Clinical performance of monolithic zirconia crowns on titanium-zirconium reduced-diameter implants in the molar area: Interim data at three years of a randomized controlled trial.

AIM: The aim of the present study was (i) to evaluate the clinical performance of reduced-diameter implants placed in the molar area and (ii) to test whether monolithic zirconia implant-supported crowns lead to similar clinical outcomes compared to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 76 patients needing a single implant crown in the posterior region were recruited. All patients received a titanium-zirconium reduced-diameter implant (Straumann Roxolid, Tissue Level, Standard Plus, diameter 3.3 mm, regular neck) randomly allocated to receive either a (1) monolithic zirconia crown (test) or (2) porcelain-fused-to-metal crown (control). Implant survival, prosthetic outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed at crown delivery and after 3 years of follow-up. Marginal bone levels (MBL) as well as clinical parameters including probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque levels (PCR) were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients were available at the 3-year follow-up; 32 patients with a monolithic zirconia crown (TEST) and 27 patients with a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown (CONTROL). 14 implants (11 implant fractures/3 aseptic losses) were lost leading to an estimated implant survival rate of 80% ± 5.1% (95% CI 70.8%-90.8%). Prosthetic complications were limited to the control group and involved minor chippings. CONCLUSIONS: This type of reduced-diameter implant to support single implant molar crowns in the molar area cannot be recommended. Monolithic zirconia crowns appear to be a viable option in the posterior region showing similar prosthetic outcomes to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

Ten-Year Performance of Posterior 6-mm Implants with Single-Tooth Restorations: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of the study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of short dental implants (6-mm test group, TG) to longer implants (10-mm control group, CG) with single crown restorations after 10 y of loading. Patients requiring single-tooth replacement in the posterior jaws were randomly assigned to TG or CG. Implants were loaded with screw-retained single crowns after a healing period of 10 wk. Follow-up appointments were scheduled yearly and comprised patient-adapted oral hygiene reinstructions and polishing of all teeth and implants. After 10 y, clinical and radiographical parameters were assessed again. Out of initially 94 patients (47 in TG and CG, each), 70 (36 TG and 34 CG) could be reassessed. Survival rates accounted for 85.7% (TG) and 97.1% (CG), without significant intergroup difference (P = 0.072). All but 1 lost implant had been located in the lower jaw. These implants were not lost due to peri-implantitis but due to a late loss of osseointegration without signs of inflammation and with actually stable marginal bone levels (MBLs) over the investigation period. In general, MBLs were stable with medians (interquartile ranges) of 0.13 (0.78) mm and 0.08 (1.2) mm, for TG and CG, without significant intergroup differences. Crown-to-implant ratio showed a highly significant intergroup difference of 1.06 ± 0.18 mm and 0.73 ± 0.17 mm (P < 0.001). Few technical complications (i.e., screw loosening or chipping) were registered during the investigation period. In conclusion, given stringent professional maintenance, short dental implants with single-crown restorations show a slightly worse but statistically not different survival rate after 10 y, especially in the lower jaw, but can still be considered a valuable alternative, especially when vertical bone dimensions are limited (German Clinical Trials Registry: DRKS00006290).

Computer-assisted bone augmentation, implant planning and placement: An in vitro investigation.

AIM: To assess in vitro the workflow for alveolar ridge augmentation with customised 3D printed block grafts and simultaneous computer-assisted implant planning and placement. METHODS: Twenty resin mandible models with an edentulous area and horizontal ridge defect in the region 34-36 were scanned with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A block graft for horizontal ridge augmentation in the region 34-36 and an implant in the position 35 were digitally planned. Twenty block grafts were 3D printed out of resin and one template for guided implant placement were stereolithographically produced. The resin block grafts were positioned onto the ridge defects and stabilised with two fixation screws each. Subsequently, one implant was inserted in the position 35 through the corresponding template for guided implant placement. Optical scans of the study models together with the fixated block graft were performed prior to and after implant placement. The scans taken after block grafting were superimposed with the virtual block grafting plan through a best-fit algorithm, and the linear deviation between the planned and the achieved block positions was calculated. The precision of the block fixation was obtained by superimposing the 20 scans taken after grafting and calculating the deviation between the corresponding resin blocks. The superimposition between the scans taken after and prior to implant placement was performed to measure a possible displacement in the block position induced by guided implant placement. The (98-2%)/2 percentile value was determined as a parameter for surface deviation. RESULTS: The mean deviation in the position of the block graft compared to the virtual plan amounted to 0.79 ± 0.13 mm. The mean deviation between the positions of the 20 block grafts measured 0.47 ± 0.2 mm, indicating a clinically acceptable precision. Guided implant placement induced a mean shift of 0.16 ± 0.06 mm in the position of the block graft. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that customised block grafts fabricated through CBCT, computer-assisted design and 3D printing allow alveolar ridge augmentation with clinically acceptable predictability and reproducibility. Computer-assisted implant planning and placement can be performed simultaneously with computer-assisted block grafting leading to clinically non-relevant dislocation of block grafts.

Time efficiency and efficacy of a centralized computer-aided-design/computer-aided-manufacturing workflow for implant crown fabrication: A prospective controlled clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess time efficiency and the efficacy of the prosthetic manufacturing for implant crown fabrication in a centralized workflow applying computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with one posterior implant each, were randomly allocated to either a centralized digital workflow (c-DW, test) or a laboratory digital workflow (l-DW, control). Patients were excluded from efficiency and efficacy analyses, if any additional restoration than this single implant crown had to be fabricated. A customized titanium abutment and a monolithic zirconia crown were fabricated in the c-DW. In the l-DW, models were digitalized for CAD-CAM fabrication of a monolithic zirconia crown using a standardized titanium base abutment. Time for impression, laboratory operating and delivery time were recorded. The efficacy of the prosthetic manufacturing was evaluated at try-in and at delivery. Data was analyzed descriptively. Statistical analyses using student's unpaired t- and paired Wilcoxon were performed (p < 0.05). RESULTS: At impression taking, 12 patients (c-DW) and 19 patients (l-DW) were included. The impression time was 9.4±3.5 min (c-DW) and 15.1 ± 4.6 min (l-DW) (p < 0.05). The laboratory operating time was 130 ± 31 min (c-DW) and 218.0±8 min (l-DW) (p < 0.05). The delivery time was significantly longer in the c-DW (5.9 ± 3.5 1 days) as compared to the l-DW (0.5±0.05 days). At try-in and at delivery, efficacy of prosthetic manufacturing was similar high in both workflows. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The c-DW was more time efficient compared to the lab-DW and rendered a similar efficacy of prosthetic manufacturing.

Load-bearing capacity of CAD/CAM 3D-printed zirconia, CAD/CAM milled zirconia, and heat-pressed lithium disilicate ultra-thin occlusal veneers on molars.

OBJECTIVES: The load-bearing capacity of ultra-thin occlusal veneers made of 3D-printed zirconia were compared to the ones obtained by fabricating these reconstructions by CAD/CAM milling zirconia or heat-pressing lithium-disilicate. METHODS: On 60 extracted human molars, the occlusal enamel was removed and extended into dentin. Occlusal veneers of 0.5 mm thickness were digitally designed. The specimens were divided into 3 groups (n = 20 each) differing in the restorative material and the fabrication technique of the occlusal veneer. (1) 3DP: 3D-printed zirconia (Lithoz); (2): CAM: milled zirconia (Ceramill Zolid FX); (3) HPR: heat-pressed lithium disilicate (IPS e.max Press). After conditioning procedures, the restorations were adhesively bonded onto the conditioned tooth. Thereafter, all specimens were aged in a chewing simulator by exposure to cyclic fatigue and temperature variations. Subsequently the specimens were statically loaded and the load which was necessary to decrease the maximum load by 20% and initiate a crack (Finitial) and the load which was needed to fracture the specimen (Fmax) were measured. Differences between the groups were compared applying the Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney-Test (WMW: p < 0.05). RESULTS: The median Finitial values for the groups 3DP, CAM and HPR were 1'650 N, 1'250 N and 500 N. The differences between all three groups were statistically significant (KW: p < 0.0001). The median Fmax values amounted to 2'026 N for the group 3DP, 1'500 N for the group CAM and 1'555 N for the group HPR. Significant differences were found between 3DP and CAM (WMW: p = 0.0238). SIGNIFICANCE: Regarding their load-bearing capacity, 3D-printed or milled zirconia as well as heat-pressed lithium disilicate can be recommended as restorative material for ultra-thin occlusal veneers to prosthetically compensate for occlusal tooth wear. Despite statistically significant differences between the restoration materials, all load-bearing capacities exceeded the clinically expected normal bite forces.

Five-Year Survival of Short Single-Tooth Implants (6 mm): A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether 6-mm dental implants in the posterior segments of either jaw perform equally well in terms of clinical and radiographic outcomes when compared with 10-mm implants after 5 y of loading. Patients with single-tooth gaps in the posterior area who were scheduled for implant therapy were randomly assigned to a group receiving either a 6- or 10-mm implant. After a healing period of 10 wk, implants were loaded with a screw-retained single crown and followed up at yearly intervals. Of 96 patients, 86 could be recalled after 5 y. The implant survival rates amounted to 91% (95% confidence interval: 0.836 to 0.998) for the 6-mm group and 100% for the 10-mm group ( P = 0.036). Median crown-to-implant (C/I) ratios were 1.75 (interquartile range [IQR], 1.50 to 1.90) for the 6-mm group and 1.04 (IQR, 0.95 to 1.15) for the 10-mm group, whereas the median marginal bone levels measured -0.29 mm (IQR, -0.92 to 0.23) for the 6-mm group and -0.15 mm (IQR: -0.93 - 0.41) for the 10-mm group after 5 y. The C/I ratio turned out to be statistically significant ( P < 0.001), whereas marginal bone levels showed no significant difference between the groups. The 6-mm implants exhibited significantly lower survival rates than the 10-mm implants over 5 y, whereas there was no difference between upper and lower jaws in terms of survival ( P = 0.58). Lost implants did not show any sign of marginal bone loss or peri-implant infection previous to loss of osseointegration. High C/I ratio and implant length had no significant effect on marginal bone level changes or technical and biological complications (German Clinical Trials Registry: DRKS00006290).

The influence of the emergence profile on the amount of undetected cement excess after delivery of cement-retained implant reconstructions.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether or not one of two emergence profile designs (concave or convex) is superior to the other in terms of remaining cement following cementation of reconstructions on individualized abutments and careful cement removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A central incisor with a single implant-supported reconstruction was selected as a model. Six types of abutments (n = 10) with two different emergence profile designs (concave (CC) and convex (CV)) and three crown-abutment margin depths (epimucosal, 1.5 mm submucosal, 3 mm submucosal) were fabricated through a CAD/CAM procedure. Lithium disilicate reinforced ceramic crowns were cemented with chemically polymerized resin cement. A blinded investigator attempted to remove all cement excess. Thereafter, the entire reconstruction was unscrewed and analyzed for the overall amount and the depth of cement excess. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to investigate differences between groups. When more than two groups were compared between each other, a Bonferroni correction of the P value was performed. RESULTS: Concave abutments presented significantly more cement remnants than CV abutments when the entire abutment area of the epimucosal margin groups was evaluated (CC0 mm: mean 2.31 mm2 (SD 0.99) vs. CV0 mm: mean 1.57 mm2 (SD 0.55); P = 0.043). A statistically significant increase in remnants was detected when the crown-abutment margin was located more submucosally for every abutment studied (0 mm vs. 1.5 mm: P < 0.000, 0 mm vs 3 mm: P < 0.000, 1.5 mm vs. 3 mm: P < 0.000). The buccal quadrant demonstrated the least, whereas the oral and interdental quadrants showed the greatest amount of cement excess. CONCLUSIONS: Concave emergence profile abutments and deep crown-abutment margin positions increased the risk of cement excess. Oral and interdental areas are more prone to cement remnants than other surface areas.

Success of 6-mm Implants with Single-Tooth Restorations: A 3-year Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

The aim of the study was to test whether implants of 6 mm in length perform equally well as 10-mm implants in terms of survival and marginal bone-level changes when supporting single crowns. Patients with a posterior single-tooth gap were randomly allocated to either the placement of a 6-mm (test) or 10-mm implant (control). The treatment protocol allowed for internal sinus lift but not for lateral bone augmentation. After a healing period of 10 wk, implants were loaded with screw-retained single crowns. Survival rates, number of pockets ≥5 mm, and bleeding-on-probing were assessed clinically. The change of marginal bone level and crown-to-implant ratios were analyzed by 2 examiners. Longitudinal intragroup analyses for marginal bone levels were performed applying the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Intergroup differences at baseline and at 3 y were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The effect of implant length and crown-to-implant ratio on changes of marginal bone level also was determined. Of 94 implants placed (47 test and 47 control), 78 implants (40 test and 38 control) were available for follow-up examination at 3 y of loading. One test implant was lost during the second year. Hence, implant survival was not significantly different between the 2 groups after 3 y (98% test; 100% control). We found no significant change in the crestal bone level from baseline to 3 y for test and control implants with -0.19 ± 0.62 mm and -0.33 ± 0.71 mm, respectively. The intergroup difference was not significant. Crown-to-implant ratios were not associated with a statistically significant difference in marginal bone loss. However, the number of sites with pockets ≥5 mm was significantly higher in the test group. Based on the 3-y assessment, the use of 6-mm implants can be considered a viable option when reconstructing posterior single tooth gaps (German Clinical Trials Registry: DRKS00006290).

EAO Supplement Working Group 4 - EAO CC 2015 Short implants versus sinus lifting with longer implants to restore the posterior maxilla: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To compare short implants in the posterior maxilla to longer implants placed after or simultaneously with sinus floor elevation procedures. The focused question was as follows: Are short implants superior to longer implants in the augmented sinus in terms of survival and complication rates of implants and reconstructions, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and costs? METHODS: A MEDLINE search (1990-2014) was performed for randomized controlled clinical studies comparing short implants (≤8 mm) to longer implants (>8 mm) in augmented sinus. The search was complimented by an additional hand search of the selected papers and reviews published between 2011 and 2014. Eligible studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria, and quality assessments were conducted. Descriptive statistics were applied for a number of outcome measures. Survival rates of dental implants were pooled simply in case of comparable studies. RESULTS: Eight randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) comparing short implants versus longer implants in the augmented sinus derived from an initial search count of 851 titles were selected and data extracted. In general, all studies were well conducted with a low risk of bias for the majority of the analyzed parameters. Based on the pooled analyses of longer follow-ups (5 studies, 16-18 months), the survival rate of longer implants amounted to 99.5% (95% CI: 97.6-99.98%) and for shorter implants to 99.0% (95% CI: 96.4-99.8%). For shorter follow-ups (3 studies, 8-9 months), the survival rates of longer implants are 100% (95% CI: 97.1-100%) and for shorter implants 98.2% (95% CI: 93.9-99.7%). Complications were predominantly of biological origin, mainly occurred intraoperatively as membrane perforations, and were almost three times as higher for longer implant in the augmented sinus compared to shorter implants. PROMs, morbidity, surgical time and costs were generally in favor of shorter dental implants. All studies were performed by surgeons in specialized clinical settings. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of the survey analyses demonstrated predictably high implant survival rates for short implants and longer implants placed in augmented sinus and their respective reconstructions. Given the higher number of biological complications, increased morbidity, costs and surgical time of longer dental implants in the augmented sinus, shorter dental implants may represent the preferred treatment alternative.

Soft tissue augmentation of ridge defects in the maxillary anterior area using two different methods: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To test whether or not vascularized interpositional periosteal-connective tissue grafts are as successful as free subepithelial connective tissue grafts in augmenting volume defects in the anterior maxilla. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty subjects with Seibert class 1 ridge defects in the anterior maxilla were randomly, equally assigned to augmentation by vascularized interpositional periosteal-connective tissue graft (test) or free subepithelial connective tissue graft (control). Clinical periodontal parameters at teeth adjacent to the gap were recorded, and conventional impressions were taken prior to surgery (baseline = t(0)) and 1 (t(1)), 3 (t(3)) and 6 (t(6)) months after surgery. The casts were optically scanned, digitized and analyzed for ridge contour changes in the augmented area. Data were subjected to nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: The contour changes in labial distance between baseline and follow-up for the control group were (median, range) 1 mm, 0.37-1.45 (t(0)-t(1)); 1.18 mm, 0.39-1.40 (t(0)-t(3)); and 0.63 mm, 0.28-1.22 (t(0)-t(6)) and for test group 1.21 mm, 0.74-2.47 (t(0)-t(1)); 1.26 mm, 0.50-1.71 (t(0)-t(3)); and 1.18 mm, 0.16-1.75 (t(0)-t(6)). Significantly less shrinkage of the graft was observed in the test group after 6 months (P = 0.03). Clinical periodontal parameters at the neighboring teeth were stable over the follow-up period and did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Augmentation of single tooth gaps with moderate ridge defects in the anterior maxilla was successfully performed using both techniques. However, after 6 months, sites treated by the pediculated graft were superior in maintaining the initially augmented volume and showed less shrinkage of the graft. This could be attributed to better perfusion of the pediculated graft.

Adhesion of veneering resins to polymethylmethacrylate-based CAD/CAM polymers after various surface conditioning methods.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to test whether the bond strength of a hybrid composite and a PMMA-based veneer to CAD/CAM polymers would improve after pre-treatment and to evaluate the failure types after debonding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three types of PMMA-based (CAD-Temp, artBloc Temp and TelioCAD) CAD/CAM blocks were obtained (N = 360, n = 15 per test group). They were divided into four groups to be conditioned with the following methods: (a) no-treatment, (b) air-abrasion (50 µm Al2O3), (c) air-abrasion (50 µm Al2O3) + MPS-Silane (Monobond S) + Adhesive resin (StickResin) (for Gradia)/MMA (for Integral Esthetic Press) application, (d) Silica coating and silanization (CoJet-System). The conditioned surfaces were veneered with a hybrid composite (Gradia) or a PMMA-based resin (Integral esthetic press). After water storage (1 week, 37°C), the bond strength was measured. Data were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA and post-hoc Scheffé test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Surface-conditioning method, veneer type and CAD/CAM polymers significantly affected the results. Hybrid composite did not bond to non-conditioned CAD/CAM polymers. Regardless of the conditioning method, PMMA-based resin showed significantly higher bond strength to all CAD/CAM polymers compared to hybrid composite. Air-abrasion increased the bond strength in all tested groups. Additional silane application after air-abrasion did not significantly increase the bond strength of hybrid composite. While exclusively adhesive failures were observed between the hybrid composite and the CAD/CAM polymers, PMMA veneer demonstrated cohesive failures in the CAD/CAM polymers. CONCLUSION: CAD/CAM polymers could be veneered with only a PMMA-based veneer with and without air-abrasion.

Quantitative sensory testing of intraoral open wounds.

Wound healing is an important aspect of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Positive sensory signs (allodynia, hyperalgesia) and negative sensory signs (hypoesthesia, hypoalgesia) may be encountered. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) has moved from bench to bedside for the detection, therapy selection and monitoring the recovery of individuals with sensory disturbances. Tracking somatosensory changes during normal and abnormal wound healing has not previously been reported. This report presents data obtained by a novel, automated, non-contact psychophysical method for assessment of wound sensitivity after standardized oral mucosal biopsy. By directing graded air puffs towards palatal biopsy wounds, thresholds for sensory detection, pain detection and pain tolerance were repeatedly assessed across 19 days, demonstrating high reliability. Participants recorded daily spontaneous and chewing-evoked maximum pains. Pain detection and tolerance thresholds increased linearly across time. Comparison between air puff evoked pain detection threshold and chewing-evoked pain demonstrated a strong correlation. Thus, for the first time, this study tracked the time course of somatosensory sensitivity of wounds induced by oral biopsies. The psychophysical data on wound healing obtained by this automated, contact-free stimulation method can be utilized as a surrogate marker for clinical pain improvements and standardized assessment of intraoral pain sensitivity, for example in oral mucositis.

Immediately restored one-piece single-tooth implants with reduced diameter: one-year results of a multi-center study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present multi-center study was to evaluate the treatment outcome of immediately restored one-piece single-tooth implants with a diameter of 3 mm after 1 year. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 57 one-piece implants (NobelDirect 3.0) were inserted in 47 patients (26 females, 21 males) with a mean age of 31 years (range: 17-76 years) at five different centers. The implants replaced maxillary lateral incisors and mandibular incisors. The implants were placed either in conjunction with tooth extraction or in healed sites, and all implants were immediately restored with a provisional resin crown. If needed, the abutment part of the implant was prepared before crown cementation. The permanent crown was placed after 1.9-14.5 months. Radiographs were taken at implant insertion as well as after 6 and 12 months to evaluate the peri-implant marginal bone level and bone loss. Moreover, plaque, bleeding on probing and complications were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients (23 females, 21 males) with 54 implants were available for the 1-year follow-up. One implant was lost, thus the 1-year implant survival was 98%. A statistically significant mean marginal bone loss was observed between baseline and 6 months (1.1 mm, range: -0.7 to 4.4 mm; n=49) and between baseline and 12 months (1.6 mm, range: -0.8 to 4.6 mm; n=50). A total of 18% of the implants were characterized by a bone loss of more than 3 mm. No bleeding on probing was observed around 83% of the implants. Plaque was registered at 15% of the implants. The most common complications were related to the provisional crown, i.e. fracture (n=3) and loss of retention (n=3). CONCLUSIONS: A high 1-year implant survival was observed in the present study. However, the excessive peri-implant marginal bone loss around several implants indicates that this implant should be used with caution until further studies have been conducted.

10-year clinical outcomes of fixed dental prostheses with zirconia frameworks.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to assess the long-term clinical survival rate and the technical and biological complication rates of zirconia-based posterior FDPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients in need of one or more posterior FDPs received 57 three- to five-unit zirconia-based FDPs. The frameworks were fabricated by means of a prototype computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) system (direct ceramic machining, DCM), first processing zirconia in the white stage. The frameworks were veneered with a prototype veneering ceramic.The FDPs were adhesively placed. At baseline, 6 months, and 1,2, 3, 5, 8 and 10 years of function, the FDPs were examined for technical and/or biological complications. Furthermore, the periodontal health of the abutment teeth (test) and untreated control teeth was analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed applying descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival and multiple mixed effects regression tests. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with 26 FDPs were examined at a mean observation time of 10.7 +/- 1.3 years. A total of 16 FDPs were lost to follow-up. Fifteen FDPs had to be replaced due to technical/biological complications; hence, the 10-year survival rate of the FDPs was 67%. Three framework fractures occurred, resulting in a 10-year survival rate for the zirconia frameworks of 91.5%. Chipping/fracture of the veneering ceramic was detected in 16 FDPs over 10 years (complication rate 32%). A significant correlation of the span of the FDPs and the incidence of chipping was observed: 4- and 5-unit FDPs had a 4.9 times higher probability for chipping than 3-unit FDPs. Marginal discrepancy/degradation was found in 90.7% of the FDPs over 10 years. At 11 of the FDPs (complication rate 27%), secondary caries occurred. No difference of the periodontal health was found around test and control teeth. CONCLUSION: The zirconia frameworks exhibited very good long-term stability. However, the zirconia-based FDPs frequently exhibited problems such as marginal deficiency or chipping of the veneering ceramic. Both problems may be associated with the prototype status of the system.

The effect of dentin desensitizer on shear bond strength of conventional and self-adhesive resin luting cements after aging.

This study tested the impact of Gluma Desensitizer on the shear bond strength (SBS) of two conventional (RelyX ARC, Panavia 21) and two self-adhesive (RelyX Unicem, G-Cem) resin luting cements after water storage and thermocycling. Human third molars (N=880) were embedded in acrylic resin. The buccal dentin was exposed. Teeth were randomly divided into four main groups, and the following cements were adhered: 1) RelyX ARC, 2) Panavia 21, 3) RelyX Unicem, and 4) G-Cem. In half of the teeth in each group, dentin was treated with Gluma Desensitizer. In the conventional cement groups, the corresponding etchant and adhesive systems were applied. SBS of the cements was tested after 1 hour (initial); at 1, 4, 9, 16, and 25 days of water storage; and at 1, 4, 9, 16, and 25 days of thermocycling. SBS data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA); this was followed by the post hoc Scheffé test and a t-test. Overall, the highest mean SBS (MPa) was obtained by RelyX ARC (ranging from 14.6 ± 3.9 to 17.6 ± 5.2) and the lowest by Panavia 21 in combination with Gluma Desensitizer (ranging from 0.0 to 2.9 ± 1.0). All tested groups with and without desensitizer showed no significant decrease after aging conditions compared with baseline values (p>0.05). Only the Panavia 21/Gluma Desensitizer combination showed a significant decrease after 4 days of thermocyling compared with initial values and 1 day thermocycling. Self-adhesive cements with Gluma Desensitizer showed increased SBS after aging conditions (ranging from 7.4 ± 1.4 to 15.2 ± 3) compared with groups without desensitizer (ranging from 2.6 ± 1.2 to 8.8 ± 2.9). No cohesive failures in dentin were observed in any of the test groups. Although self-adhesive cements with and without desensitizer presented mainly adhesive failures after water storage (95.8%) and thermocyling (100%), conventional cement (RelyX ARC) showed mainly mixed failures (90.8% and 89.2%, after water storage and thermocyling, respectively). Application of the Gluma Desensitizer to dentin before cementation had a positive effect on the SBS of self-adhesive cements.

Biodegradation, soft and hard tissue integration of various polyethylene glycol hydrogels: a histomorphometric study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: (i) To evaluate biodegradation, hard and soft tissue integration using various polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels; (ii) to evaluate the influence of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) on two types of PEG hydrogels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In seven rabbits, six treatment modalities were randomly applied subperiosteally on the skull: (1) a dense network PEG hydrogel (PEG1), (2) PEG1 modified with RGD (PEG1-RGD), (3) a looser network PEG hydrogel (PEG2), (4) PEG2 modified with RGD (PEG2-RGD), (5) a collagen membrane, and (6) a polylactide/polyglycolide/trimethylene carbonate membrane. The animals were sacrificed at 14 days. Histomorphometric analyses were performed on undecalcified Epon sections using a standardized region of interest. For statistical analysis, paired t-test and signed rank test were applied. RESULTS: PEG1 and PEG1-RGD remained intact and maintained the shape. PEG2 and PEG2-RGD completely degraded and were replaced by connective tissue and bone. The largest amount of mineralized tissue was found for PEG2-RGD (21.4%), followed by PEG 2 (9.5%). The highest percentage of residual hydrogel/membrane was observed for PEG1-RGD (55.6%), followed by PEG1 (26.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Modifications of the physico-chemical properties of PEG hydrogels and the addition of RGD influenced soft and hard tissue integration and biodegradation. PEG1 showed an increased degradation time and maintained the shape. The soft tissue integration was enhanced by adding an RGD sequence. A high turn-over rate and extensive bone regeneration was observed using PEG2. The addition of RGD further improved bone formation and soft tissue integration.

Bone regeneration in the presence of a synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide-based and a xenogenic hydroxyapatite-based bone substitute material.

OBJECTIVES: A comparison of synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide, xenogenic hydroxyapatite-based bone substitute materials with empty control sites in terms of bone regeneration enhancement in a rabbit calvarial four non-critical-sized defect model. METHODS: In each of six rabbits, four bicortical calvarial bone defects were generated. The following four treatment modalities were randomly allocated: (1) empty control site, (2) synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide-based (HA/SiO) test granules, (3) xenogenic hydroxyapatite -based granules, (4) synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide -based (HA/SiO) test two granules. The results of the latter granules have not been reported due to their size being three times bigger than the other two granule types. After 4 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and un-decalcified sections were obtained for histological analyses. For statistical analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis test was applied (P<0.05). RESULTS: Histomorphometric analysis showed an average area fraction of newly formed bone of 12.32±10.36% for the empty control, 17.47±6.42% for the xenogenic hydroxyapatite -based granules group, and 21.2±5.32% for the group treated with synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide -based granules. Based on the middle section, newly formed bone bridged the defect to 38.33±37.55% in the empty control group, 54.33±22.12% in the xenogenic hydroxyapatite -based granules group, and to 79±13.31% in the synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide -based granules group. The bone-to-bone substitute contact was 46.38±18.98% for the xenogenic and 59.86±14.92% for the synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide-based granules group. No significant difference in terms of bone formation and defect bridging could be detected between the two bone substitute materials or the empty defect. CONCLUSION: There is evidence that the synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide granules provide comparable results with a standard xenogenic bovine mineral in terms of bone formation and defect bridging in non-critical size defects.

Adhesive performance of a caries infiltrant on sound and demineralised enamel.

OBJECTIVE: Resin infiltration is considered as a treatment option for initial caries lesions. As cavitated early lesions might require additional restorative intervention, a caries infiltrant might be also used for enamel conditioning prior to composite insertion. This study aimed to analyse the shear bond strength of a flowable composite to sound and demineralised enamel pretreated with a caries infiltrant, a conventional adhesive or a combination of both. METHODS: Flattened bovine enamel specimens (n=120) were either demineralised (14 d, acidic buffer, pH 5) or remained untreated. Sound and demineralised specimens (each n=20) were then treated with: (1) 35% phosphoric acid, conventional adhesive, (2) 15% hydrochloric acid, caries infiltrant or (3) 15% hydrochloric acid, caries infiltrant, conventional adhesive. Shear bond strength of a flowable composite was tested after 24 h water storage (37°C) and statistically analysed (ANOVA, p≤0.05). The mode of failure was assessed microscopically at 25× magnification. RESULTS: On demineralised enamel, the combination of caries infiltrant and conventional adhesive showed significantly higher shear bond strength values than the conventional adhesive alone, while both being not significantly different from group 2. No significant differences between the groups could be detected on sound specimens. A higher percentage of cohesive failures could be observed in demineralised samples of group 2 (40%) and 3 (65%), while all other specimens presented almost only adhesive failures. CONCLUSION: The use of a caries infiltrant before application of a conventional adhesive did not impair bonding to sound and demineralised enamel and might be beneficial as a pretreatment in demineralised enamel.

Immediate vs. early loading of dental implants: 3-year results of a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to test whether or not immediately loaded implants exhibit the same survival rates as early loaded implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven patients with bilateral free end mandibles were randomly assigned to treatment either with immediately (test) or early loaded implants (control). Test implants received provisionals in occlusion on the day of surgery, control implants 6 weeks later. Parameters assessed included implant stability quotient (ISQ), plaque, prosthesis stability and radiographs at baseline (implant insertion), 1 and 3 years. The statistical analysis was performed by means of Student's paired t-test and Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. The level of significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: After a mean observation period of 39.8 months (36.7-53.1), three test implants were lost in two patients resulting in a survival rate of 85% compared with 100% for control implants. At baseline, the mean marginal bone level was significantly higher at test implants (mean=0.36 mm, SD +/-0.5) compared with control implants (1.08+/-0.37 mm). For both test and control implants, the bone level significantly decreased from baseline to 3 years (test: 1.51+/-0.79 mm; control: 0.89+/-0.94 mm). The bone loss until 3 years was not significantly different between test and control group. There was no significant difference for ISQ both at test and control implants between baseline (test: 63.59+/-4.62 mm, control: 65.35+/-7.43 mm) and 3 years (test: 66.47+/-7.47 mm, control 68.80+/-8.75 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate loading was associated with a lower implant survival rate. Although the test implants were placed with increased sink depth compared with the control implants, the marginal bone levels were not different between test and control at 3 years.

Theoretical knowledge in implant dentistry for undergraduate students.

Implant therapy has evolved into an important part of daily dental practice. Appropriate knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic options with dental implant therapy is, therefore, mandatory for dental students. The present consensus paper describes the theoretical knowledge as a foundation to the teaching of implant dentistry at the undergraduate level. Students need a solid basic knowledge about biological prerequisites and clinical procedures leading to successful implant treatment and, in particular, an understanding of the importance of embedding implants into the overall treatment concept. Among others this includes aspects of bone and soft tissue integration of dental implants, as well as aspects of materials that are used in implant dentistry. The students should also be able to differentiate between low, medium and high-risk situations, which assumes that they have knowledge about a proper clinical examination. Furthermore, the students need to be able to inform the patient about the different treatment options and their advantages and disadvantages. Frequently, a choice has to be made between an FDP anchored on teeth and an implant-borne reconstruction. This is highly influenced by the long-term prognosis of the different treatment options. In order to perform implant placement in uncomplicated cases and to give appropriate patient information, adequate knowledge of surgical procedure and surgical complications is mandatory. Furthermore, the dentist needs to be competent in evaluating clinical situations and in advising patients about the suitability of the different options, e.g. removable or fixed reconstructions. It is possible that peri-implant tissue destruction may be a more common finding during long-term service of implant-borne reconstructions than was previously believed. The dentist needs knowledge about etiology and pathogenesis of peri-implantitis and should know how to provide an effective maintenance care programme. In cases of peri-implantitis the student should be knowledgeable regarding suitable interventions.