Prevalence of peri‐implant diseases among an Italian population of patients with metabolic syndrome: A cross‐sectional study

Peri-implant diseases and systemic inflammation: A preliminary analysis from a cross-sectional survey of patients with hypertension

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between peri-implant diseases and systemic inflammation assessed by serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in a sample of patients with hypertension.

METHODS

A total of 151 participants with hypertension were included in a cross-sectional study. The population was divided into six groups according to their peri-implant and periodontal status (healthy controls, mucositis, peri-implantitis, periodontitis, periodontitis and mucositis, periodontitis, and peri-implantitis). Linear, logistic regression, and correlation analyses were performed.

RESULTS

CRP levels were statistically significantly higher in participants with periodontitis alone (median 3.2 mg/L, interquartile range [IQR] 1.8, p = 0.012), combined with mucositis (3.10 mg/L, IQR 2.35, p < 0.001) or peri-implantitis (2.7 mg/L, IQR 2.53, p = 0.002) when compared to the healthy controls (1 mg/L, IQR 1.2). This association was independent of age, sex, smoking status, and adiposity differences. Participants with periodontitis with and without peri-implant diseases had the greatest odds of exhibiting CRP > 3 mg/L (odds ratio = 7.3, 95% confidence interval 1.6-33.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Peri-implant diseases are associated with systemic inflammation, but the nature of the association should be further investigated.

Current scientific evidence for why periodontitis should be included in diabetes management

This Perspective provides a brief summary of the scientific evidence for the two-way links between periodontal diseases and hyperglycemia (diabetes mellitus [DM] and pre-DM). It delivers in a nutshell current scientific evidence for manifestations of hyperglycemia on periodontal health status and effects of periodontal diseases on blood glucose levels and in turn incidence, progression, and complications of diabetes. Of outmost importance is presentation of scientific evidence for the potential of routine periodontal treatment to lower blood glucose levels, providing a novel, economical tool in DM management. Non-surgical periodontal treatment ("deep cleaning") can be provided by dental hygienists or dentists in general dental offices, although severe cases should be referred to specialists. Such therapy can decrease the costs of DM care and other health care costs for people with DM. The great importance of a healthy oral cavity free of infection and subsequent inflammation - especially periodontitis that if untreated will cause loosening and eventually loss of affected teeth - has largely gone unnoticed by the medical community as the health care curricula are largely void of content regarding the bi-directional links between oral health and systemic health, despite elevation of blood glucose levels being an integral part of the general systemic inflammation response. The importance of keeping disease-free, natural teeth for proper biting and chewing, smiling, self-esteem, and pain avoidance cannot be overestimated. Medical and dental professionals are strongly encouraged to collaborate in patient-centered care for their mutual patients with - or at risk for - hyperglycemia.

Impact of local predisposing/precipitating factors and systemic drivers on peri‐implant diseases

BACKGROUND

Strong evidence suggests the infectious nature of peri-implant diseases occurring in susceptible hosts. Epidemiological reports, though, indicate that peri-implantitis is a site-specific entity. Hence, the significance of local factors that may predispose/precipitate plaque accumulation and the impact of systemic drivers that alter the immune response are relevant in the prevention and management of peri-implant disorders.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present review is to shed light on the significance of local and systemic factors on peri-implant diseases, making special emphasis on the associations with peri-implantitis.

METHODS

The biologic plausibility and supporting evidence aiming at providing a concluding remark were explored in the recent scientific literature for local predisposing/precipitating factors and systemic drivers related to peri-implant diseases.

RESULTS

Local predisposing factors such as soft tissue characteristics, implant position and prosthetic design proved being strongly associated with the occurrence of peri-implant diseases. Hard tissue characteristics, however, failed to demonstrate having a direct association with peri-implant diseases. Robust data points toward the strong link between residual sub-mucosal cement and peri-implant diseases, while limited data suggests the impact of residual sub-mucosal floss and peri-implantitis. Systemic drivers/habits such as hyperglycemia and smoking showed a strong negative impact on peri-implantitis. However, there is insufficient evidence to claim for any link between metabolic syndrome, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and obesity and peri-implant diseases.

CONCLUSION

Local predisposing/precipitating factors and systemic drivers may increase the risk of peri-implant diseases. Therefore, comprehensive anamnesis of the patients, educational/motivational programs and exhaustive prosthetically-driven treatment planning must be fostered aiming at reducing the rate of biological complications in implant dentistry.

Accuracy of DICOM-DICOM vs. DICOM-STL Protocols in Computer-Guided Surgery: A Human Clinical Study

Guided implant surgery can enhance implant placement positioning, increasing predictability and decreasing postoperative complications., To date, the best protocol to be used for template realization is still unknown. Thus, the aim herein was to clinically compare the accuracy of two different protocols. A total of 48 implants were divided into Group A (24 implants), in which a stereolithographic template was realized using the digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) data arrived from cone beam computer tomographies (CBCTs) (patients and prothesis alone), and Group B (24 implant), in which a standard intraoral stent with a standardized extraoral support was used for patients’ intraoral impressions and CBCT. The preimplant virtual planning and postsurgery CBCT images of both groups were superimposed, and differences were registered in terms of average deviations at the platform (a) and implant apex (b), mean depth change (c), and angular deviation (d). The results demonstrated that there were no statistically significant differences between groups (p = 0.76) for the parameters measured. However, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between maxillary and mandible implant surgery, as the latter showed greater accuracy. Additional studies are necessary to further reduce discrepancies between planning and surgical procedures.

Association between cumulative smoking exposure, span since smoking cessation, and peri-implantitis: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association of cumulative smoking exposure and span since smoking cessation with the occurrence of peri-implantitis.

METHODS

A sample of 350 individuals aged ≥ 35 years, with the presence of at least one osseointegrated implant functioning for > 5 years, were enrolled in the study. According to smoking habits, participants were categorized into 3 groups: non-smokers (NS; n = 212), former smokers (FC; n = 66), and current smokers (CS; n = 72). Complete peri-implant and periodontal examinations were evaluated. Associations between the occurrence of peri-implantitis and smoking habits, as well as potential confounders, were evaluated through univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The occurrence of peri-implantitis in the NS, FS, and CS groups was 18.2%, 19.7%, and 30.5%, respectively. A high prevalence of the overall number of cases with periodontitis (54.2%) was observed in the CS group when compared to the FS and NS groups. After adjusting for confounders, the odds ratio (OR) for the occurrence of peri-implantitis was 2.63 (1.39-6.77; p < 0.001) for CS compared to NS. There was a significant dose-response relationship between pack/year of smoking and the occurrence of peri-implantitis, as well as a significant decrease in the risk as the years of smoking cessation increased.

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of peri-implantitis among CS was high. The cumulative smoking exposure in an incremental manner and the shorter smoking cessation span was directly associated with a higher risk for peri-implantitis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Educational and preventive strategies in general health services must attempt to reduce the adverse effects of cumulative smoking exposure and to explore the beneficial effects of smoking cessation on peri-implant status.

Reversal of Osseointegration as a Novel Perspective for the Removal of Failed Dental Implants: A Review of Five Patented Methods

Osseointegration is the basis of successful dental implantology and the foundation of cementless arthroplasty and the osseointegrated percutaneous prosthetic system. Osseointegration has been considered irreversible thus far. However, controlled heating or cooling of dental implants could selectively damage the bone at the bone–implant interface, causing the reversal of osseointegration or “osseodisintegration”. This review compares five methods for implant removal, published as patent documents between 2010 and 2018, which have not yet been discussed in the scientific literature. We describe these methods and evaluate their potential for reversing osseointegration. The five methods have several technical and methodological similarities: all methods include a handpiece, a connecting device for coronal access, and a controlling device, as well as the application of mechanical and/or thermal energy. The proposed method of quantifying the temperature with a sensor as the sole means for regulating the process seems inadequate. A database used in one of the methods, however, allows a more precise correlation between a selected implant and the energy needed for its removal, thus avoiding unnecessary trauma to the patient. A flapless, microinvasive, and bone-conserving approach for removing failed dental implants, facilitating successful reimplantation, would benefit dental implantology. These methods could be adapted to cementless medical implants and osseointegrated percutaneous prosthetics. However, for some of the methods discussed herein, further research may be necessary.

Association between liver cirrhosis and peri-implant diseases: a case-control study on implant- and patient-related risk factors

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential association between liver cirrhosis and peri-implant diseases, as well as the influence of different risk indicators on this association.

METHODS

This case-control study included 64 cases with liver cirrhosis and 128 controls without liver diseases that presented the same socio-demographic and economic profile. The specific inclusion criteria were the following: aged group of 35-55 years and presenting at least one osseointegrated implant functioning for >5 years. A full-mouth peri-implant and periodontal examination was performed and risk variables were recorded. The association between risk variables and the occurrence of peri-implant diseases was tested through univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression, stratified by alcohol status. Additionally, a mediation analysis was performed to examine the mediating effect of age with peri-implantitis.

RESULTS

A high prevalence of peri-implantitis (29.7%) was observed among cases when compared to controls (18.0%). Individuals with cirrhosis presented ~2.5 higher chance of having peri-implantitis than controls (p<0.001). Significant variables associated with the occurrence of peri-implantitis in the final logistic model were the following: cirrhosis, alcohol use, age (>55 years), male sex, smoking, periodontitis, and number of ≤14.

CONCLUSIONS

An important risk association between liver cirrhosis and peri-implantitis was reported. Future studies with a larger sample size controlling for the patient- and implant-related confounders are needed to better understand the link between peri-implantitis and liver cirrhosis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Cirrhosis individuals, age, and periodontitis, as well as alcohol use and smoking interaction, should be considered as potential risk indicators for peri-implantitis.

Microbiological Profiles of Dental Implants in Metabolic Syndrome Patients: A Case-Control Study

There is a lack of knowledge on the possible influence of systemic conditions on peri-implantitis. The aim of this case-control study is to evaluate the difference in terms of oral pathogens' concentrations in the peri-implant sulcus of a group of patients affected by metabolic syndrome (Mets) compared to healthy subjects. For each patient, peri-implant sulcular biofilm samples were obtained by inserting two sterile endodontic paper points in the deepest aspect of the peri-implant sulcus for 30 s. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate total bacterial counts of six pathogens. Patients were screened for peri-implant diseases and clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded. A total of 50 patients was enrolled in the study, 25 affected by Mets and 25 healthy. Significantly higher bacterial counts were discovered for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (p = 0.0008), Prevotella intermedia (p = 0.0477) and Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.034) in MetS patients compared to healthy subjects. Performing a sub-group analysis, considering peri-implant status and dividing patients by MetS diagnosis, no statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences were found. For the first time, a correlation between MetS presence and a greater prevalence of some bacterial species in the peri-implant sulcus was reported, irrespectively from peri-implant status (health vs. disease).

Clinical and volumetric analysis of peri-implant soft tissue augmentation using an acellular dermal matrix: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The role of keratinized mucosa in promoting peri-implant health is controversial, however recent evidence support the use of soft tissue augmentation procedures around dental implants. Soft tissue substitutes have been proposed to replace autogenous connective tissue grafts, therefore the aims of this study are to report clinical and volumetric three-dimensional changes in mucosal thickness (MT) 1 year after treatment with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM).

METHODS

Soft tissue augmentation was performed at second-stage surgery in the premolar maxillary area with an ADM. MT was assessed prior to implant placement and 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Digital linear and volumetric measurements were recorded at baseline and after 1 and 12 months. Furthermore, clinical parameters (Probing Pocket Depths, Bleeding On Probing, Plaque Index) and marginal bone loss were also recorded. Esthetic outcomes of treatment were evaluated objectively using the Pink Esthetic Score and through patient reported outcomes.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Post-hoc analysis of the assessments with Tukey's honestly significant difference adjustment revealed that the MT had increased significantly from baseline to 1 month (P < 0.001), 6 months (P < 0.001) and 12 months (P < 0.001), and remained stable between 6 months and 12 months (P > 0.05). Based on the volumetric evaluation, a shrinkage of 23.31% occurred from 1 month to 12 months (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant increase in MT was reported after 1 year, with a mean gain of 1.25 mm. Soft tissues were stable, with no statistically significant differences between 6 months and 1 year.

Clinical, histological, and nanomechanical parameters of implants placed in healthy and metabolically compromised patients

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical outcomes, histological parameters, and bone nanomechanical properties around implants retrieved from healthy and metabolic syndrome (MS) patients.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with edentulous mandibles (12/condition), received four implants between the mental foramina. An additional implant prototype was placed for retrieval histology. The following clinical outcomes were evaluated: insertion torque (IT), implant stability quotient (ISQ) values at baseline and after 60 days of healing, and implant survival. The prototype was retrieved after the healing and histologically processed for bone morphometric evaluation of bone-to-implant contact (%BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (%BAFO), and bone nanoindentation to determine the elastic modulus (Em) and hardness (H). Descriptive statistical procedures and survival tests were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The final study population was comprised of 10 women and 11 men (∼64 years). A total of 105 implants were placed, 21 retrieved for histology. Implant survival rates were similar between groups (>99 %). Similarly, IT and ISQ analyses showed no significant association with systemic condition (p > 0.216). Histological micrographs depicted similar bone morphology, woven bone, for both conditions. While MS (33 ± 5.3 %) and healthy (39 ± 6.5 %) individuals showed no significant difference for %BIC (p = 0.116), significantly higher %BAFO was observed for healthy (45 ± 4.6 %) relative to MS (30 ± 3.8 %) (p < 0.001). No significant differences on bone nanomechanical properties was observed (p > 0.804).

CONCLUSIONS

Although no significant influence on clinical parameters and bone nanomechanical properties was observed, MS significantly reduced bone formation in the peri-implant area in the short-term.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

A lower amount of bone formation in the peri-implant area was observed in comparison to healthy patients, although the other short-term clinical outcomes were not significantly different. Considering the escalating prevalence of MS patients in need for implant treatment, it becomes crucial to understand bone-to-implant response to determine the ideal loading time in this population.

Salivary Levels of Titanium, Nickel, Vanadium, and Arsenic in Patients Treated with Dental Implants: A Case-Control Study

Background: Recent articles have hypothesized a possible correlation between dental implants dissolution products and peri-implantitis. The null hypothesis tested in this case-control study was that there would be no differences in salivary concentrations of titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), nickel (Ni) and arsenic (As) ions among patients with dental implants, healthy (Group A) or affected by peri-implantitis (Group B), compared to subjects without implants and/or metallic prosthetic restorations (Group C). Methods: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to analyze saliva samples. One-way repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to identify statistically significant differences in the salivary level of Ti, V, Ni and As between the three groups. Results: A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study (42 males and 58 females), distributed in three groups: 50 patients in Group C, 26 patients in Group B and 24 patients Group B. In our study, concentrations of metallic ions were higher in Group A and B, compared to the control group, with the exception of vanadium. However, there were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) for metallic ions concentrations between Group A and Group B. Conclusions: Based on our results, there are no differences in titanium or other metals concentrations in saliva of patients with healthy or diseased implants.