A novel implant placement technique using a three-dimensionally printed duplicate denture for implant-supported overdenture in patients with severe residual ridge resorption: A case report.

The treatment method of placing a small number of implants in the mandible as a removable implant-supported overdenture (IOD) enables implant placement and denture stability, even in cases with severe residual ridge resorption. In this case report, a new implant placement technique was performed using a three-dimensionally (3D)-printed duplicate denture fabricated by a 3D printer, resulting in the restoration of masticatory function through IOD.

A survey for the use of torque-limiting devices among dental clinicians in Europe.

PURPOSE: To assess how well torque-limiting devices (TLDs) are known and used by European dentists, and their adherence to screw tightening protocols and screw loosening occurrence through a survey, including the correlation between the dental specialty-of-interest and the recognition, the tightening protocol used, and between the calibration and the occurrence of screw loosening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 10-question survey was distributed to dentists to collect data on their specialty-of-interest, TLD usage, knowledge on TLDs, calibration, the term "preload," tightening speed, tightening protocols used, and occurrence of screw loosening. Pearson test was used for correlation analysis between the specialty-of-interest and the recognition-based questions, the tightening protocol used, and between the calibration and the frequency of screw loosening. RESULTS: Of 422 respondents, 24% calibrated their TLDs, 27% knew the term "preload," 76% selected the correct location to read on TLDs, and 6% was aware of the effect of tightening speed. The correlation between the specialty-of-interest and the recognition-based questions was nonsignificant (p < .05) but was significant for used tightening protocol (p < .001). The correlation between the calibration and the occurrence of screw loosening was nonsignificant (p = 0.16). Tightening protocols' effect on screw loosening was similar, which was mostly observed less than once a year (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A lack in dentists' knowledge was found on calibration, the term preload, and the effect of tightening speed, which were not impacted by the dentists' specialty-of-interest, which affected the preferred tightening protocol. The tightening protocol and calibration did not impact the occurrence of screw loosening, which was mostly observed less than once a year.

The mechanical complications and behavior of angulated dental implant abutment systems versus conventional abutments, a narrative review.

Background: Angulated screw channel (ASC) abutment allows off-axis dental implants to be used in dental restorations without the need for cementation. As this is a relatively new system, research on its clinical performance is limited. Objectives: To summarize the available in-vitro and in-vivo studies on the mechanical and technical issues associated with the ASC system and compare its clinical performance with that of conventional implant-supported abutments. Methods: A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases was performed, focusing on articles about angulated (angled) screw channel (ASC) systems published in English between January 2015 and November 2023. Only in-vitro and in-vivo studies were included. Results: After analyzing the recorded articles, 26 studies (11 in vivo and 15 in vitro) were included in the final discussion and review. Conclusion: Although the ASC system is still relatively new, and is presently outperformed by conventional abutment systems in terms of technical and mechanical properties, in short- and medium-term in-vivo studies, it was shown reliable for retaining single or multiple-unit implant restorations in both posterior and anterior zones. Still, further long-term clinical research is needed to fully elucidate the risk factors associated with ASC failures.

The Bio-Restorative Concept for Implant-Supported Restorations.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to present the bio-restorative approach in implant dentistry, which combines biological and restorative concepts through digital planning. This concept combines periodontal, surgical, and prosthetic variables, aiming to reduce patient morbidity while achieving satisfactory esthetic and functional outcomes in implant-supported restorations in the long term. OVERVIEW: Implant dentistry evolved from a primarily surgical to a recent prosthetically driven approach. This evolution was partly due to advancements in bone reconstructive techniques and an increased demand for esthetic outcomes. Recently, digital planning has introduced a new paradigm that allows for the full integration of both approaches. The bio-restorative concept considers functional, esthetic, and biological variables in a virtual planning environment. This is achieved through the simultaneous digital assessment of (A) anatomical site characteristics and (B) implant restorative variables. These variables include digital tooth arrangement, soft-hard tissue conditions, implant variables, supra-platform components, and a surgical plan that respects or modifies peri-implant phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: The bio-restorative concept is intended to improve contemporary implant dentistry by integrating updated biological and prosthetic notions through digital planning. Adopting this paradigm has the potential to redefine the standards in implant dentistry, fostering a holistic and patient-centered approach. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: It enhances patient and clinician satisfaction through more efficient and less invasive procedures. Significantly, it improves predictability, leading to successful implant-supported restorations in the long term.

Accuracy of dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery in fully edentulous patients: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare miniscrew versus bone tracing registration methods on dental implant placement accuracy and time efficiency in edentulous jaws using a dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery (d-CAIS) system. METHODS: Twelve fully edentulous maxillary models were allocated into two groups: miniscrew tracing (MST) group, where registration was performed by tracing four miniscrews; and bone tracing (BT) group, where registration was conducted by tracing maxillary bone fiducial landmarks. Six implants were placed on each model using the X-Guide® d-CAIS system. Pre- and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were superimposed to evaluate implant placement accuracy. The time required for registration and the overall surgery time were also recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-six implants were placed in each group. The MST group showed significantly lower mean angulation deviations (mean difference (MD): -3.33°; 95 % confidence interval (CI): -6.56 to -0.09); p = 0.044), 3D platform deviations (MD: -1.01 mm; 95 % CI: -1.74 to -0.29; p = 0.006), 2D platform deviations (MD: -0.97 mm; 95 % CI: -1.71 to -0.23; p = 0.010), and 3D apex deviations (MD: -1.18 mm; 95 % CI: -1.92 to -0.44; p = 0.002) versus the BT group. The overall surgery time was similar for both groups (MD: 6.10 min.; 95 % CI: -0.31 to 12.51; p = 0.06), though bone tracing required significantly more time compared with miniscrew registration (MD: 4.79 min.; 95 % CI: 2.96 to 6.62; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Registration with MST increases the accuracy of implant placement with a d-CAIS system in edentulous jaws compared with the BT method, and slightly reduces the overall surgery time. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Miniscrew tracing registration improves implant placement accuracy in comparison with bone tracing registration.

Immediate rehabilitation of a palatal defected edentulous patient by implant-supported overdenture: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Immediate rehabilitation is a considerable therapeutic challenge but is necessary for edentulous patients with oronasal fistulas, especially those with inadequate residual bone and a history of radiotherapy. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a rare case of a 63-year-old patient who was missing the majority of his maxillary teeth and who had a defect due to palatal mucoepidermoid carcinoma resection. The patient also received radiotherapy twice within one year postoperatively. An implant-supported prosthesis with an obturator was fabricated immediately. CONCLUSION: This technique improved patients' oral function, enhanced the aesthetic effect, and increased their confidence.

Evaluating the tightness of proximal contact between natural tooth and adjacent implant supported prosthesis.

The changes in interproximal contact between implant supported prosthesis (ISP) and adjacent natural tooth is of interest to dentists. Hence, we evaluated the tightness of proximal contact (PCT) between adjacent natural tooth and ISP by applying a digital force gauge spanning over a period of 1.5 year with a regular follow-up of 3, 6, and 12 months.80 patients who received ISP were included in this study. In order to measure the PCT, every patient seated in the identical upright position in the dentist chair. The digital force gauge was used to take measurements for mesial PCT and distal PCT. The mesial as well as distal interproximal contacts was more tight as in case of natural tooth adjacent to other natural tooth as compared to interproximal contacts between ISP and adjacent natural tooth. It was also observed that as the time progressed there was decrease in PCT values in both categories. After 12 month follow up 30.6% cases in category 2 while 21.2% cases in category 1 showed complete loss of interproximal contact. There is significant change in proximal contact tightness in interproximal area between implant supported prosthesis and adjacent natural tooth over a period of time and necessary measures should be taken to prevent or reduce it.

Bacterial adhesion and microleakage of restorative materials for sealing accessory canals in implant prosthesis.

The level of bacterial adhesion and bacterial microleakage in four different materials utilised to seal the access passage of screw retained implant supported prosthesis (SRIP) is of interest to dentists. Four distinct categories were created from the samples on the basis of restorative materials used for sealing access passage in SRIP. Guttapercha and light cured acrylic resin were found to have comparatively low bacterial adhesion and bacterial microleakage in sealing accessory canals in screw retained implant supported prosthesis.

In vitro assessment of cementation of CAD/CAM fabricated prostheses over titanium bases. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to investigate the outcomes of clinically relevant laboratory studies regarding the cementation of implant-supported restorations over ti-bases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study has been conducted according to PRISMA statement. An electronic search was performed, including publications up to March 2024, to identify studies investigating the parameters affecting the cementation between ti-bases and CAD/CAM prostheses. An assessment of the internal validity was performed, using a custom-made risk of bias tool (QUIN). RESULTS: From the included studies, 40.1% were reported on luting systems, 25% on ti-base surface treatment, 25% on restoration surface, 21.8% on restoration material, and 18.7% on ti-base height. The majority of the included studies were associated with a medium risk of bias. In the absence of micro-retentive features, air-abrasion of ti-bases with a minimum height of 3.5 mm can be beneficial for restoration's retention. The bonding performance can vary not only between different bonding systems but also for different applications within the same system, based on a restoration's material and surface treatment as well as on ti-base height and surface treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The height of the ti-base seems to be the prevailing factor as it constitutes the prerequisite for other modifications of the bonding surfaces to have an advantageous effect. Since the parameters that can affect bonding performance between ti-base and restoration can interact with each other, it is important for the clinician to focus on verified bonding protocols.

Simulating the Entire Clinical Process for an Implant-Supported Fixed Prosthesis: In Vitro Study on the Vertical Implications of Implant-Abutment Connections and Rotational Freedom.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate whether and to what extent different scenarios of rotational freedom in different IAC designs affect the vertical dimension of a three-part fixed partial denture (FPD). At the same time, the experimental setup should simulate all clinical and laboratory steps of the implementation of such an FPD as accurately as possible. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty identical pairs of jaw models were fabricated from aluminum, each lower-jaw model holding two implants with conical or flat IACs. Three impressions of each model were taken to fabricate stone casts and three-unit FPDs. Three assembly scenarios were compared for the vertical position stability they offered for these FPDs, differing by how the sequential implant components (impression posts > laboratory analogs > abutments 1 > abutments 2) were aligned with the positional index of the IAC. In this way, a total of 60 stone casts and FPDs were fabricated and statistically analyzed for changes in vertical dimension (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Regardless of whether a conical/flat IAC was used (p > 0.05), significantly greater mean changes in vertical dimension were consistently (all comparisons p < 0.0001) found in a "worst-case scenario" of component alignment alternating between the left- and right-limit stop of the positional index (0.286/0.350 mm) than in a "random scenario" of 10 dentists and 10 technicians with varying levels of experience freely selecting the alignment (0.003/0.014 mm) or in a "best-case scenario" of all components being aligned with the right-limit stop (-0.019/0.005 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The likelihood of integrating a superstructure correctly in terms of vertical dimension appears to vary considerably more with assembly strategies than with IAC designs. Specifically, our findings warrant a recommendation that all implant components should be aligned with the right-limit stop of the positioning index.

Evaluation of fracture resistance and marginal fit of implant-supported interim crowns fabricated by conventional, additive and subtractive methods.

BACKGROUND: Interim crowns are utilized for restoring implants during and after the process of osseointegration. However, studies on adaptation and fracture strength of implant-supported interim crowns are rare. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this in vitro study is evaluating marginal fit and fracture resistance of conventional, subtractive, and additive methods of fabricating implant-supported interim crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An implant was placed in an epoxy resin model with a missing first molar. A scan body was attached, and scanned with an intraoral scanner (IOS), the STL file was used to fabricate eighteen master models with standardized implant digital analogue spaces. The digital analogues and their corresponding abutments were attached to the master models and scanned with the IOS, the STL files were used to fabricate eighteen crowns using three different techniques (n = 6): conventional (CR); from Autopolymerizing composite resin, subtractive (SM); milled from PMMA resin blanks, and additive (AM); from 3D printed resin material. The crowns were fitted and cemented on their corresponding abutments and subjected to cyclic loading and thermocycling. The marginal fit was evaluated using a stereomicroscope. The crowns were then loaded until fractured in a universal testing machine. The Shapiro-Wilk and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests revealed that data of Marginal gap was non-parametric. Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Dunn test was used (α = 0.05). While data of Fracture resistance test was parametric. ANOVA (F-test) was used followed by the Tukey test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: For marginal gap, a significant difference was shown between the study groups (P = .001) according to Kruskal-Wallis test. Groups SM and AM had significantly lower marginal gap values compared to group CR (P = .003). No significant difference was found between groups SM and AM (P = .994). For fracture resistance, One-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference in fracture resistance between study groups (P < .001). Group SM had significantly higher fracture strength followed by group AM and group CR (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Group SM and AM showed better marginal adaptation than group CR. Group SM showed superior fracture resistance compared to other groups. All study groups showed acceptable marginal gap and fracture resistance.

Prosthodontic Rehabilitation of a Completely Edentulous Patient by Salvaging Ailing Implants Using a Bar Retained Over Denture: A Case Report.

Patients who are edentulous experience challenges with their dentures, especially the mandibular ones. The primary concerns of these patients include reduced chewing efficiency, instability, and loss of retention. With the advancement of implants and prosthetic options, these concerns can be addressed by resorting to implant-supported fixed and removable prostheses. The impetuous use of dental implants to solve these issues leads to inadvertent failures in the treatment undertaken. Improper planning of cases leads to prosthesis breakage and implant failures leaving the patient dissatisfied. One such case of rehabilitation of a completely edentulous over-denture patient with ailing implants is described in this clinical report.

Trueness and fit of complete-arch implant-supported frameworks in new-generation additively and subtractively manufactured polymers: An in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: There is limited knowledge on the fabrication trueness and fit of additively or subtractively manufactured complete-arch implant-supported frameworks in recently introduced polymers. PURPOSE: To evaluate the trueness and marginal fit of additively or subtractively manufactured polymer-based complete-arch implant-supported frameworks, comparing with those of strength gradient zirconia frameworks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A typodont model with 4 implants (left first molar (abutment 1), left canine (abutment 2), right canine (abutment 3), and right first molar (abutment 4)) was digitized (ATOS Core 80 5MP) and an implant-supported complete-arch framework was designed. This design file was used to fabricate frameworks from 5 different materials: strength gradient zirconia (SM-ZR), high impact polymer composite (SM-CR), nanographene-reinforced PMMA (SM-GR), PMMA (SM-PM), and additively manufactured temporary resin (AM) (n = 10). These frameworks were digitized and each scan file was virtually segmented into 4 regions (abutments, occlusal, overall without occlusal, and overall). The surface deviations at these regions, and linear and interimplant distance deviations were evaluated (Geomagic Control X). Marginal gaps were evaluated according to triple-scan protocol after seating frameworks on the model with the 1-screw test. Data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Surface deviations of all regions differed among tested materials (p ≤ 0.001). AM frameworks mostly had surface deviations that were similar to or lower than those of other materials (p ≤ 0.031), except for the occlusal surface, where it mostly had higher deviations (p ≤ 0.013). Abutment 4 of SM-CR had higher linear deviations than abutment 2 (p = 0.025), and material type did not affect the linear deviations within abutments (p ≥ 0.171). Interimplant distance deviations differed within and among materials (p ≤ 0.017), except for those between abutments 1 and 2 among materials (p = 0.387). Marginal gaps of subtractively manufactured materials differed among abutments, while those of abutments 3 and 4 differed among materials (p ≤ 0.003). AM frameworks mostly had lower marginal gaps at abutments 3 and 4 (p ≤ 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Although there was no clear trend among tested materials for measured deviations, marginal gaps of additively manufactured resin were mostly lower than those of subtractively manufactured materials and did not differ among abutment sites. Nevertheless, the differences in measured deviations among materials were small and marginal gaps were within the previously reported acceptability thresholds.

Effect of one-time placement of the definitive abutment versus multiple healing abutment disconnections and reconnections during the prosthetic phase on radiographic and clinical outcomes: A 12-month randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect on clinical and radiological outcomes of the one-abutment, one-time protocol (test) versus placing the definitive abutment on the day of functional loading after having disconnected and connected three times the healing abutment during the prosthetic phase (control). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with 80 implants were randomly allocated to either the test or the control group. Changes in the radiographic marginal bone levels (MBLs), clinical outcomes, prosthetic-related outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) were assessed and compared 6 and 12 months after functional loading. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients with 74 implants were followed at 12 months. A statistically significant bone remodeling was observed in both groups following implant placement. MBLs were significantly greater in the control group at the 6- (-0.13 mm vs. -0.61 mm) and 12-month visits (-0.01 mm vs. -0.53 mm). Bone loss was significantly greater in the control group from surgery to 6 and 12 months and from loading to 6 and 12 months. The abutment height was significantly greater in the test group, however, there were no significant differences in the restorative angle. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences between groups for the measured clinical variables (probing depth, plaque, and bleeding index) and PROMs. CONCLUSIONS: Disconnecting and reconnecting the healing abutment was associated with significantly higher bone loss after 12 months, as compared to the placement of the definitive abutment at implant installation.

One-stage prosthodontically driven jaw reconstruction in patients with benign and malignant pathologies: A 7- to 11-year cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: One stage functional jaw reconstruction is defined as the resection and reconstruction of segmental defects in conjunction with the placement of dental implants in an ideal prosthetic position and loaded with a provisional restoration, during one surgical procedure. The aim of the study is to describe clinical outcomes of patients who underwent one stage functional jaw reconstruction. METHODS: Patients who underwent one-stage functional jaw reconstruction, from January 2013 to March 2016 were recalled in 2022 and 2023. Planning and execution for the reconstruction utilized either analogue or digital techniques. Outcome parameters recorded were treatment-related outcomes at patient level, implant-related outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent one-stage jaw reconstruction with a total of 57 implants. Four patients had maxillary and 14 had mandibular reconstructions. Ten patients underwent postoperative radiotherapy. Ten patients were planned using analogue and eight by digital planning. Three patients had partial flap necrosis, three patients had plate fractures, implant loss was seen in one patient and four patients died during the period. A functional prosthesis was provided in 16 out of the 18 patients. CONCLUSION: One-stage functional jaw reconstruction is a predictable method for providing rehabilitation with successful outcomes at 7-11 years. However, caution should be exercised when the treatment modality is carried out in patients with malignant pathologies who have undergone radiotherapy.

Clinical Performance of Implant-Supported Prostheses in the Rehabilitation of Patients Previously Treated for Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (MRONJ): A Systematic Review.

There is a lack of consensus on managing resultant bone and soft tissue defects or on restoring oral function and aesthetics following medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) lesion healing. This clinical challenge presents a dilemma for practitioners. Removable prostheses pose a recurrence risk if poorly fitted and may inadequately restore function or aesthetics in cases of significant bone defect. Dental implant-supported prostheses could enhance function and quality of life, though their risks and indications are not well-defined. This systematic review examines the clinical outcomes and complications associated with implant-supported rehabilitations post-MRONJ surgery. This study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement recommendations and it was pre-registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42023492539).

EFFECT OF INTER-IMPLANT DISTANCE ON FRACTURE RESISTANCE OF IMPLANT SUPPORTED PROVISIONAL FIXED DENTAL PROSTHESIS.

This study aimed to identify the ideal inter-implant distance for optimum outcome on immediately loaded implant supported prosthesis. Hence this study was taken up to analyze the effect of varying inter-implant distance on fracture resistance of implant supported provisional FDP. A total of 24 bis-acrylate composite resin samples were prepared. Inter- implant distance was present in the metal die for placement of dummy implants at distances of 14 mm, 21 mm & 30 mm respectively. Wax-up for 3 unit, 4 unit & 5 unit implant supported provisional restoration were made. Silicone molds were used for making multiple interim prostheses using bis-acrylate composite material. All samples were subjected to fracture test in the universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. All samples were loaded with gradual force starting from 100 N till it fractured. The Load was applied at the center of prosthesis. Data was analyzed by one way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test. Mean Fracture resistance of 3 unit provisional FDP at 14 mm of inter-implant distance showed 1342.61 ± 179.15 N. Mean Fracture resistance of 4 unit provisional FDP at 21 mm of inter-implant distance showed 1420.44 ± 170.37 N. Mean Fracture resistance of 5 unit provisional FDP at 30 mm of inter-implant distance showed 791.61 ± 203.59 N. Both 14mm and 21mm of inter implant distance are suitable span lengths to be considered for the optimum outcome during immediately loading with implant supported provisional restorations. Limitations of the study was force application was static in nature and not dynamic and the arch form was not "U" shaped but longitudinal using Bis-Acrly material only with no cantilever. Future studies can be done to evaluate the fracture resistance of bis- acrylate material considering biomechanics and arch form of natural dentition. Distal cantilever should be considered along with different material for fabricating provisional restoration.

Comparative Evaluation of Digital and Conventional Workflows for the Fabrication of Multi-Unit Implant-Supported Fixed Restorations: An Empty Review.

Objectives: This study aimed to do a comprehensive systematic review on the comparison of digital and conventional workflows regarding prosthetic outcomes, accuracy of implant impressions, framework passivity and fit, and clinical fabrication of multi-unit implant-supported fixed restorations. Materials and Methods: The EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles published up until April 2020. Results: No in-vivo article was found to compare full digital and conventional workflows regarding the accuracy of implant impressions, passivity and fit of frameworks, and prosthetic outcomes. There was no study to investigate full digital and conventional workflows for clinical fabrication of multi-unit implant-supported fixed restorations. Conclusion: This empty review highlights the need for further research to compare full digital and conventional workflows for implant-supported restorations.

A two-year prospective study to compare the peri-implant parameters of posterior implant-supported single crowns with and without mesial proximal contact loss.

Background/purpose: Interproximal contact loss may lead to food impaction and result in subsequently periodontal complications. The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the peri-implant parameters of posterior implant-supported single crowns (SCs) with and without mesial proximal contact loss after 2 years of follow-up. Material and methods: Twenty-six patients with a total of 40 posterior implant-supported SCs with mesial adjacent natural teeth were observed for 24 months after crown insertion. The mesial proximal contacts were assessed by dental floss, then were classified as tight, weak, and open contacts. The following peri-implant parameters were evaluated, including modified plaque index (MPI), modified gingival index (MGI), and probing depth (PD) were conducted at six sites per tooth (mesiofacail, midfacial, distofacial, mesiolingual, mid-lingual and distolingual) in the 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-month following visits. Furthermore, radiographs were taken regularly in 12- and 24-month recall sections for measuring the marginal bone loss (MBL). Results: At 12-month observation, the incidence rates of weak and open contacts were 22.5 % and 12.5 %; whereas after 24 months of clinical service, the rates came up with 12.9 % and 25.6 %, respectively. No significant differences were found between the tight, weak, and open contact groups in the parameters of MPI, MGI, or PD (P > 0.05) at 12- and 24-month follow-up. None of the mean differences of the peri-implant parameters: MPI, MGI, PD and MBL had significant differences between the tight, weak, and open contact groups after 1 and 2 years of clinical service (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The presence of open, weak, and tight mesial proximal contacts had no significant effects on the peri-implant tissue conditions.

Effect of treatment with implant-supported fixed partial dentures on oral health-related quality of life in patients with unilateral shortened dental arch.

Background/purpose: Implant-supported fixed partial dentures (IFPDs) are a treatment option for partially edentulous dentition with missing posterior-most molars despite the concept of a shortened dental arch (SDA). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of IFPD treatment on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with unilateral SDA missing two adjacent molars and to compare the effects of single- and two-unit IFPDs. Materials and methods: Forty patients with unilateral SDA missing two adjacent molars (Kennedy Class II) participated in this study; 11 patients received one implant placement in the first molar and were treated with a single-unit IFPD (single-unit group), and 29 received two implant placements and were treated with a two-unit IFPD (two-unit group). The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) questionnaire for OHRQoL assessment and the gummy jelly test for objective masticatory performance were administered before and after IFPD treatment. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test for all patients and Mann-Whitney U test were performed for pre- and post-treatment comparisons and between-group comparisons, respectively. Results: The OHIP summary score and gummy jelly glucose concentration in all patients showed significant improvements after treatment (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the single- and two-unit groups for any of the items. Using the minimal important difference in the OHIP summary score, 63.6 % and 58.6 % of patients in the single- and two-unit groups, respectively, showed improvement by 6 points or more. Conclusion: IFPD treatment for patients with SDA missing two adjacent molars may provide clinically meaningful improvements in OHRQoL.