Implant Abutment Cleaning by Plasma of Argon: 5-Year Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Influence of sterilization on the retention forces of lithium disilicate and polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network crowns bonded to titanium base abutments: An in-vitro study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sterilization on the retention forces of lithium disilicate (LD) and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) crowns bonded to titanium base (Ti-base) abutments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty LD and 40 PICN crowns were milled and then bonded to 80 Ti-bases with two resin composite cements: Multilink Hybrid Abutment (mh) and Panavia V5 (pv) for a total of 8 groups (n = 10). Half of the specimens (test) underwent an autoclaving protocol (pressure 1.1 bar, 121°C, 20.5 min) and the other half not (control). Restorations were screw-retained to implants, and retention forces (N) were measured with a pull-off testing machine. The surfaces of the Ti-bases and the crowns were inspected for the analysis of the integrity of the marginal bonding interface and failure mode. Student's t-test, chi-square test, and univariate linear regression model were performed to analyze the data (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The mean pull-off retention forces ranged from 487.7 ± 73.4 N to 742.2 ± 150.3 N. Sterilized groups showed statistically significant overall higher maximum retention forces (p < .05), except for one combination (LD + mh). Sterilization led to an increased presence of marginal gaps and deformities compared to no-sterilization (p < .001), while no statistically significant relationship was found between failure mode and sterilization (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Sterilization may have a beneficial effect on the retention forces of LD and PICN crowns bonded to titanium base abutments, although it may negatively influence the integrity of the marginal bonding interface.

Effects of abutment materials on peri-implant soft tissue health and stability: A network meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of the abutment material on peri-implant soft tissue health and stability.

STUDY SELECTION

An electronic and hand search was conducted until February 2022. Only prospective randomized trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing titanium abutments with abutments made of different materials, with a follow-up of at least 6 months, were selected by two independent reviewers. Data on marginal bone loss (MBL) and peri-implant tissue indexes, i.e., plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and recession (REC), were collected. The risk of bias for RCTs and non-RCTs was evaluated according to the tool reported in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the ROBINS-I tool, respectively. Both pairwise and network meta-analyses (NMA) were performed.

RESULTS

We included 18 relevant studies from 1,437 identified studies. Overall, 612 patients were treated, and 848 abutments were inserted. Five studies presented a low risk of bias. Pairwise meta-analysis showed that, as compared to titanium, zirconia abutments presented a significantly reduced MBL (0.20 mm, 95% Confidence Interval CI [0.14-0.26], P < 0.00001). No significant differences were found for the other outcomes. In the NMA, zirconia abutments demonstrated an 83.3% probability of achieving the highest rank in PI, an 87.0% in BOP, and a 65.0% in PD outcome, suggesting that zirconia abutments generally performed better than titanium and alumina abutments.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limits of the present study, zirconia abutments seem a viable alternative to titanium ones.

Effect of Bergenin on Human Gingival Fibroblast Response on Zirconia Implant Surfaces: An In Vitro Study

The poor quality of life associated with the loss of teeth can be improved by the placing of dental implants. However, successful implantation relies on integration with soft tissues or peri-implant inflammatory disease that can lead to the loss of the implant. Pharmacological agents, such as antibiotics and antiseptics, can be used as adjunct therapies to facilitate osseointegration; however, they can have a detrimental effect on cells, and resistance is an issue. Alternative treatments are needed. Hence, this study aimed to examine the safety profile of bergenin (at 2.5 μM and 5 μM), a traditional medicine, towards human gingival fibroblasts cultured on acid-etched zirconia implant surfaces. Cellular responses were analysed using SEM, resazurin assay, and scratch wound healing assay. Qualitative assessment was conducted for morphology (day 1) and attachment (early and delayed), and quantitative evaluation for proliferation (day 1, 3, 5 and 7), and migration (0 h, 6 h and 24 h). The concentrations of bergenin at 2.5 μM and 5 μM did not demonstrate a statistically significant effect with regard to any of the cellular responses (p > 0.05) tested. In conclusion, bergenin is non-cytotoxic and is potentially safe to be used as a local pharmacological agent for the management of peri-implant inflammatory diseases.

Microbiological cleaning and disinfection efficacy of a three-stage ultrasonic processing protocol for CAD-CAM implant abutments

PURPOSE

Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) of implant abutments has been shown to result in surface contamination from site-specific milling and fabrication processes. If not removed, these contaminants can have a potentially adverse effect and may trigger inflammatory responses of the peri-implant tissues. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bacterial disinfection and cleaning efficacy of ultrasonic reprocessing in approved disinfectants to reduce the microbial load of CAD-CAM abutments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four different types of custom implant abutments (total N = 32) with eight specimens in each test group (type I to IV) were CAD-CAM manufactured. In two separate contamination experiments, specimens were contaminated with heparinized sheep blood alone and with heparinized sheep blood and the test bacterium Enterococcus faecium. Abutments in the test group were processed according to a three-stage ultrasonic protocol and assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by determination of residual protein. Ultrasonicated specimens contaminated with sheep blood and E. faecium were additionally eluted and the dilutions were incubated on agar plates for seven days. The determined bacterial counts were expressed as colony-forming units (CFU).

RESULTS

Ultrasonic reprocessing resulted in a substantial decrease in residual bacterial protein to less than 80 µg and a reduction in microbiota of more than 7 log levels of CFU for all abutment types, exceeding the effect required for disinfection.

CONCLUSION

A three-stage ultrasonic cleaning and disinfection protocol results in effective bacterial decontamination. The procedure is reproducible and complies with the standardized reprocessing and disinfection specifications for one- or two-piece CAD-CAM implant abutments.

Electrolytic Cleaning and Regenerative Therapy of Peri-implantitis in the Esthetic Area: A Case Report

Implantology represents the gold standard in oral rehabilitation. Unfortunately, a new pathology begins to show itself to clinicians that no longer affects only and solely the supporting tissues of the tooth but also dental implants and peri-implantitis. In this study, we present a case report regarding a tissue regeneration maneuver involving dental implants. The clinical and radiographic results are encouraging, regarding the use of these techniques on implant surfaces. Surely, the advent of new biomaterials and surgical techniques will make this practice safe and predictable.

Effect Morphology and Surface Treatment of the Abutments of Dental Implants on the Dimension and Health of Peri-Implant Biological Space

Statement of the problem: The gingival configuration around implant abutments is of paramount importance for preserving the underlying marginal bone, and hence for the long-term success of dental implants. Objective: The objective was to study, clinically and histologically, the effects of the change in the morphology of abutments connected to the endosseous implant, and of their surface treatment. In particular, the objective was to ascertain the effect of changing the shape of the transepithelial pillar and the treatment of its surface on the dimensions, quality and health of the components of the peri-implant biological space, such as the dimensions of the epithelial and connective tissues of the biological space, the concentration of inflammatory cells and the density of collagen fibers. Methods: A clinical trial of 10 patients with a totally edentulous maxilla, who had four implants (IPX4010_GALIMPLANT®, Sarria, Spain) inserted in the area of the first and second molars on both sides with computer-guided implant surgery, was conducted with the final purpose of assessing the quality of the peri-implant soft tissue attachment around the transepithelial abutments which were employed (aesthetic machined (RM), aesthetic anodized (RA), slim machined (SM) and slim anodized (SA)). At 8 weeks and following the collection of the samples (removal of the implant-abutment assembly with its surrounding hard and soft tissue) and their processing for subsequent histological and histomorphometric analysis in order to study the dimensions, quality and health of the peri-implant soft tissue area, the variables previously mentioned were determined according to the aims of the study. By using appropriate diameter trephine in order to obtain a useful fringe of soft tissue around the transepithelial pillars, ANOVA and chi-square tests were performed. Results: The SPSS statistical analysis ANOVA results revealed that the machined slim abutments have a better performance considering the variables analyzed with epithelial and connective attachment heights of 1.52 mm and 2.3 mm, respectively, and that connective density (density of collagen fibers) was high at 85.7% of the sample size affected by the design for the slim abutments and 92.9% of the high-density sample size affected by the surface treatment for the machined surface. Conclusions: All variables studied, despite the small sample size, showed the superiority of the slim machined abutment among the four groups.

Inflammatory effects of individualized abutments bonded onto titanium base on peri-implant tissue health: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

In implant prosthodontics, computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) zirconia abutments bonded onto titanium bases are frequently used in prosthetic dentistry. Unpolymerized monomer of the bonding material or the adhesive gap itself may have a negative effect on peri-implant tissue health. However, evidence addressing this problem is not available.

PURPOSE

The aim of the current trial was to study inflammatory effects of individualized abutments bonded onto titanium bases.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A total of 24 patients with one test abutment and one control abutment each participated in this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial. Thereby, test abutments were CAD/CAM titanium abutments bonded onto titanium abutments (Ti-Base). As control abutments individualized, one-piece CAD/CAM titanium abutments were used. At abutment installation as well as 6 and 12 months thereafter bone level changes, clinical parameters as well as Il-1β levels were assessed.

RESULTS

Neither for bone level or clinical parameters nor for Il-1β levels, significant differences between test and control abutments could be found. However, in both groups Il-1β levels were significantly elevated at both the 6 and 12 months follow-up compared to baseline.

CONCLUSION

Within the limits of this RCT, it can be concluded that effects on the inflammatory state of peri-implant tissues do not differ between individualized abutments bonded onto Ti-Bases and individualized one-piece abutments.

The effect of implant-abutment connections on peri-implant bone levels around single implants in the aesthetic zone: A systematic review and a meta-analysis

Objective

To systematically review literature about the effect of different implant‐abutment interface designs on peri‐implant bone level changes, implant loss and mid‐buccal mucosa changes around single implants in the anterior maxilla. Reviewing three connection configurations: Platform switched conical (PS‐conical); Platform switched parallel (PS‐parallel); Platform matched parallel (PM‐parallel).

Methods

A detailed search was carried out in Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus, Open Gray and African journals Online (until December 1, 2020) and was restricted to clinical prospective studies of at least 1 year and with at least 10 human participants. A meta regression analysis was carried out primarily on the pooled peri‐implant bone level changes followed by implant loss and mid‐buccal mucosa level change. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2.0 and ROBINS‐I. The manuscript complied with the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in the PROSPERO database (ID: 225092).

Results

A total of 5513 hits gave 44 eligible articles for the analyses. Bone level change did not differ significantly between the two platform switched connections; their bone loss scores were significantly lower than PM‐connection. The PS‐conical connections have significantly lower implant losses than the PM connection. Mid‐buccal mucosa level change was comparable between the three connection configurations. Moderate to high risk of bias was detected in the included studies.

Conclusions

The performance of PS‐conical and PS‐parallel connection configurations both favored bone loss scores compared to the PM‐parallel connection configuration. All three demonstrated mid‐buccal mucosa changes that were small and did not differ significantly amongst the groups.

Culturomic and quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction analyses for early contamination of abutments with different surfaces: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Rough and/or plasma-activated abutments seem to be able to increase soft tissue adhesion and stability; however, limited evidence is available about bacterial contamination differences.

PURPOSE

The aim was to investigate the oral microbiota on four dental abutments with different surfaces by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and culturomic approach.

METHODS

Forty patients needing a single implant rehabilitation were involved in the study. Forty healing abutments, especially designed for the study, were divided into four groups according to the surface topography (1. machined [MAC], 2. machined plasma of argon treated [plasmaMAC], 3. ultrathin threaded microsurface [UTM], 4. UTM plasma of argon treated [Plasma UTM]). Random assignment was performed according to predefined randomization tables. All patients underwent surgical intervention for implant and contextual healing abutment positioning. After 2 months of healing, a sterile cotton swab was used for microbiological sampling for culturomics, while sterile paper points inserted into the sulcus were used for qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

At the end of the study, 36 patients completed all procedures and a total of 36 abutments (9 per group) were analyzed. qRT-PCR retrieved data for 23 bacterial species whereas culturomics revealed the presence of 74 different bacteria, most of them not routinely included into oral cavity microbiological kits of analysis or never found before in the oral microenvironment. No statistically significant differences emerged analyzing the four different surfaces (p = 0.053). On the contrary, higher total and specific bacterial counts were detected in the plasma-treated surfaces compared to the untreated ones (p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

Abutments with different topographies and surface treatments resulted contaminated by similar oral bacterial flora. Abutments with moderately rough surface were not associated with a greater bacterial adhesion compared to machined ones. Conversely, more bacteria were found around plasma-treated abutments. Furthermore, data reported suggested to include new species not previously sought in the routine analyses of the oral bacterial microflora.

Tissue-level versus bone-level single implants in the anterior area rehabilitated with feather-edge crowns on conical implant abutments: An up to 5-year retrospective study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Limited information is available on the differences between tissue-level implants with an ultrathin threaded microsurface conical transmucosal portion and bone-level implants rehabilitated with conical custom abutments.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the outcomes of crowns designed as per the biologically oriented preparation technique (BOPT) cemented on conical titanium abutments on tissue-level and bone-level implants.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients consecutively rehabilitated with a delayed loading protocol with anterior implant-supported single crowns with a feather-edge margin, in function for at least 4 years, were recruited and divided into 2 groups based on the implant type they had received: tissue-level implants with a conical transmucosal portion or bone-level implants rehabilitated with a conical abutment by following the platform switching concept. Bone resorption, pink esthetic score (PES), and white esthetic score (WES) were collected and analyzed. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was performed to analyze all parameters (α=.05 for all tests).

RESULTS

A total of 43 participants (48 implants) were included in the present study. The mean follow-up period was 4.5 years (range 52-64 months). A statistically significant difference (P=.004) was found in the mean ±standard deviation bone resorption between tissue-level implants (0.38 ±0.46 mm) and bone-level implants (0.83 ±0.58 mm). Higher values for both PES and WES were obtained in the tissue-level implant group.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of the present retrospective study, tissue-level implants with a conical transmucosal portion seem to provide a suitable alternative to bone-level implants in the anterior area.

Evaluating the efficiency of three methods to clean and disinfect screw- and cement-retained prostheses

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Screw- and cement-retained prostheses (SCRPs) may be contaminated during fabrication in a dental laboratory, leading to mechanical and biological complications related to the implant treatment. Studies that explored methods to efficiently and conveniently clean and disinfect SCRPs are sparse.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this clinical study was to compare the efficiency of 3 methods to remove contaminants and microorganisms present on the surface of an SCRP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty-eight 1-unit SCRPs fabricated in a dental laboratory were randomly divided into 3 groups: wiping, soaking, or ultrasonic cleaning. The presence of contaminants was determined by scanning electron microscopy, and microbial cells were cultured before and after treatment. Bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs) on the surface of the SCRPs and contamination density at the implant-abutment interface and emergence profile area were assessed. Statistical tests including ANCOVA were used to compare the efficiency of different methods before and after treatment (α=.05).

RESULTS

Significant differences in contamination density were noted during the treatment at the implant-abutment interface and at the emergence profile area in the 3 groups (P<.05), but no significant differences were observed in the number of CFUs (P>.05). There were significant differences among the 3 methods for cleaning efficiency both at the implant-abutment interface (P=.023) and the emergence profile area (P=.038). At the implant-abutment interface, the contamination density after treatment was lower in the ultrasonic cleaning group than that in the soaking group (P=.007), whereas at the emergence profile area, the contamination density after treatment was lower in the ultrasonic cleaning group than that in the wiping group (P=.019) and the soaking group (P=.048).

CONCLUSIONS

All 3 treatment methods reduced contaminants on the SCRP surface, but ultrasonic cleaning yielded the most favorable results. However, none of the methods provided additional disinfection for SCRPs previously disinfected by ozone and UV in a dental laboratory.

Qualitative and Semi-Quantitative Assessment of Processing-Related Surface Contamination of One- and Two-Piece CAD/CAM Abutments before and after Ultrasonic Cleaning

Manufacturing processes of custom implant abutments may contaminate their surfaces with micro wear deposits and generic pollutants. Such particulate debris, if not removed, might be detrimental and provoke inflammatory reactions in peri-implant tissues. Although regulatory guidelines for adequate cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization exist, there does not appear to be a consistent application and data on the amount and extent of such contaminants is lacking. The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the quality and quantity of processing-related surface contamination of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) abutments in the state of delivery and after ultrasonic cleaning. A total of 28 CAD/CAM monotype and hybrid abutments were cleaned and disinfected applying a three-stage ultrasonic protocol (Finevo protocol). Before and after cleaning, the chemical composition and the contamination of the abutments were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and computer-aided planimetric measurement (CAPM). In the delivery condition, monotype abutments showed a significantly higher amount of debris compared to hybrid abutments (4.86 ± 6.10% vs. 0.03 ± 0.03%, p < 0.001). The polishing process applied in the laboratory after bonding the hybrid abutment components reduces the surface roughness and thus contributes substantially to their purity. The extent of contamination caused by computer-aided manufacturing of custom abutments can be substantially minimized using a three-stage ultrasonic protocol.

Influence of implant mucosal thickness on early bone loss: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Purpose

Marginal bone loss (MBL) is an important clinical issue in implant therapy. One feature that has been cited as a contributing factor to this bone loss is peri-implant mucosal thickness. Therefore, in this report, we conducted a systematic review of the literature comparing bone remodeling around implants placed in areas with thick (≥2-mm) vs. thin (<2-mm) mucosa.

Methods

A PICO question was defined. Manual and electronic searches were performed of the MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane Oral Health Group databases. The inclusion criteria were prospective studies that documented soft tissue thickness with direct intraoperative measurements and that included at least 1 year of follow-up. When possible, a meta-analysis was performed for both the overall and subgroup analyses.

Results

Thirteen papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of 7 randomized clinical trials was conducted. Significantly less bone loss was found around implants with thick mucosa than around those with thin mucosa (difference, −0.53 mm; P<0.0001). Subgroups were analyzed regarding the apico-coronal positioning, the use of platform-matched vs. platform-switched (PS) connections, and the use of cement-retained vs. screw-retained prostheses. In these analyses, thick mucosa was found to be associated with significantly less MBL than thin mucosa (P<0.0001). Among non-matching (PS) connections and screw-retained prostheses, bone levels were not affected by mucosal thickness.

Conclusions

Soft tissue thickness was found to be correlated with MBL except in cases of PS connections used on implants with thin tissues and screw-retained prostheses. Mucosal thickness did not affect implant survival or the occurrence of biological or aesthetic complications.

Trial Registration

International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42018084598

Titanium abutment surface modifications and peri-implant tissue behavior: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of various titanium abutment modifications on the behaviour of peri-implant soft tissue healing, inflammation and maintenance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An electronic database research until 30 April 2019 was performed. A meta-analysis (MA) for each outcome parameter was performed by using the random-effects models with the DerSimonian-Laird estimator.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included in the present review. Four studies with a long follow-up (5-6 years) reported the outcomes in a heterogeneous way and were suitable for MA. Six studies (4 RCT, 2 CCT) including 118 patients and 182 implants dealing with a modified healing abutment surface and short follow-up were selected for MA. The MA for PI and BoP as outcome showed no significant differences between surfaces (PI: P = 0.091; BoP: P = 0.099). The MA for PD as outcome showed no significant differences between surfaces (P = 0.488). No statistical significance was found by evaluating each mixed-effects model for potential moderators (type of study, study design, number of implants, follow-up length). The other four studies with a longer follow-up (5-6 years) reported contradictory results depending on the surface treatment investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Within their limits, the present findings suggest that peri-implant soft tissue may not be affected by the surface treatment of titanium abutments on the short term. Contrasting results are reported in longer follow-up periods depending on the technique used to modify the abutment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinicians should carefully evaluate the use of a modified titanium surface in their practice. Even if no differences in terms of inflammation are present at short term, these findings need to be validated in long-term studies.

Effect of 5 Popular Disinfection Methods on Microflora of Laboratory: Customized Implant Abutments

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of 5 different decontamination methods of titanium abutments and to assess their possible effects on surface roughness of titanium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Micrococcus luteus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans were cocultured to form a multispecies biofilm on 18 titanium discs. In another group, Bacillus subtilis, a spore-forming species, was cultivated on another set of 18 titanium discs. Each group was further divided into 5 test groups: high-pressure steam cleaning (4 Mpa, 5 seconds), NaOCl (1% active chlorine, 5 minutes), H2O2 (3%, 5 minutes), GaAlAs laser (810 nm, CW, 1 W, 400-μm fiber, 1-mm distance, 1 minute), Er:YAG laser (2940 nm, pulse mode, 100 mJ, 10 Hz, 230-μm noncontact handpiece, 4-mm distance, 50/50% air/water, 1 minute), and a control group of no treatment. After each decontamination procedure, the remaining microbial load was reported as colony-forming unit/disc. To evaluate the effect of each treatment on titanium discs, surface roughness parameters including Sa, Sq, Ssk, Sku, Sal, and Sdr were measured at 6 points of each disc using an atomic force microscope.

RESULTS

Complete disinfection was achieved using high-pressure steam, NaOCl, H2O2, and Er:YAG laser. GaAlAs laser was able to reduce microbial count over 90%. Sa and Sq parameters were only increased significantly in diluted NaOCl group in comparison with control group, whereas Sdr was increased significantly in both absolute and diluted NaOCl groups.

CONCLUSION

All the methods could decontaminate machined titanium surfaces, although complete microbial elimination was not achieved by diode laser. None of the treatments altered surface roughness significantly, except for sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).

Volumetric variation of peri-implant soft tissues in convergent collar implants and crowns using the biologically oriented preparation technique (BOPT)

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the changes in the peri-implant soft tissues of convergent collar implants with biologically oriented preparation technique (BOPT) crowns, 10 months after loading.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A pilot study was carried out from January 2016 to October 2017 involving 14 patients with one or two implants in the posterior mandibular sector. A total of 32 convergent collar implants were placed using a non-submerged protocol. Three months later the provisional cemented crowns were fitted using the BOPT approach with the finish line 1-1.5 mm below the gingival margin, simulating coronal emergence of a natural tooth. The soft tissue changes were measured with an intraoral scanner at two different timepoints: a) on the day of provisionalization, before prosthetic loading; and b) 10 months later without the provisional prosthesis. The STL files were superimposed and the soft tissue changes were recorded using a color scale with measurement of the volumetric changes in mm3.

RESULTS

A mean increase in peri-implant mucosal volume of 64.7 mm3 was observed in 29 implants. The zones with the greatest increase in soft tissue volume were the papillae of implants with adjacent teeth and the peri-implant buccal margin. Three implants showed a mean decrease in soft tissue volume of -25.1 mm3.

CONCLUSIONS

The fitting and design of crowns using the biologically oriented preparation technique (BOPT) over convergent collar implants affords a significant increase in peri-implant soft tissue volume both at the level of the papillae and in the buccal margin.

How do peri-implant biologic parameters correspond with implant survival and peri-implantitis? A critical review

Objectives

The aim of this critical review was to evaluate whether commonly used biologic diagnostic parameters correspond to implant survival and peri‐implantitis prevalence.

Materials and methods

Publications from 2011 to 2017 were selected by an electronic search using the Pubmed database of the US National Library of Medicine. Prospective and retrospective studies with a mean follow‐up time of at least 5 years and reporting prevalence of peri‐implantitis as well as mean bone loss and standard deviation were selected. The correlation between reported prevalence of peri‐implantitis and reported implant survival, mean follow‐up time, mean bone loss, mean probing depth, and mean bleeding on probing was calculated. Mean bone loss and standard deviation were used for estimation of proportion of implants with bone loss exceeding 1, 2, and 3 mm.

Results

Full‐text analysis was performed for 255 papers from 4,173 available ones, and 41 met all the inclusion criteria. The overall mean weighted survival rate was 96.9% (89.9%–100%) and the reported prevalence of peri‐implantitis ranged between 0% and 39.7%, based on 15 different case definitions. The overall weighted bone loss was 1.1 mm based on 8,182 implants and an average mean loading time ranging from 5 to 20 years. No correlation was found between mean bone loss and the reported prevalence of peri‐implantitis. The estimated prevalence of implants with bone loss above 2 mm was 23%. The overall weighted mean probing depth was 3.3 mm, and mean weighted bleeding was 52.2%. Only a weak correlation was found between survival and function time (r = −0.49). There was no relation between the probing depth or bleeding and the mean bone loss, mean follow‐up time, and reported prevalence of peri‐implantitis.

Conclusion

Biologic parameters mean probing depth and mean bleeding on probing do not correlate with mean bone loss and this irrespective of follow‐up. Case definition for peri‐implantitis varied significantly between studies indicating that an unambiguous definition based on a specified threshold for bone loss is not agreed upon in the literature.

Effects of modified abutment characteristics on peri-implant soft tissue health: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of the abutment characteristics on peri‐implant tissue health and to identify the most suitable material and surface characteristics.

Methods

A protocol was developed aimed to answer the following focused question: “Which is the effect of the modification of the abutment design in regard to the maintenance of the peri‐implant soft tissue health?” Further subanalysis aimed to investigate the impact of the abutment material, macroscopic design, surface topography and surface manipulation. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a follow‐up of at least 6 months after implant loading were considered as inclusion criteria. Meta‐analyses were performed whenever possible.

Results

Nineteen final publications from thirteen investigations were included. The results from the meta‐analysis indicated that zirconia abutments (Zi) experienced less increase in BOP values over time [n = 3; WMD = −26.96; 95% CI (−45.00; −8.92); p = .003] and less plaque accumulation [n = 1; MD = −20.00; 95% CI (−41.47; 1.47); p = .068] when compared with titanium abutments (Ti). Bone loss was influenced by the method of abutment decontamination [n = 1; MD = −0.44; 95% CI (−0.65; −0.23); p < .001]. The rest of the studied outcomes did not show statistically significant differences.

Conclusions

The macroscopic design, the surface topography and the manipulation of the implant abutment did not have a significant influence on peri‐implant inflammation. In contrast, the abutment material demonstrated increased BOP values over time for Ti when compared to Zi abutments.

Surface characteristics of dental implants: A review

OBJECTIVES

During the last decades, several changes of paradigm have modified our view on how biomaterials' surface characteristics influence the bioresponse. After becoming aware of the role of a certain microroughness for improved cellular contact and osseointegration of dental titanium implants, the likewise important role of surface energy and wettability was increasingly strengthened. Very recently, synergistic effects of nanoscaled topographical features and hydrophilicity at the implant/bone interface have been reported.

METHODS

Questions arise about which surface roughness and wetting data are capable to predict the bioresponse and, ultimately, the clinical performance. Current methods and approaches applied for topographical, wetting and surface energetic analyses are highlighted. Current knowledge of possible mechanisms explaining the influence of roughness and hydrophilicity at the biological interface is presented.

RESULTS

Most marketed and experimental surfaces are based on commonly available additive or subtractive surface modifying methods such as blasting, etching or anodizing. Different height, spatial, hybrid and functional roughness parameters have been identified as possible candidates able to predict the outcome at hard and soft tissue interfaces. Likewise, hydrophilic implants have been proven to improve the initial blood contact, to support the wound healing and thereby accelerating the osseointegration.

SIGNIFICANCE

There is clear relevance for the influence of topographical and wetting characteristics on a macromolecular and cellular level at endosseous implant/biosystem interfaces. However, we are still far away from designing sophisticated implant surfaces with the best possible, selective functionality for each specific tissue or cavity interface. Firstly, because our knowledge of the respective surface related reactions is at best fragmentary. Secondly, because manufacturing of multi-scaled complex surfaces including distinct nanotopographies, wetting properties, and stable cleanliness is still a technical challenge and far away from being reproducibly transferred to implant surfaces.

Definitive Abutments Placed at Implant Insertion and Never Removed: Is It an Effective Approach? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE

To assess whether repeated abutment disconnections and reconnections have any impact on peri-implant bone resorption and soft tissue healing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic and manual searches were conducted for English-language articles published up to March 2017 that identified a relation between repeated disconnections of implant abutments (PA group) and prosthetic or implant failures, complications, marginal bone loss (MBL), soft tissue healing, and esthetic evaluation (pink esthetic score [PES]) after at least 1 year of function compared with implants receiving a final abutment at the time of implant placement (DA group).

RESULTS

Fourteen articles (535 patients with 994 implants) were selected for qualitative analysis. Six of these were included in the meta-analysis. Five prostheses failed in the PA group and 1 failed in the DA group (P = .1047). Seven biologic complications occurred in the PA group and 6 occurred in the DA group (P = .8121). MBL was significantly less in the DA group (difference, 0.279 mm; P = .000). Greater buccal recession occurred in the PA group (difference, 0.198 mm; P = .0004). The PES evaluation showed no differences between groups (P = .289).

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated abutment disconnections and reconnections considerably increased MBL and buccal recession. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.