Root-analogue implants compared to forced orthodontic extrusion: a retrospective analysis of clinical, radiological and esthetic outcomes after restoration.

OBJECTIVES: To assess clinical, radiological and esthetic outcomes of restorations supported by root-analogue implants (RAIs) or roots of severely damaged teeth after forced orthodontic extrusion (FOE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data regarding milled one-piece (titanium/zirconia roots and zirconia abutments) RAIs (REPLICATE™ System) and FOE were recorded and retrospectively evaluated for 40 patients by two investigators. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Functional and esthetic outcomes were assessed for n = 20 pre-molars and n = 20 anterior teeth via comparison of radiographic and digital images applying the novel Functional Implant Prosthodontic Score (FIPS). Krippendorff's alpha coefficient was calculated to assess inter-rater reliability. Mann-Whitney-U-Test was used to compare the assessed parameters. Level of significance was set to p < 0.05. RESULTS: After a mean observation period of 18.4 ± 5.7 months for restorations supported by RAIs and 43.9 ± 16.4 months for restorations after FOE, mean FIPS scores were 9.2/8.8 ± 1.1/1.2 (RAIs) and 7.4/7.7 ± 1.3/1.5 (FOE), respectively. Krippendorff's alpha coefficients did not reveal unacceptable inter-rater reliabilities regarding the investigators and applicability of FIPS. Significant differences were documented when comparing restorations after FOE or supported by RAIs regarding bone loss (p < 0.01), presence of papillae (p < 0.05) and quality and quantity of mucosa (p < 0.02) in favor of FOE. CONCLUSIONS: Within the main limitations of sample size and the retrospective study design, both concepts seem to provide clinically acceptable results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bone- and tissue-preserving characteristics regarding the concept of FOE are promising. It could be applicable for socket preservation and subsequent conventional implant placements in an adapted workflow.

Navigation in implantology.

The primary objective of implant insertion is optimal prosthetic implant positioning while simultaneously protecting sensitive anatomical structures. In this context, navigated implants show significantly better results than freehand-inserted implants. Computer-assisted navigation, in combination with three-dimensional (3D) imaging by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), is an ideal way to achieve higher predictability for successful implant therapy. Basically, one can distinguish between static navigation using templates, and direct dynamic navigation using optical transmission systems. Both options demonstrate comparably good results as far as the precision of implant positioning is concerned. Today, the gold standard is digital manufacturing of the template. Direct navigation is the more attractive option, provided acquisition costs can be reduced by simplifying the system. This article presents patient cases that demonstrate different variants of navigated implantology.

Clinical Outcomes of Root-Analogue Implants Restored with Single Crowns or Fixed Dental Prostheses: A Retrospective Case Series.

The objective was to investigate clinical and radiological outcomes of rehabilitations with root-analogue implants (RAIs). Patients restored with RAIs, supporting single crowns or fixed dental prostheses, were recruited for follow-up examinations. Besides clinical and esthetical evaluations, X-rays were taken and compared with the records. Patients were asked to evaluate the treatment using Visual Analogue Scales (VAS). For statistical analyses, mixed linear models were used. A total of 107 RAIs were installed in one dental office. Of these, 31 were available for follow-up examinations. For those remaining, survival has been verified via phone. RAIs were loaded after a mean healing time of 6.6 ± 2.5 months. 12.1 ± 6.9 months after loading, a mean marginal bone loss (MBL) of 1.20 ± 0.73 mm was measured. Progression of MBL significantly decreased after loading (p = 0.013). The mean pink and white esthetic score (PES/WES) was 15.35 ± 2.33 at follow-up. A survival rate of 94.4% was calculated after a mean follow-up of 18.9 ± 2.4 months after surgery. Immediate installation of RAIs does not seem to reduce MBL, as known from the literature regarding screw-type implants, and might not be recommended for daily routine. Nevertheless, they deliver esthetically satisfying results.

A retrospective analysis of sandblasted, acid-etched implants with reduced healing times with an observation period of up to 5 years.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate of 2 different implant systems with sandblasted and acid-etched modified surfaces loaded after reduced healing periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred seventeen patients with a mean observation period of 3.75 years (24 to 61 months) were included in this evaluation. Chart reviews of a standardized recall program were evaluated. All 532 placed implants showed an unloaded healing time of 6 weeks in the mandible and 12 weeks in the maxilla. At abutment placement a torque value of 35 Ncm was one of the primary variables, and the success of the implants over time was determined by the criteria of Buser et al. The survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method, and the probability of an event within 1 group independent of time was evaluated using the chi-square test and Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Of the 532 implants, 235 were placed in female and 297 in male patients; 448 implants were located in the maxilla and 84 in the mandible. Three implants were lost prior to abutment connection in 3 patients. Life table analyses show an overall success rate of 99.4% at 5 years, as no implants were lost after abutment connection. There was no significant association of the implant type (P = .185), gender (P = .99), or jaw (maxilla/mandible; P = .06) and the survival of the implants within this study. CONCLUSION: Based on the data found in this investigation, it can be concluded that implants with sandblasted, acid-etched surfaces can be restored after a 6- to 12-week healing period with a high predictability of success.

Fabrication of a fixed retrievable implant-supported prosthesis based on electroforming: a technical report.

This article describes a method of fabricating a fixed retrievable implant-retained prosthesis based on electroforming. This method combines the advantages of both the cement- and screw-retained prostheses, including passive fit, ease of fabrication, and retrievability. The absence of visible occlusal screw-canals adds to its increased esthetic appeal.

Implant success and survival rates in daily dental practice: 5-year results of a non-interventional study using CAMLOG SCREW-LINE implants with or without platform-switching abutments.

BACKGROUND: The performance of dental implants in controlled clinical studies is often investigated in homogenous populations. Observational studies are necessary to evaluate the outcome of implant restorations placed in real-life situations, according to standard practice, and to assess the needs of the patients. The aim of this non-interventional study was to reveal the survival, success, and general performance of CAMLOG SCREW-LINE implants and their restorations in daily dental practice. METHODS: Seventeen private practices across five countries participated in this prospective multicenter study. Patients received implants in the maxilla and mandible which were restored either with platform-matching or platform-switching abutments. Patients were followed-up for up to 5 years post-loading. Radiographs and clinical parameters were evaluated and patient satisfaction was evaluated. RESULTS: From a total of 196 patients planned, 185 patients with 271 implants were restored with abutments and fulfilled the follow-up inclusion criteria. Three implant failures were recorded, resulting in a cumulative survival rate of 98.6% after 5 years post-loading. One persistent complication of peri-implantitis occurred. The soft tissue health remained stable, and the papilla height improved after loading. At 5-year follow-up, the mean crestal bone loss was - 0.28 ± 0.60 mm; over 99% of patients reported satisfaction with the restoration as excellent or good. CONCLUSIONS: Implants placed and restored with both platform-matching and platform-switching abutments in daily dental private practice achieved excellent clinical outcomes with highly satisfied patients after 5 years of function, confirming the results obtained in well-controlled clinical trials.

Histomorphometric evaluation and clinical assessment of endosseous implants in iliac bone grafts with shortened healing periods.

PURPOSE: In the present study solid monocortical hipbone onlay grafts of the maxilla were analyzed histologically after a healing period of 3 months. The clinical success of the implants placed in the grafted bone was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients underwent augmentation with avascular iliac bone. A 2-stage procedure was performed with a 3-month healing period between graft and implant placement. At implant placement bone biopsy samples were taken at the proposed implant sites. RESULTS: Of the 117 implants placed, 1 was not osseointegrated at the time of abutment connection. No implants were lost after loading during an observation period of up to 3 years. Clinical appearance of the augmented bone after 3 months showed a dense cortical layer with good blood perfusion. Histologic specimens were analyzed quantitatively and showed an average of 43.2% newly formed bone. DISCUSSION: Histomorphometry showed that the amount of newly formed bone after 3 months was comparable to that found after a healing period of 4.5 months. The clinical success of the implants placed after the shortened healing period was comparable to that found in nonaugmented bone. CONCLUSION: This study showed that after avascular iliac bone grafting, 3 months of revascularization was sufficient to ensure the secure placement of dental implants in second-stage surgery for this patient population.

Clinical evaluation of endosseous implants in nonvascularized fibula bone grafts for reconstruction of the severely atrophied mandibular bone.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to assess changes in graft height after augmentation of the severely atrophied mandibula with the use of avascular fibula bone grafts, as well as evaluation of the clinical success of endosseous implants placed in the grafted mandibula. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 10 patients with a mean observation period of 31 months (range, 3 to 76 months). A total of 40 implants were placed. Clinical criteria included implant success, graft success, and crestal bone resorption. RESULTS: The grafting procedure was successfully performed in all patients. All implants were integrated, 2 implants could not be used for prosthetic rehabilitation. One implant was lost 2 years after abutment connection. The maximum bone resorption of 7.21% (+/- 2.7%) was seen within the first year; no significant resorption was seen thereafter. CONCLUSION: In this clinical and radiographic evaluation, it was found that nonvascular fibula graft is a reliable material for augmentation procedures. The resorption takes place within the first year after augmentation. The possibility of improving the clinical results in bone grafting situations with avascular fibula grafts will be further evaluated in a prospective follow-up study providing long-term assessment of this procedure.