Evaluation of PRF Efficiency in the Treatment of Infrabony Defects.

AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of PRF in the treatment of infrabony defects in patients with chronic periodontitis by evaluating the clinical outcome through periodontal depth, clinical attachment level at the baseline, 6 and 9 months post operatively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty infrabony defects with probing depth ≥ 5 mm were treated. The inclusion criterion was the necessity for surgical bilateral maxillary treatment. By using split-mouth study design, each patient had one side treated with conventional flap surgery and the other side with conventional flap surgery and PRF. Clinical parameters, such as probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment lost (CAL), were recorded in both groups at baseline, 6 and 9 months post operatively. RESULTS: Positive effects for all clinical and radiographic parameters were evident in the group with PRF. Mean PD reduction demonstrated statistically significant greater results in the test group (4.00±1.07 mm) compared to the control one (4.83±0.99 mm), p = 0.003 after 9 months postoperatively. After 9 months, there were better results in the test group compared to the control group for CAL (5.60±1.61 mm, 6.20±1.58 mm), but statistically not significant. CONCLUSION: Additional use of PRF in the conventional surgical treatment of infrabony defects demonstrated better parameters than the open flap debridement alone.

Analysis of Alveolar Bone Morphology of the Maxillary Central and Lateral Incisors with Normal Occlusion.

Background and objectives: This study investigated the morphology of the labial and palatal bony wall of the maxillary central and lateral incisors using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The difference between males and females and the measurement between right and left sides were measured. Materials and Methods: Twenty participants, consisting of 11 females and 9 males having normal occlusion, were used for the analysis. The mean age was 21.9 ± 3.0 years. The thickness of the labial bony wall and palatal bony wall, perpendicular to the long axis of the root, were evaluated at 3 and 5 mm apical from the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and at the root apex. The available bony wall below the apex of the central and lateral incisors, and the angulation between the long axis of the tested tooth and outer surface of the labial bone were measured. Results: The mean labial bony wall thickness at the 3 and 5 mm apical from the CEJ were 1.1 ± 0.3 mm and 1.0 ± 0.4 mm for central incisors, respectively, as well as 1.2 ± 0.4 mm and 1.0 ± 0.4 mm for lateral incisors, respectively. The mean palatal bony wall thickness at 5 mm from the CEJ was above 2 mm in the central and lateral incisors. The percentage of labial bony wall thickness 2 mm or greater at the root apex in central incisors was higher than in lateral incisors (62.5% vs. 55.0%). The percentage of palatal bony wall thickness ≥2 mm at 3 mm apical from the CEJ in the central incisors was higher than in the lateral incisors (37.5% vs. 15.0%). The results on the left and right sides did not show statistically significant differences, except in the labial and palatal bony wall thickness at 3 mm from the CEJ in the lateral incisor. Generally, no significant differences were seen between males and females, but males had a significantly higher labial bony wall thickness at 3 and 5 mm from the CEJ in the central and lateral incisors when compared with females. Conclusions: This study showed that a majority of the cases of Korean participants had less than 2 mm of labial bony wall thickness at 3 and 5 mm apical from the CEJ at central and lateral incisors, and this should be kept in mind while performing dental practices, including tooth extraction or immediate implantation in anterior regions. Preoperative analysis using CBCT may be beneficial for establishing the treatment plan.

Association of advanced glycation end products with peri-implant inflammation in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

BACKGROUND: It is postulated that peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are higher with high glycemic levels. PURPOSE: In the present clinico-biochemical study, we explored the clinical and radiographic peri-implant parameters and levels of AGEs among prediabetic, type 2 diabetic (T2DM), and non-diabetic patients and to evaluate the correlation of AGEs with clinical peri-implant parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients were divided into three groups of 30 patients each; group 1: patients with prediabetes; group 2: patients with T2DM; and group 3: non-diabetic individuals. Clinical and radiographic peri-implant parameters assessed included plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and marginal bone loss (MBL). PISF was collected and analyzed for AGEs levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Between-group comparison of means was verified with Kruskal-Wallis test and Pearson correlation coefficient for correlations of AGE levels with peri-implant parameters. RESULTS: Mean peri-implant PI, BOP, PD, and MBL was significantly higher in group 1 and 2 as compared with non-diabetic patients (P < .05). Mean PI, BOP, PD, and MBL were comparable between group 1 and group 2 patients (P > .05). Mean levels of AGEs in PISF were significantly higher among prediabetic and T2DM patients as compared with non-diabetic patients (P < .05). Between group 1 and group 2, mean levels of AGEs was significantly higher in group 2 (P < .05). A significant positive correlations were found between levels of AGEs and PD (P = .0371) and MBL (P = .0117) in T2DM patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Clinical and radiographic peri-implant parameters were worse and levels of AGEs in PISF were increased in individuals with prediabetes and T2DM. AGEs may play an important role in peri-implant inflammation in prediabetes and T2DM.

Morphometric and histopathological evaluation of the effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin on alveolar bone loss in experimental diabetes and periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: Grape seed proanthocyanidine extract (GSPE) is a strong antioxidant derived from the grape seeds (Vitis vinifera, Terral J.F.) and has a polyphenolic structure with a wide range of biological activity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of GSPE on alveolar bone loss and histopathological changes in rats with diabetes mellitus and ligature-induced periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty rats were divided into 6 study groups. Control (C, 6 rats) group, periodontitis (P, 6 rats) group, diabetes (D, 6 rats) group, diabetes and periodontitis (D+P, 6 rats) group, diabetes, periodontitis and 100 mg/kg/day GSPE (GSPE-100, 8 rats), and diabetes, periodontitis and 200 mg/kg/day GSPE (GSPE-200, 8 rats) group. Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Periodontitis was induced via ligation method. Silk ligatures were placed at the mandibular right first molars. GSPE was administered by oral gavage. After 30 days, all rats were killed. Alveolar bone loss was measured morphometrically via a stereomicroscope. For histopathological analyses, Alizarin red staining, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α immunohistochemistry were performed. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclast cells and relative total inflammatory cells were also determined. RESULTS: The highest alveolar bone loss was observed in the D+P group (P < .05). GSP-200 group decreased alveolar bone loss (P < .05). The D+P group had the highest osteoclast counts, but the difference was not significant compared to the P, GSPE-100 and GSPE-200 groups (P > .05). The inflammation in the D+P group was also higher than the other groups (P < .05). The osteoblast numbers increased in the GSPE-100 and GSPE-200 groups compared to the P and D+P groups (P < .05). MMP-8 and HIF-1α levels were highest in the D+P group and GSPE significantly decreased these levels (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this animal study, it can be suggested that GSPE administration may decrease periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone loss via decreasing MMP-8 and HIF-1α levels and increase osteoblastic activity in diabetic rats with experimental periodontitis.

Peri-implant conditions and levels of advanced glycation end products among patients with different glycemic control.

BACKGROUND: A close relationship between poor glycemic control and peri-implant break down has been demonstrated. It is hypothesized that levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) are higher with increased glycemic levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. PURPOSE: In the present study, we examined the clinical and radiographic peri-implant parameters and levels of AGEs among different glycemic levels in diabetic patients and assessed whether the levels of AGEs correlate with clinical peri-implant parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients who participated in this study were divided into four groups; Group-1: HbA1c 6.1%-8%; Group-2: HbA1c 8.1%-10%; Group-3: HbA1c > 10%; Group-4: non-diabetic individuals with HbA1c < 6%. Peri-implant plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and crestal bone loss (CBL) were recorded. Levels of AGEs in PISF were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Between-group comparison of means was verified with Kruskal-Wallis test and Pearson correlation coefficient for correlations of AGE levels with peri-implant parameters. RESULTS: Peri-implant PI, BOP, PD, and CBL were significantly higher in group-1, -2, and -3 as compared to non-diabetic patients (P < .05). These parameters were significantly higher in group-2 and group-3 versus group-1 (P < .01). Mean PI, BOP, PD, and CBL were comparable between group-2 and group-3 patients (P > .05). Mean levels of AGEs in PISF were significantly higher in relation to higher levels of HbA1c levels. Significant positive correlations were found between AGEs and PD (P = .0221) and CBL (P = .0425); and significant negative correlation was found for PI (P = .0376) in patients with HbA1c levels >10%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and radiographic peri-implant parameters were poor and levels of AGEs were significantly high in patients with high glycemic levels. These findings suggest that AGEs may be considered as potential marker of inflammation in diabetic individuals with peri-implantitis.

Classification of alveolar bone destruction patterns on maxillary molars by using cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The defective diagnosis of alveolar structures is one of most serious handicaps when assessing available periodontal treatment options for the prevention of tooth loss. The aim of this research was to classify alveolar bone defects in the maxillary molar region which is a challenging area for dental implant applications. To our knowledge, this is the first study of periodontal bone defect prevalence by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the remaining alveolar bone patterns of 669 maxillary molars of 243 patients with periodontal bone loss were investigated on four aspects and the furcation areas of teeth, and then they were classified into six main groups. Combined periodontal-endodontic lesions (CPELs) were also reported in another category. RESULTS: Following exclusion of 39 (5.8%) teeth with CPEL, the most common group was horizontal bone defects (71.4%) and the least seen group was three-walled vertical bone defects (1.9%) in all alveolar bone sides of teeth. Osseous crater was found at the rate of 6.7% on interdental alveolar bone. Dehiscence and fenestration were detected at rates of 2.7% and 3.3%, respectively. In the assessment of furcation areas, there was no furcation involvement in 61.4% of all teeth and the rate of Grade-II involvements was 26.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The most appropriate treatment option may be decided through accurate imaging of periodontal defect morphology. CBCT can provide comprehensive information about the remaining alveolar bone structures. In this way, the need for dental implant can be prevented in many cases and be replaced with a more conservative approach on the maxillary molar region.

Steatosis caused by experimental periodontitis is reversible after removal of ligature in rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Periodontitis may promote harmful systemic effects such as changes in hepatic tissues. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the steatosis and oxidative stress caused by experimental periodontitis are reversible in the liver. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: control, periodontitis and P20-20 (20 days with experimental periodontitis and 20 days without experimental periodontitis, to verify the reversibility of hepatic injuries). The following parameters were assessed: gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, myeloperoxidase activity, alveolar bone loss for periodontal tissues; liver weights, histopathological scores for steatosis, inflammation and necrosis in liver; glutathione, malondialdehyde, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in hepatic tissues; and blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, gamma-glutaryl transferase, total cholesterol and random glucose. RESULTS: Gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, myeloperoxidase and alveolar bone loss parameters demonstrated the development of periodontitis. There was a significant reduction in the steatosis score of animals from the P20-20 group when compared with the periodontitis group. P20-20 group presented significantly higher glutathione (11 times) and lower malondialdehyde (nearly 23%), total cholesterol (both in blood and hepatic tissue) and triglyceride concentrations compared with the periodontitis group. For levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, gamma-glutaryl transferase and random glucose, a significant difference between the groups was not observed. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the microvesicular steatosis caused by periodontitis in rats is reversible after removal of the ligature, which is associated with the increase in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the liver.

Single-Tooth Implant Restorations in Fresh Extraction Sockets of the Maxillary Esthetic Zone: Two-Year Results of a Prospective Cohort Study.

In this prospective study, 15 patients received 15 variable-thread tapered implants placed in fresh extraction sites in the maxillary esthetic zone and immediately were provisionalized out of occlusion. Of the 15 patients, 11 completed their 2-year follow-up. At 2 years, the success and cumulative survival rates were both 100%, and the mean bone level gain was 0.83 mm. Soft tissue assessment showed no zero esthetic scores, improved papilla indices, and low bleeding on probing and plaque accumulation. Overall, the study implants showed excellent hard tissue, soft tissue, and esthetic outcomes, indicating a healthy tissue response in single-tooth extraction sites in the maxillary esthetic zone.

Clinical Efficacy of Subgingivally Delivered 1.2 mg Simvastatin in the Treatment of Patients with Aggressive Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Simvastatin (SMV) is a specific competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-2-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase that promotes bone formation. The present clinical trial was designed to investigate the effectiveness of 1.2 mg SMV as a local drug delivery system and as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of aggressive periodontitis (AgP). A total of 68 intrabony defects from 24 patients with AgP were treated either with 1.2 mg SMV gel or placebo gel. The subjects were randomly assigned to SRP + placebo (group 1; n = 12) or SRP + SMV (group 2; n = 12). Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and at 3 and 6 months and included bleeding index, Plaque Index, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). At baseline and after 6 months, radiologic assessment of bone defect fill was done. The mean decrease in PD at 6 months was 1.14 ± 0.04 mm and 3.78 ± 0.62 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Significant gain in mean CAL was found between the groups (P < .05). Furthermore, significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in group 2 (34.01%) compared to group 1 (2.62%). Locally delivered SMV provides a comfortable method to improve clinical parameters and promotes bone formation.

A Classification System for Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions.

Peri-implant bone levels are influenced by pathologic and nonpathologic conditions. The understanding of peri-implant disease has evolved over the past several decades, and the classification of peri-implantitis has been limited to descriptions of disease progression or those involving soft and/or hard tissues (peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis). However, no classification system has been established based on etiology. The objective of this study was to identify various etiologies for peri-implantitis and to establish a classification system based on the pathogenesis. The results indicate that the majority of bone loss was related to biofilm, followed by iatrogenic factors, exogenous irritants, absence of keratinized tissue, and extrinsic pathology. The proposed classification system will allow the clinician to properly diagnose peri-implant diseases in relation to etiology. These conditions may respond differently to applied therapies.

Guided surgery with tooth-supported templates for single missing teeth: A critical review.

AIM: To systematically scrutinise the scientific literature to evaluate the accuracy of computer-guided implant placement for single missing teeth, as well as to analyse the eventual clinical advantages and treatment outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The electronic and manual literature search of clinical studies published from January 2002 up to November 2015 was carried out using specified indexing terms. Outcomes were accuracy; implant and prosthetic failures; biological and mechanical complications; marginal bone loss (MBL); sulcus bleeding index (SBI); plaque score (PS); pink esthetic score [PES]; aesthetic and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The search yielded 1027 relevant titles and abstracts, found during the electronic (n = 1020) and manual (n = 7) searches. After data extraction, and screening of titles, abstracts, and full-texts, 32 studies fulfilled inclusion criteria and were included in the critical review: two randomised controlled clinical trials, six prospective observational single cohort studies, one retrospective observational study, three in vitro comparative studies, 10 case reports and 10 systematic reviews. A total of 209 patients (18 to 67 years old) were treated with 342 implants using computer-guided implant surgery. The follow-up ranged from 12 to 52 months. The cumulative survival rate ranged from 96.5% to 100%. Eleven implant planning softwares and guided surgery systems were used and evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Computer-guided surgery for single missing teeth provides comprehensive treatment planning, reliable implant positioning, favourable clinical outcomes and aesthetics. A tooth-supported template for the treatment of single missing teeth results in greater accuracy of implant positioning than with mucosa-supported or bone-supported templates. The limited scientific evidence available suggests that guided surgery leads to implant survival rates as good as conventional freehand protocols. Computer-guided surgery implies additional costs, that should be analysed in terms of cost-effectiveness, considering the reduction of surgery time, postoperative pain and swelling, as well as, the potential increased accuracy. Long-term randomised clinical trials are eagerly needed to investigate the clinical performance of guided surgery in partially edentate patients.

Dental implants with internal versus external connections: 5-year post-loading results from a pragmatic multicenter randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate advantages and disadvantages of identical implants with internal or external connections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients with any type of edentulism (single tooth, partial and total edentulism), requiring one implant-supported prosthesis were randomly allocated in two equal groups to receive either implants with an external connection (EC) or implants of the same type with an internal connection (IC) (EZ Plus, MegaGen Implant, Gyeongbuk, South Korea), at four centres. Due to slight differences in implant design and components, IC implants were platformswitched while EC were not. Patients were followed for 5 years after initial loading. Outcome measures were prosthesis/implant failures, any complication, marginal bone level changes and clinician preference, assessed by blinded outcome assessors. RESULTS: Sixty patients received 96 EC implants and 60 patients received 107 IC implants. Three patients dropped out with four EC implants and five patients with ten IC implants, but all remaining patients were followed up to 5-year post-loading. One prosthesis supported by EC implants and two by IC implants failed (P = 0.615, difference = -0.02, 95% CI: -0.08 to 0.04). One EC implant failed versus three IC implants in two patients (P = 0.615, difference = -0.02, 95% CI: -0.08 to 0.04). Ten complications occurred in 10 EC patients versus nine complications in 9 IC patients (P = 1.000, difference = 0.01, 95% CI: -0.13 to 0.15). There were no statistically significant differences for prosthesis and implant failures and complications between the different connection types. Five years after loading, there were no statistically significant differences in marginal bone level estimates between the two groups (difference = 0.14 mm, 95% CI: -0.28 to 0.56, P (ancova) = 0.505) and both groups lost bone from implant placement in a statistically significant way: 1.13 mm for the EC implants and 1.21 mm for the IC implants. Two operators had no preference and two preferred IC implants. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations given by the difference in neck design and platform switching between EC and IC implants, 5-year post-loading data did not show any statistically significant differences between the two connection types, therefore clinicians could choose whichever they preferred.

Straight Versus Angulated Abutments on Tilted Implants in Immediate Fixed Rehabilitation of the Edentulous Mandible: A 3-Year Retrospective Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the use of straight versus angulated abutments on tilted implants in the All-on-Four immediate function protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 85 patients (36 men and 49 women; mean age 56.5 years) with edentulous mandibles were treated according to the All-on-Four concept using computer-guided implant placement. All patients received immediate interim prostheses screwed onto distal tilted implants by means of angulated (control group, n = 42) or straight abutments (test group, n = 43) and were followed for at least 3 years. Outcome considerations comprised implant and prosthetic survival and success rates, marginal bone level changes, patient satisfaction, and required clinical time. Student t test at a significance level of P < .05 was used to correlate the influence of the prosthetic protocol on marginal bone levels around the implants. RESULTS: Overall implant survival rate was 98.21% for the control group and 98.83% for the test group. None of the 85 fixed prostheses were lost during the observation period (prosthetic survival rate of 100%). Statistically significant differences (P = .0068) in marginal bone loss were found between control and test groups. All patients were functionally and esthetically satisfied with their restorations. Required clinical time averaged 50 minutes for the control group and 30 minutes for the test group. CONCLUSION: The described simplified and shortened surgical-prosthodontic protocol that avoids use of angulated abutments may be considered a reliable alternative to the traditional All-on-Four protocol.

Does Length, Diameter, or Bone Quality Affect Primary and Secondary Stability in Self-Tapping Dental Implants?

PURPOSE: Implant stability is a clinically valuable measurement of the strength of implant anchorage in the bone during placement and in the post-osseointegration period. This study aimed to determine 1) the effect of implant diameter and length and bone quality on measurements of primary and secondary stability (insertion torque [IT] and implant stability quotient [ISQ]), 2) the correlation between IT and primary and secondary ISQ, and 3) differences in ISQ in the post-osseointegration period (secondary stability) compared with immediate post-placement (primary) stability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this longitudinal clinical study, titanium self-tapping implants were inserted in edentulous patients. The implants were grouped according to 3 independent variables: length (10 and 11.5 mm), diameter (3.75 and 4.25 mm), and bone quality (Lekholm and Zarb classification) to analyze primary and secondary implant stability (outcome variables). Statistical analyses were performed using the Student t test for paired data, 1-way analysis of variance, and the Tukey procedure for multiple pairwise comparisons. RESULTS: Data were collected on 88 self-tapping implants inserted in 63 partially edentulous patients. IT and implant stability were affected by diameter (3.75-mm implants, 26.5-N/cm IT and 74.0 ISQ; 4.25-mm implants, 33.8-N/cm IT and 77.0 ISQ) and bone type (type 1 + 2, 34.86-N/cm IT and 77.4 ISQ; type 3, 27.09-N/cm IT and 75.6 ISQ; type 4, 20.63-N/cm IT and 70.5 ISQ; P < .01 for all comparisons). Secondary ISQ was affected by diameter only (77.41 for 3.75- vs 75.51 for 4.25-mm implants). IT correlated with primary ISQ (R = 0.56; P < .01), although no clear correlation with secondary stability was found. CONCLUSIONS: IT and primary ISQ in self-tapping implants differed in patients with different bone quality and implant diameter but did not differ between the 2 implant lengths compared in this study. Secondary stability was not substantially affected by any of these factors. Although IT was closely related to primary ISQ, it was unrelated to secondary ISQ. Very high primary ISQ values tended to decrease, whereas intermediate and low values tended to increase, in the transition to secondary stability.

Peri-implant Outcomes with Laser vs Nanosurface Treatment of Early Loaded Implant-Retaining Mandibular Overdentures.

PURPOSE: To compare peri-implant changes seen with two early loading protocols for modifying surface treatment of dental implants-one modifying the collar portion (Laser-Lok implant) and the other modifying the implant surface (nanosurface-treated implant). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six completely edentulous patients were chosen for this research. Conventional complete dentures were constructed for all patients. Two implants were used for each patient corresponding to mandibular canines. The patients were classified into two groups. Eighteen patients in group 1 received 36 laser-collar-treated implants; 18 patients in group 2 received 36 nanosurface-treated implants. The implants were early loaded 2 weeks after implant insertion. The peri-implant outcome was evaluated using the following variables: (1) modified Plaque Index, (2) modified Bleeding Index, (3) probing depth, (4) implant mobility using the Periotest instrument, and (5) marginal bone loss as recorded at the time of the overdenture insertion and 6 and 12 months after insertion. RESULTS: At all times of the study, the differences between the groups were not significant with regard to peri-implant tissue changes around implants. CONCLUSION: Both the laser collar- and nanosurface-treated dental implants showed the same peri-implant tissue changes with the early loading protocol. This study found that both early loading protocols are reliable, with good implant stability.

The Octagon Model: a clinical tool for assessing marginal tissue recession.

The Octagon Model is a clinical assessment tool designed to assess marginal tissue recession (MTR) and estimate the level of difficulty in achieving root coverage. It evaluates eight patient- and siterelated factors: patient's expectations, smoking status, width of keratinized tissue, absence/presence of cervical lesion, interproximal soft tissue/bone level, depth and width of recession defect, and buccal bone thickness. The model is presented in a three-colored diagram to facilitate communication between clinicians and between clinicians and their patients, and to assist clinicians in optimizing treatment plans at both site and patient levels.

Immediate Loading of Conical Connection Implants: Up-to-2-Year Retrospective Clinical and Radiologic Study.

PURPOSE: To report the up-to-2-year outcomes of the immediately loaded novel variable-thread tapered implant with an internal conical connection and built-in platform shifting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four partially and completely edentulous patients were referred to two private centers for implant treatments between December 2010 and June 2012. Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed retrospectively; the outcomes were implant and prosthetic failure, marginal bone remodeling, and complications. RESULTS: One hundred forty-eight NobelReplace Conical Connection implants were placed in both postextraction sockets (n = 67) and healed sites (n = 81). One maxillary postextractive implant failed before the definitive prosthesis delivery, accounting for a cumulative success rate of 99.3%. No definitive prostheses failed. A mean marginal bone loss (MBL) of 0.42 ± 1.16 mm and 0.71 ± 1.53 mm was observed between implant placement and the 1-year (n = 147) and 2-year (n = 74) follow-up periods, respectively. In the postextraction sites, the mean MBL was 0.28 ± 0.39 mm and 0.69 ± 0.75 mm at the 1-year (n = 66) and 2-year (n = 50) follow-up periods; in the healed sites, the mean MBL was 0.51 ± 0.88 mm (n = 81) and 0.62 ± 0.80 mm (n = 24), respectively. At the 2-year follow-up session (n = 74), bleeding on probing was 8.3%, and the plaque score was 15.7%. No technical complications were observed. One biologic complication (0.8%) was reported. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study and the relatively short follow-up, the immediately loaded NobelReplace Conical Connection implants demonstrated good treatment outcomes with regard to implant and prosthetic survival rate, MBL, and soft tissue conditions, in both postextraction and healed sites.