and stress distributions to the bone were higher for the tissue-level implant for all types of bone. The maximum principal strain and stress decreased with an increase in cortical bone thickness for both cancellous bone densities. The distribution of the load was concentrated at the coronal portion of the bone and implants. All implants showed a good distribution of forces for non-axial loads, with higher forces concentrated at the crestal region of the bone-implant interface. Decrease in medullar bone density negatively affects the strain and stress produced by the implants.

Complications of Fixed Full-Arch Implant-Supported Metal-Ceramic Prostheses.

We aimed to assess the biological and mechanical-technical complications and survival rate of implants of full-arch metal-ceramic prostheses, during five years of follow-up. 558 implants (of three different brands) retaining 80 full-arch metal-ceramic prostheses were placed in 65 patients, all of whom were examined annually for biological and mechanical-technical complications during the five years of follow-up. Descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression were calculated. The cumulative survival rate of the implants was 99.8%, and 98.8% prosthesis-based. Mucositis was the most frequent of the biological complications and peri-implantitis was recorded as 13.8% at restoration-level, 16.9% at patient level and 2.0% at implant level. An implant length greater than 10 mm was shown to be a protective factor against biological complications. The mechanical-technical complications were associated with implant diameter, abutment/implant connection and retention system. Loss of screw access filling was the most frequent prosthetic complication, followed by the fracture of the porcelain. Full-arch metal-ceramic prostheses show a high prevalence of implant and prosthesis survival, with few biological and mechanical-technical complications.

Estabilidad primaria en implantes inmediatos versus implantes colocados en hueso maduro: un estudio clínico retrospectivo / Primary stability in immediate implants versus implants placed in mature bone: a retrospective clinical study

La estabilidad primaria es un requisito importante para la supervivencia y éxito de los implantes durante la osteointegración. En los últimos años, los implantes inmediatos postextracción han demostrado ser una opción de tratamiento exitosa y predecible para la reposición de dientes con mal pronóstico, pero surge la duda de si dichos implantes alcanzan valores de estabilidad primaria comparables a aquellos colocados en hueso maduro. Comparar la estabilidad primaria de implantes inmediatos colocados en alveolos postextracción con la de implantes colocados en hueso maduro. Se llevó a cabo un estudio clínico retrospectivo, con los datos recogidos sobre 175 implantes, colocados en 175 pacientes. Todos los implantes colocados pertenecían al modelo Essential Cone (Klockner Implant System) y se dividieron en dos grupos: implantes inmediatos (Grupo A, n=31) e implantes colocados en hueso maduro (Grupo B, n=144). La estabilidad primaria de todos los implantes se midió mediante torque de inserción y análisis de frecuencia de resonancia con Osstell ISQ. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas respecto a la estabilidad medida a través del torque de inserción (26,29+10,07 Vs 25,76+9,72 N/cm) pero sí que se encontraron diferencias significativas en la medida de la estabilidad primaria mediante AFR, siendo inferiores los valores correspondientes a los implantes colocados en los alveolos post exodoncia (60,74 ± 6,17 en sentido VL y 62,19 ± 7.64 en sentido MD frente a 68,34 ± 6.26 en sentido VL y 69,29 ± 7.98 en sentido MD obtenidos en los implantes colocados en hueso maduro). El torque de inserción de los implantes inmediatos es similar al de los implantes colocados en hueso maduro, pero sus valores ISQ son significativamente inferiores, lo que demuestra un mayor grado de micromovimiento, y por consiguiente, un mayor riesgo de fracaso durante el período de osteointegración.

Primary stability is an important requirement for the survival and success of implants during osseointegration. In recent years, immediate post-extraction implants have proven to be a successful and predictable treatment option for the replacement of teeth with a poor prognosis, but the question arises as to whether these implants reach primary stability values comparable to those placed in mature bone. The objective of the study was to compare the primary stability of immediate implants placed in post-extraction alveoli with that of implants placed in mature bone. A retrospective clinical study was carried out, with data collected on 175 implants, placed in 175 patients. All implants placed belonged to the Essential Cone model (Klockner Implant System) and were divided into two groups: immediate implants (Group A, n = 31) and implants placed in mature bone (Group B, n = 144). The primary stability of all implants was measured by insertion torque and resonance frequency analysis with Osstell ISQ. No statistically significant differences were found regarding the stability measured through the insertion torque (26.29 + 10.07 Vs 25.76 + 9.72 N / cm) but significant differences were found in the measurement of primary stability by means of AFR, the values corresponding to implants placed in the post-exodontic alveoli being lower (60.74 ± 6.17 in the VL direction and 62.19 ± 7.64 in the MD direction versus 68.34 ± 6.26 in the VL direction and 69.29 ± 7.98 in the MD direction obtained in implants placed in mature bone). The insertion torque of immediate implants is similar to that of implants placed in mature bone, but their ISQ values are significantly lower, which demonstrates a higher degree of micromotion, and therefore, a greater risk of failure during the period of osseointegration.

Influence of cortical bone and implant design in the primary stability of dental implants measured by two different devices of resonance frequency analysis: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the implant design and the presence of cortical bone in the primary stability, as well as analyze the differences between the stability measurements obtained by two different resonance frequency analysis (RFA) devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 80 Klockner implants of two different models [40 Essential Cone implants (group A) and 40 Vega implants (group B)] were used. The implants were placed in two polyurethane blocks that simulated the mechanical properties of the maxillary bone. One block featured a layer of cortical bone that was absent from the other block. The primary stability of all implants was measured by insertion torque and RFA using two different devices: Penguin RFA and Osstell IDX. RESULTS: Primary stability was superior in the cortical bone in both torque and RFA. In the block containing cortical bone, group A implants obtained a greater insertion torque than did group B. The insertion torque was lesser in the bone lacking cortex. Regarding the ISQ of the implants, group A presented higher values in the block with cortical bone, but the values were lower in the block without cortical bone. There were no significant differences between the values obtained from the Osstell IDX and Penguin RFA. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of cortical bone positively influences the primary stability of dental implants. The design of the implant also has a statistically significant influence on implant primary stability, although the impact depends on whether there is coronal cerclage or not. There were no statistically significant differences in the implant stability measurements obtained by two different devices. Key words:Implant stability, resonance frequency analysis, torque, osstell, penguin, cortical.

Differences in the shape and direction-course of the nasopalatine canal among dentate, partially edentulous and completely edentulous subjects.

We aimed to analyze the nasopalatine canal shape and anatomical variations of the buccal bone wall and compare the effect of the presence or absence of the central maxillary incisors on the nasopalatine canal. The shape of the nasopalatine canal and the dimensions of the buccal bone wall were measured in 150 patients who underwent a cone-beam computed tomography study. We found that the most prevalent shape of the nasopalatine canal was funnel (31%) and the most common direction-course was slanted-straight (33%). The buccal bone wall in relation to the nasopalatine canal was thickest at the anterior nasal spine level and narrowest at the level of the most anterior-inferior point of the buccal cortex of the maxilla. A statistically significant difference was detected between morphology and direction-course of the nasopalatine canal and dental status. In sum, the study of the nasopalatine canal showed multiple variations. Precise knowledge of these variations may help to decrease the incidence of complications during implantology treatment and during facial and dental surgery.

Non-carious cervical lesions and risk factors: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the presence of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) was related to the considered risk factors and to show the corresponding odds ratio in a predictive model. METHODS: The sample was 280 dentistry students. In an initial clinical examination, 140 cases were selected that presented one or more teeth with non-carious cervical wear. For each case, a similar sex and age control without any tooth with non-carious cervical lesions was selected. An occlusal examination and periodontal probing were performed in all cases and controls by skilled dentists. All the subjects answered a questionnaire referring to factors of brushing, bruxism, preferred chewing side, consumption of extrinsic acids and the presence of intrinsic acids. Data were analysed by means of univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of all the study variables, only the protrusion interferences, interferences on the non-working side, the brushing force, CPITN value and the consumption of salads increase the risk of NCCLs in the univariate regression. The best predictive model was formed by the combination of CPITN variables >1, the consumption of acidic salads, self-reported bruxism, brushing force and attrition. However, it only correctly classifies 68.75% of subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the multifactorial aetiology of NCCLs, the combination of several factors being necessary to explain their presence. The risk factors that make up the predictive model are not sufficient to explain the appearance of NCCLs. Dentists should take into account all these risk factors in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

The functional loading of implants increases their stability: A retrospective clinical study.

PURPOSE: To assess the difference in the evolution of implant stability values, determined by resonance frequency analysis (RFA), between two groups of implants subjected to two different loading protocols: immediate and delayed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective clinical study was conducted, including a total of 93 implants placed in 38 patients. All implants corresponded to one of two models of the Klockner Implant System (Essential Cone and Vega) and were divided into two groups according to the loading protocol adopted: delayed loading in group A (>10 weeks) and immediate loading in group B (<48 hours). Implant stability was measured four times throughout the study period with a Penguin RFA device: implant placement (T0), definitive loading (T1), 6 months after loading (T2), and 12 months after loading (T3). RESULTS: Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values showed a statistically significant increase in both groups after loading. In group A, the greatest increase in stability occurred between T1 and T2, whereas in group B, the greatest increase occurred between T0 and T1, coinciding in both cases with the period in which the implants were subjected to prosthetic loading. CONCLUSIONS: The functional loading of implants increases their stability, as measured in ISQ values by RFA. Increases in ISQ values are greater during the months immediately following loading, which shows that immediate or early loading protocols are not only possible but can also be beneficial.

Influence of time on primary stability of dental implants placed with osteotomes due to the elastic properties of peri-implant bone.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The use of osteotomes as a technique for densification and expansion of the residual ridge is one of the most widely used procedures to achieve adequate peri-implant bone quantity and density. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of time and the elastic deformation of peri-implant bone in the primary stability of implants placed using osteotomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In each of 10 fresh fragments of cow rib, two implants were placed using osteotomes. The insertion torque and initial implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were measured. In the control implants, the immediate removal torque was measured, while in the test implants, after 15 min of placement, ISQ values were measured again, and the removal torque was measured. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the ISQ values and between the insertion torque and removal torque at 15 min. The ISQ values (perpendicular/parallel) increased between the initial moment (64.4 ±â€¯9/70.3 ±â€¯5.9) and 15 min (66/71.4 ±â€¯6.4). The removal torque at 15 min (12.4 ±â€¯5.8) was lower than the insertion torque (15.9 ±â€¯5.9). Compression of the trabeculae in contact with the implant placed using osteotomes was observed, as well as a greater number of trabecular fractures in the implants placed using conventional drilling. CONCLUSION: There is an increase in ISQ values of dental implants placed using osteotomes after 15 min of placement.