Comparative evaluation of implant stability in two different implant systems at baseline and 3-4 months intervals using RFA device (OSSTELL ISQ)

Comparative Evaluation of Two Implant Designs Based on Bone Loss and Stability with Early Loading Method

The study evaluated the implant bone loss and stability of implant changes with diverse designs with early placement at eight weeks and eight months' time. The subjects for the current study had partial tooth loss in the posterior mandibular arch. A total of 30 samples were split into two groups of 15, one with a flared crest module and a buttress thread design, the other with a parallel crest module and a V-shaped thread design. Ostell assessed each subject's implant stability four times, at baseline, eight weeks, four months, and eight months. At intervals of eight weeks, four months, and eight months, intraoral periapical radiographs were examined using ImageJ software to measure crestal bone loss. When Group I and Group II's implant stability quotient (ISQ) values at baseline, eight weeks, four months, and eight months were compared; Group I's ISQ values at each of the four measured time periods were statistically significant. At eight weeks in Group I, the ISQ value was very considerable. At eight weeks, four months, and eight months, there was a statistically significant bone loss in Group II in comparison to Group I. At eight months, Group II's bone loss value was very considerable. In contrast to Group II implant designs, it was found that Group I implants demonstrated enhanced implant-less bone loss and stability.

Effect of repeated use of an implant handpiece on an output torque: An in-vitro study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of repeated use of an implant handpiece under an implant placement torque (35 Ncm) and overloading torque condition (50 Ncm) on an output torque.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two types of implant handpiece systems (Surgicpro/X-DSG20L [NSK, Kanuma, Japan] and SIP20/CRB46LN [SAESHIN, Daegu, South Korea]) were used. The output torque was measured using a digital torque gauge. The height and angle (x, y, and z axes) of the digital torque gauge and implant handpiece were adjusted through a jig for passive connection. The experiment was conducted under the setting torque value of 35 Ncm (implant placement torque) and 50 Ncm (overloading torque condition) and 30 times per set; a total of 5 sets were performed (N = 150). For statistical analysis, the difference between the groups was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Friedman test was used to confirm the change in output torque (α=.05).

RESULTS

NSK and SAESHIN implant handpieces showed significant differences in output torque results at the setting torques of 35 Ncm and 50 Ncm (P<.001). The type of implant handpiece and repeated use influenced the output torque (P<.001).

CONCLUSION

There may be a difference between the setting torque and actual output torque due to repeated use, and the implant handpiece should be managed and repaired during long-term use. In addition, for successful implant results in dental clinics, the output torque of the implant handpiece system should be checked before implant placement.

Prospective, Clinical Pilot Study with Eleven 4-Mm Extra-Short Implants Splinted to Longer Implants for Posterior Maxilla Rehabilitation

In many clinical situations, rehabilitation with implants in the posterior maxillary region is complicated by limited bone availability. In this context, the use of 4 mm long implants (known as extra-short implants) may be used thanks to the concept of osseointegration enhancement. It has been demonstrated that short implants offer an alternative to the regeneration procedures involved in placing longer implants in areas where bone height is compromised. This prospective pilot study tested a treatment protocol in which 11 extra-short (4 mm) implants were splinted to 11 mesially placed longer (8 mm) implants in the posterior maxillary regions of partially edentulous patients, without using supplementary bone regeneration procedures. Eleven patients were included in this single cohort study. The clinical performance of the extra-short implants was assessed during a two-year follow-up period, obtaining a 100% survival rate and mean bone loss of 0.3 mm. Implant stability measured by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at the time of placement was 54.9 ± 4.9, increasing to 77.0 ± 2.6 at 24 months. The study demonstrated the gradual consolidation of osseointegration in bone of less-than-ideal quality in the posterior maxillary region. The results obtained show that a partially edentulous maxilla with reduced bone height may be rehabilitated by using an extra-short implant splinted to a mesial implant of 8mm length or longer. Despite the small sample size, this pilot study observed that extra-short implants achieved adequate bone stability and clinical performance after a 24-month follow-up.