Effect of loading on bone regenerated at implant dehiscence sites in humans

Few investigations have studied the long‐term fate of bone formed following the technique of guided tissue regeneration. The aim of the present study was to evaluate bone fill around implant fixtures with dehiscence defects and to study its response to loading. Ten patients were treated with overdentures supported by 2 fixtures ad modum Brånemark. A third 7 mm x 3.75 mm diameter fixture was placed for the purposes of the study in the most anterior part of the mandible with a dehiscence defect of 4 to 5 mm on the buccal aspect (and 3 to 4 threads exposed) which was covered with a Gore‐Tex membrane and buried beneath the mucosa. Fixtures were exposed after 5 months (stage 2), ball abutments connected and loaded through an overdenture for 1 year. Nine fixtures were functioning well after 1 year of loading, 6 of which were retrieved with a trephine for histological examination and compared with 6 unloaded fixtures retrieved in our previously reported study. The bone area filling the thread profiles (BA%) and the bone to metal contact (BMC%) were measured in the 3 most apical and 3 most coronal thread profiles on the buccal and lingual surfaces. Statistically significant higher BMC% ( P <0.01) were observed in loaded fixtures in the apical regions (buccal: loaded 51%. unloaded 25%; lingual: loaded 49%, unloaded 24%). Differences approached significance for the regeneration site (loaded 22%, unloaded 6%) but were no different for the coronal lingual region (loaded 28%, unloaded 20%). There were no differences for BA%. This study confirms that there is an increase in bone to metal contact with time and following fixture loading and that this may also occur with bone regenerated under Gore‐Tex membranes.     

Clinical and radiographic evaluation, following delivery of fixed reconstructions, at GBR treated titanium fixtures

Conditions following incorporation of fixed reconstructions, at endosseous titanium implants augmented at local bony dehiscence and fenestration defects using a bioabsorbable Resolut® membrane were studied in 7 patients. Fixture stability, radiographic marginal bone levels and peri‐implant soft tissue status were evaluated at 2 1 membrane treated and 17 control fixtures (installed in regions of adequate bone volume), following a 2‐year period of functional loading. Prosthetic reconstructions were removed and clinical examination and Periotest values revealed that all fixtures were stable. All peri‐implant soft tissues were clinically healthy. The mean probing depths at buccal sites for fixtures with original dehiscence ( n =10) and fenestration ( n =11) defects were 1.6 ± 0.7 mm and 1.2 ± 0.4 mm respectively. The control fixture group had a mean buccal probing depth of 1.4 ± 0.6 mm. At abutment connection radiograph membrane treated fixtures had significantly lower marginal bone levels than control fixtures, indicating that optimal bone regeneration was not achieved at all defects. Mean radiographic bone loss 23–7 months following delivery of fixed reconstructions for original dehiscence and fenestration defect fixtures was 0.7 ± 0.8 mm and 0.8 ± 0.6 mm respectively at mesial surfaces, and 0.8 ± 0.7 mm and 0.6 ± 0.5 mm at distal surfaces. In the control fixture group a mean loss of 0.7 ± 0.5 mm at mesial surfaces and 0.5 ± 0.4 mm at distal surfaces was found. Results showed no significant difference in the rate of bone loss following functional loading between membrane treated and control fixtures.     

Localized ridge augmentation using guided tissue regeneration in humans. A report of nine cases.

Nine localized buccal ridge deformities were treated combining the use of barrier membranes and resorbable space‐making material. After elevating flaps, the bone defects were completely filled with calcium carbonate and a fibrin‐fibronectin sealing system (FFSS). Membranes (Gore‐Tex aug‐mentation material) were then shaped and positioned to cover the calcium carbonate overlapping the surrounding bone. The flaps were sutured, taking care to avoid any compression on the treated area. The membranes were removed 4 to 5 months postoperatively: in all cases the membranes were tightly adapted to the regenerated tissues and force was required to separate them from the underlying tissues. The defects were filled with hard, bone‐like tissue. The histology from one case, taken 1 year post‐operatively, confirmed the regeneration of bone and revealed the presence of a few residual particles of calcium carbonate in the sample. The clinical appearance of the treated areas was satisfactory for colour. texture and form. The horizontal deficiencies were almost completely resolved in all cases, while the vertical component showed incomplete filling in some cases.     

Bone augmentation at fenestrated implants by an osteopromotive membrane technique. A controlled clinical study.

Lack of bone in localized areas of the jaws frequently poses a problem when placing oral implants. In this clinical study, we have tested an osteopromotive membrane technique for its ability to create bone over buccal fenestrations after fixture installation in the maxilla. 7 patients were selected by the use of CT‐scan. Criteria for patient selection were that the alveolar crest should have a vertical height >I3 mm and a facial‐palatal concavity, where exposure at the central portion of the fixture could be anticipated. One fenestration, randomly chosen, in each patient was covered with an e‐PTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene)(Gore‐Tex GTAM™) membrane. Contralateral fenestrations served as controls (without the placement of a membrane). The amount of newly formed bone was calculated by photometric assessments. The results showed that the fixture fenestrations, treated with the membrane technique, demonstrated a significantly ( p <0.005) higher amount of new bone formation compared to the controls, where little or no improvement had taken place at the fenestrations. The study conclusively shows that the membrane technique is a reconstructive technique, able to create new bone at localized bone fenestrations at titanium fixtures. Additionally. the study also demonstrates that the periosteum alone, in adult humans. is not capable of generating new bone at exposed titanium implants.     

Guided tissue regeneration in jawbone defects prior to implant placement

The principle of guided tissue regeneration has been successfully applied for the regeneration of bone in various jaw defects in human. The purpose of this study was to assess the bone volume regenerated using nonresorbable membrane barriers. Nineteen patients with jaw bone defects of various sizes and configurations were included in the study. Combined split‐thickness/full‐thickness mucosal flaps were elevated in the area of missing bone. The size of the defects was assessed by measuring the distance from a reference line between 2 adjacent teeth (cementoenamel junctions) to the alveolar crest (a) every 2 or 3 mm. In addition, the crestal width was measured. Consequently, the surface of the triangle formed by a and the width of the crest as well as the volume between all triangles were calculated geometrically. Following the placement of Gore‐Tex® augmentation material as a barrier, the distance (b) to the top of the membrane from the reference line was assessed, and the maximum possible volume for bone regeneration based on (a‐b) and the width of the crest was calculated. At the time of membrane removal (3–8 months later). the same measurements were performed and the percentages of regenerated bone in relation to the possible volume for regeneration determined. In 6 patients in whom the membranes had to be removed early due to an increased risk for infection between 3 and 5 months, bone regeneration varied between 0 and 60%. In 13 patients in whom membranes were left for 6–8 months, regenerated bone filled 90–100% of the possible volume. It was concluded that successful bone regeneration consistently occurred with an undisturbed healing period of at least 6 months.     

Guided bone regeneration in mandibular defects in rats using a bioresorbable polymer

The aim of this study was to explore the possibility of obtaining bone regeneration in jaw bone defects in rats after coverage of the defects with an occlusive bioresorbable membrane. The experiment was carried out in 31 rats. The mandibular ramus was exposed in both sides and a 2 x 3 mm defect was produced at its lower border. A gutta‐percha point was placed to indicate the original level of the border. The defect on one side was covered with a polyhydroxybutyrate resorbable membrane, whereas the contralateral side received no membrane before closure of the wound. Macerated jaw specimens representing 3 and 6 months of healing demonstrated minimal bone fill in the control defects, whereas all test defects healed to or close to the gutta‐percha point, indicating the original inferior border of the jaw. The histological analysis demonstrated increasing bone fill in the test specimens from 15–180 days, whereas only 35–40% of the defect area in the control sides was filled with bone after 3–6 months. Ingrowth of muscular. glandular and connective tissue was consistently occurring in the control defects during healing. It can be concluded that selective repopulation of bone defects with bone‐forming cells can be ensured by excluding surrounding soft tissues from the wound area with an occlusive bioresorbable membrane.     

Guided tissue regeneration using degradable and nondegradable membranes in rabbit tibia

Three different membranes were tested for guided bone regeneration in 8‐mm unicortical trephine defects in rabbit tibia. All experimental and control defects healed with bone. The critical size defect in rabbit tibia is larger than 8 mm, because control defects, 8 mm in diameter, healed spontaneously. Around remnants of the biodegradable Polyglactin 9 10 mesh (Vicryl®). a diffuse infiltration of inflammatory cells with multinuclear giant cells developed. However, the bone healing was not impaired by the infiltrate. Around the Gore‐Tex® membrane and around remnants of the Alzamer® a few lymphocytes were observed, but no multinuclear giant 1 cells were noted.     

Guided bone regeneration in dental implant treatment using a bioabsorbable membrane

The aim of this study was to evaluate an osteopromotive technique, using a bioabsorbable membrane, for its ability to restitute bone over buccal fenes-tration and dehiscence defects following fixture installation. 11 patients requiring dental implant treatment and exhibiting sufficient vertical height of the maxilla and compromised bucco-palatal dimensions, as determined clinically and radiographically, were included in the study. 17 Brånemark® titanium fixtures were placed with buccal defects which were augmented by a bioabsorbable membrane, Resolut®. No complications were observed post-operatively. At 6-8 months, abutment connection was performed, and clinical evaluation of the healed defect area was made. The number of exposed buccal threads at fixture installation (median 8; range 2-19), and abutment connection (median 0; range 0-5), respectively, was compared. Out of the 17 fixtures; 14 exhibited complete coverage with bone, whereas 3 showed some remaining threads. A small punch biopsy taken at abutment connection in an area where the membrane had been placed showed a combination of dense connective tissue and bone. Radiographic evaluation of the marginal periimplant bone level is in progress and results to date show a median bone loss of 1.2 mm after a loading period of 4-6 months. Results show that fixture dehiscence and fenestrations, augmented with this bioabsorbable membrane, demonstrate a highly significant amount of new bone formation.     

Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 for peri‐implant bone regeneration and osseointegration

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) induced bone regeneration and osseointegration was evaluated in supra‐alveolar peri‐implant defects in 5 beagle dogs. Alveolar bone was reduced 5 mm in height in mandibular premolar areas and the premolars were extracted. Three 10 mm titanium fixtures were placed 5 mm into each reduced alveolar crest, leaving 5 mm in a supraalveolar position. Alternate quadrants in consecutive animals received a surgical implant consisting of 2 ml rhBMP‐2 (0.43 mg/ml) in a type I bovine collagen carrier, or the carrier alone (control). Fixtures and surgical implants were submerged under the gingival flaps. The healing interval was 16 weeks. Histometric and radiographic evaluations were made. Defect height averaged (*SD) 5.3±O.2 and 5.1±0.2 mm for rhBMP‐2 and control defects, respectively ( P >0.05, n =5, paired, f‐test) Bone regeneration (height) averaged 4.2+1.0 and 0.5±0.3 mm for rhBMP‐2 and control defects, respectively ( P >0.05). Bone regeneration (area) averaged 6.1±6.3 and 0.2±0.2 mm² for rhBMP‐2 and control defects, respectively ( P ±0.05). Osseointegration within the confines of the defect averaged 19.1±10.1% and 8.2±4.6% for rhBMP‐2 and control defects, respectively ( P 0.05). The results suggest that there is a potential for rhBMP‐2 induced bone regeneration and osseointegration in surgical peri‐implant defects.     

A feasibility study evaluating an in situ formed synthetic biodegradable membrane for guided bone regeneration in dogs

Purpose: The aim was (1) to evaluate the soft‐tissue reaction of a synthetic polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel used as a barrier membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR) compared with a collagen membrane and (2) to test whether or not the application of this in situ formed membrane will result in a similar amount of bone regeneration as the use of a collagen membrane. Material and methods: Tooth extraction and preparation of osseous defects were performed in the mandibles of 11 beagle dogs. After 3 months, 44 cylindrical implants were placed within healed dehiscence‐type bone defects resulting in approximately 6 mm exposed implant surface. The following four treatment modalities were randomly allocated: PEG+autogenous bone chips, PEG+hydroxyapatite (HA)/tricalcium phosphate (TCP) granules, bioresorbable collagen membrane+autogenous bone chips and autogenous bone chips without a membrane. After 2 and 6 months, six and five dogs were sacrificed, respectively. A semi‐quantitative evaluation of the local tolerance and a histomorphometric analysis were performed. For statistical analysis, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and subsequent pairwise Student's t‐test were applied (P<0.05). Results: No local adverse effects in association with the PEG compared with the collagen membrane was observed clinically and histologically at any time‐point. Healing was uneventful and all implants were histologically integrated. Four out of 22 PEG membrane sites revealed a soft‐tissue dehiscence after 1–2 weeks that subsequently healed uneventful. Histomorphometric measurement of the vertical bone gain showed after 2 months values between 31% and 45% and after 6 months between 31% and 38%. Bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) within the former defect area was similarly high in all groups ranging from 71% to 82% after 2 months and 49% to 91% after 6 months. However, with regard to all evaluated parameters, the PEG and the collagen membranes did not show any statistically significant difference compared with sites treated with autogenous bone without a membrane. Conclusion: The in situ forming synthetic membrane made of PEG was safely used in the present study, revealing no biologically significant abnormal soft‐tissue reaction and demonstrated similar amounts of newly formed bone for defects treated with the PEG membrane compared with defects treated with a standard collagen membrane.     

Effects of chrondro-osseous regenerative compound associated with local treatments in the regeneration of bone defects around implants: an in vivo study

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a chondroitin sulfate and glycosaminoglycan-based chrondro-osseous regenerative compound (CORC) with different local treatments for bone regeneration in dehiscence defects. The hypothesis is that CORC can enhance bone regeneration with or without local treatment.

Materials and methods

Twelve mongrel dogs received four implants each in the right femur. Bony defects (4-mm height?×?4-mm width) were created and locally treated as follows: reabsorbable membrane (Mem), hidroxyapatite (HA), hydroxyapatite covered with membrane (HA+Mem), or left untreated (Con). Six dogs received one pill of the CORC daily. After 90 days, the implants were retrieved, and histological sections were obtained. The height of bone formation, new bone area (NBA), and bone to implant contact (BIC) within the threads were evaluated to assess the effects of the use of CORC to promote bone regeneration in the defects. Results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test with 5 % significance level.

Results

CORC was not capable to increase the height of bone formation, NBA, and BIC. When the local treatments were analyzed regardless of the use of CORC, HA+Mem and Ha presented higher BIC and height of bone formation. There was no difference for NBA among the local treatments.

Conclusions

The hypothesis was rejected since the use of CORC has not increased any of the parameters evaluated.

Clinical relevance

Dehiscence-like defects can compromise soft tissue support and result in loss of periodontal health and implants. Hydroxyapatite can induce bone regeneration in the defects created. CORC in the formulation used in this study did not promote further bone regeneration in dehiscence-like defects.

     

Guided tissue regeneration ensures osseointegration of dental implants placed into extraction sockets. An experimental study in monkeys.

The aim of the present study was to explore the possibility of achieving osseointegration of dental titanium implants, inserted into alveoli immediately after tooth extraction, by covering the recipient site with a teflon membrane. In each of 7 monkeys, mucoperiosteal flaps were raised on the buccal and palatal aspects of the maxillary molars in both sides of the jaw. The second molars were then extracted and self tapping titanium implants of the screw type (Astra® Dental Implants) were inserted into the sockets of the largest roots. In the coronal portion of the sockets, a void was always present between the implant and the socket walls. In one side of the jaw, a membrane (Gore‐;Tex Aug‐mentation Material@) was adjusted to cover the implant. The implant in the other side of the jaw served as control and was only covered by the tissue flaps. Microscopic analysis after 3 months of healing revealed that soft tissue was facing the coronal portion of the implants to a varying degree in the control side, while osseointegration was consistently observed to the top of the membrane‐covered implants which remained submerged throughout the experimental period. The results suggest that the membrane techniaue can secure complete osseointegration of implants inserted immediately into extraction sockets.     

Improved bone regeneration and root coverage using a resorbable membrane with physically assisted cell migration and DFDBA

Twelve patients with 2 Miller Class I or II buccal recession defects measuring > or = 3.0 mm were treated using the principles of guided tissue regeneration and followed for 12 months. The effectiveness of a polylactide (Guidor) resorbable membrane (GA sites) was compared to a combination treatment of polylactide membrane plus polyglactin root-lining mesh (Vicryl) and demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) (GVB sites) designed to enhance cell migration and bone regeneration. There was 90% mean soft tissue root coverage for the GVB sites and 78% for the GA sites. The mean osseous dehiscence area coverage with hard tissue was 75% for GVB sites and 30% for GA sites.     

Tissue reactions towards titanium implants inserted in growing jaws. A histological study in the pig.

In this investigation, the tissue reactions towards titanium implants inserted in growing jaws of pigs were studied by means of histology. At the age of 12 weeks, 5 test pigs each received 4 Brånemark System* titanium implants (fixtures). The fixtures were inserted immediately after extraction of the mesial root of the second deciduous premolar (P2) and the deciduous canine (C) on one side of the mandible and the mesial root of the first deciduous premolar (PI) on the other side. The fourth implant was placed after extraction of the deciduous lateral incisor (L) on one side in the upper jaw. Furthermore, 1 pig in which no extractions or fixture installations were performed served as a control. All pigs were followed for 165 days with clinical, radiographic and biometric examinations, the results of which have been previously presented. In this study, 10‐μm‐thick ground sections were produced for histology after the jaws had been fixed by immersion in formalin and further processed and embedded in plastic resin. Six of the fixtures originally inserted were lost during the experimental period, and the remaining implants were found to be involved with mineralized bone to varying degrees. Regarding the fixture‐to‐teeth relationship, it was found that, in the premolar region of the lower jaw, the teeth were positioned superior to and buccally angulated in relation to the fixtures. In the upper jaw, the implants were positioned below the adjacent teeth but centrally in the alveolar process. Tooth germs adjacent to the fixture had a displaced eruption path, buccally or lingually to the fixture. If the bud developed in close contact with the fixture, a changed morphology of the germ could be observed.     

Implant‐tissue interfaces following treatment of peri‐implantitis using guided tissue regeneration. A light and electron microscopic study.

This study details the structural and ultrastructural features of the interfaces between titanium implants and their surrounding tissues. The material stemmed from an experiment in dogs in which guided tissue regeneration with Gore‐Text membranes was used to treat peri‐implant, ligature‐induced tissue breakdown around submerged and nonsubmerged com-mercially pure titanium implants. Specimens from the nonsubmerged group were evaluated under light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A healthy gingiva and a gingival sulcus were formed around the implant necks. A regenerated junctional epithelium provided the epithelial union between implant and gingiva. The supracrestal connective tissue was characterized by a 3‐dimensional network of collagen fibers, fibroblasts and blood vessels. Near the implant surface the collagen fibers ran parallel to the titanium surface or were orientated perpendicular to the implant. The connective tissue-implant interface was characterized by a fine fibrillar material interposed between the implant surface and the connective tissue. An unidentified material was also observed between the endings of functionally orientated collagen fibrils and the metallic surface. The apical portions of the implants were anchored in compact bone. At the bone‐implant interface, either mineralized bone matrix was intimately adapted to the titanium surface without any intervening space or a 0.5 μm wide unmineralized layer was interposed. These findings indicate that a perimucosal seal was formed around the implants consisting of a junctional epithelium‐implant union coronally and supported by the connective tissue-implant junction apically. The implants were integrated in connective tissue, but only tightly adapted to bone.     

Alveolar bone formation at dental implant dehiscence defects following guided bone regeneration and xenogeneic freeze‐dried demineralized bone matrix

The present study evaluated rate and extent of alveolar bone formation in dental implant dehiscence defects following guided bone regeneration(GBR) and implantation of xenogeneic freeze‐dried demineralized bone matrix (xDBM). A total of 16 titanium plasma‐sprayed (TPS) and 16 hydroxyapatite‐coated (HA) titanium cylinder implants were inserted in 4 mongrel dogs following extraction of the mandibular premolar teeth. Four implant sites per jaw quadrant (2 TPS and 2 HA implant sites) were prepared into extraction sockets in each dog. Buccal alveolar bone was removed to create 3 x 5 mm dehiscence defects. Two jaw quadrants in separate animals received GBR, GBR+xDBM, xDBM (control), or gingival flap surgery alone (GFS; control). Thus, four conditions were available for each implant type (TPS or HA): GBR, GBR+xDBM; xDBM and GFS. The animals received fluorescent bone labels to allow observations of rate and extent of bone formation. Animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks postsurgery and block sections were harvested for histologic analysis. There were no apparent histologic differences between TPS and HA implant defects. GBR and GBR+xDBM resulted in almost complete bone closure of the dental implant dehiscence defect. Rate of bone formation appeared higher following GBR alone. Extent of bone formation appeared somewhat greater following GBR+xDBM; however, delayed. xDBM alone did not adequately resolve the bony defect. In conclusion, GBR results in rapid, clinically relevant bone closure of dental implant dehiscence defects. Adjunctive implantation of xDBM does not appear to significantly improve the healing response in the model used.     

Guided bone regeneration of cranial defects, using biodegradable barriers: an experimental pilot study in the rabbit.

The aim of this study was to test if a biodegradable barrier could be used to achieve proper bone healing of full-thickness trephine skull defects, applying the biological principle of guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Two New Zealand white rabbits were used. In each animal, 2 circular through-and-through bone defects with a diameter of 8 mm were created in the midline of the frontal and parietal bones of the calvarium. One defect was covered with the mucoperiosteal flaps without placement of an intervening membrane barrier (control). One test defect (test 1) was covered by a biodegradable, non-porous polylactic acid membrane on the outer (supra-calvarial) side of the defect, and 2 test defects (tests 2 and 3) were covered by similar membranes on both the outer and the inner aspects of the defects, prior to flap closure. 6 weeks postsurgically, the animals were sacrificed and the defect areas including surrounding tissues were harvested for histological preparation. The control defect was essentially occupied by supra-calvarial soft tissue, located in direct contact with the dural tissue. In the test cavities, there was a continuous bridge of regenerated bone extending from one edge of the defect to the other, although in test 1 not attaining the same thickness as the bone bordering the defect. In the 2 other test defects, the regenerated bone had reached a thickness almost corresponding to that of the surrounding bone. The bone regeneration was achieved without recourse to adjunctive bone graft materials.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Bone regeneration in extraction sites after immediate placement of an e‐PTFE membrane with or without a biomaterial. A report on 12 consecutive cases.

The efficacy in restoring a buccal dehiscence after tooth extraction has been studied in12 consecutive cases using guided bone regeneration with (6 patients) or without (6 patients) a biomaterial (DFDBA or Bio Oss®) beneath an e‐PTFE membrane. A correlation between the clinical impression of density at drilling time and the histological signs of bone formation has been evaluated too. The membrane was removed after 6 or 9 months and a biopsy was performed. Clinically, GBR was highly predictable for regeneration of the alveolar bone after tooth extraction with buccal dehiscence. The histology fully confirmed the clinical and radiographical results, showing bone formation in all cases with individual variations in the amount of bone formed. 6‐month biopsies from the membrane sites had lamellar bone with large medullary spaces, while a good bone density was observed at 9 months. The membrane/biomaterial sites demonstrated mineralization and large amounts of allograft at 6 months. Thus, bone regeneration seems to take more time when grafting material is used.     

Orthodontic anchorage capacity of short titanium screw implants in the maxilla. An experimental study in the dog.

The aim of this study was to investigate experimentally the effect of long term orthodontic loading on the stability as well as on the peri‐implant bone findings of short titanium screw implants (Bonefit®, submersion depth 6 mm, Ø 4 mm) inserted in regions with reduced vertical bone height. For this purpose, 6 maxillary premolars (₁P₁, ₂P₂, ₃P₃) were extracted from each of 2 foxhounds and reduction of alveolar bone height was performed by osteotomy. After a l6‐week healing period, 8 implants (4 per dog) were inserted in the edentulous areas. Simultaneously, 2 implants (1 per dog) were positioned in the palatal suture (one‐stage surgery). After an 5‐week implant healing period, the fixtures in the Pl/P2 areas ( n = 4) and the palate ( n = 2rpar; were loaded (test implants) by means of transpalatal bars running anteriorly, fixed on the implants in the Pl/P2 areas, and Sentalloy traction springs (‐2 N continuous force) inserted midsagittally between palatal implants and bars (force application period: 26 weeks). The fixtures in the P2/P3 areas served as controls ( n = 4). Clinical measurements and histological evaluation revealed no implant dislocation of the loaded fixtures. These results suggest that short titanium screw implants inserted in the alveolar bone and palatal suture region retain their stability during long‐term orthodontic loading, even following a relatively short unloaded implant healing period. Furthermore, it seems that long‐term orthodontic loading may induce marginal bone apposition adjacent to the implants.     

Platelet-rich plasma does not improve bone regeneration around peri-implant bone defects--a pilot study in dogs

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the influence of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on bone regeneration in dehiscence-type bone defects around dental implants. Ten male adult mongrel dogs were used. Three months after teeth extractions, an osteotomie for implantation and a buccal dehiscence defect were prepared on both sides of the jaws. Two dental implants with machined surfaces were placed on each implant site of the mandible. Dehiscences were randomly assigned to the following groups: (1) test (PRP) and (2) control. After 3 months animals were sacrificed; implants and adjacent hard tissues were processed for undecalcified sections. Bone-to-implant contact (BIC), bone density (BD) within the limits of implant threads, bone density (BO) and new bone area (NB) in a zone lateral to the implant, corresponding to bone defects, were obtained and measured. Inter group analysis (paired Student's t-test, alpha = 5%) demonstrated no statistically significant differences for any of the parameters when PRP was used (P > 0.05). Within the limits of the present study, it was concluded that platelet-rich plasma alone did not enhance bone regeneration for peri-implant defects.