Leakage of Saliva Through the Implant-Abutment Interface: In Vitro Evaluation of Three Different Implant Connections Under Unloaded and Loaded Conditions

Purpose: Bacterial leakage along the implant-abutment interface, with consequent species harboring the inner parts of two-part dental implant systems, has been reported in the literature. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate bacterial leakage from human saliva to the internal part of the implants along the implant-abutment interface under loaded and unloaded conditions using DNA Checkerboard. Materials and Methods: Sixty denial implants-20 each of external-hexagon, internal-hexagon, and Morse cone-connection designs-and their conical abutments were used in this study. Each group was subdivided into two groups of 10 loaded and 10 unloaded implants. The assemblies were immersed in human saliva and either (1) loaded with 500,000 cycles at 120 N (experimental group) or (2) incubated in static conditions for 7 days at 35 degrees C (unloaded control group). Results: Microorganisms were found in the internal surfaces of all types of connections. The Morse cone connection presented the lowest count of microorganisms in both the unloaded and loaded groups. Loaded implants presented with higher counts of microorganisms than unloaded implants for external- and internal-hex connections. Conclusion: Bacterial species from human saliva may penetrate along the implant-abutment interface under both unloaded and loaded conditions for all connections evaluated. Morse cone-connection implants showed the lowest counts of microorganisms for both conditions. External- and internal-hex implants showed a higher incidence of bacteria and higher bacterial counts after simulated loading. INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2012;27:551-560.

Programming peculiarities in two cochlear implant users with superficial siderosis of the central nervous system

To report the audiological outcomes of cochlear implantation in two patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss secondary to superficial siderosis of the CNS and discuss some programming peculiarities that were found in these cases. Retrospective review. Data concerning clinical presentation, diagnosis and audiological assessment pre- and post-implantation were collected of two patients with superficial siderosis of the CNS. Both patients showed good hearing thresholds but variable speech perception outcomes. One patient did not achieve open-set speech recognition, but the other achieved 70% speech recognition in quiet. Electrical compound action potentials could not be elicited in either patient. Map parameters showed the need for increased charge. Electrode impedances showed high longitudinal variability. The implants were fairly beneficial in restoring hearing and improving communication abilities although many reprogramming sessions have been required. The hurdle in programming was the need of frequent adjustments due to the physiologic variations in electrical discharges and neural conduction, besides the changes in the impedances. Patients diagnosed with superficial siderosis may achieve limited results in speech perception scores due to both cochlear and retrocochlear reasons. Careful counseling about the results must be given to the patients and their families before the cochlear implantation indication.

Bacterial leakage along the implant-abutment interface: culture and DNA Checkerboard hybridization analyses

Objective Bacterial species have been found harboring the internal surface of dental implants as consequence of their failed connections. The aim of the present study was to compare the detection frequency of bacterial leakage from human saliva through the implantabutment interface, under non-loading conditions, using either DNA Checkerboard or culture method. Materials and methods Thirty dental implants with hexagonal platforms were connected to pre-machined abutments according to the manufacturers specifications. The assemblies were individually incubated in human saliva under anaerobic conditions for 7 similar to days at 37 degrees C. Afterward, contents from the inner parts of the implants were collected and evaluated with either DNA Checkerboard (s similar to=similar to 15) or culture (n similar to=similar to 15). Subsequently, identification and quantitation of bacterial species from saliva and implants were carried out for the group evaluated with the DNA Checkerboard method. Results Both DNA Checkerboard and culture showed positive signals of bacterial leakage in 6 of the 15 evaluated samples. Capnocytophaga gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans were the most frequently detected species harboring the internal surface of the implants followed by Veillonella parvula. Conclusion Occurrence of bacterial leakage along the implantabutment interface is comparably detected with both DNA Checkerboard hybridization and conventional culture methods.

Inward-Inclined Implant Platform for the Amplified Platform-Switching Concept: 18-Month Follow-up Report of a Prospective Randomized Matched-Pair Controlled Trial

Purpose: This prospective randomized matched-pair controlled trial aimed to evaluate marginal bone levels and soft tissue alterations at implants restored according to the platform-switching concept with a new inward-inclined platform and compare them with external-hexagon implants. Materials and Methods: Traditional external-hexagon (control group) implants and inward-inclined platform implants (test group), all with the same implant body geometry and 13 mm in length, were inserted in a standardized manner in the posterior maxillae of 40 patients. Radiographic bone levels were measured by two independent examiners after 6, 12, and 18 months of prosthetic loading. Buccal soft tissue height was measured at the time of abutment connection and 18 months later. Results: After 18 months of loading, all 80 implants were clinically osseointegrated in the 40 participating patients. Radiographic evaluation showed mean bone losses of 0.5 +/- 0.1 mm (range, 0.3 to 0.7 mm) and 1.6 +/- 0.3 mm (range, 1.1 to 2.2 mm) for test and control implants, respectively. Soft tissue height showed a significant mean decrease of 2.4 mm in the control group, compared to 0.6 mm around the test implants. Conclusions: After 18 months, significantly greater bone loss was observed at implants restored according to the conventional external-hexagon protocol compared to the platform-switching concept. In addition, decreased soft tissue height was associated with the external-hexagon implants versus the platform-switched implants. INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2012;27:927-934.

Extraoral Implants in the Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Defects: Implant and Prosthesis Survival Rates and Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Evaluation

Purpose: Few reports have evaluated cumulative survival rates of extraoral rehabilitation and peri-implant soft tissue reaction at long-term follow-up. The objective of this study was to evaluate implant and prosthesis survival rates and the soft tissue reactions around the extraoral implants used to support craniofacial prostheses. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed of patients who received implants for craniofacial rehabilitation from 2003 to 2010. Two outcome variables were considered: implant and prosthetic success. The following predictor variables were recorded: gender, age, implant placement location, number and size of implants, irradiation status in the treated field, date of prosthesis delivery, soft tissue response, and date of last follow-up. A statistical model was used to estimate survival rates and associated confidence intervals. We randomly selected 1 implant per patient for analysis. Data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test to compare survival curves. Results: A total of 150 titanium implants were placed in 56 patients. The 2-year overall implant survival rates were 94.1% for auricular implants, 90.9% for nasal implants, 100% for orbital implants, and 100% for complex midfacial implants (P = .585). The implant survival rates were 100% for implants placed in irradiated patients and 94.4% for those placed in nonirradiated patients (P = .324). The 2-year overall prosthesis survival rates were 100% for auricular implants, 90.0% for nasal implants, 92.3% for orbital implants, and 100% for complex midfacial implants (P = .363). The evaluation of the peri-implant soft tissue response showed that 15 patients (26.7%) had a grade 0 soft tissue reaction, 30 (53.5%) had grade 1, 6 (10.7%) had grade 2, and 5 (8.9%) had grade 3. Conclusions: From this study, it was concluded that craniofacial rehabilitation with extraoral implants is a safe, reliable, and predictable method to restore the patient's normal appearance. (C) 2012 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 70:1551-1557, 2012

Correction of Severe Ptosis with a Silicone Implant Suspensor: 22 Years of Experience

Background: Patients with severe ptosis caused by poor or absent function of the levator muscle but with good frontalis muscle excursion usually benefit from a frontalis sling procedure. This is currently carried out using organic or inorganic material to connect the upper eyelid to the frontalis muscle. Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively 112 patients who underwent frontalis sling procedures between 1989 and 2011 using a preformed silicone implant suspensor to correct severe ptosis. Results: The results obtained using this technique were good or fair in 95.54 percent of the cases and poor in 4.46 percent of the cases. The authors discuss the results of the study and the cases in which the procedure should be indicated and highlight the advantages of the method. Conclusion: The availability of this low-cost sterile device, together with the fact that it is ready to use, requires less invasive surgery, saves time, and is sufficiently versatile to allow adjustments to be made at any time, makes the silicone eyelid sling an attractive choice for correcting ptosis. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 129: 453e, 2012.)

A study of effectiveness of midazolam sedation for prevention of myocardial arrhythmias in endosseous implant placement

Purpose: The study aimed to assess electrocardiographic alterations during oral implant placement surgeries under local anesthesia (lidocaine chlorhydrate with epinephrine), using 15 mg of midazolam as an anxiolytic premedication. Material and methods: The study randomly selected 20 patients, aged 21-50 years old, requiring bilateral mandibular dental implants. Each patient was assessed using placebo on one side and midazolam on the contralateral side, with random, double-blinded distribution. The electrocardiogram recorded 12 static leads every 2 min, while D2 derivations were recorded continuously. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the placebo and midazolam when analyzing the morphological behavior of the electrocardiographic wave and the presence of arrhythmias during the experiment. However, under sedation, assessment of the behavior of electrocardiographic parameters during different stages of the procedure revealed statistically significant differences (P<0.05) for heart rate, P-wave amplitude and duration of the RR and QTc intervals. The arrhythmias detected were considered low risk for patients without systemic alterations and were observed in 53.3% of patients. The most frequently occurring alterations were tachycardia, bradycardia, supraventricular and ventricular extrasystoles and blocked atrial extrasystole, which were similar for both placebo and midazolam, with the greatest incidence during the initial, incision and bone drilling stages. Conclusion: The use of 15 mg of midazolam made no difference compared with the placebo. The use of 15 mg of midazolam did not show an advantage in the incidence of arrhythmias The anxiolytic premedication does not prevent myocardial arrhythmias in endosseous implant placement. The clinical significance of the arrhythmias may not represent serious risks.

Buccal Bone Plate Remodeling After Immediate Implant Placement With and Without Synthetic Bone Grafting and Flapless Surgery: Radiographic Study in Dogs

Recent studies in animals have shown pronounced resorption of the buccal bone plate after immediate implantation. The use of flapless surgical procedures prior to the installation of immediate implants, as well as the use of synthetic bone graft in the gaps represent viable alternatives to minimize buccal bone resorption and to favor osseointegration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing of the buccal bone plate following immediate implantation using the flapless approach, and to compare this process with sites in which a synthetic bone graft was or was not inserted into the gap between the implant and the buccal bone plate. Lower bicuspids from 8 dogs were bilaterally extracted without the use of flaps, and 4 implants were installed in the alveoli in each side of the mandible and were positioned 2.0 mm from the buccal bone plate (gap). Four groups were devised: 2.0-mm subcrestal implants (3.3 x 8 mm) using bone grafts (SCTG), 2.0-mm subcrestal implants without bone grafts (SCCG), equicrestal implants (3.3 x 10 mm) with bone grafts (EGG), and equicrestal implants without bone grafts (ECCG). One week following the surgical procedures, metallic prostheses were installed, and within 12 weeks the dogs were sacrificed. The blocks containing the individual implants were turned sideways, and radiographic imaging was obtained to analyze the remodeling of the buccal bone plate. In the analysis of the resulting distance between the implant shoulder and the bone crest, statistically significant differences were found in the SCTG when compared to the ECTG (P = .02) and ECCG (P = .03). For mean value comparison of the resulting linear distance between the implant surface and the buccal plate, no statistically significant difference was found among all groups (P > .05). The same result was observed in the parameter for presence or absence of tissue formation between the implant surface and buccal plate. Equicrestally placed implants, in this methodology, presented little or no loss of the buccal bone. The subcrestally positioned implants presented loss of buccal bone, even though synthetic bone graft was used. The buccal bone, however, was always coronal to the implant shoulder.

Effect of Si addition on Ca- and P-impregnated implant surfaces with nanometer-scale roughness: an experimental study in dogs

Objectives: To investigate the effect of Si addition on a nanometer-scale roughness Ca and P implant surfaces in a canine tibia model by biomechanical and histomorphometric evaluations. Material and methods: The implant surfaces comprised a resorbable media CaP microblasted (control) and a CaP resorbable media + silica-boost microblasted (experimental) surfaces. Surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and optical interferometry (IFM) down to the nanometric level. The animal model involved the bilateral placement of control (n = 24) and experimental surface (n = 24) implants along the proximal tibiae of six dogs, remaining in vivo for 2 or 4 weeks. After euthanization, half of the specimens were torquedto- interface failure, and the other half was subjected to histomorphologic and bone-to-implant contact (BIC) evaluation. Torque and BIC statistical evaluation was performed by the Friedman test at 95% level of significance, and comparisons between groups was performed by the Dunn test. Results: IFM and SEM observations depicted comparable roughness parameters for both implant surfaces on the micrometer and nanometer scales. XPS analysis revealed similar chemical composition, except for the addition of Si on the experimental group. Torque-to-interface failure and BIC mean values showed no significant differences (P = 0.25 and 0.51, respectively) at both 2- and 4-week evaluation points for experimental and control groups. Early bone healing histomorphologic events were similar between groups. Conclusions: The experimental surface resulted in not significantly different biomechanical fixation and BIC relative to control. Both surfaces were biocompatible and osseoconductive.

Implant-Supported Prosthesis Misalignment Related to the Dental Arch: A 14-Year Clinical Follow-up

The purpose of this study was to warn the dental community about a possible problem in function with partial implant-supported prostheses used for long periods. The misalignment between natural teeth and the implant-supported prosthesis on teeth 11 and 12, observed in a 14-year clinical follow-up, illustrates the fact. The metal-ceramic crowns were placed in 1995 after a rigorous occlusal adjustment. Evaluations were made at 4, 6, 9, and 14 years, when it was noticed that the restorations were positioned palatally and extruded in comparison with the natural teeth. After 9 years, a greater discrepancy was noticed, with anterior occlusion and esthetic changes. The possible causes have been discussed: occlusal problems, parafunctional habits, and natural movement. The first 2 options were discarded after clinical analysis and diagnosis. Therefore, the natural movement probably deriving from an interaction of mechanical and genetic factors might have been the cause. The implants do not have periodontal ligaments but rather ankylosis, so they do not suffer those movements. This case emphasizes the need to inform patients that implants can last more than 10 years in function, but this is not the case with restorations, which lose function and esthetics and must be replaced.

Deformation of Implant Abutments After Framework Connection Using Strain Gauges

When a cylinder is connected to an abutment it is expected that abutment and cylinder will be subjected to compression forces throughout their periphery because of the clamping force exerted by the screw. The deformation resultant of this compression should be measurable and uniform along the periphery of the abutment. Considering that multiple retainers connected to each other can affect the fit of a framework, as well as the use of different alloys, it is expected that the abutments will present different levels of deformation as a result of framework connection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the deformation of implant abutments after frameworks, cast either in cobalt-chromium (CoCr) or silver-palladium (AgPd) alloys, were connected. Samples (n = 5) simulating a typical mandibular cantilevered implant-supported prosthesis framework were fabricated in cobalt-chromium and silver-palladium alloys and screwed onto standard abutments positioned on a master-cast containing 5 implant replicas. Two linear strain gauges were fixed on the mesial and distal aspects of each abutment to capture deformation as the retention screws were tightened. A combination of compressive and tensile forces was observed on the abutments for both CoCr and AgPd frameworks. There was no evidence of significant differences in median abutment deformation levels for 9 of the 10 abutment aspects. Visually well-fit frameworks do not necessarily transmit load uniformly to abutments. The use of CoCr alloy for implant-supported prostheses frameworks may be as clinically acceptable as AgPd alloy.

Early peri-implant endosseous healing of two implant surfaces placed in surgically created circumferential defects. A histomorphometric and fluorescence study in dogs

Objective Several implant surfaces are being developed, some in the nanoscale level. In this study, two different surfaces had their early healing properties compared in context of circumferential defects of various widths. Material and methods Six dogs had the mandibular premolars extracted. After 8weeks, four implants were placed equicrestally in each side. One acted as control, while the others were inserted into sites with circumferential defects of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0mm wide and 5mm deep. A nano-modified surface was used on one side and a micro-rough on the other. Bone markers were administered on the third day after implant placement and then after 1, 2, 4weeks to investigate the bone formation dynamic through fluorescence analysis. Ground sections were prepared from 8-week healing biopsies and histomorphometry was performed. Results The fluorescence evaluation of the early healing showed numerically better results for the nano-modified group; however this trend was not followed by the histomorphometric evaluation. A non-significant numerical superiority of the micro-rough group was observed in terms of vertical bone apposition, defect bone fill, bone-to-implant contact and bone density. In the intra-group analysis, the wider defects showed the worse results while the control sites showed the best results for the different parameters, but without statistical relevance. Conclusion Both surfaces may lead to complete fill of circumferential defects, but the gap width has to be considered as a challenge. The nano-scale modification was beneficial in the early stages of bone healing, but the micro-rough surface showed numerical better outcomes at the 8-week final period.

The effect of implant design on insertion torque and immediate micromotion

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of insertion torque on micromotion to a lateral force in three different implant designs. Material and methods: Thirty-six implants with identical thread design, but different cutting groove design were divided in three groups: (1) non-fluted (no cutting groove, solid screw-form); (2) fluted (901 cut at the apex, tap design); and (3) Blossomt (Patent pending) (non-fluted with engineered trimmed thread design). The implants were screwed into polyurethane foam blocks and the insertion torque was recorded after each turn of 901 by a digital torque gauge. Controlled lateral loads of 10N followed by increments of 5 up to 100N were sequentially applied by a digital force gauge on a titanium abutment. Statistical comparison was performed with two-way mixed model ANOVA that evaluated implant design group, linear effects of turns and displacement loads, and their interaction. Results: While insertion torque increased as a function of number of turns for each design, the slope and final values increased (Po0.001) progressively from the Blossomt to the fluted to the non-fluted design (M +/- standard deviation [SD] = 64.1 +/- 26.8, 139.4 +/- 17.2, and 205.23 +/- 24.3 Ncm, respectively). While a linear relationship between horizontal displacement and lateral force was observed for each design, the slope and maximal displacement increased (Po0.001) progressively from the Blossomt to the fluted to the non-fluted design (M +/- SD 530 +/- 57.7, 585.9 +/- 82.4, and 782.33 +/- 269.4 mm, respectively). There was negligible to moderate levels of association between insertion torque and lateral displacement in the Blossomt, fluted and non-fluted design groups, respectively. Conclusion: Insertion torque was reduced in implant macrodesigns that incorporated cutting edges, and lesser insertion torque was generally associated with decreased micromovement. However, insertion torque and micromotion were unrelated within implant designs, particularly for those designs showing the least insertion torque.

Mechanical analysis of conventional and small diameter conical implant abutments

PURPOSE. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if a smaller morse taper abutment has a negative effect on the fracture resistance of implant-abutment connections under oblique compressive loads compared to a conventional abutment MATERIALS AND METHODS. Twenty morse taper conventional abutments (4.8 mm diameter) and smaller abutments (3.8 mm diameter) were tightened (20 Ncm) to their respective implants (3.5 x 11 mm) and after a 10 minute interval, implant/abutment assemblies were subjected to static compressive test, performed in a universal test machine with 1 mm/min displacement, at 45 degrees inclination. The maximum deformation force was determined. Data were statistically analyzed by student t test. RESULTS. Maximum deformation force of 4.8 mm and 3.8 mm abutments was approximately 95.33 kgf and 95.25 kgf, respectively, but no fractures were noted after mechanical test. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the evaluated abutments were statistically similar (P=.230). CONCLUSION. Abutment measuring 3.8 mm in diameter (reduced) presented mechanical properties similar to 4.8 mm (conventional) abutments, enabling its clinical use as indicated. [J Adv Prosthodont 2012;4:158-61]

The influence of mandibular implant-retained overdentures in masticatory efficiency

Objective: To evaluate the masticatory efficiency of patients rehabilitated with conventional dentures (CDs) or implant-retained mandibular overdentures. Background: Despite the evident benefits of implants on mastication as assessed by subjective patient-based outcomes, the extent of implant overdenture treatment effect on food comminution is not well established. Materials and methods: A randomised clinical trial was carried out with 29 completely edentulous patients divided into two groups. The first group was rehabilitated with a mandibular overdenture retained by two splinted implants with bar-clip system, while the second group was rehabilitated with a mandibular CD. Both groups also were rehabilitated with maxillary CDs. Masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction were assessed 3 months after denture insertion. Masticatory efficiency was evaluated through the colorimetric method with the beads as the artificial test-food. Comparisons for masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction were performed using Student's t-test (alpha = 0.05). Results: No significant statistical difference was found for masticatory efficiency (p = 0.198). Patient overall satisfaction was significantly higher for the mandibular overdenture (p < 0.001). In addition, mandibular overdenture patients were significantly more satisfied with chewing experience (p < 0.05) and retention of the lower denture (p < 0.005). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that mandibular overdenture significantly improves chewing experience, although limited effect on masticatory efficiency has been observed.