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Copyright of International Journal of Computerized Dentistry is the property of Quintessence Publishing Company Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In implant patients who have extended soft tissue deficiencies, split skin grafts have been performed for the prevention of peri-implant inflammation. The aim of this investigation was to assess a patient who received 2 interforaminal implants and a split skin graft 13 years prior. In addition to clinical, mycologic, and radiographic examinations, the condition of the split skin graft was evaluated using histologic analysis of 3 punch biopsies taken from the mucosa, grafted area, and border between both areas. The implants were found to have an overall good clinical condition. Fungal infection was not present. The histologic analysis revealed inflammation-free mucosal and submucosal tissue in all samples. In the area of the skin graft, the mucosa was not keratinized and showed an increased thickness of the submucosal connective tissue. For the patient under examination, an acceptable level of oral rehabilitation was achieved using a split skin graft. The follow-up investigation showed stable conditions for both the implants and the graft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of type-2 diabetes on implant survival and complication rate. Materials and Methods: Prospective study enrolling type-2 diabetic patients suffering from edentulism, having a mean perioperative HbA1c level of 7.2%, and compliant with a maintenance program. All the patients underwent dental and periodontal examinations and had laboratory testing for HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, blood lipids, and microalbuminuria. Nondiabetic patients matched for implant treatment indication served as controls. The influence of clinical diabetes-related factors and periodontal parameters (Plaque Index, bleeding on probing, probing depth) on implant survival were assessed via univariate then multivariate methods. Results: Forty-five diabetic patients, followed for 1 to 12 years, mean age 64.7 years, received 255 implants: 143 following a classical protocol and 112 in cases of sinus floor elevation, immediate loading, and guided bone regeneration. Forty-five nondiabetic control patients received 244 implants: 142 following a classical protocol and 102 in cases of advanced surgery. Implant survival following conventional or advanced implant therapy was not statistically different between the well-controlled (HbA1c < 7%, P = .33) and the fairly well-controlled group (HbA1c 7% to 9%, P =.37). The overall survival rate for the diabetic group was 97.2% (control 98.8%) and was not significantly different for age, gender, diabetes duration, smoking, or type of hypoglycemic therapy. The mean peri-implant bone loss was 0.41 ± 0.58 mm (control, 0.49 ± 0.64 mm). PI and BOP fairly correlated with postoperative complications. HbA1c was the only multivariate independent factor affecting the complication rate (P = .04). No statistically significant difference was found for patients (P = .81) or for implants (P = .66) for the advanced surgery cases or the conventional approach in diabetic patients compared to nondiabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive alveolar bone atrophy often confounds a conventional therapy with complete dentures. Implant therapy has found a way to solve the problem through enhanced stability and retention, thus increasing its functionality, leading to improved patient satisfaction and a higher quality of life. This article describes an implant-supported restoration of a patient with reduced oral health and high Oral Health Impact Profile values (OHIP-14) Upon improvement of oral hygiene and the compliance of the patient, the residual dentition was extracted and four implants were inserted, both in the maxillary and the mandibular arches After the healing period was completed two implant-supported prostheses with rigid bars for retention were fabricated. The patient's esthetics, phonetics, and masticatory function were properly restored at the time of delivery. A significant improvement in the patient's quality of life was noticed. In comparison to conventional dentures, the implant-supported overdentures offer better function and comfort for many patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The range of indications for implant-borne prostheses in partially edentulous patients has expanded in recent years as a consequence of advances in regenerative techniques for bone and soft tissues. The esthetic demands of both patients and dentists have risen in parallel with these advances. Esthetic compromises in prostheses have become increasingly less tolerable, particularly in the anterior region of the maxilla. If the presenting situation is less than optimal, extensive preprosthetic measures may be required to prepare local tissues for acceptance of esthetically and functionally adequate prostheses. Particularly in difficult situations, collaboration by a team is recommended. The exchange of ideas and experience among specialists should begin as early as the treatment planning stage and extend over the entire course of therapy. The objective should be defined and the various steps of treatment should be coordinated with participation from all team members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]