Oral Rehabilitation with Implant‐Retained Overdenture in a Patient with Down Syndrome

Down syndrome, known as trisomy 21, is the most common chromosomal disorder. The disorder affects mental and systemic development as well as oral structure, including dental anomalies, high susceptibility of periodontal disease, and poor quality of alveolar bone. This report presents a case of dental rehabilitation by means of dental implants of a patient with Down syndrome. Two titanium dental implants were placed in the maxilla, and three titanium dental implants were installed in the mandible. One implant was lost during the osseointegration period. The prosthetic rehabilitation was performed with implant‐retained maxillary and mandibular overdentures with the Locator attachment system. After a 2‐year follow‐up period, the patient was doing well, and all implants were clinically stable with no signs of bone loss or inflammation. The present study emphasizes that implant‐retained overdentures with Locator attachment system could be a therapeutic option even for patients with Down syndrome. This therapy prevents crestal bone loss around the implants, improves functional and esthetic outcomes, and provides optimum oral hygiene for patients with mild mental impairment. Careful patient selection and education of patients and caregivers are essential considerations for a successful and safe treatment with dental implants in Down syndrome patients.     

Initial management and long‐term follow up after the rehabilitation of a patient with severe dentoalveolar trauma: A case report

Dental trauma is common and for patients who suffer significant oral injuries, rehabilitation can be challenging to the clinical team. This case report describes the successful prosthetic replacement of multiple missing teeth lost due to severe dentoalveolar trauma, using iliac crest bone grafting, an implant‐retained removable dental prosthesis and implant‐supported crowns. Good functionality and aesthetic outcome were achieved.     

Complex Rehabilitation for an Adolescent with Ectodermal Dysplasia—A 10‐Year Follow‐Up

Maxillofacial rehabilitation of patients with ectodermal dysplasia (ED) often presents clinical challenges due to hypodontia and hypoplastic alveolar bone. This clinical report describes a 16‐year‐old patient suffering from ED who displayed severe hypodontia, maxillary retrusion and thin knife‐edge alveolar crest. This patient was treated with distraction osteogenesis and a bone graft harvested from the iliac crest to correct maxillary retrusion and bone insufficiency. Six months later, implants were inserted. Then, implant‐supported overdentures were completed. Although a new implant was reinserted during the 10‐year follow‐up, the results showed that combination surgical treatment achieved a predictable, functional and esthetic outcome in a patient suffering from ED.     

Full‐Arch Implant‐Supported Fixed Dental Prosthesis Retained by a Combination of Galvano‐Telescopic Copings and Screws: A Clinical Report

Full‐arch screw‐retained implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses have a high long‐term success rate and are considered the gold standard by many clinicians. However, accurate fabrication of a passive fit long‐span prosthesis can be challenging. A novel intraoral adhesion method using galvano‐telescopic copings was proposed as a way of improving prosthetic fit for edentulous patients. This report describes the treatment of a 74‐year‐old female with a full‐arch implant‐supported dental prosthesis, supported by a combination of galvano‐telescopic copings and screws to prevent retention loss. Four years have passed since this superstructure was placed, during this time she exhibited a good clinical course with no inflammation noted in surrounding tissues. Treatment with an implant‐supported fixed dental prosthesis, retained by a combination of galvano‐telescopic copings and screws, can be a useful alternative treatment for edentulous patients.     

Immediate Loading of Mandibular Overdentures Supported by One‐Piece,Direct Metal Laser Sintering Mini‐Implants: A Short‐Term Prospective Clinical Study

Background: Only a few studies have dealt with immediately loaded, unsplinted mini‐implants supporting ball attachment–retained mandibular overdentures (ODs). The aim of this study is to evaluate treatment outcomes of ball attachment–retained mandibular ODs supported by one‐piece, unsplinted, immediately loaded, direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) mini‐implants. Methods: Over a 4‐year period (2009 to 2012), all patients referred to the Dental Clinic, University of Varese, and to a private practice for treatment with mandibular ODs were considered for inclusion in this study. Each patient received three or four DMLS mini‐implants. Immediately after implant placement, a mandibular OD was connected to the implants. At each annual follow‐up session, clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed, including the following outcome measures: 1) implant failures; 2) peri‐implant marginal bone loss; and 3) complications. Statistical analysis was conducted using a life‐table analysis. Results: A total of 231 one‐piece DMLS mini‐implants were inserted in 62 patients. After 4 years of loading, six implants failed, giving an overall cumulative survival rate of 96.9%. The mean distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone‐to‐implant contact was 0.38 ± 0.25 and 0.62 ± 0.20 mm at the 1‐ and 4‐year follow‐up examinations, respectively. An incidence of 6.0% of biologic complications was reported; prosthetic complications were more frequent (12.9%). Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that the immediate loading of one‐piece, unsplinted, DMLS titanium mini‐implants by means of ball attachment–supported mandibular ODs is a successful treatment procedure. Long‐term follow‐up studies are needed to confirm these results.     

Full‐Arch Implant‐Supported Rehabilitation Guided by a Predicted Lateral Profile of Soft Tissue

In full‐arch implant‐supported rehabilitation of patients with severe periodontitis, prediction of lateral facial profile with modified dental position remains a challenge, especially for patients with protruded anterior teeth. This clinical report describes a digital workflow to predict lateral profiles and then guide the implant placement and restoration fabrication.     

Growth analysis of a patient with ectodermal dysplasia treated with endosseous implants: a case report.

Congenital absence of multiple teeth and poorly developed alveolar ridges are associated with ectodermal dysplasia. Affected patients often require dental prosthetic treatment during their developmental years. Maxillofacial growth and development in a preadolescent female patient with ectodermal dysplasia following oral rehabilitation with maxillary and mandibular endosseous dental implants is reported. Four maxillary and 4 mandibular implants were successfully integrated and restored at 8 years of age. Growth analysis 12 years later revealed that the implants followed maxillary and mandibular growth displacement. Minor impaction of the maxillary implants was observed, and mandibular implants were affected by the mandibular growth rotation, which led to a change in implant inclination. The treatment outcome is compared to similar previously reported studies and cases.     

Care and Aftercare Related to Implant‐Retained Dental Crowns in the Maxillary Aesthetic Region: A 5‐Year Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

Aim: To prospectively assess surgical and prosthetic care and aftercare related to the placement of implant‐retained dental crowns after local bone augmentation in patients missing one tooth in the maxillary aesthetic region. Methods: Ninety‐three patients were randomly allocated to one of three local augmentation groups: (1) chin bone; (2) chin bone covered by a Bio‐Gide® membrane (Geistlich, Wolhusen, Switzerland); and (3) Bio‐Oss® covered by a Bio‐Gide® membrane. After local augmentation, implant placement (ITI) and fabrication of an implant‐retained dental crown (cemented metal‐ceramic dental crown) was performed. Prosthetic and surgical care and aftercare was scored from the first visit until 5 years after the augmentation of the implant region. Results: The need for care and aftercare was comparable between the local augmentation groups. Three implants were lost (5‐year implant survival rate: 96.7%). Surgical aftercare was needed in 9% of patients and consisted of care related to peri‐implant tissue problems. Prosthetic aftercare was needed more often: all patients needed periodic routine inspections; 63% needed supplemental oral hygiene support; and 16% needed additional prosthetic care, mainly consisting of fabricating new crowns (12%). Conclusion: Placing an implant in the maxillary esthetic region after local bone augmentation is a safe and reliable treatment option not needing much specific aftercare other than periodic preventive routine inspections, routine oral hygiene care, and fabrication of a new crown in one out of every eight to nine patients in 5 years. The method used for augmentation was irrespective of the patients' need for aftercare.     

A 22‐year follow‐up of an endodontic implant

Root fractures in the middle and apical thirds of the root are treated by repositioning and for approximately 6 weeks of immobilization while those in the cervical third are immobilized for 3 months. Even though the results are good, some root‐fractured teeth are lost and replaced by dental implants or fixed partial dentures. One historic but effective treatment option for those root fractures with unfavorable crown to root ratios is an endodontic implant in middle and apical third root fractures. This method offers immediate stable fixation of a crown and its coronal root segment to the underlying alveolar bone. This report documents the long‐term survival of a tooth treated with an endodontic implant. A 25‐year‐old male patient presented following a bicycle accident with a dislocated unfavorable root fracture in the middle third. The crown with the coronal root segment was secured to the bone using a commercially available endodontic implant. The apical part of the root was removed. Although the clinical and radiological follow‐up results of the endodontic implant demonstrated a good clinical function and little bone loss, the implant ultimately had to be removed after 22 years of service due to pain and increasing mobility.     

Is a Fixed Hybrid Prosthesis with Distal Cantilever Appropriate for Maxillofacial Defects? A Report of Two Patients

The most important objectives in restoring the maxillofacial patient are the restoration of function and psychological improvement through esthetics. Acquired maxillary and mandibular defects due to significant trauma or surgery represent a major challenge for the clinician and patient. Dental implant‐retained prostheses represent a well‐documented and reliable treatment option and can also help patients with maxillofacial defects by eliminating denture instability and improving function. Full‐arch fixed dental hybrid prostheses provide functional and psychological advantages and also reduce the load on vulnerable soft and hard tissues in the reconstruction area. Two clinical reports are presented describing the prosthetic rehabilitation using dental implant‐supported fixed hybrid prostheses with clinical and radiographic follow‐up of 3 years.     

Transition from Failing Dentition to Full‐Arch Fixed Implant‐Supported Prosthesis with a Staged Approach Using Removable Partial Dentures: A Case Series

The present retrospective case series is aimed at evaluating a staged approach using a removable partial denture (RPD) as an interim prosthesis in treatment to correct a failing dentition until such time as a full‐arch fixed implant‐supported prosthesis may be inserted. Eight patients, who had undergone maxillary full‐arch rehabilitation with dental implants due to poor prognosis of their dentitions, were analyzed. All treatment included initial periodontal therapy and a strategic order of extraction of hopeless teeth. An RPD supported by selected teeth rehabilitated the compromised arch during implant osseointegration. These remaining teeth were extracted prior to definitive prosthesis delivery. Advantages and drawbacks of this technique were also recorded for the cases presented. Among the advantages provided by the staged approach are simplicity of fabrication, low cost, and ease of insertion. Additionally, RPD tooth support prevented contact between the interim prosthesis and healing abutments, promoting implant osseointegration. The main drawbacks were interference with speech and limited esthetic results. Implant survival rate was 100% within a follow‐up of at least 1 year. The use of RPDs as interim prostheses allowed for the accomplishment of the analyzed rehabilitation treatments. It is a simple treatment alternative for patients with a low smile line.     

Three Tumor Patients with Total Maxillectomy Rehabilitated with Implant‐Supported Frameworks and Maxillary Obturators: A Follow‐Up Report

Background: Few reports are available on treatment using implant‐supported frameworks with maxillary obturators after total maxillectomy on tumor patients. Purpose: To describe, evaluate, and report the clinical and radiographic performance of implant‐supported frameworks and maxillary obturators after maxillectomy during the first years of function. Materials and Methods: Three patients with cancer in the maxillary region treated by total maxillectomy were rehabilitated. Seventeen dental and two craniofacial implants were installed, and the patients each received implant‐supported, screw‐retained, three‐unit frameworks with a U‐shaped bar and obturators retained by four magnetic attachments. Clinical and radiographic data were collected up to 7 years of follow‐up. Results: The frequency of complications was low. Two craniofacial implants and one dental implant were loose and removed at abutment connection. No implants were lost after framework connection, and the mean marginal bone loss was small. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this report, dental implants are useful for rehabilitation of total maxillectomy patients, and a three‐unit, screw‐retained, implant‐supported framework with maxillary obturator retained by magnetic attachment is a successful treatment concept for this patient group.     

Maxillary implant‐supported overdentures opposed by (partial) natural dentitions: a 5‐year prospective case series study

The aim of this study was to assess the 5‐year treatment outcome of maxillary implant‐retained overdentures opposed by natural antagonistic teeth. Fifty consecutive patients received maxillary overdentures supported by six dental implants. Implants were placed in the anterior region, if enough bone was present (n = 25 patients) Implant were placed in the posterior region if implant placement in the anterior region was not possible (n = 25 patients). Variables assessed included survival of implants, condition of hard and soft peri‐implant tissues and patients' satisfaction. The five‐year implant survival rate was 97·0% and 99·3%, and mean radiographic bone loss was 0·23 and 0·69 mm in the anterior and posterior group, respectively. Median scores for plaque, calculus, gingiva, bleeding and mean scores for pocket probing depth were low and stayed low. Patients' satisfaction after treatment was high in both groups. Within the limits of this 5‐year study, it is concluded that six dental implants (placed in the anterior or posterior region) connected with a bar and opposed to natural antagonistic teeth result in acceptable results for clinical parameters and good outcomes for marginal bone level changes and patient satisfaction.     

创伤性牙缺失伴骨缺损的种植修复临床探讨

目的:观察口腔颌面部严重创伤后牙缺失伴骨缺损的种植修复临床效果。方法:颌面部严重创伤后牙缺失伴骨缺损患者20例,其中多颗牙连续缺失者12例,共植入ITI Straumann等常用牙种植体65枚,其中5例行骨劈开+骨挤压+骨引导再生(guided bone regeneration,GBR)技术。2～6个月后行上部结构修复,定期随访,检查种植体骨结合情况、种植体周围软组织与修复体情况。结果:本组病例修复后经1～5年的临床观察,除1例所植入的5枚种植体中的1枚,在修复后3年脱落,其余患者各项评价指标均良好,种植体存留率为98%。结论:颌面部严重创伤后的牙列缺损,尤其多颗牙的连续缺失,很难采用其他固定修复方法来完成。种植修复具有不损伤余留牙、美观舒适、咀嚼效果好等优点,是一种良好的修复方法。     

Flapless Implant Surgery Using a Mini‐Incision

Background: Traditional flapless implant surgery using a soft tissue punch device requires a circumferential excision of keratinized tissue at the implant site. A new flapless implant technique that can submerge implant fixtures is needed. Purpose: This article describes a flapless implant surgery method using a mini‐incision and compares the effects of soft tissue punch and mini‐incision surgery on both the amount of osseointegration and the bone height around the implants using a canine mandible model. Materials and Methods: Bilateral, edentulated, flat alveolar ridges were created in the mandibles of six mongrel dogs. After a 3‐month healing period, two implants were placed on each side of the mandible using either soft tissue punch or mini‐incision procedures. After an additional 3‐month healing period, a second stage surgery and transmucosal abutment attachment was performed for mini‐incision implant cases. Following a 2‐month healing period, the dogs were sacrificed to evaluate the osseointegration and bone height around the implants. Results: Average bone height was 9.6 ± 0.4 mm in the soft tissue punch group and 9.8 ± 0.3 mm in the mini‐incision group (p > .05). Average osseointegration was 70.4 ± 6.3% in the soft tissue punch group and 71.2 ± 7.1% in the mini‐incision group (p > .05). No significant differences were noted between the two groups in vertical alveolar ridge height or bone/implant contact. Conclusions: Our findings support the clinical use of mini‐incision implant surgery at sites where implants need to be protected below the soft tissue during the early phase of healing, particularly for patients with poor bone quality and/or low primary implant stability.     

Reconstruction of Severely Atrophied Alveolar Ridges with Calvarial Onlay Bone Grafts and Dental Implants

Objective: Severely atrophied alveolar ridges are most commonly reconstructed with free autologous bone grafts from the iliac crest. The use of these grafts, however, is frequently associated with bone resorption as possible late complication after implant surgery and prosthetic loading. Other donor sites, especially intraoral donor sites, show limited availability. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographical outcome of alveolar ridge reconstruction with bone from the calvarium and subsequent implant rehabilitation. Patients and Methods: Reconstruction was performed by using calvarial split grafts in case of severe and complex alveolar ridge defects induced by trauma or bone atrophy. Fifteen patients were treated at 19 different intraoral recipient sites (15 sites in the maxilla, four in the mandible). Autologous block grafts were used for combined vertical and horizontal grafting. After a 3‐month healing period, patients received dental implants. A total of 99 dental implants (OsseoSpeed?, Astra Tech AB, Mölndal, Sweden) were inserted and left to heal in a submerged position for 3 months before the prosthetic implant‐based rehabilitation was performed. Results: No donor site complications occurred during or after surgery. At the intraoral recipient sites two infections occurred, leading to partial loss of the grafts. Implant placement, however, was possible in all cases. Two of 99 implants were lost in two patients prior to prosthetic loading. Patients were followed up clinically and radiographically for an average observation period of 28 months. Implant survival rate and success rates were 97.85 and 95.7%, respectively, and a minimal marginal bone loss was documented. Discussion: The low morbidity at the donor sites and the good marginal bone stability in the reconstructed regions indicate that calvarial bone grafts represent a viable treatment alternative to grafts from the iliac crest.     

Attachment‐Retained Gingival Prosthesis for Implant‐Supported Fixed Dental Prosthesis in the Maxilla: A Clinical Report

The rehabilitation of edentulous maxillae is a complex procedure due to the involvement of esthetic and functional requirements. A trial maxillary denture can be used to identify the need for adequate upper lip support when replacing removable complete dentures by implant‐fixed dental prostheses. This clinical report describes the outcome of the rehabilitation of an edentulous atrophic maxilla with unfavorable maxillomandibular relationship and deficient upper lip support. A trial denture was fabricated and used to diagnose the need for a prosthesis capable of restoring the upper lip support. The reduced upper lip support was also confirmed by a lateral cephalogram. The patient was rehabilitated by an implant‐fixed dental prosthesis associated with an attachment‐retained gingival prosthesis. The case presented shows that when loss of upper lip support is detected and the patient does not wish to undergo further surgical reconstruction procedure, the retention of a gingival prosthesis using a ball attachment is a satisfactory treatment option.     

Dental implant placement through impacted teeth or residual roots as an alternative to invasive extraction surgeries: a systematic literature review

This work systematically reviews dental implant placement through impacted teeth or residual roots, as an alternative to invasive extraction surgeries, evaluated in terms of survival rates, marginal bone loss, surgical, and prosthetic complications. The authors conducted an electronic search of four databases up to September 2020; also a complementary handsearch was carried out. The quality of the included studies was assessed using a protocol for assessment of risk of bias in exposure studies. Ten studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analysed. A total of 44 patients received 62 dental implants and were monitored for a minimum of 12-months follow-up. An overall mean implant survival rate was 90.32%, reporting 97.56 % for dental implants through impacted teeth and 76.19% through residual roots. No surgical or prosthetic complications were reported. Placing dental implants through impacted teeth may offer a valid therapeutic option for implant-supported restorations in patients for whom surgery and orthodontic traction are not possible, and/or patients who refuse to undergo more invasive extraction surgery. Moreover, additional caution is recommended when placing implants through retained root fragments, as this may involve long-term risk. Further research generating long-term data are needed to confirm these findings.     

Comparing bar and double-crown attachments in implant-retained prosthetic reconstruction: a follow-up investigation

Objectives: A removable implant‐retained dental prosthesis in an edentulous mandible can use telescopic crowns or a bar superstructure as anchorage elements for an overdenture. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical results for bar‐anchored and telescopic crown‐retained overdentures in implant prosthetic treatment of the toothless lower jaw with two or more implants placed in the intraforaminal region. Material and methods: A clinical and radiographical comparison was made of the telescope vs. the bar method for removable prosthetic rehabilitation treatments in patients with an edentulous mandible. For evaluation of the clinical data, the sulcus fluid flow rate, Periotest values, and the peri‐implant bone loss were recorded. Results: In the follow‐up examinations, 19 implant losses were reported between insertion and review of 328 implants. The frequency distribution of the observed loss rates showed no treatment‐specific trend. In the group with bar‐treated implants, failure led to ‘group loss’ of the whole prosthetic superstructure. Failure of one of the double‐crown‐stabilized full dental prosthesis could usually be adapted so that the overdenture remained usable even without re‐implantation. Conclusions: After comparing all the clinical parameters evaluated, no significant difference between the stabilization of full dentures via conus and telescopic crowns and bar‐anchored dentures could be found. The choice of one particular method remains the decision of the professional treating the patient.     

Implants (3.3 mm Diameter) for the Rehabilitation of Edentulous Posterior Regions: A Retrospective Clinical Study with Up to 11 Years of Follow‐Up

Background: There is limited evidence for the use of narrow‐diameter implants for rehabilitation of the posterior regions of the jaws using different surgical techniques. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the clinical results of implant‐supported prosthetic rehabilitations in the posterior regions of both jaws, using narrow‐diameter implants. Materials and Methods: The study included 147 patients (115 males and 32 females), with an age range of 26 to 77 years (mean = 47.5 years), with a total of 247 implants inserted and followed between 1 and 11 years, with a median follow‐up time of 5 years. The patients were in need of fixed prosthetic implant‐supported rehabilitations in the posterior region of the jaw, presenting a reduced interradicular bone or a thin alveolar crest. The implant survival estimate was computed using the Kaplan–Meier product limit estimator. Results: The survival rate for narrow diameter implants was 95.1% at 11 years (Kaplan–Meier), with a distribution of 91.4% at 11 years, 95.9% at 10 years, and 95.5% at 9 years for the two‐stage, one‐stage, and immediate function techniques, respectively. The mean marginal bone resorption recorded at 1, 5, and 10 years were 1.16, 1.53, and 1.74 mm, respectively. Backward conditional logistic regression identified “type of implant” as a strong protective factor against implant failure (MkIII and NobelSpeedy implants compared to the MkII implant; OR = 0.14), and “type of rehabilitation” as a strong risk factor for implant failure (partial rehabilitations compared to single teeth rehabilitations; OR = 4.75). Conclusions: The results indicate that within the limitations of this study, the use of narrow‐diameter implants for the prosthetic rehabilitation of posterior regions of the jaws is viable, with good outcomes in the long‐term, irrespective of the surgical technique implemented.