Mechanical Complications Related to the Retention Screws of Prefabricated Metal Abutments With Different Angulations: A Retrospective Study With 916 Implants.

OBJECTIVES: The present retrospective study assessed the clinical performance of abutment screws from prefabricated metal abutments and compared technical complication rates between straight and angled abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental charts were selected for patients with dental implant rehabilitations delivered between 1998 and 2012. Abutment angulation, prosthetic screw type, and presence of complications that occurred during the selected time period were collected. Technical complications registered included abutment screw loosening and/or fractures detected during clinical and radiographic examinations. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Abutment angulations were divided into 2 groups: G1) prefabricated straight abutments and G2) prefabricated angled conical mini UCLA-type abutments. A total of 916 implants (799 straight and 117 angled conical mini UCLA-type abutments) were evaluated. G1 showed 91.1% had absence of failures, which were clinically defined as any screw loosening or fracture; and 8.9% reported some type of technical complication. G2 showed 92.3% and 7.7%, with and without technical complications, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were observed between abutment angulation and technical complications.

Zirconia Abutment Supporting All Ceramic Crowns in the Esthetic Zone: Interim Results of a Prospective Study.

AIM: This prospective study evaluated peri-implant tissues around all-ceramic crowns fabricated using CAD/CAM technology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients received pre-fabricated zirconia implant abutments with CAD/CAM zirconia copings in the esthetic zone. Implants were evaluated at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months in function. RESULTS: Radiographic analyzes showed stable bone crest around the implants. Esthetics were more favorable as time lapsed (p > 0.05). Bleeding Index was constant in all time intervals. Plaque index reduced from 3 to 6 months. CONCLUSION: The all-ceramic CAD/CAM crowns were clinically, radiographically and esthetically stable during the study period.

Biologic Debris Retention in Implant Impression Copings, Scan Bodies, and Laboratory Analogs.

PURPOSE: Capturing implant position in impression-making procedures commonly involves transfer devices, such as implant impression copings and laboratory analogs. These components are intricately machined, including the lumen, and often include additional features for prevention of screw dislodgment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all surfaces in contact with human bodily fluid be disinfected with hospital-grade disinfectant. The ability of these components to harbor biologic contaminant material has not yet been determined, especially with regard to internal configuration, combined with the knowledge that many clinicians and laboratories use a spray disinfectant, which may limit disinfectant contact. The aim of this study was to determine the site and extent of contamination occurring on implant components following clinical impressions and laboratory procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study design included forensic staining and subsequent analysis of 60 used impression copings, 10 used laboratory analogs, and 10 new components as controls. RESULTS: Staining was found on 100% of impression copings used in vivo, indicating that biologic material had reached multiple sites on both internal and external surfaces of the components. Staining was also found on the internal aspect of used implant analogs, indicating transfer of biologic material from the impression coping and screw. None of the new control components presented staining at any site. Staining highlighted difficult areas to debride, particularly components with difficult or impossible access for cleaning and disinfection. CONCLUSION: Phloxine B staining indicated the ability of biologic material to reach all areas of the implant components. Having demonstrated the difficulty, sometimes impossibility, of accessing areas of these implant components, there is a need to develop protocols to reduce risk of potential transmission of infective material via implant components. Further study is warranted to determine the potential for transmission of infective material due to inadequate disinfection processes of implant componentry.