Operant measurement of auditory threshold in prelingually deaf users of cochlear implants: II

Two experiments evaluated an operant procedure for establishing stimulus control using auditory and electrical stimuli as a baseline for measuring the electrical current threshold of electrodes implanted in the cochlea. Twenty-one prelingually deaf children, users of cochlear implants, learned a Go/No Go auditory discrimination task (i.e., pressing a button in the presence of the stimulus but not in its absence). When the simple discrimination baseline became stable, the electrical current was manipulated in descending and ascending series according to an adapted staircase method. Thresholds were determined for three electrodes, one in each location in the cochlea (basal, medial, and apical). Stimulus control was maintained within a certain range of decreasing electrical current but was eventually disrupted. Increasing the current recovered stimulus control, thus allowing the determination of a range of electrical currents that could be defined as the threshold. The present study demonstrated the feasibility of the operant procedure combined with a psychophysical method for threshold assessment, thus contributing to the routine fitting and maintenance of cochlear implants within the limitations of a hospital setting.

In vitro analysis with human bone marrow stem cells on Ti-15Mo alloy for dental and orthopedic implants application

Aim: Nowadays, research on orthopedic and dental implants is focused on titanium alloys for their mechanical properties and corrosion resistance in the human body environment. Another important aspect to be investigated is their surface topography, which is very important to osseointegration. With laser beam irradiation for roughening the implants surface an easier control of the microtopography is achieved, and surface contamination is avoided. The aim of this study was to assess human bone marrow stem cells response to a newly developed titanium alloy, Ti-15Mo, with surface topography modified by laser beam irradiation. Materials and methods: A total of 10 Ti machined disks (control), 10 Ti-15Mo machined disks and 10 Ti-15Mo disks treated by laser beam-irradiation were prepared. To study how Ti-15Mo surface topografy can induce osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells, the expression levels of bone related genes and mesenchymal stem cells marker were analyzed, using real time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: In Test 1 (comparison between Ti-15Mo machined disks and Ti-machined disks) quantitative real-time RT-PCR showed a significant induction of ALPL, FOSL1 and SPP1, which increase 20% or more. In Test 2 (comparison between Ti-15Mo laser treated disks and Ti-machined disks) all investigated genes were up-regulated. By comparing Test 1 and Test 2 it was detected that COL1A1, COL3A1, FOSL1 and ENG sensibly increased their expression whereas RUNX2, ALPL and SPP1 expression remained substantially unchanged. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that laser treated Ti-15Mo alloys are promising materials for implants application.

Cyclosporine-a and bone density around titanium implants: A histometric study in rabbits

Aim: Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunosuppressive agent commonly used to prevent organ transplantation rejection. It has been demonstrated that CsA may negatively affect osseointegration around dental implants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CsA administration on bone density around titanium dental implants. Materials and Methods: Fourteen New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups with seven animals each. The test group (CsA) received daily subcutaneous injection of CsA (10mg/kg body weight) and the control group (CTL) received saline solution by the same route of administration. Three days after the beginning of immunosuppressive therapy, one machined dental implant (7.00 mm in lenght and 3.75 mm in diameter) was inserted bilaterally at the region of the tibial methaphysis. After 4 and 8 weeks the animals were sacrificed and the histometrical procedures were performed to analyse the bone density around the first four threads of the coronal part of the implant. Results: A significant increase in the bone density was observed from the 4- to the 8 week-period in the control group (37.41% + 14.85 versus 58.23% + 16.38 - p <0.01). In contrast, bone density consistently decreased in the test group overtime (46.31% + 17.38 versus 16.28 + 5.08 - p <0.05). In the 8-week period, there was a significant difference in bone density between the control and the test groups (58.23 + 16.38 eand16.28 + 5.08 - p= 0.001). Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, long-term CsA administration may reduce bone density around titanium dental implants during the osseointegration process.

Peri-orbital bone dimensional analysis using computed tomography for placement of osseointegrated implants

Craniofacial osseointegrated implants enabled producing implant-retained facial prosthesis, namely the orbital prosthesis. Aim: To evaluate the length and width of the bone structure of the peri-orbital region and to present the method validation. Methods: Computed tomography scans of 30 dry human skulls were obtained in order to register linear length and width measurements of the periorbital region. Two examiners made the measurements twice with intervals of at least 7 days between them. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the paired Student's t-test was used as inferential technique (SAS, α =0.05). Results: In most cases, the intra- and inter-examiner variations were not significant (p>0.05). Therefore, the method proposed was considered as precise and valid for the measurement of the peri-orbital region. The measured points correspond to the hours of a clock. The major lengths were observed at 1 h (18.32 mm) for the left peri-orbital bone and at 11h (19.28 mm) for the right peri-orbital bone, followed by the points situated at 2h (13.05 mm) and 12h (11.37 mm) for the left side and at 10 h (12.34 mm) and 12 h (11.56 mm) for the right side. It was verified that the three points with lowest values followed the same anatomical sequence in the supraorbital rim for the right and left orbits, showing compatibility with the insertion of the intraoral osseointegrated implants. The medial wall of both orbits did not present sufficient length to allow the insertion of intraoral or craniofacial implants. Conclusions: The largest width points were observed in the supraorbital rim and in the infralateral region of both orbits and those of smallest width were found in the supralateral region of both orbits.

Biocompatibility analysis of Bioglass® 45S5 and Biosilicate® implants in the rabbit eviscerated socket

Purpose: Bioactive glass and bioactive glass-ceramic cone implants were placed in the rabbit eviscerated socket to assess their biocompatibility. Methods: Fifty-one Norfolk albino rabbits underwent evisceration of the right eye followed by implantation of cones made from Bioglass® 45S5 (control group) and two types of bioactive glass-ceramic (Biosilicate®), a single- and a two-phase bioactive glass-ceramic implants into the scleral cavity. Postoperative reactions, animal behavior and socket conditions were monitored daily. Clinical exam, biochemical evaluations, and orbit computed tomographic scan were done at 7, 90, and 180 days post-procedure. After that, the animals were euthanized, and the orbital content was removed and prepared to light microscopy with morphometric evaluation and scanning electron microscopy examination. Statistical analysis was done by parametric and non-parametric analysis of variance, complemented by Dunn's and Tukey's tests (p<0.05). Results: All animals did not develop systemic toxicity throughout the experimental period and also did not have orbit infection, implant migration or extrusion. Morphological analysis demonstrated pseudocapsule around all implants. Bioglass® and single-phase Biosilicate® implants induced less inflammation and pseudocapsule formation than two-phase Biosilicate® cones. Seven days post-procedure, the inflammatory reaction was intense and gradually decreased throughout the experiment. Tissue reaction was least intense in animals receiving Bioglass® implants. Conclusions: We observe discrete differences among the studied materials, with best responses obtained with use of Bioglass® 45S5 and single-phase Biosilicate®. The authors agree these implants might be useful in the management of the anophthalmic socket. © 2012 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.

Prosthetic approaches for immediate implants in esthetic areas: Aliterature review and clinical cases

The placement of implants in fresh extraction sockets followed for provisionalization allows soft tissues preservation and alveolar ridge, however for this some requisites are necessary. This article describe the factors involved in immediate implants and the prosthetic approachs for this type of therapy. Addtionaly two clinicals case were presented showing diferents approachs for in prosthetic stage for maintenance the aesthetic aperance of soft tissues of the immediate implants.

Osseointegration of implants with dendrimers surface characteristics installed conventionally or with Piezosurgery®. A comparative study in the dog

Aim: The first aim of the present experiment was to compare bone healing at implants installed in recipient sites prepared with conventional drills or a piezoelectric device. The second aim was to compare implant osseointegration onto surfaces with and without dendrimers coatings. Material and Methods: Six Beagles dogs were used in this study. Five implants with two different surfaces, three with a ZirTi® surface (zirconia sand blasted, acid etched), and two with a ZirTi®-modified surface with dendrimers of phosphoserine and polylysine were installed in the right side of the mandible. In the most anterior region (P2, P3), two recipient sites were prepared with drills, and one implant ZirTi® surface and one coated with dendrimers implants were installed at random. In the posterior region (P4 and M1), three recipient sites were randomly prepared: two sites with a Piezosurgery® instrument and one site with drill and two ZirTi® surface and one coated with dendrimers implants installed. Three months after the surgery, the animals were sacrificed for histological analysis. Results: No complications occurred during the healing period. Three implants were found not integrated and were excluded from analysis. However, n = 6 was obtained. The distance IS-B at the buccal aspect was 2.2 ± 0.8 and 1.8 ± 0.5 mm, while IS-C was 1.5 ± 0.9 and 1.4 ± 0.6 mm at the Piezosurgery® and drill groups, respectively. Similar values were obtained between the dendrimers-coated and ZirTi® surface implants. The BIC% values were higher at the drill (72%) compared to the Piezosurgery® (67%) sites. The BIC% were also found to be higher at the ZirTi® (74%) compared to the dendrimers-coated (65%) implants, the difference being statistically significant. Conclusion: This study has revealed that oral implants may osseointegrate equally well irrespective of whether their bed was prepared utilizing conventional drills with abundant cooling or Piezosurgery®. Moreover, the surface coating of implants with dendrimers phosphoserine and polylysine did not improve osseointegration. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Osseointegration assessment of chairside argon-based nonthermal plasma-treated Ca-P coated dental implants

This study investigated the effect of an Argon-based nonthermal plasma (NTP) surface treatment-operated chairside at atmospheric pressure conditions applied immediately prior to dental implant placement in a canine model. Surfaces investigated comprised: Calcium-Phosphate (CaP) and CaP + NTP (CaP-Plasma). Surface energy was characterized by the Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaelble method and chemistry by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Six adult beagles dogs received 2 plateau-root form implants (n = 1 each surface) in each radii, providing implants that remained 1 and 3 weeks in vivo. Histometric parameters assessed were bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO). Statistical analysis was performed by Kruskall-Wallis (95% level of significance) and Dunn's post-hoc test. The XPS analysis showed peaks of Ca, C, O, and P for the CaP and CaP-Plasma surfaces. Both surfaces presented carbon primarily as hydro-carbon (CAC, CAH) with lower levels of oxidized carbon forms. The CaP surface presented atomic percent values of 38, 42, 11, and 7 for C, O, Ca, and P, respectively, and the CaPPlasma presented increases in O, Ca, and P atomic percent levels at 53, 12, and 13, respectively, in addition to a decrease in C content at 18 atomic percent. At 1 week no difference was found in histometric parameters between groups. At 3 weeks significantly higher BIC and BAFO were observed for CaPPlasma treated surfaces. Surface elemental chemistry was modified by the Ar-based NTP. Ar-based NTP improved bone formation around plateau-root form implants at 3 weeks compared with CaP treatment alone. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparative in vivo study of commercially pure Ti implants with surfaces modified by laser with and without silicate deposition: Biomechanical and scanning electron microscopy analysis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate commercially pure titanium implant surfaces modified by laser beam (LS) and LS associated with sodium silicate (SS) deposition, and compare them with machined surface (MS) and dual acid-etching surfaces (AS) modified. Topographic characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy-X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and by mean roughness measurement before surgery. Thirty rabbits received 60 implants in their right and left tibias. One implant of each surface in each tibia. The implants were removed by reverse torque for vivo biomechanical analysis at 30, 60, and 90 days postoperative. In addition, the surface of the implants removed at 30 days postoperative was analyzed by SEM-EDX. The topographic characterization showed differences between the analyzed surfaces, and the mean roughness values of LS and SS were statistically higher than AS and MS. At 30 days, values removal torque LS and SS groups showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared with MS and AS. At 60 days, groups LS and SS showed statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared with MS. At 90 days, only group SS presented statistically higher (p < 0.05) in comparison with MS. The authors can conclude that physical chemistry properties and topographical of LS and SS implants increases bone-implant interaction and provides higher degree of osseointegration when compared with MS and AS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Biomechanical effect of one session of low-level laser on the bone-titanium implant interface

Low-level laser (LLL) has been used on peri-implant tissues for accelerating bone formation. However, the effect of one session of LLL in the strength of bone-implant interface during early healing process remains unclear. The present study aims to evaluate the removal torque of titanium implants irradiated with LLL during surgical preparation of implant bed, in comparison to non-irradiation. Sixty-four Wistar rats were used. Half of the animals were included in LLL group, while the other half remained as control. All animals had the tibia prepared with a 2 mm drill, and a titanium implant (2.2 × 4 mm) was inserted. Animals from LLL group were irradiated with laser (gallium aluminum arsenide), with a wavelength of 808 nm, a measured power output of 50 mW, to emit radiation in collimated beams (0.4 cm2), for 1 min and 23 s, and an energy density of 11 J/cm2. Two applications (22 J/cm 2) were performed immediately after bed preparation for implant installation. Flaps were sutured, and animals from both groups were sacrificed 7, 15, 30, and 45 days after implant installation, when load necessary for removing implant from bone was evaluated by using a torquimeter. In both groups, torque values tended to increase overtime; and at 30 and 45 days periods, values were statistically higher for LLL group in comparison to control (ANOVA test, p < 0.0001). Thus, it could be suggested that a single session of irradiation with LLL was beneficial to improve bone-implant interface strength, contributing to the osseointegration process. © 2012 Springer-Verlag London Ltd.

Alveolar bony crest preservation at implants installed immediately after tooth extraction: An experimental study in the dog

Aim: To evaluate the influence of deproteinized bovine bone mineral in conjunction with a collagen membrane, at implants installed into sockets in a lingual position immediately after tooth extraction, and presenting initial horizontal residual buccal defects <2 mm. Material and methods: The pulp tissue of the mesial roots of 4P4 was removed in six Labrador dogs, and the root canals were filled with gutta-percha and cement. Flaps were elevated, and the buccal and lingual alveolar bony plates were exposed. The premolars were hemi-sectioned, and the distal roots were removed. Implants were installed in a lingual position and with the margin flush with the buccal bony crest. After installation, defects resulted at about 1.7 mm in width at the buccal aspects, both at the test and control sites. Only in the left site (test), deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particles were placed into the defect concomitantly with the placement of a collagen membrane. A non-submerged healing was allowed. Results: After 3 months of healing, one implant was found not integrated and was excluded from the analysis together with the contralateral control implant. All remaining implants were integrated into mature bone. The bony crest was located at the same level of the implant shoulder, both at the test and control sites. At the buccal aspect, the most coronal bone-to-implant contact was located at a similar distance from the implant margin at the test (1.7 ± 1.0 mm) and control (1.6 ± 0.8 mm) sites, respectively. Only small residual DBBM particles were found at the test sites. Conclusion: The placement of an implant in a lingual position into a socket immediately after tooth extraction may favor a low exposure of the buccal implant surface. The use of DBBM particles, concomitantly with a collagen membrane, did not additionally improve the outcome obtained at the control sites. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Connective tissue grafts in conjunction with implants installed immediately into extraction sockets. An experimental study in dogs

Aim: To evaluate the influence of a sub-epithelial connective tissue graft placed at the buccal aspect of implants installed immediately after tooth extraction on the dimensional changes of hard and soft tissues. Materials and Methods: In six Labrador dogs a bilateral partial- thickness dissection was made buccal to the second mandibular premolar. At the lingual aspect, full-thickness flaps were elevated. The teeth were extracted and implants installed immediately into the distal socket. A connective tissue graft was obtained from the palate and applied to the buccal aspect of the test sites, whereas contra-laterally, no graft was applied. The flaps were sutured to allow a non-submerged installation. After 4 months of healing, the animals were sacrificed, ground sections were obtained and histomorphometric analyses were performed. Results: After 4 months of healing, all implants were integrated (n = 6). Both at the test and at the control sites bone resorption occurred: 1.6 mm and 2.1 mm, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. The coronal aspect of the peri-implant soft tissue was wider and located more coronally at the test compared with the control sites. The differences were statistically significant. Conclusions: The application of a connective tissue graft placed at the buccal aspect of the bony wall at implants installed immediately after tooth extraction yielded a minimal preservation of the hard tissues. The peri-implant mucosa, however, was significantly thicker and more coronally positioned at the test compared with the control sites. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Healing outcomes at implants installed in sites augmented with particulate autologous bone and xenografts. An experimental study in dogs

Aim: To evaluate the integration of implants installed at the interface of pristine and grafted tissue augmented with particulate autologous bone or deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM), concomitantly with a collagen membrane. Material and methods: In 6 Labrador dogs, the distal root of 3P3 and 4P4 was endodontically treated and hemi-sected, and the mesial roots extracted concomitantly with the extraction of 2P2. The buccal bony walls were removed, and two box-shaped defects, one larger and one smaller, were created. After 3 months, flaps were elevated, and the defects were filled with particulate autologous bone or DBBM in the right and left side of the mandible, respectively. Collagen membranes were used to cover the grafted areas. Three months later, flaps were elevated, and a customized device was used as surgical guide to prepare the recipient sites at the interface between grafts and pristine bone. One implant was installed in each of the four defects. After 3 months, biopsies were harvested and ground sections prepared for histological evaluation. Results: The augmentation technique was effective at all sites and all the foreseen implants were installed. In the histological analysis, all implants were integrated in mature bone, at both the buccal and lingual aspects. The most coronal bone-to-implant contact and the top of the buccal bony crest were located at a similar distance between test and control implants. However, these distances were higher at the larger compared with the smaller defects. Especially in the large defect, residual particles of DBBM were found embedded into connective tissue and located outside the bony crest. Conclusions: Particulate autologous bone as well as DBBM particles used to augment horizontally the alveolar bony process allowed for the osseointegration of implants installed after 3 months of healing. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Bone-healing pattern at the surface of titanium implants: An experimental study in the dog

Objective: To study the early sequential stages of osseointegration at implants installed in alveolar bony. Materials and methods: In 12 Labrador dogs, all mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted bilaterally. After 3 months of healing, full-thickness flaps were elevated in the edentulous region of the right side of the mandible. Implants were installed, and the flaps were sutured to allow a fully submerged healing. The timing of the installations in the left side of the mandible and of sacrifices were performed with a schedule that various observation periods to sacrifice from 5, 10, 20, and 30 days were available so that n = 6 was obtained per each healing period. Ground sections were prepared and analyzed. Results: Newly formed bone in contact with the implant surface was found after 10 days of healing and the percentage increased up to 50% after 1 month of healing. A higher percentage was found in the trabecular compared with the cortical bony compartment. Old bone decreased by about 50% during healing, being still present after 1 month (16%). The proportions of bone debris and bone particles were at 27% after 5 days and decreased during healing to 6% after 1 month. Conclusion: Osseointegration (new bone-to-implant contact) developed at various rates for cortical and trabecular compartments, respectively. In the trabecular region, mesenchymal cells were identified, subsequently developing into new bone in contact with the implant surface. In the cortical compartment, however, resorptive processes were observed throughout all periods of healing. The proportion of newly formed bone percentage was lower compared with that of the trabecular area. Old bone was still present after 1 month of healing in both compartments. Bone debris and small bone particles appeared to be involved in initial bone formation. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Bone healing around titanium implants in two rat colitis models

Objective: Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory process that has recently been associated with a higher risk of early implant failure. Herein we provide information on the impact of colitis on peri-implant bone formation using preclinical models of chemically induced colitis. Methods: Colitis was induced by intrarectal instillation of 2,4,6-trinitro-benzene-sulfonic-acid (TNBS). Colitis was also induced by feeding rats dextran-sodium-sulfate (DSS) in drinking water. One week after disease induction, titanium miniscrews were inserted into the tibia. Four weeks after implantation, peri-implant bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV) and bone-to-implant contacts (BIC) were determined by histomorphometric analysis. Results: Cortical histomorphometric parameters were similar in the control (n = 10), DSS (n = 10) and TNBS (n = 8) groups. Cortical BV/TV was 92.2 ± 3.7%, 92.0 ± 3.0% and 92.6 ± 2.7%. Cortical BIC was 81.3 ± 8.8%, 83.2 ± 8.4% and 84.0 ± 7.0%, respectively. No significant differences were observed when comparing the medullary BV/TV and BIC (19.5 ± 6.4%, 16.2 ± 5.6% and 15.4 ± 9.0%) and (48.8 ± 12.9%, 49.2 ± 6.2 and 41.9 ± 11.7%), respectively. Successful induction of colitis was confirmed by loss of body weight and colon morphology. Conclusions: The results suggest bone regeneration around implants is not impaired in chemically induced colitis models. Considering that Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract including the mouth, our model only partially reflects the clinical situation. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.