Search

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the patient's morbidity and postsurgical complications after treatment of palatal donor sites after free gingival graft harvesting using leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) membranes or a hemostatic agent with oxidized and regenerated cellulose. Method and materials: Forty-two palatal donor sites after free gingival graft harvesting in 42 patients were randomly assigned to experimental (L-PRF membrane) or control procedure (hemostatic agent). The primary outcome was postoperative pain related to the wound located at the palatal area, and the secondary outcomes were postoperative discomfort, inability to chew, postoperative stress, surgical chair time, thickness of the palatal fibromucosa, and thickness of the free gingival graft. The patient-reported outcome measures were recorded after 1 week. Results: After 1 week, a statistically significant difference was found between groups in terms of postoperative stress (P = .008). No statistically significant differences in terms of postoperative pain (P = .326), patient discomfort (P = .509), inability to chew (P = .936), or surgical chair time (P = .932) were recorded between the test and the control group. No statistically significant differences were recorded in terms of thickness of the palatal fibromucosa (P = .647) and thickness of the free gingival graft (P = .756) between groups. Postsurgical wound healing complications (ie, necrosis or infections) were not observed in both groups. Conclusion: Within their limitations, the present outcomes indicated that the application of L-PRF membrane at palatal donor sites after FGG harvesting did not produce significant advantages for the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To establish consensus-driven guidelines that could support the clinical decision-making process for implant-supported rehabilitation of the posterior atrophic maxilla and ultimately improve long-term treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. Materials and methods: A total of 33 participants were enrolled (18 active members of the Italian Academy of Osseointegration and 15 international experts). Based on the available evidence, the development group discussed and proposed an initial list of 20 statements, which were later evaluated by all participants. After the forms were completed, the responses were sent for blinded analysis. In most cases, when a consensus was not reached, the statements were rephrased and sent to the participants for another round of evaluation. Three rounds were planned. Results: After the first round of voting, participants came close to reaching a consensus on six statements, but no consensus was achieved for the other fourteen. Following this, nineteen statements were rephrased and sent to participants again for the second round of voting, after which a consensus was reached for six statements and almost reached for three statements, but no consensus was achieved for the other ten. All 13 statements upon which no consensus was reached were rephrased and included in the third round. After this round, a consensus was achieved for an additional nine statements and almost achieved for three statements, but no consensus was reached for the remaining statement. Conclusion: This Delphi consensus highlights the importance of accurate preoperative planning, taking into consideration the maxillomandibular relationship to meet the functional and aesthetic requirements of the final restoration. Emphasis is placed on the role played by the sinus bony walls and floor in providing essential elements for bone formation, and on evaluation of buccopalatal sinus width for choosing between lateral and transcrestal sinus floor elevation. Tilted and trans-sinus implants are considered viable options, whereas caution is advised when placing pterygoid implants. Zygomatic implants are seen as a potential option in specific cases, such as for completely edentulous elderly or oncological patients, for whom conventional alternatives are unsuitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simplified surgical technique is presented for closure and soft tissue augmentation of fresh extraction sockets that utilizes a xenogeneic collagen matrix as a substitute for a combined onlay-interpositional connective tissue graft. Ten alveoli receiving a socket preservation procedure (n = 5) or an immediate submerged implant (n = 5) were sealed with a xenogeneic collagen matrix, stabilized under small palatal and buccal full-thickness envelope flaps. Eight weeks after surgery, full wound closure was achieved in 9 out of 10 sites with satisfactory esthetic integration (mean ΔE score: 3.76). Results from this descriptive observational study suggest that this technique may represent a valuable and minimally invasive solution to simplify closure and soft tissue augmentation of fresh extraction sockets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiologic outcomes using a newly developed device for maxillary sinus membrane elevation. Patients with a residual bone height of at least 3 mm were enrolled. Crestal sinus lift elevation and sinus graft were performed using the crestal approach sinus (CAS) kit. Graft was avoided if the residual bone crest was ≤ 2 mm less than the length of the planned implant. Outcome measures were implant and prosthesis failure, any biologic or technical complications, and marginal bone loss (MBL). A total of 35 consecutive patients underwent 49 crestal elevations of the sinus membrane. All the implants were followed for at least 2 years after placement (mean follow-up 37.3 months; range 24 to 54 months). No implants or prostheses failed during follow-up, and no membrane tears or other intraoperative or postoperative adverse events were observed. At the 2-year follow-up, mean MBL was 0.33 ± 0.24 mm (95% confidence interval: 0.08 to 0.30 mm). A total of 32 implants were placed after filling the sinus with anorganic bovine bone, while 17 implants were placed without grafting the sinus. Post-hoc analysis was performed using the sinus grafting remodeling index (SGRI) to evaluate radiographically the tissue remodeling patterns. The SGRI was statistically significantly higher when the sinus was grafted (P = .000). The CAS kit may provide a new option for minimally invasive crestal sinus surgery. Long-term randomized controlled trials with larger sample size are needed to confirm these preliminary results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to generate an international and multidisciplinary consensus on the clinical management of implant protrusion into the maxillary sinuses and nasal fossae. A total of 31 experts participated, 23 of whom were experts in implantology (periodontologists, maxillofacial surgeons and implantologists), 6 were otolaryngologists and 2 were radiologists. All the participants were informed of the current scientific knowledge on the topic based on a systematic search of the literature. A list of statements was created and divided into three surveys: one for all participants, one for implant providers and radiologists and one for otolaryngologists and radiologists. A consensus was reached on 15 out of 17 statements. According to the participants, osseointegrated implants protruding radiographically into the maxillary sinus or nasal fossae require as much monitoring and maintenance as implants fully covered by bone. In the event of symptoms of sinusitis, collaboration between implant providers and otolaryngologists is required. Implant removal should be considered only after pharmacological and surgical management of sinusitis have failed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to evaluate: (1) the clinical outcome of fresh frozen human allogeneic bone grafts (FFB) used for the reconstruction of severely atrophied edentulous ridges; (2) the survival rate of implants placed in the reconstructed areas; and (3) bone resorption. Materials and Methods: During a 2-year period, 19 patients with severely atrophied partially or totally edentulous ridges who were candidates for an implant-supported prosthesis were consecutively enrolled and reconstructed with FFB iliac blocks. Five to 7 months later, 117 implants were placed in the reconstructed areas, and prosthetic rehabilitation was started 5 to 6 months afterward. Results: The mean follow-up of patients after prosthetic loading was 27 months (range, 20 to 32 months). Prior to implant placement, graft exposure with partial or total loss of the graft occurred in four patients. After implant placement, bone graft exposures with partial loss of the grafts occurred in nine patients; in two patients, both grafts and implants were removed. The cumulative survival rate of implants was 90.2%. The mean (± standard deviation) graft resorption before implant placement was 0.98 ± 0.77 mm (range, 0to 4 mm), while these values were 1.21 ± 1.05 mm (range, 0to 6 mm) at loading, 1.55 ± 1.57 mm (range, 0 to 8 mm) at 12 months, and 1.93 ± 1.38 mm (range, 1 to 9 mm) at 24 months. Conclusion: Within the limits of this study (limited sample of patients and short follow-up), the reconstruction of severely atrophic edentulous ridges with FFB is associated with a relevant incidence of bone exposures and partial or total loss of the grafts, which may compromise the long-term survival of implants placed in the reconstructed areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To verify, in a medium-term follow-up, whether or not zirconia (Zr) abutments show similar survival outcomes as titanium (Ti) abutments in posterior areas. Materials and Methods: A two-stage surgical protocol was used. Each patient was followed for 5 years after the definitive prosthesis insertion. Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed at the yearly follow-up visit, and prosthetic complications were recorded. Statistical analysis (Wilcoxon signed rank test) was used to compare any difference in biologic and radiographic parameters between implants and the natural contralateral teeth. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the changes over time (from baseline to the last follow-up) of clinical and radiographic parameters. Results: A total of 85 patients with a single posterior tooth gap were treated with 85 implants supporting 47 Ti and 38 Zr abutments, respectively. All-ceramic (38) and metal-ceramic (47) single crowns were fabricated. Four patients were classified as dropouts. Eighty-one implants supporting 44 Ti and 37 Zr abutments completed the 5-year follow-up examination. No implant, reconstruction, or abutment failures were recorded. Therefore, the prosthetic survival after 5 years of function was 100% for all the abutments and restorations. No significant differences in biologic and radiographic indexes were found between Ti and Zr abutments when compared with each other and with the natural teeth after 5 years. No significant marginal bone loss was found between the baseline and the last follow-up, both for Zr and Ti abutments. Conclusions: The medium-term survival of Zr abutments in posterior regions was comparable with that of Ti abutments. Long-term evaluations are needed to confirm this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This review evaluated (1) the success of different surgical techniques for the reconstruction of edentulous deficient alveolar ridges and (2) the survival/success rates of implants placed in the augmented areas. Materials and Methods: Clinical investigations published in English involving more than 10 consecutively treated patients and mean follow-up of at least 12 months after commencement of prosthetic loading were included. The following procedures were considered: onlay bone grafts, sinus floor elevation via a lateral approach, Le Fort I osteotomy with interpositional grafts, split ridge/ridge expansion techniques, and alveolar distraction osteogenesis. Full-text articles were identified using computerized and hand searches by key words. Success and related morbidity of augmentation procedures and survival/success rates of implants placed in the augmented sites were analyzed. Results and Conclusion: A wide range of surgical procedures were identified. However, it was difficult to demonstrate that one surgical procedure offered better outcomes than another. Moreover, it is not yet known if some surgical procedures, eg, reconstruction of atrophic edentulous mandibles with onlay autogenous bone grafts or maxillary sinus grafting procedures in case of limited/moderate sinus pneumatization, improve long-term implant survival. Every surgical procedure presents advantages and disadvantages. Priority should be given to those procedures which are simpler and less invasive, involve less risk of complications, and reach their goals within the shortest time frame. The main limit encountered in this literature review was the overall poor methodological quality of the published articles. Larger well-designed long-term trials are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information is presented about topics concerned with clinical procedures for surgical techniques used with implant dentures that were discussed at the Fourth Consensus Conference, which was sponsored by the International Team for Implantology and was held August 26-28, 2008 in Stuttgart, Germany. The conference featured several dental experts including Stephen T. Chen from the School of Dental Science at the University of Melbourne.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the early phases of bone healing around two different implant surfaces. For this purpose, four minipigs were used. Implants with rough titanium surfaces (ITI sandblasted/acid-etched and Brånemark TiUnite) were placed in the maxillae of the animals and sacrifice was scheduled in such a way that healing times of 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks, 6 weeks, and 7 weeks were obtained. Histologic analysis revealed that a similar pattern was observed in the phases of bone healing around both types of implants between 3 days and 7 weeks. This pattern consisted of the replacement of blood clot and bone debris with a provisional connective tissue in the first few weeks and with mineralized tissue and marrow spaces later on. Both rough surfaces allowed for "contact osteogenesis" to take place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of dental implants placed in partially edentulous patients with a history of severe periodontitis (SP), moderate periodontitis (MP) and no periodontitis (NP). Materials and methods: Sixty-two partially edentulous patients were consecutively enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into three groups according to their initial periodontal conditions, assessed with a modified Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) index: 26 patients were in the SP group, 7 in the MP group, and 29 in the NP group. Patients requiring periodontal treatment were treated prior to implantation. Various dental implants and procedures were used. In the SP group 129 implants were placed, 26 were placed in the MP group, and 72 in the NP group. Outcome measures were prosthetic success, implant survival, prevalence of peri-implantitis and mean pen-implant bone level changes on periapical radiographs. Results: Six patients dropped out, two from each group, at 5 years. Two implants and their prosthesis failed with peri-implantitis in one patient and two implants were successfully treated for penimplantitis in another patient in the SP group. After 5 years, patients affected by SP and MP lost on average twice the amount of peri-implant bone compared with healthy patients (2.6 mm versus 1 .2 mm). This difference was highly statistically significant. Conclusions: Patients with a history of SP and MP lose more pen-implant bone than periodontally healthy patients and might be at higher risk for peri-implantitis and implant failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of different implant sizes (8- and 10-mm lengths with 3.75-, 4.1-, and 4.8-mm diameters) in diverse host bone sites in a selected sample of partially and completely edentulous patients. Materials and Methods: Over a 14-year period, 129 patients (68 women and 61 men) were consecutively treated with a fixed prosthesis (single or multiunit, screw or cement retained) supported by 265 different-sized implants (154 standard 10-mm; 111 shorter 8-mm). Two types of implants were used (141 titanium plasma-sprayed and 124 Sand-blasted, large-grit, acid-etched). Results: Dropouts were recorded for 23 patients with 23 prostheses supported by 42 implants. In the remaining 106 patients (223 implants), 8 implants failed (4 standard and 4 shorter), in type 3 or 4 bone. Mean marginal bone loss and gingival crevice probing depth associated with either implant length were statistically comparable ( P> .05). The 14-year cumulative survival rates for all short and standard implants were 97.9% and 97.1%, respectively. Survival rates were 92.3% and 95.9% for titanium plasma-sprayed short and standard implants, respectively, and 100% and 98.5% for the Sand-blasted, large-grit, acid-etched short and standard implants, respectively. Six of the 8 lost implants required implant replacement after the host sites' healing period. The remaining 2 lost implants were managed by converting the distal unit of the fixed partial prosthesis to a cantilever. Conclusion: Within the limits of the study design and observation period, a mix of implant sizes did not appear to compromise the effectiveness of implant therapy in this particular population group. Int J Prosthodont 2006;19:586-592. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary stability and postponement of loading of dental implants for approximately 3 to 6 months have been considered for years the "conditio sine qua non" to allow osseointegration of dental implants. However, in recent years, an increasing number of publications on immediate and early loading of dental implants in completely edentulous patients have appeared in the literature, and high survival rates were generally reported. Nevertheless, much controversy still exists over the reliability of the reported data, frequently because the publications are of insufficient methodologic quality (insufficient follow-up, inadequate sample size, absence of randomization, lack of well-defined exclusion and inclusion criteria, lack of well-defined success criteria, etc). The objective of this study was to review the literature to evaluate the reliability of early and immediate loading of implants placed in the edentulous mandible and maxilla and rehabilitated either with implant-supported overdentures or with implant-supported fixed prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this study was to report the clinical outcome of dental implants placed in revascularized fibula flaps for the reconstruction of severely atrophied edentulous maxillae and immediately loaded with full-arch implant-supported prostheses. Materials and Methods: Two patients, a 55-year-old woman and a 59-year-old woman, who presented with severely atrophied edentulous maxillae and local anatomy incompatible with rehabilitation with conventional complete removable dentures and insufficient bone volume for placement of implants of adequate dimensions were selected for reconstruction with revascularized fibula free flaps. Three months after the reconstructive procedure, Brånemark System dental implants (8 in the 55-year-old patient, 7 in the 59-year-old patient) were placed in the reconstructed areas and immediately loaded with implant-supported full-arch prostheses. The mean follow-up period of implants after the start of prosthetic loading was 24 months. Radiographic peri-implant bone level changes and peri-implant clinical parameters (Plaque Index, Bleeding Index, and probing depth) were evaluated. Results: No implants were lost during the follow-up period. Implant survival and success rates were 100% and 93.3%, respectively. Peri-implant clinical parameters presented values consistent with those obtained for implants placed in native nonreconstructed bone and allowed to heal before loading. Discussion: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that the successful immediate loading of implants placed in fibula free flaps for the rehabilitation of totally edentulous patients with severely resorbed maxillae or mandibles has been described. Conclusion: Despite the limited number of patients and the short follow-up period, immediate loading of implants placed in revascularized fibula free flaps appears to be a reliable method for the dental rehabilitation of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purposes of this prospective multicenter study were to evaluate the use of vertical distraction osteogenesis in the correction of vertically deficient alveolar ridges and to evaluate whether the vertical bone gained by distraction osteogenesis was maintained over time when dental implants were placed in the distracted areas. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven patients presenting vertically deficient edentulous ridges were treated in 4 different centers by means of distraction osteogenesis with an intraoral alveolar distractor. Two to 3 months after consolidation of the distracted segments, 138 dental implants were placed in the distracted areas. Four to 6 months later, abutments were connected and prosthetic loading of the implants began. Results: The mean follow-up after initial prosthetic loading was 34 months (range 15 to 55 months). The mean bone gain obtained by distraction was 9.9 mm (range 4 to 15 mm). The cumulative success rate of the implants 4 years after the onset of prosthetic loading was 94.2%, while the implants' cumulative survival rate was 100%. No statistically significant differences were found between the different centers as far as survival and success rates of implants were concerned. Discussion and Conclusion: The results of this study appear to demonstrate that distraction osteogenesis is a reliable technique for the correction of vertically deficient edentulous ridges. The regenerated bone appeared to withstand the functional demands of implant loading. The survival and success rates of the implants placed in the distracted areas were consistent with those reported in the literature regarding implants placed in native bone in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study evaluated the long-term survival and success of different implant-supported prostheses supported by ITI implants. Materials and Methods: Two hundred fifty consecutive patients were rehabilitated using implant-supported prostheses. Seven hundred fifty-nine implants were loaded. Single-tooth prostheses (n = 106), cantilever fixed partial prostheses (n = 42), fixed partial prostheses (n = 137), fixed complete prostheses (n = 5), implant/tooth-supported prostheses (n = 13), and overdentures (n = 37) were used. The mean follow-up period was 3.85 years. Life table analyses were performed. Implant survival rates were calculated by means of standard life table principles. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the implant survival and success by implant placement site for each type of prosthesis. Results: The cumulative implant survival rates were calculated for implants supporting single-tooth prostheses (95.6%), cantilever fixed partial prostheses (94.4%), fixed partial prostheses (96.1%), fixed complete prostheses (100%), implant/tooth-connected prostheses (90.6%), and overdentures (95.7%). Similar survival and success rates were documented for implants placed in maxillae and mandibles. Implant size did not influence survival. Discussion: Seven-year survival rates were similar for implants supporting single-tooth prostheses, cantilever fixed partial prostheses, fixed partial prostheses, and implant/tooth-supported prostheses. Medium-long term implant survival and success were not influenced by the site (maxilla or mandible). Implant and prosthetic survival rates for overdentures supported by 2 implants were comparable to those for overdentures supported by 3 or more implants. Conclusion: Prostheses supported by ITI implants represent a reliable mediumterm treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to compare the results of immediate and delayed loading of implants with implant-retained mandibular overdentures. Ten patients (test group) received 40 Brånemark System MKII implants (4 per patient) placed in the interforaminal area of the mandible. Standard abutments were immediately screwed to the implants, rigidly connected with a bar, and immediately loaded with an overdenture. Ten patients (control group) received the same type and number of implants in the same area, but the implants were left to heal submerged. Four to 8 months later, standard abutments were screwed to the implants and the same prosthetic procedure was applied. Each implant was evaluated at the time of prosthetic loading and at 6, 12, and 24 months after the initial prosthetic load with the following parameters: modified Plaque Index (MPI), modified Bleeding Index (MBI), probing depth (PD), and Periotest. Peri-implant bone resorption was evaluated on panoramic radiographs taken 12 and 24 months after initial prosthetic loading. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups regarding MPI, MBI, Periotest, peri-implant bone resorption, and PD at 6 and 24 months (P > .05). The only difference was found regarding PD values on the mesial and lingual sites at 12 months (P < .05). The cumulative success rate of implants was 97.5% in both groups. Results from this study showed that immediate loading of endosseous implants rigidly connected with a U-shaped bar does not seem to have any detrimental effect on osseointegration. Conversely, this method significantly shortens the duration of treatment with relevant satisfaction for the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the opportunities offered by intraoral distraction osteogenesis to vertically elongate insufficient alveolar ridges and thereby improve local anatomy for ideal implant placement. Eight patients presenting with vertically deficient edentulous ridges were treated by means of the distraction osteogenesis principle with an intraoral alveolar distractor. Two to 3 months after consolidation of the distracted segments, 26 implants were placed in the distracted areas. Four to 6 months later, abutments were connected and prosthetic loading of the implants was started. The mean follow-up after initial prosthetic loading was 14 months. In all patients, the desired bone gain was reached at the end of distraction (mean vertical bone gain of 8.5 mm). Probing depth, Bleeding Index, and Plaque Index around implants were evaluated, and Periotest values were also calculated. The cumulative success rate of implants was 100%. Radiographic examinations 12 months after functional loading of implants showed a significant increase in the density of the newly generated bone in the distracted areas. This technique seems to be reliable, and the regenerated bone has withstood the functional demands of implant loading. Success rates of implants, periodontal indices of peri-implant soft tissues, and Periotest values were consistent with those reported in the literature regarding implants placed in native bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A prospective study was conducted in which 21 patients received a mandibular implant-supported overdenture. Eighty-four ITI screw-type implants were placed in the interforaminal area of the mental symphysis (4 implants per patient). Immediately after implant placement, a U-shaped gold or titanium bar was fabricated and implants were loaded with an implant-retained overdenture. Of 21 patients treated, 19 were followed for a minimum of 25 months to a maximum of 60 months, with a mean follow-up of 37 months. Two patients dropped out during the follow-up. The overall failure rate of implants (according to Albrektsson criteria) was 4% (3/76 implants), but all implants, bars, and prostheses remained in function. Results from this study demonstrated that the success rate for immediately loaded mandibular implants is similar to that obtained in cases of delayed loading, after osseointegration has taken place. This method shortens dental rehabilitation time with relevant satisfaction for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of placing endosseous implants in the edentulous maxilla is frequently reduced by inadequate bone volume of the residual ridge. In totally edentulous maxillae with knife-edge conformation, insufficient thickness is frequently associated with insufficient height of the residual ridge in the posterior maxilla because of pneumatization of the maxillary sinuses. This surgical method combines grafting of the maxillary sinuses, onlay grafts on the buccal side of maxillary posterior segments, and sagittal osteotomy of the anterior maxilla with interpositional bone grafts. Five to six months after maxillary reconstruction, Brånemark implants were placed and, after osseointegration occurred, implant-supported dental prostheses were fabricated. Three patients have been treated with this method and 22 implants have been placed. The mean follow-up after final prosthetic rehabilitation has been 16 months; survival rate has been 100%. Despite the small number of patients and the short follow-up, preliminary results have shown very promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the 23rd Italian Society of Osseointegration (SIO) Congress 2015 and offers information on the 24th Annual SIO Congress to be held in May 2016.