Bone healing around implants placed in a jaw defect augmented with Bio-Oss. An experimental study in dogs

The present experiment was carried out to study some tissue reactions around implants that were placed in an edentulous ridge which had been augmented with deproteinized natural bovine cancellous bone mineral. In 4 male beagle dogs, the premolars in the right side of the mandible were extracted and a large buccal ridge defect was created by mechanical means. The bone plate at the lingual aspect of the defect was left intact. 5 months later, the distal 2/3 of the defect area was augmented with Bio‐Oss^® (Geistlich Sons Ltd, Wolhusen, Switzerland) mixed with a fibrin sealer (Tisseel^®, Immuno AG, Vienna, Austria). After 3 months of healing, 3 fixtures (Astra Tech AB, Mölndal, Sweden; TiO‐blast; 8×3.5 mm) were installed in the mandible; 2 were placed in the augmented portion and 1 was placed in the non‐augmented portion of the defect. After a healing period of 3 months, abutment connection was performed and a plaque control period initiated. 4 months later, the dogs were sacrificed and each implant region was dissected. The tissue samples were dehydrated, embedded in plastic, sectioned in the bucco‐lingual plane and examined in the light microscope. It was observed that osseointegration failed to occur to implant surfaces within an alveolar ridge portion previously augmented with Bio‐Oss^®. In the augmented portion of the crest, the graft particles were separated from the host tissue as well as from the implant by a well‐defined connective tissue capsule. Although the lingual aspect of all fixtures (test and control) was in contact with hard tissue at the time of installation, after 4 months of function, a deep vertical bone defect frequently had formed at the lingual surface of the implants. It was concluded that in this model (i) Bio‐Oss^® failed to integrate with the host bone tissue and (ii) no osseointegration occurred to the implants within the augmented portion of the crest.     

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

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

Marginal tissue reactions at osseointegrated titanium fixtures (I). A 3-year longitudinal prospective study

16 consecutive totally edentulous patients were provided with 95 osseointegrated titanium fixtures in 7 upper and 9 lower jaws. Facultatively removable bridges were later connected to abutments, attached to the fixtures. The marginal soft and hard tissue reactions were investigated at a baseline examination and after 6, 12, 21, 30 and 39 months by standardized clinical and radiographical methods. At the last examination, microbiological samples and gingival biopsies were also analysed. The % ratios of abutments without plaque, 70-75%, and without any gingivitis, 80-85%, were almost constant throughout the study. The mean probing depth was 2.9 mm at the final examination. About 75% of all probing depths were 3 mm or less and none exceeded 5 mm. The bridge-gingiva distances increased during the investigation. Attached gingiva surrounded 65% of the buccal and lingual abutment surfaces. Only 0.9 mm marginal bone was lost as a mean during the first year and not more than 0.05 mm annually for the next 2 years. After 6 months, no significant changes in marginal bone levels occurred. The perifixtural bone gradually became more radiopaque, especially marginally in upper jaws, indicating a successive load-related remodelling. The microbiotia comprised coccoid cells and non-motile rods to 93% in 32 samples. Healthy tissues were present in 35% of the 14 soft tissue biopsies. In a further 29%, only a slight inflammation was observed. No constant correlations could be established for any of the investigation parameters used. It is concluded that the marginal soft tissue reactions were mild and not significant for a progressive periodontitis. Mobility tests of separate fixtures combined with quantitative and qualitative standardized radiological examinations of the surrounding bone appear to provide a truer comprehension of longitudinal events at osseointegrated implants than conventional clinical soft tissue observations. The prognosis for the osseointegrated implants appears excellent, especially with regard to the microbiotia, the small marginal bone height changes, and the radiological indications of remodelling in the perifixtural bone.     

Bone remodeling around implants placed in fresh extraction sockets

The aim of the present experimental study was to evaluate the physiologic bone remodeling in beagle dogs following the placement of small-diameter (3.25 mm) implants in fresh extraction sites. Five 1-year-old beagle dogs that weighed approximately 10 to 13 kg each were used in this study. The third and fourth premolars (P3, P4) were used as experimental teeth, which were hemisected using a fissure bur; the distal roots were removed carefully using forceps. Implants (3.25-mm wide, 10- or 11.5-mm long) were placed in the fresh extraction sockets with the neck of the implant at the level of the buccal bone crest. The dogs were subsequently put to sleep according to the following schedule: one dog 15 days after implant placement, two dogs after 1 month, and the remaining two dogs after 3 months. The distance from the implant shoulder to the bone wall crest was measured at both the buccal and lingual sites. The width of the buccolingual bone crest was measured using a caliper. Assessments were made immediately after root extraction and at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after implant placement. The mean width of the buccolingual bone crest was 4.5 ± 0.5 mm at the time of root extraction. Subsequently, at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after implant placement, the buccolingual bone width was 4.1 ± 0.5 mm, 3.7 ± 0.3 mm, and 3.5 ± 0.7 mm, respectively. Two weeks after implant placement, the lingual bone crest was measured at 0.2 ± 0.3 mm from the implant shoulder, while the buccal bone crest was 0.3 ± 0.3 mm. After 4 weeks of healing, the mean distance from the implant shoulder to the lingual bone crest was 0.1 ± 0.9 mm, compared to 0.4 ± 0.9 mm for the buccal bone crest. After 12 weeks of healing, the bone crest at the lingual sites was -0.3 ± 0.5 mm from the implant shoulder, compared to 0.8 ± 0.3 mm at the buccal sites. The findings from this study show that although vertical bone remodeling was indeed observed, the mean vertical buccal bone resorption was 0.5 mm. It might be suggested, therefore, that the implant position along the lingual wall and the use of implants with a narrow diameter in relation to the extraction socket width play a key role in reducing the rate of vertical bone resorption at the buccal aspect of implants placed in fresh extraction sockets.     

The effect of non-resorbable membrane on buccal bone healing at an immediate implant site: an experimental study in dogs

Objective: For successful implant treatment in the esthetic area, stable hard tissue and soft tissue are very important. At the buccal side without buccal bone defects, prophylactic guided bone regeneration (GBR) with bone substitute was frequently used for achieving thick buccal bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GBR using a non‐resorbable membrane in an immediate implant site without bone defects. Material and methods: Immediate implants were placed into the mandibles of four mongrel dogs. In the experimental group (TM group), a non‐resorbable membrane was placed and fixed onto the buccal bone plate around the implant. In the control group, the implants were placed without membrane coverage. After 12 weeks, the dogs were sacrificed and histological specimens were prepared. The vertical distances from the smooth–rough surface interface (SRI) to the gingiva, the first‐bone contact, and the bone crest were measured on the buccal and lingual sides. The horizontal thicknesses of the gingiva and bone at 0, 1, 2, and 3 mm below the SRI were measured. Results: In the TM group, first‐bone contact on the buccal side was more coronally positioned approximately 0.8 mm than the control group (P=0.041). The buccal bone thickness of the TM group was well preserved and there was no difference between the buccal and lingual sides. Comparing the control group, implants of the TM group had 1 mm thicker buccal bone (P=0.0051 at bone 1 mm level, P=0.002 at bone 2 mm level). In the control group, buccal bone loss was observed and buccal bone was about 1 mm thinner than the lingual bone (P<0.05). Conclusions: GBR with a non‐resorbable membrane and no bone graft substitute could help to preserve buccal bone thickness on the immediate implant site without defects. To cite this article:
Park S‐Y, Kye S‐B, Yang S‐M, Shin S‐Y. The effect of non‐resorbable membrane on buccal bone healing at an immediate implant site: an experimental study in dogs.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22 , 2011; 289–294.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01995.x     

Hard tissue formation adjacent to implants of various size and configuration immediately placed into extraction sockets: an experimental study in dogs

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of implant size and configuration on osseointegration in implants immediately placed into extraction sockets. Material and methods: Implants were installed immediately into extraction sockets in the mandibles of six Labrador dogs. In the control sites, cylindrical transmucosal implants (3.3 mm diameter) were installed, while in the test sites, larger and conical (root formed, 5 mm diameter) implants were installed. After 4 months of healing, the resorptive patterns of the alveolar crest were evaluated histomorphometrically. Results: With one exception, all implants were integrated in mineralized bone, mainly composed of mature lamellar bone. The alveolar crest underwent resorption at the control as well as at the test implants. This resorption was more pronounced at the buccal aspects and significantly greater at the test (2.7±0.4 mm) than at the control implants (1.5±0.6 mm). However, the control implants were associated with residual defects that were deeper at the lingual than at the buccal aspects, while these defects were virtually absent at test implants. Conclusions: The installment of root formed wide implants immediately into extraction sockets will not prevent the resorption of the alveolar crest. In contrast, this resorption is more marked both at the buccal and lingual aspects of root formed wide than at standard cylindrical implants. To cite this article:
Caneva M, Salata LA, de Souza SS, Bressan E, Botticelli D, Lang NP. Hard tissue formation adjacent to implants of various size and configuration immediately placed into extraction sockets: an experimental study in dogs.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 885–895.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01931.x     

Deproteinized bovine bone mineral in marginal defects at implants installed immediately into extraction sockets: an experimental study in dogs

Aim: To evaluate the influence of deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particles concomitant with the placement of a collagen membrane on alveolar ridge preservation and on osseointegration of implants placed into alveolar sockets immediately after tooth extraction. Material and methods: The pulp tissue of the mesial roots of ₃P₃ was removed in six Labrador dogs and the root canals were filled. Flaps were elevated in the right side of the mandible, and the buccal and lingual alveolar bony plates were exposed. The third premolar was hemi‐sectioned and the distal root was removed. A recipient site was prepared and an implant was placed lingually. After implant installation, defects of about 0.6 mm wide and 3.1 mm depth resulted at the buccal aspects of the implant, both at the test and at the control sites. The same surgical procedures and measurements were performed on the left side of the mandible. However, DBBM particles with a size of 0.25–1 mm were placed into the remaining defect concomitant with the placement of a collagen membrane. Results: All implants were integrated into mature bone. No residual DBBM particles were detected at the test sites after 4 months of healing. Both the test and the control sites showed buccal alveolar bone resorption, 1.8±1.1 and 2.1±1 mm, respectively. The most coronal bone‐to‐implant contact at the buccal aspect was 2±1.1 an 2.8±1.3 mm, at the test and the control sites, respectively. This difference in the distance was statistically significant. Conclusion: The application of DBBM concomitant with a collagen membrane to fill the marginal defects around implants placed into the alveolus immediately after tooth extraction contributed to improved bone regeneration in the defects. However, with regard to buccal bony crest preservation, a limited contribution of DBBM particles was achieved. To cite this article:
Caneva M, Botticelli D, Pantani F, Baffone GM, Rangel IG Jr, Lang NP. Deproteinized bovine bone mineral in marginal defects at implants installed immediately into extraction sockets: an experimental study in dogs.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23 , 2012; 106–112.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02202.x     

Healing at Implants Placed in an Alveolar Ridge with a Sloped Configuration: An Experimental Study in Dogs

Purpose: To study healing around implants placed in an alveolar ridge with a sloped lingual‐buccal configuration. Materials and Methods: Six Labrador dogs were used. Buccal bone defects were prepared in the mandible after extraction of premolars. Three months later, two test implants with a sloped marginal design and two control implants were placed in the chronic defect area with a sloped lingual‐buccal configuration of each premolar region. The test implants were placed in such a way that the buccal margin of the implant coincided with the buccal bone crest. The lingual margin of the control implants was placed to a similar depth as the lingual margin of the test implants. Abutments were connected to the implants in the right mandibular premolar region and flaps were sutured around the neck of the abutments. In the left side of the mandible, cover screws were placed and the flaps were sutured to cover the implants. Biopsies were obtained 4 months later and prepared for histological examination. Results: It was demonstrated that healing around implants placed in an alveolar ridge with a sloped lingual‐buccal configuration resulted in the preservation of a vertical discrepancy between the lingual and buccal marginal bone levels around implants with either a regular cylindrical outline or a modified marginal portion that matched the slope of the alveolar ridge. Conclusion: As the marginal buccal portion of the control implants with a regular design had no bone support, it is suggested that implants with a modified marginal portion may be considered in recipient sites with a sloped lingual‐buccal configuration.     

Resolution of bone defects of varying dimension and configuration in the marginal portion of the peri-implant bone. An experimental study in the dog

BACKGROUND: It was demonstrated that a marginal defect of about 1 mm between the bone wall and the metal surface after implant installation can heal with a high degree of bone fill and osseointegration. Objective: The aim of the present animal experiment was to study bone healing at implant sites with hard tissue defects of varying dimensions and configuration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four Labrador dogs were used. All mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted. After 3 months of healing, five experimental sites, two control (C1, C2) and three test (T1, T2, T3) sites, were identified. In all five sites, custom-made implants with a sand-blasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) surface and with an outer dimension of 3.3x10 mm, were used. In site C1, traditional implant installation was performed. In site C2, the marginal 5 mm of the canal, prepared for the implant, was widened to 5.3 mm using a step-drill. Thus, following the installation of the implant, a circumferential gap occurred between the bone tissue and the metal rod that was 5 mm deep and between 1 and 1.25 mm wide. In test site T1, the canal was widened to establish a marginal gap of 2-2.25 mm. In test sites T2 and T3, the marginal 5 mm of the canal was first widened to 5.3 mm (T2) or 7.3 mm (T3). The buccal bone wall opposite the defect was subsequently removed. Following the placement of a cover screw in sites C2, T1, T2, and T3, a resorbable membrane was placed over the defect. All implants were submerged. After 4 months of healing, block biopsies of each implant site were dissected and processed for ground sectioning. RESULTS: The observations disclosed that four-wall defects of different dimensions (1-2.25 mm wide) that occurred in the marginal portion of the recipient sites following implant installation were resolved during healing. Further, at sites where the buccal bone wall during defect preparation was intentionally removed, healing resulted in defect resolution at the mesial, distal, and lingual aspects. At the buccal aspects, healing was incomplete but the dimension of the defect was reduced by the limited amounts of new bone formation extending from the lateral and apical borders of the defect. CONCLUSION: Wide marginal defects may during healing be filled with bone. In such defects a high degree of osseointegration may occur to implants designed with an SLA surface.     

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

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

Soft tissue dimensions in flapless immediate implants with and without immediate loading: an experimental study in the beagle dog

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the peri‐implant soft tissue dimensions in flapless immediate implants with and without immediate loading. Material and methods: This study was carried out on six beagle dogs. Four implants were placed (two per side) immediately after tooth extraction (third and fourth premolars). Flapless immediate implant placement was performed in one hemimandible (control). The same procedure was performed in the contralateral side and immediate prosthesis was connected (test). After 3 months of healing, the dogs were sacrificed. Results: None of the implants and prosthesis were lost. Barrier epithelium in the loaded group was 2.51 mm at the buccal and 2.34 mm at the lingual aspect. In the no loaded group, the results were similar, 2.54 and 2.2 mm at the buccal and lingual side, respectively. Connective tissue in the loaded group was 1.38 mm at the buccal and 0.65 mm at the lingual aspect, and in the no loaded group 1.48 mm at the buccal and 0.53 mm at the lingual side. Biological width dimensions were 3.9 mm at the buccal and 2.95 mm at the lingual aspect for the loaded group, and 4.01 and 2.64 mm at the buccal and lingual aspect for the no loaded group. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggested that soft tissues dimensions around immediate implants with immediate loading were similar to immediate implants without loading. To cite this article:
Blanco J, Carral C, Liñares, A, Pérez J, Muñoz F. Soft tissue dimensions in flapless immediate implants with and without immediate loading: an experimental study in the beagle dog.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23 , 2012; 70–75.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02183.x     

Hard-tissue alterations following immediate implant placement in extraction sites

BACKGROUND: The marginal gap that may occur following implant installation in an extraction socket may be resolved by hard-tissue fill during healing. OBJECTIVE: To study dimensional alterations of hard tissues that occur following tooth extraction and immediate placement of implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen subjects with a total of 21 teeth scheduled for extraction were included. Following flap elevation and the removal of a tooth and implant installation, clinical measurements were made to characterize the dimension of the surrounding bone walls, as well as the marginal defect. No membranes or filler material was used. The flaps were subsequently replaced and secured with sutures in such a way that the healing cap of the implant was exposed to the oral environment. After 4 months of healing a re-entry procedure was performed and the clinical measurements were repeated. RESULTS: Fifty-two marginal defects exceeding 3 mm were present at baseline: 21 at buccal, 17 at lingual/palatal, and 14 at approximal surfaces. At the re-entry eight defects exceeding 3.0 mm remained. During the 4 months of healing, the bone walls of the extraction underwent marked change. The horizontal resorption of the buccal bone dimension amounted to about 56%. The corresponding resorption of the lingual/palatal bone was 30%. The vertical bone crest resorption amounted to 0.3+/-0.6 mm (buccal), 0.6+/-1.0 mm (lingual/palatal), 0.2+/-0.7 mm (mesial), and 0.5+/-0.9 mm (distal). CONCLUSION: The marginal gap that occurred between the metal rod and the bone tissue following implant installation in an extraction socket may predictably heal with new bone formation and defect resolution. The current results further documented that marginal gaps in buccal and palatal/lingual locations were resolved through new bone formation from the inside of the defects and substantial bone resorption from the outside of the ridge.     

Tissue modeling following implant placement in fresh extraction sockets

OBJECTIVE: To study whether osseointegration once established following implant placement in a fresh extraction socket may be lost as a result of tissue modeling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven beagle dogs were used. The third and fourth premolars in both quadrants of the mandible were used as experimental teeth. Buccal and lingual full-thickness flaps were elevated and distal roots were removed. Implants were installed in the fresh extraction socket. Semi-submerged healing of the implant sites was allowed. In five dogs, the experimental procedure was first performed in the right side of the mandible and 2 months later in the left mandible. These five animals were sacrificed 1 month after the final implant installation. In two dogs, the premolar sites on both sides of the mandible were treated in one surgical session and biopsies were obtained immediately after implant placement. All biopsies were processed for ground sectioning and stained. RESULTS: The void that existed between the implant and the socket walls at surgery was filled at 4 weeks with woven bone that made contact with the SLA surface. In this interval, (i) the buccal and lingual bone walls underwent marked surface resorption and (ii) the height of the thin buccal hard tissue wall was reduced. The process of healing continued, and the buccal bone crest shifted further in the apical direction. After 12 weeks, the buccal crest was located>2 mm apical of the marginal border of the SLA surface. CONCLUSION: The bone-to-implant contact that was established during the early phase of socket healing following implant installation was in part lost when the buccal bone wall underwent continued resorption.     

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.     

Biological width following immediate implant placement in the dog: flap vs. flapless surgery

Objective: To assess the marginal soft tissue healing process after flap or flapless surgery in immediate implant placement in a dog model. Material and methods: This study was carried out on five Beagle dogs. Four implants were placed in the lower jaw in each dog immediately after tooth extraction. Flap surgery was performed before the extraction on one side (control) and flapless on the other (test). After 3 months of healing, the dogs were sacrificed and prepared for histological analysis. Results: Ten implants were placed in each group. Two failed (one of each group). The length of the junctional epithelium in the flapless group was 2.54 mm (buccal) and 2.11 mm (lingual). In the flap group, the results were very similar: 2.59 mm (buccal) and 2.07 mm (lingual), with no significant differences observed between the groups. The length of the connective tissue in the flapless group was 0.68 mm (buccal) and 0.54 mm (lingual), and 1.09 mm at the buccal and 0.91 mm at the lingual aspect in the flap group, with no significant differences between groups. The difference between the mean distance from the peri‐implant mucosa margin to the first bone–implant contact at the buccal aspect was significant between both groups (3.02 mm‐flapless and 3.69 mm flap group). However, this difference was mostly due to the Pm3 group (flapless: 2.95/flap: 3.76) because no difference could be detected in the Pm4 group. Both groups showed minimal recession, with no significant differences between groups (flapless group – 0.6 mm buccal and 0.42 mm lingual; flap group – 0.67 and 0.13 mm). Conclusion: The clinical evaluation of immediate implant placement after 3 months of healing indicated that buccal soft tissue retraction was lower in the flapless group than in the flap group, without significant differences. The mean values of the biological width longitudinal dimension at the buccal aspect were higher in the flap group than in the flapless group, this difference being mostly due to the Pm3, probably because of a thinner biotype in this region. To cite this article:
Blanco J, Alves CC, Nuñez V, Aracil L, Muñoz F, Ramos I. Biological width following immediate implant placement in the dog: flap vs. flapless surgery.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 624–631.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01885.x     

Influence of implant positioning in extraction sockets on osseointegration: histomorphometric analyses in dogs

Aim: To evaluate the influence of implant positioning into extraction sockets on osseointegration. Material and methods: Implants were installed immediately into extraction sockets in the mandibles of six Labrador dogs. In the control sites, the implants were positioned in the center of the alveolus, while in the test sites, the implants were positioned 0.8 mm deeper and more lingually. After 4 months of healing, the resorptive patterns of the alveolar crest were evaluated histomorphometrically. Results: All implants were integrated in mineralized bone, mainly composed of mature lamellar bone. The alveolar crest underwent resorption at the control as well as at the test sites. After 4 months of healing, at the buccal aspects of the control and test sites, the location of the implant rough/smooth limit to the alveolar crest was 2±0.9 mm and 0.6±0.9 mm, respectively (P<0.05). At the lingual aspect, the bony crest was located 0.4 mm apically and 0.2 mm coronally to the implant rough/smooth limit at the control and test sites, respectively (NS). Conclusions: From a clinical point of view, implants installed into extraction sockets should be positioned approximately 1 mm deeper than the level of the buccal alveolar crest and in a lingual position in relation to the center of the alveolus in order to reduce or eliminate the exposure above the alveolar crest of the endosseous (rough) portion of the implant. To cite this article:
Caneva M, Salata LA, de Souza SS, Baffone G, Lang NP, Botticelli D. Influence of implant positioning in extraction sockets on osseointegration: histomorphometric analyses in dogs.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 43–49.     

Buccal bone plate remodeling after immediate implant placement with and without synthetic bone grafting and flapless surgery: radiographic study in dogs

Recent studies in animals have shown pronounced resorption of the buccal bone plate after immediate implantation. The use of flapless surgical procedures prior to the installation of immediate implants, as well as the use of synthetic bone graft in the gaps represent viable alternatives to minimize buccal bone resorption and to favor osseointegration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing of the buccal bone plate following immediate implantation using the flapless approach, and to compare this process with sites in which a synthetic bone graft was or was not inserted into the gap between the implant and the buccal bone plate. Lower bicuspids from 8 dogs were bilaterally extracted without the use of flaps, and 4 implants were installed in the alveoli in each side of the mandible and were positioned 2.0 mm from the buccal bone plate (gap). Four groups were devised: 2.0-mm subcrestal implants (3.3 × 8 mm) using bone grafts (SCTG), 2.0-mm subcrestal implants without bone grafts (SCCG), equicrestal implants (3.3 × 10 mm) with bone grafts (ECTG), and equicrestal implants without bone grafts (ECCG). One week following the surgical procedures, metallic prostheses were installed, and within 12 weeks the dogs were sacrificed. The blocks containing the individual implants were turned sideways, and radiographic imaging was obtained to analyze the remodeling of the buccal bone plate. In the analysis of the resulting distance between the implant shoulder and the bone crest, statistically significant differences were found in the SCTG when compared to the ECTG (P = .02) and ECCG (P = .03). For mean value comparison of the resulting linear distance between the implant surface and the buccal plate, no statistically significant difference was found among all groups (P > .05). The same result was observed in the parameter for presence or absence of tissue formation between the implant surface and buccal plate. Equicrestally placed implants, in this methodology, presented little or no loss of the buccal bone. The subcrestally positioned implants presented loss of buccal bone, even though synthetic bone graft was used. The buccal bone, however, was always coronal to the implant shoulder.     

Ridge alterations following immediate implant placement and the treatment of bone defects with Bio-Oss in an animal model

Background: Conflicting data exist on the outcome of placing Bio‐Oss® (Geitslich Pharm AG, Wolhausen, Switzerland) into extraction sockets. It is therefore relevant to study whether the incorporation of Bio‐Oss into extraction sockets would influence bone healing outcome at the extraction sites. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess peri‐implant bone changes when implants were placed in fresh extraction sockets and the remaining defects were filled with Bio‐Oss particles in a canine mandible model. Materials and Methods: Six mongrel dogs were used in the study. In one jaw quadrant of each animal, the fourth mandibular premolars were extracted with an elevation of the mucoperiosteal flap; implants were then placed in the fresh extraction sockets and the remaining defects were filled with Bio‐Oss particles. After 4 months of healing, micro‐computed tomography at the implant sites was performed. Osseointegration was calculated as the percent of implant surface in contact with bone. Additionally, bone height was measured in the peri‐implant bone. Results: Average osseointegration was 28.5% (ranged between 14.8 and 34.2%). The mean crestal bone loss was 4.7 ± 2.1 mm on the buccal aspect, 0.4 ± 0.5 mm on the mesial aspect, 0.4 ± 0.3 mm on the distal aspect, and 0.3 ± 0.4 mm on the lingual aspect. Conclusion: The findings from this study demonstrated that the placement of implants and Bio‐Oss® particles into fresh extraction sockets resulted in significant buccal bone loss with low osseointegration.     

Ridge alterations following implant placement in fresh extraction sockets: an experimental study in the dog

OBJECTIVE: To study dimensional alterations of the alveolar ridge that occurred following implant placement in fresh extraction sockets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five beagle dogs were included in the study. In both quadrants of the mandible, incisions were made in the crevice region of the third and fourth pre-molars. Buccal and minute lingual full-thickness flaps were elevated. The mesial root of the four pre-molars root was filled and the teeth were hemi-sected. Following flap elevation in (3)P(3) and (4)P(4) regions, the distal roots were removed. In the right jaw quadrants, implants with a sand blasted and acid etched (SLA) surface were placed in the fresh extraction sockets, while in the left jaws the corresponding sockets were left for spontaneous healing. The mesial roots were retained as surgical control teeth. After 3 months, the animals were examined clinically, sacrificed and tissue blocks containing the implant sites, the adjacent tooth sites (mesial root) and the edentulous socket sites were dissected, prepared for ground sectioning and examined in the microscope. RESULTS: At implant sites, the level of bone-to-implant contact (BC) was located 2.6+/-0.4 mm (buccal aspect) and 0.2+/-0.5 mm (lingual aspect) apical of the SLA level. At the edentulous sites, the mean vertical distance (V) between the marginal termination of the buccal and lingual bone walls was 2.2+/-0.9 mm. At the surgically treated tooth sites, the mean amount of attachment loss was 0.5+/-0.5 mm (buccal) and 0.2+/-0.3 mm (lingual). CONCLUSIONS: Marked dimensional alterations had occurred in the edentulous ridge after 3 months of healing following the extraction of the distal root of mandibular pre-molars. The placement of an implant in the fresh extraction site obviously failed to prevent the re-modelling that occurred in the walls of the socket. The resulting height of the buccal and lingual walls at 3 months was similar at implants and edentulous sites and vertical bone loss was more pronounced at the buccal than at the lingual aspect of the ridge. It is suggested that the resorption of the socket walls that occurs following tooth removal must be considered in conjunction with implant placement in fresh extraction sockets.     

Influence of a microgrooved collar design on soft and hard tissue healing of immediate implantation in fresh extraction sites in dogs

Objective: This study compared the alveolar bone reduction after immediate implantation using microgrooved and smooth collar implants in fresh extracted sockets. Material and methods: Four mongrel dogs were used in this study. The full buccal and lingual mucoperiosteal flaps were elevated and the third and fourth premolars of the mandible were removed. The implants were installed in the fresh extracted sockets. The animals were sacrificed after a 3‐month healing period. The mandibles were dissected and each implant site was removed and processed for a histological examination. Results: During healing, the marginal gaps in both groups, which were present between the implant and the socket walls at implantation, disappeared as a result of bone filling and resorption of the bone crest. The buccal bone crests were located apical of its lingual counterparts. At the 12‐week interval, the mean bone–implant contact in the microgrooved group was significantly higher than that of the turned surface group. From the observations in some of the microgrooved groups, we have found bone attachment to the 12 μm microgrooved surface and collagen fibers perpendicular to the long axis of the implants over the 8 μm microgrooved surface. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, microgrooved implants may provide more favorable conditions for the attachment of hard and soft tissues and reduce the level of marginal bone resorption and soft tissue recession. To cite this article:
Shin S‐Y., Han D‐H. Influence of microgrooved collar design on soft and hard tissue healing of immediate implantation in fresh extraction sites in dogs.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 804–814.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01917.x