Implant surfaces and design (Working Group 4)

Introduction: The remit of this working group (4) was to update existing knowledge on the effects of implant surface topography, composition and design on bone integration and re-osseointegration.
Material and methods: Based on five narrative reviews that were performed following a defined search strategy, clinical implications as well as suggestions for further research have been formulated.
Results: The results and conclusions of the review processes in the following papers together with the group consensus, clinical implications and directions for future research are presented:
  1. Effects of titanium surface topography on bone integration.
  2. Effects of implant surface coatings and composition on bone integration (two reviews).
  3. Effects of different implant surfaces and designs on marginal bone level alterations.
  4. Re-osseointegration onto previously contaminated implant surfaces.     

CAD/CAM to fabricate ceramic implant abutments and crowns: a preliminary in vitro study

Background:  This study evaluated the feasibility of fabricating implant abutments and crowns from pre-sintered feldspathic porcelain blocks using the chair-side CAD/CAM, CEREC3D^® system.
Methods:  Thirty-two implant analogues were divided into two groups. In the control group, prefabricated machined anatomical titanium (Ti) abutments were screw-retained to the analogues. In the test group, machined feldspathic porcelain abutments were cemented on prefabricated machined Ti links and screw-retained to the implant analogues. These feldspathic porcelain abutments were fabricated out of pre-sintered feldspathic porcelain blocks as duplicates of the abutments in the control group using the CAD/CAM, CEREC3D^® system. Thirty-two feldspathic porcelain crowns, also fabricated out of pre-sintered ceramic blocks, were then cemented with resin cement on all the abutments in both groups. All samples were subsequently subjected to fracture strength testing under static load. An unpaired t-test was used to compare fracture load values between the two groups.
Results:  The test group using feldspathic porcelain abutments and crowns showed statistically significant higher mean fracture strength than the control group with the Ti abutments and feldspathic porcelain crowns.
Conclusions:  This preliminary study showed that the chair-side CAD/CAM technology can be utilized to fabricate customized ceramic abutments with their associated ceramic crowns using pre-sintered feldspathic porcelain blocks.     

Fracture force of tooth-tooth- and implant-tooth-supported all-ceramic fixed partial dentures using titanium vs. customised zirconia implant abutments

Objectives: Tooth‐coloured customised implant abutments and full ceramic supraconstructions thereon can be made of zirconia by computer‐aided manufacturing (CAM). The aim of this study was to examine the potential limits of zirconia three‐unit fixed partial dentures made on customised zirconia implant abutments in implant‐tooth supported cases. Material and methods: Rigidly mounted implants (XiVE‐S diameter 3.8 mm; length 11 mm; Friadent, Germany) were placed in PMMA‐moulds pairwise with human molars at a distance of 10 mm in groups #1 and #2. Control group #3 consisted of two molars without implant involvement. Beforehand all molar roots were covered with polyether (Impregum: 3 M Espe, Germany) to simulate periodontal mobility. The abutments in #1 were individually fabricated from CerconBase and luted on experimental titanium bases (both: DeguDent, Germany). In #2, industrially prefabricated titanium abutments (Friadent) were used. All molar teeth were provided with a circumferential chamfer preparation. Three‐unit fixed partial dentures were fabricated from CerconBase/CerconKiss in a CAM‐process (Material/devices: DeguDent) for all test groups (n=8/group). All fixed partial dentures were cemented with RelyXUnicem (3 M Espe), thermomechanically loaded (TCML=1.2 × 10⁶× 50 N; 6000 × 5°/55°) and fracture tested in a Universal Test Machine (UTM 1446: Zwick, Germany). Results: None of the dentures failed during TCML, and the Cercon abutments showed no damage either to the bonding surface to titanium or to the ceramic itself. Two fixation screws in group #1 broke towards the end of TCML. Fracture test result (Median and 25‐/75‐Percentiles) were: #1 1190 (1046/2008), #2 991 (832/1402), #3 1331 (1224/1428). Conclusions: All restoration alternatives showed sufficient fracture resistance for posterior regions.     

A prospective, randomized-controlled clinical trial to evaluate bone preservation using implants with different geometry placed into extraction sockets in the maxilla

Aim: The primary objective of this study was to determine the association between the size of the void established by using two different implant configurations and the amount of buccal/palatal bone loss that occurred during 16 weeks of healing following their installation into extraction sockets.
Material and methods: The clinical trial was designed as a prospective, randomized-controlled parallel-group multicenter study. Adults in need of one or more implants replacing teeth to be removed in the maxilla within the region 15–25 were recruited. Following tooth extraction, the site was randomly allocated to receive either a cylindrical (group A) or a tapered implant (group B). After implant installation, a series of measurements were made to determine the dimension of the ridge and the void between the implant and the extraction socket. These measurements were repeated at the re-entry procedure after 16 weeks.
Results: The study demonstrated that the removal of single teeth and the immediate placement of an implant resulted in marked alterations of the dimension of the buccal ridge (43% and 30%) and the horizontal (80–63%) as well as the vertical (69–65%) gap between the implant and the bone walls. Although the dimensional changes were not significantly different between the two-implant configurations, both the horizontal and the vertical gap changes were greater in group A than in group B.
Conclusions: Implant placement into extraction sockets will result in significant bone reduction of the alveolar ridge.
To cite this article:
Sanz M, Cecchinato D, Ferrus J, Pjetursson EB, Lang NP, Jan L. A prospective, randomized-controlled clinical trial to evaluate bone preservation using implants with different geometry placed into extraction sockets in the maxilla.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res . 21 , 2009; 13–21.     

Randomized controlled clinical trial of customized zirconia and titanium implant abutments for canine and posterior single-tooth implant reconstructions: preliminary results at 1 year of function

Objectives: The aim of this study was to test whether or not customized zirconia abutments exhibit the same survival rates in canine and posterior regions as titanium abutments, and to compare the esthetic result of the two abutment types. Material and methods: Twenty‐two patients with 40 implants in posterior regions were included and the implant sites were randomly assigned to 20 customized zirconia and 20 customized titanium abutments. All‐ceramic (AC) and metal–ceramic (MC) crowns were fabricated. In all except two cases, the crowns were cemented on the abutments using resin or glass‐ionomer cements. Two zirconia reconstructions were screw retained. At baseline, 6 and 12 months, the reconstructions were examined for technical and biological problems. Probing pocket depth (PPD), plaque (Pl) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed and compared with natural control teeth. Furthermore, the difference of color (ΔE) of the peri‐implant mucosa and the gingiva of control teeth was evaluated by means of a spectrophotometer (Spectroshade). The data were analyzed with Student's unpaired t‐test, ANOVA and regression analyses. Results: Twenty patients with 19 zirconia and 12 titanium abutments were examined at a mean follow‐up of 12.6±2.7 months. The survival rate for reconstructions and abutments was 100%. No technical or biological problems were found at the test and control sites. Two chippings (16.7%) occurred at crowns supported by titanium abutments. No difference was found regarding PPD (meanPPD_ZrO2 3.4±0.7 mm, mPPD_Ti 3.3±0.6 mm), Pl (mPl_ZrO2 0.2±0.3, mPl_Ti 0.1±1.8) and BOP (mBOP_ZrO2 60±30%, mBOP_Ti 30±40%) between the two groups. Both crowns on zirconia and titanium abutments induced a similar amount of discoloration of the soft tissue compared with the gingiva at natural teeth (ΔE_ZrO2 8.1±3.9, ΔE_Ti 7.8±4.3). Conclusions: At 1 year, zirconia abutments exhibited the same survival and a similar esthetic outcome as titanium abutments.     

Biomechanical and histological behavior of zirconia implants: an experiment in the rat

Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the integration of zirconia implants in a rat femur model.
Material and methods: Zirconia implants with two distinct surface topographies were compared with titanium implants with similar topographies. Titanium and zirconia implants were placed into the femurs of 42 male Sprague–Dawley rats. Four groups of implants were utilized: machined zirconia implants, zirconia implants with a rough surface, machined titanium implants, and titanium implants with an electrochemically roughened surface. After a healing period of 28 days, the load-bearing capacity between the bone and the implant surface was evaluated by a push-in test. Additionally, after a healing period of 14 and 28 days, respectively, bone tissue specimens containing the implants were processed and histologically analyzed.
Results: The mean mineralized bone-to-implant contact showed the highest values after 14 and 28 days for the rough surfaces (titanium: 36%/45%; zirconia: 45%/59%). Also, the push-in test showed higher values for the textured implant surfaces, with no statistical significance between titanium (34 N) and zirconia (45.8 N).
Conclusions: Within the limits of the animal investigation presented, it was concluded that all tested zirconia and titanium implant surfaces were biocompatible and osseoconductive. The presented surface modification of zirconia implants showed no difference regarding the histological and biomechanical results compared with an established electrochemically modified titanium implant surface.     

Periodontal tissue engineering and regeneration: Consensus Report of the Sixth European Workshop on Periodontology

Aim: To review the scientific preclinical background and clinical studies of current methods of periodontal regeneration in the treatment of infrabony defects and soft tissue deficiencies
Method: Five commissioned review papers including two systematic reviews were scrutinized by a group of experts in order to derive consensus conclusions, clinical relevance/implications and to propose future research requirements.
Results: The following five papers were assessed:
  1. Biological mediators and periodontal regeneration: a review of enamel matrix proteins at the cellular and molecular levels.
  2. Regeneration of periodontal tissues: combination of barrier membranes and grafting materials – Biological foundation and preclinical evidence.
  3. Clinical outcomes with bioactive agents alone or in combination with grafting or GTR
  4. Treatment of gingival recession with coronally advanced flap procedures. A systematic review.
  5. Soft tissue management at implant sites     

The ZiReal Post: A new ceramic implant abutment

Restorations in the anterior esthetic zone present significant challenges in both the surgical and prosthetic phases of implant dentistry. Titanium has been established as the material of choice for endosseous implants, resulting in a high degree of predictability. Many types of implants require transmucosal abutments to retain implant restorations. Ceramics may be the ideal material to replace natural teeth, but most transmucosal abutments are made of titanium. However, ceramics may also be used as abutments in implant restorations. This combination of ceramics for abutment and crown provides better translucency for the implant restoration than is available with metal abutments and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Ceramic abutments and implant restorations also minimize the gray color associated with metal components that is transmitted through the peri-implant tissues. Customized emergence profiles also may be obtained with ceramic abutments; this generally improves the predictability and consistency of the esthetics obtainable in implant restorations. Zirconia as a ceramic material offers not only outstanding material properties but also a well-documented biocompatibility.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
This article discusses the clinical and laboratory features of a new ceramic abutment, ZiReal™ Post (Implant Innovations, Inc., Palm Beach Gardens, Florida).     

The implant-abutment interface of alumina and zirconia abutments

Background: Although ceramic and titanium abutments are widely used in clinical practice, the mechanical characterization of the implant‐abutment interface for ceramic abutments has not been evaluated after the dynamic loading. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the implant‐abutment interface after the dynamic loading of titanium, alumina, and zirconia abutments. Materials and Methods: Fifteen aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, and titanium abutments were manufactured by the Procera System® (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) and were connected to Ø 3.75 × 13‐mm regular platform implants (MK III, Nobel Biocare AB) secured in a 30° inclined plane. A mechanical testing machine applied compressive dynamic loading between 20 and 200 N at 1 Hz on a standard contact area of copings cemented on abutments for 47.250 cycles. The measurements of microgaps at the implant‐abutment interface from the labial, palatinal, mesial, and distal surfaces of each specimen were undertaken by scanning electron microscope analyses prior to and after the experiments. The data of the microgaps before and after the dynamic loading were statistically assessed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Kruskal–Wallis variance analysis (α = 0.05). Results: Coping fracture, abutment fracture, or abutment screw loosening or fracture was not detected in any specimen during the entire test period. After the dynamic loading, the titanium abutment control group revealed an increased microgap (3.47 µm) than zirconia (1.45 µm) and alumina (1.82 µm) groups at the palatinal site (p < .05). The mean measurement values at different measurement sites of specimens within and between each abutment group were similar (p > .05). Conclusion: Owing to their comparable microgap values at the implant‐abutment interface after the dynamic loading, ceramic abutments can withstand functional forces like conventional titanium abutments.     

Alumina ceramic implant abutments used for single-tooth replacement: a prospective 1- to 3-year multicenter study

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare results after 1 and 3 years when single crowns supported by CerAdapt (test) ceramic abutments or CeraOne (control) titanium abutments were loaded. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material was divided into two groups: in group A, 69 (34 test, 35 control) abutments/crowns from all involved clinics were followed for 1 year; and in group B, 20 (10 test, 10 control) abutments/crowns from one of the clinics were followed for 3 years. RESULTS: No implant failed, giving a cumulative success rate of 100% for the implants. Two CerAdapt abutments in group A fractured, giving a cumulative success rate of 93% for the CerAdapt and 100% for the CeraOne abutments after 1 year. No abutment failed in group B, giving a cumulative success rate of 100% both for the CerAdapt and the CeraOne abutments between 1 and 3 years. The CerAdapt fractures might have been due to the fact that the abutments were impaired through too-extensive preparation and/or had been exposed to a too-high bending moment. Almost no marginal bone loss was recorded, indicating a stable bone situation both at CerAdapt and CeraOne abutments on single-tooth implants. Healthy conditions, with a relatively stable level of the periimplant mucosa in relation to the abutment/crown, were recorded for soft tissues both at CerAdapt and CeraOne abutments. Both clinicians and patients rated the esthetic result as excellent for practically all cases. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the esthetic possibilities and the safety of single-tooth replacement when accepted treatment concepts are followed and documented components are used. The tested abutments worked well, although the fractured CerAdapt abutments indicate that ceramic abutments are more sensitive to handling procedures than the titanium abutments.     

Cement thickness at implant‐supported single‐tooth Lava assemblies: a scanning electron microscopic investigation

Objectives: The fit of implant‐supported single‐tooth Lava zirconia assemblies was investigated in this study. The implant–abutment interface, the interface between the metallic and the zirconia portion of the abutment and the interface between Lava abutments and copings were evaluated. The adaptation of titanium abutments to implants and Lava copings was investigated as a control. Material and methods: Twenty implants were randomly assigned and connected to Lava abutments (group 1) or titanium abutments (group 2). All specimens were subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the fixture/abutment fit. Afterwards, specimens were luted to Lava copings and subjected to a SEM evaluation of the marginal external adaptation of the abutments with the copings. Finally, the samples were embedded in resin, sectioned and subjected to SEM analysis of the following interfaces; group 1: titanium/zirconia interface (between the constitutive components of the Lava abutment) and the zirconia/zirconia interface (between the Lava abutment and the coping); group 2: the titanium/zirconia interface (between the titanium abutment and the Lava coping). Non‐parametric analysis of variance and a post hoc test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Significant differences emerged in the cement thickness between titanium and zirconia components of the Lava abutments as compared with the thickness measured at the interface between Lava copings and the abutments investigated. No differences were found in cement thickness between Lava copings and the two different abutments. Conclusions: When Lava abutments are used, the most critical cement thickness is the internal interface between its titanium and zirconia components. Lava coping adaptation for both Lava and titanium abutments is within the clinical acceptable range. To cite this article:
Apicella D, Veltri M, Chieffi N, Balleri P, Ferrari M. Cement thickness at implant‐supported single‐tooth Lava assemblies: a scanning electron microscopic investigation.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 747–750.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01882.x     

The effects of the coupling of titanium implants and dissimilar metal abutments on osteoblast differentiation in vitro

This study evaluated the effect of titanium endosseous dental implants coupled to dissimilar materials on the capacity of preosteoblasts in bone marrow culture to differentiate, to form alkaline phosphatase-positive colonies, and to mineralize. Ten UCLA abutments were cast in each of 4 alloys: Type III gold, ceramometal gold, commercially pure grade I titanium, and titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V); 10 ceramic abutments and 30 sterile Br?nemark System implants were also used. Five abutments of each material and 5 implants were incubated individually in rat bone marrow culture, as were 5 of each abutment attached to an implant; bone marrow cultures not containing test samples were used as controls. Following 17 days of culture, the solution potentials of individual abutments (except ceramic), the implant, and the implant-abutment couples were measured in the test medium. One dish of each group of 5 was then stained for bone nodule mineralization; the remainder were quantified by area for alkaline phosphatase staining. Statistical analysis of measured in vitro potentials showed that the uncoupled samples formed 2 groups, and coupled samples formed 3 groups. Analysis of variance for alkaline phosphatase-positive area values showed no significant differences between coupled or uncoupled groups and the control. Normal cell differentiation and morphology as well as a lack of zones of inhibition, were observed. Bone nodule mineralization was evident in all groups. It was concluded that the presence of these commonly used implant abutment biomaterials coupled to titanium endosseous dental implants had no adverse effects on the in vitro capacity of preosteoblasts in marrow to differentiate and to form mineralized bone nodules, despite measured differences in solution potentials.     

Functional and esthetic considerations for single-tooth Ankylos implant-crowns: 8 years of clinical performance

PROBLEM: Following the loss of an anterior natural tooth, the mucogingival complex begins to collapse. The early placement of endosseous dental implants can prevent or reduce the extent of this collapse. If there is a long interval between the loss of the natural tooth and the placement of the implant prosthetic replacement, this collapse tends to increase significantly. PURPOSE: This paper will report on the clinical success of this implant product in the fabrication of esthetic, functional, and harmonious replacements for missing single, natural teeth for a period of 8 years. METHOD: A total of 275 single Ankylos implant tooth restorations in the anterior and posterior jaw regions were placed and monitored for 8 years. Of these, 264 implants were restored using the titanium Balance abutments, and only 11 were restored using ceramic abutments. The final restorations were either metal-ceramic or full-ceramic crowns and were cemented with glass ionomer cement. RESULTS: The survival rate was 98.2%, with only 5 implants being lost during the healing phase. There were no other implant losses in the postloading period that averaged 3.2 years. To date, there have been no mechanical complications associated with the prosthetic components (ie, screw loosening, screw breaking, or crown breaking) for either the titanium or the ceramic abutments. CONCLUSIONS: Experience with the Ankylos system with single-tooth replacement indications may be considered positive with regard to the esthetic and functional results of the treatment. The lack of mechanical complications and problems with the hard and soft tissue in the loading phase of the implants suggests the functional safety of the tapered connection between implant and abutment.     

Ceramic implant abutments for short-span FPDs: a prospective 5-year multicenter study

PURPOSE: A prospective, randomized, controlled 5-year multicenter study evaluated the long-term clinical function of CerAdapt ceramic abutments compared to titanium abutments on Br?nemark implants supporting short-span fixed partial dentures (FPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Initially, 105 Br?nemark implants were placed in a total of 32 patients at three different clinics; 103 implants remained after initial healing. Fifty-three ceramic and 50 titanium abutments were connected to support 36 FPDs, 19 on ceramic and 17 on titanium abutments. RESULTS: Thirty patients with 29 FPDs were examined after 5 years. There was a cumulative success rate of 97.2% for FPDs (94.7% for ceramic and 100% for titanium abutment-supported FPDs). One of 53 ceramic and none of 50 titanium abutments failed, giving survival rates of 98.1% and 100%, respectively. There was a mean marginal bone loss of 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm, respectively, for ceramic and titanium abutments. Soft tissues around abutments and adjacent teeth appeared healthy, and no significant differences were recorded for mucosal bleeding and plaque between ceramic and titanium abutments. Crown margins at FPD insertion were positioned as follows: 21% submucosally, 33% at the mucosal margin, and 46% supramucosally. Changes in mucosal level were recorded at 12% of the abutments, with 73% of all changes recorded at ceramic abutments. There was a balance between more or less exposed crown margins during the first 2 years, in contrast to the 2- to 5-year period, when all changes meant less exposed margins. CONCLUSION: Safe long-term functional and esthetic results can be achieved with CerAdapt alumina ceramic abutments on Br?nemark implants for short-span FPDs.     

Clinical and radiographical features of submerged and nonsubmerged titanium implants

A clinical and radiographical study was performed to evaluate whether initial submergence of titanium fixtures is an obligate treatment measure for the establishment of proper bone anchorage when implants a.m. Brdnemark are used. The sample was comprised of 11 subjects with edentulous mandibles. A split-mouth design was employed; in the right mandibular quadrant a traditional 2-step procedure for fixture installation and abutment connection was utilized, while in the left quadrant a l-step procedure was carried out, i.e., fixtures were placed and abutments were connected in one and the same session. Three to 4 months after fixture installation, fixed bridgeworks were fabricated and rigidly connected to the implants. Clinical examinations (including probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing and implant stability test) were performed after 12 and 18 months. Radiographs were taken following insertion of the bridges and at the 12- and 18-month re-examinations. The probing pocket depth, the bleeding on probing, the implant stability and the radiographic deter-minations were similar for the 2 groups of treatment alternatives. This indicates that titanium fixtures a.m. Brinemark can be properly anchored (osseointegrated) in mandibular bone and successfully used for bridge retention also when a l-step procedure is used for implant installation.     

Strength of CAD/CAM-generated esthetic ceramic molar implant crowns

PURPOSE: One-visit in-office CAD/CAM fabrication of esthetic ceramic crowns as a superstructure for posterior implants is quite new. The aim of the study was to evaluate the strength of esthetic ceramic CAD/CAM crowns with varied occlusal thickness and seated with adhesive and nonadhesive cements on titanium and zirconia abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Esthetic ceramic CAD/CAM-generated molar crowns (n = 15 per group) with occlusal thicknesses of 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm were seated on titanium (1) and zirconia (2) abutments: noncemented (a) and with nonadhesive cement (b) or 2 adhesive resin-based cements (c) and (d). In addition, 15 molar crowns with 5.5-mm occlusal thickness were seated on short zirconia abutments (3) using cements (c) and (d). All crowns had the identical occlusal morphology and were loaded with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. Load data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA, the Scheffé test, and Weibull probability of failure analysis. RESULTS: Fracture loads of 1.5-mm occlusal thickness crowns (a, b, c, d) were higher (P < .001) than those of 0.5-mm crowns (except for group ld). Occlusal 5.5-mm crowns on short zirconia abutments had similar (2c) or less (2d) strength than the respective 1.5-mm crowns. Nonadhesive crowns (1b, 2b) were weaker (P < .001) than adhesive crowns (1c, 1d, 2c, 2d). Fracture loads of 0.5- and 1.5-mm crowns were significantly higher on titanium than on zirconia abutments with both cements. Adhesive cement d generally showed higher fracture loads than c on both titanium and zirconia. CONCLUSION: Esthetic ceramic CAD/CAM molar implant crowns gained high strength with adhesive cements on both titanium and zirconia implant abutments compared to nonadhesive cementation.     

Fracture resistance of single-tooth implant-supported all-ceramic restorations after exposure to the artificial mouth

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of single-tooth implant-supported all-ceramic restorations, composed of zirconium dioxide all ceramic restorations on different implant abutments, and to identify the weakest component of the restorative system. Forty-eight standardized maxillary central incisor zirconia crowns (Procera) were fabricated for two test groups and one control group (group Al: alumina abutments; group Zr: zirconia abutments; control group Ti: titanium abutments). All abutments were placed on the implants (Replace) using titanium screws. The crowns were adhesively luted using a resin luting agent (Panavia 21) and artificially aged through dynamic loading and thermal cycling. Afterwards, all specimens were tested for fracture resistance using compressive load on the palatal surfaces of the crowns. Pair-wise Wilcoxon rank tests were performed to test for differences in fracture resistance values with a global significance level of 0.05. All test specimens survived aging in the artificial mouth. No screw loosening was recorded. The median fracture resistance was 1251, 241 and 457 N for groups Ti, Al and Zr respectively. Statistically significant differences were found for the comparisons of group Ti with groups Al and Zr (P < 0.00001), and for the comparison of group Al with Zr (P < 0.00001). Results of this study showed that all tested implant-supported restorations have the potential to withstand physiological occlusal forces applied in the anterior region. Because of the low fracture resistance values of group Al, the combination of zirconia crowns and alumina abutments should carefully be considered before clinical application.     

A Systematic Review of the Clinical Performance of Tooth‐Retained and Implant‐Retained Double Crown Prostheses with a Follow‐Up of ≥3 Years

Purpose: The objective of this review was to systematically screen the literature for data related to the survival and complication rates observed with dental or implant double crown abutments and removable prostheses under functional loading for at least 3 years. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the dental literature from January 1966 to December 2009 was performed in electronic databases (PubMed and Embase) as well as by an extensive hand search to investigate the clinical outcomes of double crown reconstructions. Results: From the total of 2412 titles retrieved from the search, 65 were selected for full‐text review. Subsequently, 17 papers were included for data extraction. An estimation of the cumulative survival and complication rates was not feasible due to the lack of detailed information. Tooth survival rates for telescopic abutment teeth ranged from 82.5% to 96.5% after an observation period of 3.4 to 6 years, and for tooth‐supported double crown retained dentures from 66.7% to 98.6% after an observation period of 6 to 10 years. The survival rates of implants were between 97.9% and 100% and for telescopic‐retained removable dental prostheses with two mandibular implants, 100% after 3.0 and 10.4 years. The major biological complications affecting the tooth abutments were gingival inflammation, periodontal disease, and caries. The most frequent technical complications were loss of cementation and loss of facings. Conclusions: The main findings of this review are: (I) double crown tooth abutments and dentures demonstrated a wide range of survival rates. (II) Implant‐supported mandibular overdentures demonstrated a favorable long‐term prognosis. (III) A greater need for prosthetic maintenance is required for both tooth‐supported and implant‐supported reconstructions. (IV) Future areas of research would involve designing appropriate longitudinal studies for comparisons of survival and complication rates of different reconstruction designs.