Long‐Term Clinical,Microbiological, and Radiographic Outcomes of Brånemark™ Implants Installed in Augmented Maxillary Bone for Fixed Full‐Arch Rehabilitation

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document the long‐term outcome of Brånemark implants installed in augmented maxillary bone and to identify parameters that are associated with peri‐implant bone level. Material and Methods: Patients of a periodontal practice who had been referred to a maxillofacial surgeon for iliac crest bone grafting in the atrophic maxilla were retrospectively recruited. Five months following grafting, they received 7–8 turned Brånemark implants. Following submerged healing of another 5 months, implants were uncovered and restorative procedures for fixed rehabilitation were initiated 2–3 months thereafter. The primary outcome variable was bone level defined as the distance from the implant‐abutment interface to the first visible bone‐to‐implant contact. Secondary outcome variables included plaque index, bleeding index, probing depth, and levels of 40 species in subgingival plaque samples as identified by means of checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization. Results: Nine out of 16 patients (eight females, one male; mean age 59) with 71 implants agreed to come in for evaluation after on average 9 years (SD 4; range 3–13) of function. One implant was deemed mobile at the time of inspection. Clinical conditions were acceptable with 11% of the implants showing pockets ≥ 5 mm. Periodontopathogens were encountered frequently and in high numbers. Clinical parameters and bacterial levels were highly patient dependent. The mean bone level was 2.30 mm (SD 1.53; range 0.00–6.95), with 23% of the implants demonstrating advanced resorption (bone level > 3 mm). Regression analysis showed a significant association of the patient (p < .001) and plaque index (p = .007) with bone level. Conclusions: The long‐term outcome of Brånemark implants installed in iliac crest‐augmented maxillary bone is acceptable; however, advanced peri‐implant bone loss is rather common and indicative of graft resorption. This phenomenon is patient dependent and seems also associated with oral hygiene.     

Clinical evaluation of an implant maintenance protocol for the prevention of peri-implant diseases in patients treated with immediately loaded full-arch rehabilitations

To cite this article:
Int J Dent Hygiene 9 , 2011; 216–222
DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2010.00489.x
Corbella S, Del Fabbro M, Taschieri S, De Siena F, Francetti L. Clinical evaluation of an implant maintenance protocol for the prevention of peri‐implant diseases in patients treated with immediately loaded full‐arch rehabilitations. Abstract: Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to assess the outcomes of an implant maintenance protocol for implants supporting a full‐arch rehabilitation. Materials and methods: Sixty‐one patients (28 women and 33 men) treated with immediately loaded full‐arch rehabilitation, both mandibular and maxillary, supported by a combination of two tilted and two axial implants, were included in the study. Patients were scheduled for follow‐up visits every 6 months for +2 years, then yearly up to 4 years. Each patient received professional oral hygiene treatment and detailed oral hygiene instructions. During each visit, modified plaque index, bleeding index and probing depth were assessed. The presence of peri‐implant tissue inflammation was also evaluated. Results: Mean observation time, considering both mandible and maxilla, was 18.3 months ranging from 6 months to 5 years. Both plaque and bleeding indexes frequency decreased over time. Probing depth was stable (2.46 ± 0.5 mm at 4 years). Only three implants were lost due to peri‐implantitis (1.4% at 12 months), whereas the incidence of peri‐implant mucositis was less than 10% in each considered period. Conclusions: The adoption of a systematic hygienic protocol is effective in keeping low the incidence of peri‐implant mucositis as well as in controlling plaque accumulation and clinical attachment loss.     

Peri-implant health around screw-shaped c.p. titanium machined implants in partially edentulous patients with or without ongoing periodontitis

Abstract: The relationship between periodontitis and peri‐implantitis remains a matter of debate. The present study compared, “within” randomly chosen partially edentulous patients (n=84 subjects, 97 jaws), the marginal bone loss around teeth and implants during 5 years (range 3 to 11 years) following the first year of bone remodelling. The patients had all been rehabilitated by means of screw‐shape c.p. titanium implants with a machined surface (Brånemark system^®). During the 5 years observation interval, periodontal parameters (marginal bone and attachment loss, the latter for teeth only) were collected together with data on confounding factors (smoking, oral hygiene, tooth loss). Marginal bone loss was measured through long‐cone intra‐oral radiographs. The mean “interval” bone loss was significantly (P=0.0001) higher around teeth (0.48±0.95 mm) than around implants (0.09±0.28 mm). The corresponding data for the “worst” performing tooth (0.99±1.25 mm) and implant (0.19±0.32 mm) per subject showed the same tendency. Neither attachment nor bone loss around teeth correlated with marginal bone loss around implants. This study indicated that the rate of bone loss around screw‐shape c.p. titanium implants with a machined surface (Brånemark system^® implants) was not influenced by the progression rate of periodontal destruction around the remaining teeth within the same jaw.     

Implant-supported fixed prostheses in the edentulous maxilla: 8-year prospective results

Objective: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the long‐term survival and success rates of implants and screw‐retained, full‐arch prostheses placed in edentulous maxillae over 8 years of function. Materials and methods: A total of 106 Astra Tech implants were placed in the maxillae of 17 edentulous patients in a one‐stage surgical approach. After a healing period of 6 months, the patients received fixed screw‐retained bridges. Follow‐up visits, including clinical and radiographic examinations, were performed after 6 months and at yearly intervals. Implant survival, implant success, and marginal bone‐level changes were defined as the primary outcome variables. The secondary aims were to report periodontal pathogens at 5 years' follow‐up and patients' satisfaction at the 8‐year follow‐up. Results: The overall observation time was 8 years. One patient died during the study and one implant failed during the healing period, yielding an 8‐year cumulative implant survival rate of 99%. The prosthetic survival rate was 100%. The mean crestal bone loss amounted to 0.3 ± 0.72 mm. Patients' subjective evaluations demonstrated an overall high level of satisfaction. In all cases, except for one, microbiologic probing of the peri‐implant sulcus after 5 years showed no higher incidence of periodontal pathogens. Conclusions: Screw‐retained, full‐arch restorations on six implants in an edentulous maxilla are a predictable and highly successful treatment concept as observed throughout this study with an observation period of 8 years of function, in particular with respect to low crestal bone loss and high patient satisfaction. To cite this article:
Mertens C, Steveling HG. Implant‐supported fixed prostheses in the edentulous maxilla: 8‐year prospective results.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22 , 2011; 464–472
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02028.x     

In-patient comparison of immediate and conventional loaded implants in mandibular molar sites within 12 months

Objectives: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of dental implants placed in the mandibular molar sites and immediately functionally restored compared with conventionally loaded controls in an in‐patient study. Material and methods: Twenty‐four dental implants were placed in 12 patients who had first molar loss bilaterally in the mandibular area. One site of the patient was determined as immediately loaded (IL) and the other side was conventionally loaded (CL). Resonance frequency analyses for implant stability measurements, radiographic examinations for marginal bone levels and peri‐implant evaluations were performed during the clinical follow‐up appointments within 12 months. Results: During the 12‐month follow‐up period, only one implant was lost in the IL group. The mean implant stability quotient values were 74.18±5.72 and 75.18±3.51 for Groups IL and CL at surgery, respectively, and the corresponding values were 75.36±5.88 and 75.64±4.84 at 1‐year recall, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant between the two groups during the 12‐month study period (P>0.05). When peri‐implant parameters were evaluated, excellent peri‐implant health was demonstrated during the 1‐year observation period and all implants showed less than 1 mm of marginal bone resorption during the first year. Conclusions: In the present study, immediate functionally loading did not negatively affect implant stability, marginal bone levels and peri‐implant health when compared with conventional loading of single‐tooth implants.     

Long‐term outcome of dental implants placed in revascularized fibula free flaps used for the reconstruction of maxillo‐mandibular defects due to extreme atrophy

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to evaluate (a) the clinical outcome of revascularized fibula flaps used for the reconstruction of extremely atrophic jaws and (b) the survival rates of dental implants placed in the reconstructed areas. Materials and methods: Between 1999 and 2004, 12 patients presenting with extreme atrophy of the edentulous jaws were reconstructed with fibula free flaps. Five to 12 months after the reconstructive procedure, 75 titanium dental implants were placed in the reconstructed areas, while prosthetic rehabilitation was started 4–6 months afterward. The mean follow‐up of patients after the start of prosthetic loading was 77 months (range: 48–116). Results: An uneventful healing of the bone transplants occurred in all patients. One out of the 75 dental implants placed was not loaded due to prosthetic reasons. No dental implants failed to integrate before prosthetic loading, while three were removed during the follow‐up period. Despite the high survival rate of dental implants (95.8%), a relevant number of them presented relevant peri‐implant bone‐level loss, ranging from 1 to 7 mm for maxillary dental implants and from 1 to 4.5 mm for mandibular dental implants. Conclusion: Although no failures of the bone transplants occurred and a high long‐term survival rate of dental implants were observed, this study showed that fibula free flaps do not guarantee dimensional stability of peri‐implant bone, despite the immediate blood supply delivered by the vascular pedicle. The peri‐implant bone resorption was higher when compared with the one related to dental implants placed in native bone. To cite this article:
Chiapasco M, Romeo E, Coggiola A, Brusati R. Long‐term outcome of dental implants placed in revascularized fibula free flaps used for the reconstruction of maxillo‐mandibular defects due to extreme atrophy.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22 , 2011; 83–91.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01999.x     

Peri-implant bone alterations in relation to inter-unit distances. A 3-year retrospective study

Abstract: The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate longitudinal alterations in radiographic bone topography at proximal sites of three‐unit implant‐supported fixed partial prostheses during the first 3 years after bridge installation, in relation to vertical and horizontal inter‐unit distances. The subjects were partially dentate patients who had received implant‐supported fixed partial prostheses during the year 1995 at the Brånemark Clinic, Göteborg, Sweden. For inclusion in the study, the patient had to have a three‐unit bridge construction supported by three implants in the posterior area of the jaw. Twenty‐eight patients having 35 screw‐retained prostheses on Brånemark standard implants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Radiographs obtained at bridge installation and at 1‐ and 3‐year follow‐ups were assessed for implant positions, contact point level, bone level at implants and adjacent tooth and mid‐proximal bone crest level. The data were analysed with respect to two proximal units: tooth/implant units (n=35) and implant/implant units (n=70). Multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate the influence of various factors on the peri‐implant and periodontal bone level changes during the 3 years of follow‐up. At the tooth/implant units, the mean bone loss over the 3 years was 0.5 mm at the implant and 0.4 mm at the tooth. Multiple regression analysis failed to identify significant explanatory factors for the peri‐implant/periodontal bone level changes at the tooth/implant units (R²=0.28). At the implant/implant units, the peri‐implant bone loss was 0.6–0.7 mm and was significantly influenced by the vertical inter‐implant distance (P<0.01), the difference in bone level at baseline between two neighbouring implants (P<0.001) and the bone level changes at the opposed implant surface (P<0.001) (R²=0.49). Furthermore, the magnitude of apical displacement of the inter‐implant bone crest level during the 3 years of follow‐up was negatively associated with the horizontal inter‐implant distance (P<0.05). The results of the study demonstrated that both vertical and horizontal differences in implant positions might influence bone alterations in the inter‐implant area during the first 3 years of loading, while the data failed to show corresponding relationships for the bone changes at the proximal area between the implant and the neighbouring tooth.     

Outcome of surgical treatment of peri-implantitis: results from a 2-year prospective clinical study in humans

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcome of a surgical procedure based on pocket elimination and bone re‐contouring for the treatment of peri‐implantitis. Material and methods: The 31 subjects involved in this study presented clinical signs of peri‐implantitis at one or more dental implants (i.e. ≥6 mm pockets, bleeding on probing and/or suppuration and radiographic evidence of ≥2 mm bone loss). The patients were treated with a surgical procedure based on pocket elimination and bone re‐contouring and plaque control before and following the surgery. At the time of surgery, the amount of bone loss at implants was recorded. Results: Two years following treatment, 15 (48%) subjects had no signs of peri‐implant disease; 24 patients (77%) had no implants with a probing pocket depth of ≥6 mm associated with bleeding and/or suppuration following probing. A total of 36 implants (42%) out of the 86 with initial diagnosis of peri‐implantitis presented peri‐implant disease despite treatment. The proportion of implants that became healthy following treatment was higher for those with minor initial bone loss (2–4 mm bone loss as assessed during surgery) compared with the implants with a bone loss of ≥5 mm (74% vs. 40%). Among the 18 implants with bone loss of ≥7 mm, seven were extracted. Between the 6‐month and the 2‐year examination, healthy implants following treatment tended to remain stable, while deepening of pockets was observed for those implants with residual pockets. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that a surgical procedure based on pocket elimination and bone re‐contouring and plaque control before and following surgery was an effective therapy for treatment of peri‐implantitis for the majority of subjects and implants. However, complete disease resolution at the site level seems to depend on the initial bone loss at implants. Implants with no signs of peri‐implantitis following treatment tended to remain healthy during the 2‐year period, while a tendency for disease progression was observed for the implants that still showed signs of peri‐implant disease following treatment. To cite this article:
Serino G, Turri A. Outcome of surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis: results from a 2‐year prospective clinical study in humans.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22 , 2011; 1214–1220.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02098.x     

Bone level changes at implants supporting crowns or fixed partial dentures with or without cantilevers

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze whether or not a cantilever extension on a fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) supported by implants increased the amount of peri‐implant bone loss or technical complications compared with reconstructions without cantilevers. Materials and Methods: Fifty‐four partially dentate patients with a total of 54 FDPs supported by 78 implants were enrolled in the study. Twenty‐seven FDPs were with cantilever and 27 FDPs were without cantilever (control group). All FDPs were supported by one or two implants and were located in the posterior maxilla or mandible. The primary outcome variable was change in peri‐implant marginal bone level from the time of FDP placement to the last follow‐up visit. FDPs were under functional loading for a period of 3 up to 12.7 years. Statistical analysis was carried out with Student's t‐test. Regression analyses were carried out to evaluate the influence of confounding factors on the peri‐implant bone level change. In addition, implant survival rates were calculated and technical complications assessed. Results: After a mean observation period of 5.3 years, the mean peri‐implant bone loss for the FDPs with cantilevers was 0.23 mm (SD±0.63 mm) and 0.09 mm (SD±0.43 mm) for FDPs without cantilever. Concerning the bone level change at implants supporting FDPs with or without cantilevers no statistically significant differences were found. The regression analysis revealed that jaw of implant placement had a statistically significant influence on peri‐implant bone loss. When the bone loss in the cantilever group and the control group were compared within the maxilla or mandible separately, no statistically significant difference was found. Implant survival rates reached 95.7% for implants supporting cantilever prostheses and 96.9% for implants of the control group. Five FDPs in the cantilever group showed minor technical complications, none were observed in the control group. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study it was concluded that cantilever on FDPs did not lead to a higher implant failure rate and did not lead to more bone loss around supporting implants compared with implants supporting conventional FDPs. In contrast to these results more technical complications were observed in the group reconstructed with cantilever.     

Long-term follow-up of osseointegrated titanium implants using clinical, radiographic and microbiological parameters

Abstract: The aim of this study was to longitudinally follow up osseointegrated titanium implants in partially dentate patients by clinical, radiographic and microbiological parameters in order to evaluate possible changes in the peri‐implant health over time. Fifteen individuals treated with titanium implants, ad modum Brånemark, and followed for ten years were included in the study. Before implant placement ten years previously, the individuals had been treated for advanced periodontal disease and thereafter been included in a maintenance care program. The survival rate of the implants after ten years was 94.7%. The bone loss was 1.7 mm when using the abutment‐fixture junction as a reference point. Of the individuals, 50% were positive for plaque at the implants. Bleeding on sulcus probing was present at 61% of the implant surfaces. Ten years previously, the individuals had been carriers of putative periodontal pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Capnocytophaga spp. and Campylobacter rectus, and were also carriers of these species at the current examination. The results of the present study suggest that the presence of these putative periodontal pathogens at implants may not be associated with an impaired implant treatment. These species are most likely part of the normal resident microbiota of most individuals and may therefore be found at random at both stable and progressing peri‐implant sites.     

Immediate Placement of Dental Implants in the Esthetic Zone: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis

Background: Research interest on immediate placement of dental implants has shifted from implant survival toward optimal preservation of soft and hard tissues. The aim of this study is to systematically assess the condition of implant survival, peri‐implant hard and soft tissue changes, esthetic outcome, and patient satisfaction of immediately placed single‐tooth implants in the esthetic zone. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were searched for publications up to June 2013. Studies reporting on implant survival, changes in hard and soft peri‐implant tissues, esthetic outcome, and patient satisfaction were considered. A pooled analysis was performed to identify factors associated with survival and peri‐implant tissue changes after immediate implant placement. Results: Thirty‐four studies were considered eligible. Immediate placement of single‐tooth implants in the esthetic zone was accompanied by excellent 1‐year implant survival (97.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.958 to 0.980). Mean marginal peri‐implant bone loss was 0.81 ± 0.48 mm, mean loss of interproximal peri‐implant mucosa level was 0.38 ± 0.23 mm, and mean loss of peri‐implant midfacial mucosa level was 0.54 ± 0.39 mm. Regression analysis revealed that delayed provisionalization (odds ratio [OR] 58.03, 95% CI: 8.05 to 418.41, P <0.000), use of a flap (OR 19.87, 95% CI: 10.21 to 38.66, P <0.000), and use of a connective tissue graft (OR 4.56, 95% CI: 1.72 to 12.08, P <0.002) were associated with marginal peri‐implant bone‐level change >0.50 mm. Because of underreporting, esthetic results and patient outcome did not allow for reliable analysis. Conclusion: Immediate placement with immediate provisionalization of dental implants in the esthetic zone results in excellent short‐term treatment outcome in terms of implant survival and minimal change of peri‐implant soft and hard tissue dimensions.     

Peri‐implant parameters in head and neck reconstruction: influence of extraoral skin or intraoral mucosa

Objective: This study is designed to assess dental implants supporting overdentures in edentulous patients with operated head and neck malignancies using parameters to detect peri‐implant disease. Material and methods: Thirty‐four implants supporting overdentures in 34 oral cancer patients were examined. Clinical parameters [plaque index, probing depth, bleeding on probing (BOP), origin of peri‐implant soft tissue, and amount of irradiation] were recorded, and microbiological identification of periodontal pathogens was carried out by DNA–DNA hybridization. To identify yeast species, the samples were cultivated on Sabouraud agar plates and subsequently identified by API 20C AUX plates. An implant site showing BOP, probing pocket depth (PPD)≥5 mm and radiographic vertical bone loss was considered to have peri‐implant disease. Results: Colonization by periodontal pathogens was found on 15 implants, while yeast species were found in 14 cases. Using a univariate analysis, none of the investigated parameters (microbiologic sign, detection of yeast, origin of peri‐implant soft tissue and irradiation) were significantly correlated to signs of peri‐implant disease. In the multivariate analysis, yeast [odds ratio (OR) 12.32, P=0.033] and periodontal pathogen (OR 9.88, P=0.046) were significant predictor variables for peri‐implant disease. Yeasts were less frequently detected around implants placed in re‐vascularized skin flaps if irradiation was set as a confounder (P=0.019). Conclusions: With respect to the pilot study nature of the study peri‐implant soft tissue origin and irradiation had little influence on the development of peri‐implant disease. Yeast and periodontal pathogen were explanatory variables for the development of peri‐implant disease. Considering the effect of irradiation on the prevalence of yeast, yeast was less frequently observed in peri‐implant soft tissue of the skin. Based on these data, future studies on the role of yeast and soft tissue in peri‐implant disease should be encouraged. To cite this article:
Kwon Y‐D, Karbach J, Wagner W, Al‐Nawas B. Peri‐implant parameters in head and neck reconstruction: influence of extraoral skin or intraoral mucosa.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 316–320.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01763.x     

Clinical and radiographic study of implant treatment outcome in periodontally susceptible and non-susceptible patients: a prospective long-term study

Objectives: To evaluate the implant survival rate, periodontal and radiographic parameters of non‐submerged screw implants with two different surfaces (TPS and SLA) in periodontally non‐susceptible patients (NSP) and in patients with chronic adult periodontitis (CAP) or with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP). Material and methods: In 110 healthy partially edentulous subjects, 68 patients with CAP and 16 patients with GAP, a total of 513 implants were installed and followed for on average 48.1±25.9 months. Only fixed partial dentures were used as suprastructures. All patients were offered a supportive periodontal maintenance program. Smoking habits, health impairment, plaque score, bleeding on probing (BOP), type of surface, bone score, bone loss on radiographs and the number of failed implants were noted. Results: Implant survival in the NSP and CAP group was 98% and 96% after 140 months (NS), but only 80% after 100 months in the GAP group (P=0.0026). The overall rate of implant loss was 4.7%, but 15.25% in the GAP group (6/16 patients). The average marginal bone loss for all implants was 0.12±0.71 mm on the mesial side and 0.11±0.68 mm on the distal side. Bone loss/year was 0.08±0.31 and 0.07±0.3 mm in the NSP group, but 0.17±0.2 and 0.17±0.19 mm in the GAP group. Only in the GAP group, was bone loss significantly related to BOP, age, inflammation, presence of plaque, probing depth. Implants with a TPS surface had a lower survival than implants with an SLA surface (93% vs. 97%; P=0.06), especially in the GAP group (80% vs. 83%; P=0.005). Smoking habits had a significant influence on implant survival only in the GAP group (P=0.07), declining in current smokers to 63%, and to 78% in former smokers. Overall, impaired general health had no significant influence (P=0.85). However, impaired health further reduced implant survival in the GAP group (survival: 71%). In a statistical model to predict the chance for implant failing, only periodontal classification (P=0.012) and implant surface type (P=0.027) were significant. Conclusion: Periodontally healthy patients and patients with CAP show no difference in peri‐implant variables and implant survival rate, but patients with GAP have more peri‐implant pathology, more marginal bone loss and a lower implant survival implant rate. SLA surface had a better prognosis than the TPS surface.     

Maxillary Implants Loaded at 3 Months after Insertion: Results with Astra Tech Implants after up to 5 Years

Background: To date, clinical studies have mainly focused on early loading of mandibular implants. Recently, there has also been considerable interest in early loading of maxillary implants. Purpose: The purpose of this article is to report the outcome of maxillary implants loaded after a 3‐month healing period and followed up to 5 years. Materials and Methods: Seventeen patients (11 males and 6 females) received 44 Astra Tech implants (Molndal, Sweden) for treatment of single‐tooth (13 cases) and partial edentulism (9 cases). The patients were followed up to 5 years after implant placement:50% of the implants were followed for 3 years and 16% have been followed throughout the observation period. Preoperatively, bone height and width were assessed on radiographs. Marginal bone loss was recorded on intraoral radiographs annually. Results: No implant was lost during the observation period. The average marginal bone loss was 0.5 ± 0.7 mm after 1 year, 0.6 ± 0.7 mm after 3 years, and 0.9 ± 1.6 mm after 5 years. There were no soft‐tissue or prosthetic failures recorded during the observation period. Conclusion: Early loading of Astra Tech implants was highly successful in maxillary partial and single‐tooth cases followed up to 5 years in function.     

The effect of smoking on survival and bone loss of implants with a fluoride-modified surface: a 2-year retrospective analysis of 1106 implants placed in daily practice

Aim: To compare the survival and peri‐implant bone loss of implants with a fluoride‐modified surface in smokers and nonsmokers. Materials and methods: Patient files of all patients referred for implant treatment from November 2004 to 2007 were scrutinized. All implants were placed by the same experienced surgeon (B. C.). The only inclusion criterion was a follow‐up time of at least 2 years. Implant survival and bone loss were assessed by an external calibrated examiner (S. V.) comparing digital peri‐apical radiographs taken during recall visits with the post‐operative ones. Implant success was determined according to the international success criteria ( Albrektsson et al. 1986 ). Survival of implants installed in smokers and nonsmokers was compared using the log‐rank test. Both nonparametric tests and fixed model analysis were adopted to evaluate bone loss in smokers and nonsmokers. Results: One‐thousand one‐hundred and six implants in 300 patients (186 females; 114 males) with a mean follow‐up of 31 months (SD 7.15; range 24–58) were included. Nineteen implants in 17 patients failed, resulting in an overall survival rate of 98.3% at the implant level and 94.6% at the patient level. After a follow‐up period of 2 years, the cumulative survival rates was 96.7% and 99.1% with the patient and implant as the statistical unit, respectively. Implant survival was significantly higher for nonsmokers compared with smokers (implant level P=0.025; patient level P=0.017). The overall mean bone loss was 0.34 mm (n=1076; SD 0.65; range 0–7.1). Smokers lost significantly more bone compared with nonsmokers in the maxilla (0.74 mm; SD 1.07 vs. 0.33 mm; SD 0.65; P<0.001), but not in the mandible (0.25 mm; SD 0.65 vs. 0.22 mm; SD 0.5; P=0.298). Conclusion: The present study is the first to compare peri‐implant bone loss in smokers and nonsmokers from the time of implant insertion (baseline) to at least 2 years of follow‐up. Implants with a fluoride‐modified surface demonstrated a high survival rate and limited bone loss. However, smokers are at a higher risk of experiencing implant failure and more prone to show peri‐implant bone loss in the maxilla. Whether this bone loss is predicting future biological complications remains to be evaluated.     

Peri-implantitis in partially edentulous patients: association with inadequate plaque control

Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe some clinical periodontal features of partially edentulous patients referred for the treatment of peri‐implantitis. Material and methods: The 23 subjects involved in this study were selected from consecutive patients referred to the department of Periodontology Södra Älvsborgs Hospital, Borås, Sweden, for treatment of peri‐implantitis during 2006. The patients had clinical signs of peri‐implantitis around one or more dental implants (i.e.≥6 mm pockets, bleeding on pockets and/or pus and radiographic images of bone loss to≥3 threads of the implants) and remaining teeth in the same and/or opposite jaw. The following clinical variables were recorded: Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Access/capability to oral hygiene at implant site (yes/no), Function Time. The patients were categorized in the following sub‐groups: Periodontitis/No periodontitis, Bone loss/No bone loss at teeth, Smoker/Non‐smokers. Results: Out of the 23 patients, the majority (13) had minimal bone loss at teeth and no current periodontitis; 5 had bone loss at teeth exceeding 1/3 of the length of the root but not current periodontitis and only 5 had current periodontitis. Six patients were smokers (i.e. smoking more than 10 cig/day). The site level analysis showed that only 17 (6%) of the 281 teeth present had ≥1 pocket of ≥6mm, compared to 58 (53%) of the total 109 implants (28 ITI^® and 81 Brånemark^®); 74% of the implants had no accessibility to proper oral hygiene. High proportion of implants with diagnosis of peri‐implantitis were associated with no accessibility/capability for appropriate oral hygiene measures, while accessibility/capability was rarely associated with peri‐implantitis. Indeed 48% of the implants presenting peri‐implantitis were those with no accessibility/capability for proper oral hygiene (65% positive predict value) with respect to 4% of the implants with accessibility/capability (82% negative predict value). Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that local factors such as accessibility for oral hygiene at the implant sites seems to be related to the presence or absence of peri‐implantitis. Peri‐implantitis was a frequent finding in subjects having signs of minimal loss of supporting bone around the remaining natural dentition and no signs of presence of periodontitis (i.e. presence of periodontal pockets of ≥6 mm at natural teeth). Only 6 of the examinated subjects were smokers. In view of these results we should like to stress the importance of giving proper oral hygiene instructions to the patients who are rehabilitated with dental implant and of proper prosthetic constructions that allow accessibility for oral hygiene around implants.     

A Retrospective Analysis of Early and Immediately Loaded Osseotite Implants in Cross‐Arch Rehabilitations in Edentulous Maxillas and Mandibles Up to 7 Years

Background: Immediate loading of full‐arch restorations yields good results in selected cases, but long‐term follow‐up and the outcome in compromised bone are scarcely evaluated. Purpose: To evaluate immediately loaded Osseotite implants (Biomet 3i, Palm Beach, FL, USA) installed in healed or grafted bone, with regard to implant survival and peri‐implant bone loss up to 7 years in function. Materials and Methods: Information was retrospectively retrieved from 83 patients' records with 749 Osseotite implants supporting immediately loaded semipermanent full‐arch acrylic restorations. Five hundred sixty‐eight (75.8%) implants were placed in healed bone and 181 (24.2%) in augmented bone, regenerated with sinus lifting and/or onlay/inlay grafts with/without biomaterials and membranes. Implant survival and success based on radiological peri‐implant bone loss were registered. Wilcoxon rank sum tests evaluated peri‐implant bone loss in compromised versus healed bone or between jaws or time intervals with p < .05 as statistically significant. Results: Sixteen of 749 implants failed (2.1%), 11/343 in maxilla (3.2%) and 5/406 (1.2%) in mandible. After 7 years, the cumulative failure rate was 9%. Mean peri‐implant bone loss increased to 1.2 mm (SD 1.0) during the first 2 years but remained unchanged thereafter. Around implants in grafted bone, on average, 0.3 mm more bone loss was found. Conclusion: The Osseotite implants offer a predictable long‐term outcome in terms of implant survival and stable peri‐implant bone under immediate loading even in grafted bone. However, the high incidence of technical repair because of fractures of the semipermanent provisionals requires attention because it may be negative from a cost‐benefit perspective. Implants in grafted bone show a tendency to a more pronounced initial bone remodeling without clinical consequence in the long term.     

Clinical follow-up of unilateral, fixed dental prosthesis on maxillary implants

Aims/Background: The aims of the present study were to evaluate (1) the success rate of unilateral maxillary fixed dental prosthesis (FDPs) on implants in patients at a periodontal clinic referred for periodontal treatment, (2) the prevalence of varying mechanical and biological complications and (3) effects of potential risk factors on the success rate. Material and methods: Fifty consecutive patients were invited to participate in a follow‐up. The patients had received FDPs on implants between November 2000 and December 2003 after treatment to achieve optimal peridontal health, and the FDPs had been in function for at least 3 years. A questionnaire was sent to the patients before the follow‐up examination. Forty‐six patients with 116 implants were examined. The follow‐up comprised clinical and radiographic examinations and evaluations of treatment outcome. Results: Before implant treatment, 13% of the teeth were extracted; of these, 80% were extracted due to periodontal disease. No implants had been lost before implant loading. One implant in one patient fractured after 3 years of functional loading and three implants in another patient after 6.5 years. The most frequent mechanical complications were veneer fractures and loose bridge screws. Patients with peri‐implant mucositis had significantly more bleeding on probing around teeth and implants. Patients with peri‐implantitis at the follow‐up had more deep periodontal pockets around their remaining teeth compared with individuals without peri‐implantitis, but these differences were not significant. Smokers had significantly fewer teeth, more periodontal pockets ≥4 mm and a tendency towards greater marginal bone loss at the follow‐up, compared with non‐smokers. Conclusion: In the short term, overloading and bruxism seem more hazardous for implant treatment, compared with a history of periodontitis. To cite this article:
Wahlström M, Sagulin G‐B, Jansson LE. Clinical follow‐up of unilateral, fixed dental prosthesis on maxillary implants
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 1294–1300.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01948.x     

Vertical augmentation with interpositional blocks of anorganic bovine bone vs. 7‐mm‐long implants in posterior mandibles: 1‐year results of a randomized clinical trial

Objectives: To evaluate whether 7‐mm‐long implants could be an alternative to longer implants placed in vertically augmented posterior mandibles. Materials and methods: Sixty patients with posterior mandibular edentulism with 7–8 mm bone height above the mandibular canal were randomized to either vertical augmentation with anorganic bovine bone blocks and delayed 5‐month placement of ≥10 mm implants or to receive 7‐mm‐long implants. Four months after implant placement, provisional prostheses were delivered, replaced after 4 months, by definitive prostheses. The outcome measures were prosthesis and implant failures, any complications and peri‐implant marginal bone levels. All patients were followed to 1 year after loading. Results: One patient dropped out from the short implant group. In two augmented mandibles, there was not sufficient bone to place 10‐mm‐long implants possibly because the blocks had broken apart during insertion. One prosthesis could not be placed when planned in the 7 mm group vs. three prostheses in the augmented group, because of early failure of one implant in each patient. Four complications (wound dehiscence) occurred during graft healing in the augmented group vs. none in the 7 mm group. No complications occurred after implant placement. These differences were not statistically significant. One year after loading, patients of both groups lost an average of 1 mm of peri‐implant bone. There no statistically significant differences in bone loss between groups. Conclusions: When residual bone height over the mandibular canal is between 7 and 8 mm, 7 mm short implants might be a preferable choice than vertical augmentation, reducing the chair time, expenses and morbidity. These 1‐year preliminary results need to be confirmed by follow‐up of at least 5 years. To cite this article:
Felice P, Pellegrino G, Checchi L, Pistilli R, Esposito M. Vertical augmentation with interpositional blocks of anorganic bovine bone vs. 7‐mm‐long implants in posterior mandibles: 1‐year results of a randomized clinical trial.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res 21 , 2010; 1394–1403.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01966.x