Comparative Analysis of Periodontal Parameters and Patient Satisfaction Utilising Different Temporary Crown Fabrication Techniques: A Parallel-Group Randomised Controlled Trial.

Aim The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of different techniques for temporary crown fabrication in maintaining periodontal health and patient satisfaction, addressing a critical gap in the existing literature and informing evidence-based clinical practices. Materials and methods This study, conducted in accordance with CONSORT guidelines, was a parallel-group randomised trial conducted at a dental institute in India. In total, 36 participants aged 18-65 requiring anterior tooth region crowns were randomly assigned to three groups: direct (control), indirect (Test Group 1) and direct-indirect (Test Group 2) fabrication techniques. Participants were selected from outpatient departments based on eligibility criteria, and interventions were allocated using randomization tables. Outcome assessments included gingival health metrics and patient satisfaction levels, with statistical analyses performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results Significant differences were observed in the pink esthetic score (PES) and patient satisfaction (P=0.029) among the three groups, with the direct-indirect technique group demonstrating the highest median PES (9 out of 10). However, no significant disparities were noted in the plaque index (PI) or probing depth (PD) among the groups. Conclusion The direct-indirect technique demonstrated superior PES and patient satisfaction, indicating potential benefits for periodontal health and patient experiences. Integration of virtual preparation workflows may optimise outcomes, but further research is needed for validation and guideline development.

An individualized approach for a one-abutment one-time protocol using fully guided implant surgery: a 4-year follow-up case series.

AIM: The objective of the present case series was to evaluate the 4-year outcomes of implants placed in the esthetic area using static computer-assisted implant surgery (s-CAIS) and restored with a one-abutment one-time (OAOT) protocol using custom-made zirconia abutments and cemented provisional crowns manufactured prior to surgery. Materials and methods: Ten consecutive implants were placed in the esthetic area. Based on a digital implant and prosthodontic planning, surgical guides were ordered and used for the preparation of definitive custom-made zirconia abutments and polymethylmethacrylate provisional crowns. Implants were placed using the s-CAIS guide, and prosthetic components were placed immediately. Implant outcomes were evaluated at the time of surgery, after 4 months, and after 4 years. RESULTS: All implants were successfully placed with s-CAIS and restored with final abutments and provisional crowns. No major prosthetic adverse events were observed. After 4 years, the implant survival rate was 100%, minor peri-implant bleeding on probing was reported, and very stable peri-implant bone levels were observed. The pink esthetic score showed that the prosthetic components were well integrated, and the peri-implant soft tissue was stable. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present case series, these results suggest that emerging digital workflows allow the manufacture of final custom-made abutments and provisional crowns prior to surgery. This individualized OAOT procedure may reduce cement-related complications and improve esthetic outcomes by optimizing soft tissue healing with prosthetic components. However, such protocols have evolved toward fully digital workflows, and comparative clinical trials are needed.

Patient Satisfaction and Pink Esthetics of PEEK Versus Zirconium Abutments in the Esthetic Zone (A Randomized Controlled Trial) / Satisfação do paciente e estética rosa dos pilares PEEK versus Zircônia na zona estética (um ensaio clínico randomizado)

Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the use of PEEK abutments versus zirconium abutments with lithium disilicate superstructure on the esthetic acceptance and peri-implant clinical parameters. Zirconium abutments were found to have high surface roughness even after polishing. This causes a remarkable collapse of the soft tissue papilla that is a primary factor in the Pink Esthetic Score(PES), resulting in failed esthetic restoration in the anterior esthetic zone. Material and Methods:Twenty patients who needed a single implant restoration in the esthetic zone were included in this study. Eighteen patients completed screening, baseline, three-month, six-month, and twelve-month follow-up visits. At the screening visit, the patients were randomly allocated into two groups: Zirconia abutments (A) Group, and PEEK abutments (B) Group, both of which were restored with IPS e.max CAD superstructure. Patients Satisfaction was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). Pink esthetics score (PES), modified plaque index (mPI) and modified gingval index (mGI) were also assessed. Results: All implants were successfully osseo-integrated with a 100% survival rate over one year. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher for the PEEK group than the zirconium group. The pink esthetic score showed no statistical significance between both groups. The modified plaque index was significantly lower for the PEEK group than the zirconium group. The modified gingival index showed no statistical difference between both groups. Conclusion: PEEK revealed to be a versatile material to replace zirconium for implant abutments, due to its lower plaque affinity and higher patient satisfaction (AU)

Objetivo: Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar o uso de pilares PEEK versus pilares de zircônia com estrutura de dissilicato de lítio quanto a aceitação estética e parâmetros clínicos peri-implantares. Os pilares de zircônia apresentam alta rugosidade superficial, mesmo após o polimento. Isso causa um colapso notável da papila do tecido mole, que é um fator primário no índice estético rosa (Pink Esthetic Score - PES), resultando em falha na restauração estética na zona estética anterior. Materiais e Métodos:Vinte pacientes que precisavam de um implante unitário na zona estética foram incluídos neste estudo. Dezoito pacientes completaram a triagem, a consulta inicial e as visitas de acompanhamento de três, seis e doze meses. Durante a triagem, os pacientes foram aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos: Grupo Pilares de Zircônia (A) e Grupo de Pilares PEEK (B), ambos foram restaurados com IPS e.max CAD. A satisfação dos pacientes foi avaliada pela escala visual analógica (VAS). O PES, o índice de placa modificado (mPI) e o índice gengival modificado (mGI) também foram avaliados. Resultados: Todos os implantes foram osseointegrados com sucesso, com uma taxa de sobrevivência de 100% ao longo de um ano. A satisfação do paciente foi significativamente maior para o grupo PEEK quando comparado com o grupo de pilares de zircônia. O índice da estética rosa não apresentou significância estatística entre os dois grupos. O índice de placa modificado foi significativamente menor para o grupo PEEK quando comparado com o grupo de pilares de zircônia. Conclusão: O PEEK revelou-se um material versátil para substituir a zircônia em pilares de implante, devido a sua menor afinidade de placa e maior satisfação do paciente. (AU)