Are intraoral stents effective in reducing oral toxicities caused by radiotherapy? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Intraoral stents have been provided to minimize acute and chronic toxicities induced by radiotherapy, including oral mucositis, salivary changes, trismus, radiation-related caries, and osteoradionecrosis. However, a systematic review and meta-analysis is necessary to determine their effectiveness. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effectiveness of intraoral stent use and determine whether these prosthetic devices can reduce radiation dosage to nontargeted oral tissues and adverse effects related to head and neck radiation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two independent reviewers made a systematic search for articles published from January 2010 to March 2020 in 3 databases, supplemented by a manual search. Studies were included if they were clinical trials (randomized controlled trials, both prospective and retrospective), published in English, and evaluated radiation dose and oral adverse side effects (acute or chronic) induced by radiotherapy of participants with and without intraoral stents. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 201 studies; of which, 9 were included. A total of 251 participants were evaluated; of whom, 168 (77.3%) used intraoral stents and 57 (22.7%) were treated with radiotherapy without a prosthetic device. A statistically significant difference was found regarding the use of intraoral stents for preventing oral mucositis (P<.001), salivary changes (P=.003), and trismus (P<.02). A funnel plot showed asymmetry among the differences of means in all selected studies. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoral stents have a positive effect on preventing oral mucositis. Further clinical trials are needed to address the flaws identified in the present systematic review.

Influence of the ferrule effect on the failure of fiber-reinforced composite post-and-core restorations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The survival and/or success of post-retained restorations is influenced by the amount of residual coronal structure, known as the "ferrule effect." PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate whether the presence or absence of the ferrule effect influences the failure rate of fiber-reinforced composite post-and-core restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed using the PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for articles published up to May 2018. The risk ratio with 95% confidence interval was estimated using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Potentially eligible studies were selected based on the reading of the abstracts and full text of prospective clinical trials, randomized clinical trials, or prospective randomized studies, all with a minimum of 10 participants in each group, with a follow-up period longer than 6 months, and published in English. RESULTS: Of the 380 studies retrieved, 4 were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 297 teeth were evaluated, 157 with a ferrule and 140 without a ferrule. The mean survival rate was 88.35% in the ferrule group and 78.05% in the nonferrule group. No statistically significant difference was noted in the general failure analysis (risk ratio: 0.71 [95% confidence interval: 0.47 to 1.06]; P=.09), although a higher number of failures occurred in nonferrule restorations. More controlled and randomized clinical trials are needed to establish a clinical protocol for the use of post-retained restorations. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited number of available studies, the results of this meta-analysis suggest that the ferrule effect does not significantly reduce the failure rate in fiber-reinforced composite post-and-core restorations.

Obturator prostheses versus free tissue transfers: A systematic review of the optimal approach to improving the quality of life for patients with maxillary defects.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Patient perspectives on the treatment options for maxillary defects, which include free tissue transfers or obturator prostheses, may help eliminate current uncertainty as to the best choice of treatment plan. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients with maxillary defects who had undergone restoration with obturator prostheses and/or free tissue transfers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search of Medline/PubMed and Web of Science databases for articles published before April 2015 was performed by 2 independent reviewers. A manual search of articles published from January 2005 to March 2015 was also conducted. Studies published in English that evaluated the QoL in patients with head and neck cancers were included. The Cohen kappa method was used to calculate inter-reviewer agreement. RESULTS: Ten studies were included. The University of Washington Head and Neck Questionnaire (UW-QOL) was most commonly used to measure QoL. The majority of maxillary defects were Class IIa-b. Two studies reported that the global QoL for patients with obturator prostheses is equivalent to or even better than that of other chronic disease populations. One study revealed no significant difference in QoL when the 2 treatment options were compared. CONCLUSIONS: The limited data indicate that the QoL of patients treated with obturator prostheses and that of patients free of tumors is similar. Well-designed clinical studies are necessary to draw definitive conclusions about how obturator prostheses compare with free tissue transfers in terms of affecting patient QoL.

Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Anterior Single Implant-Supported Prostheses with Different Bone Anchorages.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution of monocortical and bicortical implant placement of external hexagon connection in the anterior region of the maxilla by 3D finite element analysis (FEA). 3D models were simulated to represent a bone block of anterior region of the maxilla containing an implant (4.0 × 10.0 mm) and an implant-supported cemented metalloceramic crown of the central incisor. Different techniques were tested (monocortical, bicortical, and bicortical associated with nasal floor elevation). FEA was performed in FEMAP/NeiNastran software using loads of 178 N at 0°, 30°, and 60° in relation to implant long axis. The von Mises, maximum principal stress, and displacement maps were plotted for evaluation. Similar stress patterns were observed for all models. Oblique loads increased the stress concentration on fixation screws and in the cervical area of the implants and bone around them. Bicortical technique showed less movement tendency in the implant and its components. Cortical bone of apical region showed increase of stress concentration for bicortical techniques. Within the limitations of this study, oblique loading increased the stress concentrations for all techniques. Moreover, bicortical techniques showed the best biomechanical behavior compared with monocortical technique in the anterior maxillary area.

The effect of offset implant configuration on bone stress distribution: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review was to compare straight-line and offset implant configurations for three-element implant-retained prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two independent reviewers conducted a review on PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for studies published in English, from January 1, 1995 to January 17, 2014. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA statement. All relevant titles were selected according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. From this pool of titles, abstracts and full texts were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 6080 titles were identified with the initial search. Twenty-one were selected based on title and abstract. Of these, after discussion and complete reading, 12 studies were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, all of which were in vitro studies. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic review of the current literature showed only in vitro evidence that there is no consensus on the advantage of using an offset configuration implant compared to those in straight-line configuration, even though some studies present a slight improvement of bone stress distribution when an offset implant is under oblique loading (PICO).

Survey based assessment of diagnosis through periapical radiograph and CBCT and treatment of root resorption with Brazilian and American dentists and endodontists.

BACKGROUND: This study assesses and compares the knowledge level of endodontists (ENDs) and general dental practitioners (GPs) from Brazil and United States of America (USA) in the diagnosis and treatment of internal and external inflammatory root resorptions through periapical radiographic (PA) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional online questionnaire-based survey was presented to the volunteers containing questions regarding personal and professional profile, as well as three clinical cases of internal and external inflammatory root resorption. A series of multiple-choice questions about the diagnosis and treatment options were surveyed. The data collected was analysed by the Chi-square test with Yates correction with a significance level of 5 %. RESULTS: Most answers were considered adequate when all three questions about the diagnosis and all two questions relating to the treatment were answered accurately. A total of 374 dentists answered the survey (n: 229 from Brazil vs. 145 from USA) being 41% END and 59% GP. END presented higher level of knowledge than GP regarding to diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory root resorptions both in Brazil and USA (p<0.05); USA presented higher level of adequate responses than Brazil (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: END achieved a level of knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of root resorption superior to the GP. Comparing the results obtained in both countries, it was observed that the USA had a higher correct response rate than Brazil. Key words:Internal root resorption, external root resorption, management, diagnosis, treatment.

Platelet-rich fibrin for wound healing of palatal donor sites of free gingival grafts: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been referred to as a second-generation platelet concentrate, associated with improvements on the healing of palatal wounds followed by FGG harvesting. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the complete wound epithelialization and postoperative pain when PRF was used in palatal wounds following free gingival graft (FGG) harvesting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed (Medline), EMBASE and Scopus were searched by two independent individuals up to and including March 2020 in order to identify controlled and randomized controlled clinical trials on the use of PRF at palatal donor sites of FGG. The outcomes assessed were epithelialization and postoperative pain. The risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using Cochrane Collaboration's domain-based two-part tool. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 555 potentially eligible articles, of which 6 randomized controlled clinical trials were included. In the qualitative analysis, most studies (83.3%) reported lower postoperative pain in treatment groups, while all studies accessing epithelialization demonstrated earlier complete wound closure in groups treated with PRF. The discomfort and complete re-epithelialization were more favorable in groups PRF when compared to control groups (P<0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that the use of PRF for wound healing of palatal donor sites of FGG may decrease postoperative pain and induce earlier complete wound epithelialization. Key words:Wound healing, oral surgery procedures, pain, postoperative.

Clinical Evidence for Treatment of Class II Periodontal Furcation Defects. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review evaluated the most effective therapeutic approach to treat periodontal furcation defects with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The primary outcome was clinical attachment level (CAL). Secondary outcomes were probing pocket depth, gingival margin level, gingival index and plaque index. METHODS: A comprehensive search of studies published up to December 2019 and listed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) statement. Two reviewers independently searched eligible studies, made a final article selection, and extracted the data of the selected studies to evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively (meta-analysis). RESULTS: Overall, 19 studies were selected for the analysis. Six hundred and eighteen patients (mean age, 45.3) were treated. More commonly used treatment was polytetrafluoroethylene barrier (ePTFE), followed by enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and open-flap debridement (OFD). Only one study evaluated maxillary arch and remaining evaluated mandibular arch. All treatments provided CAL gain, but meta-analysis did not show significant difference among more commonly used treatments and controls (P=0.91; P=0.47; P=0.08, respectively). CONCLUSION: There is no difference on effectiveness of main therapeutic approaches evaluated for treatment of Class II periodontal furcation defects.

Short implants versus longer implants with maxillary sinus lift. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study compared the survival rate of dental implants, amount of marginal bone loss, and rates of complications (biological and prosthetic) between short implants and long implants placed after maxillary sinus augmentation. This systematic review has been registered at PROSPERO under the number (CRD42017073929). Two reviewers searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, and Cochrane Library databases. Eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials, comparisons between short implants and long implants placed after maxillary sinus augmentation in the same study, and follow-up for >6 months. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials was used to assess the quality and risk of bias of the included studies. The search identified 1366 references. After applying the inclusion criteria, 11 trials including 420 patients who received 911 dental implants were considered eligible. No significant difference was observed in the survival rate [p = 0.86; risk ratio (RR): 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-2.52] or in the amount of marginal bone loss (p = 0.08; RR: -0.05; 95%CI: -0.10 to 0.01). However, higher rates of biological complications for long implants associated with maxillary sinus augmentation were observed (p < 0.00001; RR: 0.21; 95%CI: 0.10-0.41), whereas a higher prosthetic complication rate for short implants was noted (p = 0.010; RR: 3.15; 95%CI: 1.32-7.51). Short implant placement is an effective alternative because of fewer biological complications and similar survival and marginal bone loss than long implant placement with maxillary sinus augmentation. However, the risk of mechanical complications associated with the prostheses fitted on short implants should be considered.

Retention System and Splinting on Morse Taper Implants in the Posterior Maxilla by 3D Finite Element Analysis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate different retention systems (cement- or screw-retained) and crown designs (non-splinted or splinted) of fixed implant-supported restorations, in terms of stress distributions in implants/components and bone tissue, by 3-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis. Four 3D models were simulated with the InVesalius, Rhinoceros 3D, and SolidWorks programs. Models were made of type III bone from the posterior maxillary area. Models included three 4.0-mm-diameter Morse taper (MT) implants with different lengths, which supported metal-ceramic crowns. Models were processed by the Femap and NeiNastran programs, using an axial force of 400 N and oblique force of 200 N. Results were visualized as the von Mises stress and maximum principal stress (σmax). Under axial loading, there was no difference in the distribution of stress in implants/components between retention systems and splinted crowns; however, in oblique loading, cemented prostheses showed better stress distribution than screwed prostheses, whereas splinted crowns tended to reduce stress in the implant of the first molar. In the bone tissue cemented prostheses showed better stress distribution in bone tissue than screwed prostheses under axial and oblique loading. The splinted design only had an effect in the screwed prosthesis, with no influence in the cemented prosthesis. Cemented prostheses on MT implants showed more favorable stress distributions in implants/components and bone tissue. Splinting was favorable for stress distribution only for screwed prostheses under oblique loading.

Antibiotics prescribing habits of Brazilian general dental practitioners during periodontal treatments / Hábitos de prescrição de antibióticos de dentistas brasileiros durante tratamentos periodontais

Introdução: O tratamento periodontal envolve procedimentos que visam reduzir a carga bacteriana, envolvendo ou não o uso de antibióticos locais ou sistêmicos. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas brasileiros sobre a prescrição de antibióticos durante o tratamento periodontal. Material e método: Foi disponibilizado um questionário online solicitando aplicação sistêmica de prescrição de antibióticos locais ou sistêmicos (frequência e sequência com tratamento periodontal mecânico) e em relação a diferentes doenças periodontais. A utilização de serviços de diagnóstico microbiano e dados demográficos dos voluntários também foram elucidados. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente (Teste Binomial, p<0,05). Resultado: Trezentos e noventa e três voluntários responderam ao questionário. Vinte e três por cento do sexo masculino e 76,2% do sexo feminino. A idade média foi de 27,7 anos. A minoria (19,2%) dos voluntários relatou indicar antibióticos sistêmicos para tratamento de gengivite ou periodontite estágios I e II (antiga periodontite crônica leve e moderada). A maioria dos profissionais indica para tratar abscesso periodontal, gengivite ou periodontite ulcerativa necrosante, periodontite em imunodeficiências graves, periodontite agressiva antiga e periodontite estágios III e IV (periodontite crônica grave antiga). Raramente (2,5%) a prescrição foi sem a associação com terapia mecânica. Os exames microbiológicos como método auxiliar de diagnóstico raramente (3,1%) são solicitados por falta de informação ou custo. As respostas mais frequentes sobre o número de vezes que os profissionais relataram prescrever antibióticos sistêmicos como parte do tratamento periodontal por trimestre foram "pelo menos uma vez", seguido de "2 vezes". Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que os cirurgiões-dentistas brasileiros possuem conhecimento sobre a correta prescrição de antibióticos na terapia periodontal

Introduction: Periodontal treatment involves procedures aimed to reduce bacterial load, involving or not the use of local or systemic antibiotics. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess Brazilian dentists' knowledge about antibiotics prescription during periodontal treatment. Material and method: An online questionnaire was available asking for systemic application of local or systemic antibiotics prescription (frequency, and sequence with mechanical periodontal treatment) and in relation to different periodontal diseases. The use of microbial diagnostic services and volunteers' demographic data were also elucidated. Data were statistically analyzed (Binomial Test, p<0.05). Result: Three hundred and ninety-three volunteers answered the questionnaire. Twenty-three percent males and 76.2% females. Average age was 27.7 years. Minority (19.2%) of the volunteers reported to indicate systemic antibiotics to treat gingivitis or periodontitis stages I and II (old slight and moderate chronic periodontitis). Majority of the professionals indicate it to treat periodontal abscess, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis or periodontitis, periodontitis in severe immunodeficiencies, old aggressive periodontitis, and periodontitis stages III and IV (old severe chronic periodontitis). Rarely (2.5%) the prescription was without the combination with mechanical therapy. Microbiological tests as an auxiliary diagnostic method are rarely (3.1%) requested due to lack of information or cost. Most frequent answers about the number of times professionals reported prescribing systemic antibiotics as part of periodontal treatment per trimester was "at least once", followed by "2 times". Conclusion: It can be concluded that Brazilian dentists have knowledge about the correct prescription of antibiotics in periodontal therapy

Biomechanical analysis of narrow dental implants for maxillary anterior rehabilitation / Análise biomecânica de implantes de diâmetro reduzido para reabilitação da região anterior da maxila

Introdução: O conhecimento da biomecânica de implantes de diâmetro reduzido indica dimensões seguras para uso clínico. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar biomecanicamente implantes de diâmetro regular e reduzido para suporte de próteses implantossuportadas unitárias na região anterior da maxila por meio de análise de elementos finitos 3D (3D-FEA). Material e método: Quatro modelos 3D-FEA foram desenvolvidos a partir de recomposição de tomografia computadorizada e dados da literatura: um bloco ósseo na região incisiva lateral superior direita com implante e coroa. M1: 3,75 x 13 mm, M2: 3,75 x 8,5 mm, M3: 2,9 x 13 mm e M4: 2,9 x 8,5 mm. Foi aplicada carga de 178 N nos ângulos 0, 30 e 60 graus em relação ao longo eixo do implante. Foram avaliados mapas de tensão de Von Mises, tensão principal máxima e microdeformação. Resultado: M3 e M4 apresentaram maiores valores de tensão e microdeformação que M1 e M2, principalmente quando foram aplicadas forças inclinadas. Porém, M3 apresentou comportamento biomecânico melhor do que M4. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que reduzir o diâmetro dos implantes pode prejudicar a biomecânica durante a aplicação de forças, mas a distribuição e intensidade das tensões, bem como os valores de microdeformação podem ser melhorados se o comprimento do implante for aumentado

Introduction: Narrow diameter implants biomechanics knowledge indicates safe dimensions for clinical use. Objective: Purpose of the present study was biomechanically to compare regular and narrow diameter implants to support single implant-supported prosthesis in the anterior region of the maxilla by 3D finite element analysis (3D-FEA). Material and method: Four 3D-FEA models were developed form CT scan recompositing and literature data: a bone block in the right upper lateral incisive region with implant and crown. M1: 3.75 x 13 mm, M2: 3.75 x 8.5 mm, M3: 2.9 x 13 mm and M4: 2.9 x 8.5 mm. It was applied load was of 178 N at 0, 30 and 60 degrees in relation to implant long axis. Von Mises stress, maximum principal stress and microdeformation maps were evaluated. Result: M3 and M4 did show higher tension and higher microdeformation values than M1 and M2, especially when inclined forces were applied. However, M3 presented enhanced biomechanical behavior than M4. Conclusion: It can be concluded that reduce the diameter of the implants can disadvantage to the biomechanics during the application of forces, but the distribution and intensity of the stresses, as well as the micro deformation values can be improved if the length of the implant is increased

Complete overdentures retained by mini implants: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the use of mini implants to retain complete overdentures in terms of survival rates of mini implants, marginal bone loss, satisfaction, and quality of life. DATA: This report followed the PRISMA Statement and PICO question. This review has been registered at PROSPERO under the number CRD42016036141. SOURCE: Two independent reviewers performed a comprehensive search of studies published until September 2016 and listed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and The Cochrane Library databases. The focused question was: is the use of mini implants feasible for prosthodontic rehabilitation with complete overdentures? RESULTS: The 24 studies selected for review evaluated 1273 patients whose mean age was 65.93 years; these patients had received 2494 mini implants and 386 standard implants for retaining overdenture prosthesis. The mean follow-up time was 2.48 years (range: 1-7 years). There was a higher survival rate of mini implants (92.32%). More frequent failures for maxillary (31.71%) compared with mandibular arches (4.89%). The majority of studies revealed marginal bone loss values similar to those of standard implants (<1.5mm). All studies verified an increase in satisfaction and quality of life after rehabilitation treatment with mini dental implants. CONCLUSION: The present systematic review indicates that the use of mini implants for retaining overdenture prosthesis is considered an alternative treatment when standard treatment is not possible, since it presents high survival rates, acceptable marginal bone loss, and improvements in variables related to satisfaction and quality of life. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Based on the results of this study, the use of a minimum 4 and 6 mini implants can be considered a satisfactory treatment option for rehabilitation of the mandibular and maxillary arches respectively with a complete overdenture.

Influence of low-level laser therapy on the healing of human bone maxillofacial defects: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to enhance maxillofacial area bone repair. METHODS: A comprehensive search of studies published up to February 2017 and listed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. RESULTS: The 15 selected studies evaluated a total of 374 patients (mean age, 28.5years) who were treated with LLLT. Gallium-arsenide (GaAs) and gallium aluminium arsenide (GaAlAs) were the most commonly used devices, and LLLT parameters varied greatly. Wavelengths varied from 500 to 1000nm. Tooth extraction, distraction osteogenesis, maxillary expansion, periodontal defects, orthodontic movement and maxillary cystic defects were evaluated. From the 15 selected studies, six evaluated bone repair (primary outcomes). Of these, four studies showed improvement in bone formation after using LLLT, two demonstrated improved results for only one follow up period, and one showed no additional benefits. The other 9 studies evaluated secondary parameters related to healing (secondary outcomes) in the maxillofacial area after applying LLLT, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and healing accelerator effects, and quality of life related to oral health. There were no adverse or negative effects of LLLT reported. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this review, a possible improvement in bone density can be found when LLLT is applied postoperatively in maxillofacial bony defects. LLLT also seems to promote anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and accelerate healing, as well as enhance quality of life related to oral health. However, LLLT use protocols need to be standardized before more specific conclusions can be drawn about this subject.

Diffusion of hydroxyl ions from calcium hydroxide and Aloe vera pastes.

This study evaluated the diffusion through the dentinal tubules of hydroxyl ions from different calcium hydroxide (CH) pastes containing Aloe vera. Sixty single-rooted bovine teeth were used. The tooth crowns were removed, the root canals were instrumented and the specimens were assigned to 4 groups (n=15) according to the intracanal medication: Group CH/S - CH powder and saline paste; Group CH/P - CH powder and propylene glycol paste; Group CH/A - calcium hydroxide powder and Aloe vera gel paste; Group CH/A/P - CH powder, Aloe vera powder and propylene glycol paste. After placement of the root canal dressings, the teeth were sealed coronally and apically with a two-step epoxy adhesive. The teeth were placed in identified flasks containing deionized water and stored in an oven with 100% humidity at 37 °C. After 3 h, 24 h, 72 h, 7 days, 15 days and 30 days, the deionized water in the flasks was collected and its pH was measured by a pH meter. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis at a significance level of 5%. The results demonstrated that all pastes provided diffusion of hydroxyl ions through the dentinal tubules. The combination of Aloe vera and CH (group CH/A) provided a constant release of calcium ions. Group CH/A/P showed the highest pH at 24 and 72 h. In conclusion, the experimental pastes containing Aloe vera were able to enable the diffusion of hydroxyl ions through the dentinal tubules.

Effect of crown-to-implant ratio on peri-implant stress: a finite element analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate stress distribution in the fixation screws and bone tissue around implants in single-implant supported prostheses with crowns of different heights (10, 12.5, 15 mm - crown-to-implant ratio 1:1, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, respectively). It was designed using three 3-D models. Each model was developed with a mandibular segment of bone block including an internal hexagon implant supporting a screw-retained, single metal-ceramic crown. The crown height was set at 10, 12.5, and 15 mm with crown-to-implant ratio of 1:1, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, respectively. The applied forces were 200N (axial) and 100 N (oblique). The increase of crown height showed differences with the oblique load in some situations. By von Mises' criterion, a high stress area was concentrated at the implant/fixation screw and abutment/implant interfaces at crown-to-implant ratio of 1:1, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, respectively. Using the maximum principal criteria, the buccal regions showed higher traction stress intensity, whereas the distal regions showed the largest compressive stress in all models. The increase of C/I ratio must be carefully evaluated by the dentist since the increase of this C/I ratio is proportional to the increase of average stress for both screw fixation (C/I 1:1 to 1:1.25 ratio=30.1% and C/I 1:1 to 1:1.5 ratio=46.3%) and bone tissue (C/I 1:1 to 1:1.25 ratio=30% and C/I 1:1 to 1:1.5 ratio=51.5%).

Effect of the parafunctional occlusal loading and crown height on stress distribution.

The aim of this study was to assess, by the three-dimensional finite element method, the influence of crown-to-implant ratio and parafunctional occlusal loading on stress distribution in single external hexagon implant-supported prosthesis. Computer-aided design software was used to confection three models. Each model was composed of a block bone and an external hexagon implant (5x10.0 mm) with screw-retained implant prostheses, varying the height crown: 10, 12.5 and 15 mm. Finite element analysis software was used to generate the finite element mesh and to establish the loading and boundary conditions. Normal (200 N axial and 100 N oblique load) and parafunctional forces (1,000 N axial and 500 N oblique load) were applied. The results were visualized by von Mises and maximum principal stress. In comparison with the normal occlusal force, the parafunctional occlusal force induced an increase in stress concentration and magnitude on implant (platform and first threads) and screw (neck). The cortical bone showed the highest tensile stress under parafunctional force (oblique load). The stress concentration increased as the crown height increased. It was concluded that: increasing the C/I increased stress concentration in both implant components and cortical bone; parafunctional loading increased between 4-5 times the value of stresses in bone tissue compared with functional loading; the type of loading variation factor is more influential than the crown-to-implant factor.

Retention System and Splinting on Morse Taper Implants in the Posterior Maxilla by 3D Finite Element Analysis

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate different retention systems (cement- or screw-retained) and crown designs (non-splinted or splinted) of fixed implant-supported restorations, in terms of stress distributions in implants/components and bone tissue, by 3-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis. Four 3D models were simulated with the InVesalius, Rhinoceros 3D, and SolidWorks programs. Models were made of type III bone from the posterior maxillary area. Models included three 4.0-mm-diameter Morse taper (MT) implants with different lengths, which supported metal-ceramic crowns. Models were processed by the Femap and NeiNastran programs, using an axial force of 400 N and oblique force of 200 N. Results were visualized as the von Mises stress and maximum principal stress (σmax). Under axial loading, there was no difference in the distribution of stress in implants/components between retention systems and splinted crowns; however, in oblique loading, cemented prostheses showed better stress distribution than screwed prostheses, whereas splinted crowns tended to reduce stress in the implant of the first molar. In the bone tissue cemented prostheses showed better stress distribution in bone tissue than screwed prostheses under axial and oblique loading. The splinted design only had an effect in the screwed prosthesis, with no influence in the cemented prosthesis. Cemented prostheses on MT implants showed more favorable stress distributions in implants/components and bone tissue. Splinting was favorable for stress distribution only for screwed prostheses under oblique loading.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar diferentes sistemas de retenção (cimentada x parafusada) e configuração da coroas (unitárias x esplintadas) de próteses fixas implantossuportadas em relação a distribuição de tensões nos implantes/componentes e tecido ósseo pela análise de elementos finitos 3D. Quatro modelos 3D foram simulados com auxílio dos programas Invesalius, e Rhinoceros 3D, e SolidWorks. Os modelos foram confeccionados simulando bloco ósseo de região posterior da maxila (tipo ósseo III), com 3 implantes cone Morse com 4,0 mm de diâmetro e diferentes comprimentos, suportando prótese metalocerâmica de 3 elementos. Os modelos foram processados pelos programas FEMAP e NEiNastran sob força axial de 400 N e oblíqua de 200N. Os resultados foram plotados através de mapas de tensão de von Mises (vM) (implantes e componentes) e tensão máxima principal (TMP) (tecido ósseo). Sobre o carregamento axial, não foi observada diferenças entre os diferentes sistemas de retenção e tipo de prótese na distribuição das tensões nos implantes/componentes, porém, sobre o carregamento oblíquo as próteses cimentadas apresentaram melhor distribuição de tensões em comparação com as próteses parafusadas, enquanto que as próteses esplintadas apresentou uma tendência de redução das tensões no implante do primeiro molar. No tecido ósseo as próteses cimentadas apresentaram melhor distribuição das tensões em comparação com as próteses parafusadas, independente do carregamento. A esplintagem foi favorável somente para as próteses parafusadas, não havendo influência sobre as próteses cimentadas. As próteses cimentadas sobre implantes cone Morse apresentam melhor comportamento biomecânico nos implantes/componentes e tecido ósseo. A esplintagem foi efetiva somente nas próteses parafusadas sob carregamento oblíquo.

Short implants versus longer implants with maxillary sinus lift. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract This study compared the survival rate of dental implants, amount of marginal bone loss, and rates of complications (biological and prosthetic) between short implants and long implants placed after maxillary sinus augmentation. This systematic review has been registered at PROSPERO under the number (CRD42017073929). Two reviewers searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, and Cochrane Library databases. Eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials, comparisons between short implants and long implants placed after maxillary sinus augmentation in the same study, and follow-up for >6 months. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials was used to assess the quality and risk of bias of the included studies. The search identified 1366 references. After applying the inclusion criteria, 11 trials including 420 patients who received 911 dental implants were considered eligible. No significant difference was observed in the survival rate [p = 0.86; risk ratio (RR): 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-2.52] or in the amount of marginal bone loss (p = 0.08; RR: −0.05; 95%CI: −0.10 to 0.01). However, higher rates of biological complications for long implants associated with maxillary sinus augmentation were observed (p < 0.00001; RR: 0.21; 95%CI: 0.10-0.41), whereas a higher prosthetic complication rate for short implants was noted (p = 0.010; RR: 3.15; 95%CI: 1.32-7.51). Short implant placement is an effective alternative because of fewer biological complications and similar survival and marginal bone loss than long implant placement with maxillary sinus augmentation. However, the risk of mechanical complications associated with the prostheses fitted on short implants should be considered.