A comparative study on the initial stability of different implants placed above the bone level using resonance frequency analysis

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the initial stability of different implants placed above the bone level in different types of bone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As described by Lekholm and Zarb, cortical layers of bovine bone specimens were trimmed to a thickness of 2 mm, 1 mm or totally removed to reproduce bone types II, III, and IV respectively. Three Implant system (Brånemark System® Mk III TiUnite™, Straumann Standard Implant SLA®, and Astra Tech Microthread™-OsseoSpeed™) were tested. Control group implants were placed in level with the bone, while test group implants were placed 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm above the bone level. Initial stability was evaluated by resonance frequency analysis. Data was statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance in confidence level of 95%. The effective implant length and the Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) were compared using simple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

In the control group, there was a significant difference in the ISQ values of the 3 implants in bone types III and IV (P<.05). The ISQ values of each implant decreased with increased effective implant length in all types of bone. In type II bone, the decrease in ISQ value per 1-mm increase in effective implant length of the Brånemark and Astra implants was less than that of the Straumann implant. In bone types III and IV, this value in the Astra implant was less than that in the other 2 implants.

CONCLUSION

The initial stability was much affected by the implant design in bone types III, IV and the implant design such as the short pitch interval was beneficial to the initial stability of implants placed above the bone level.     

Effect of implant macro-design on primary stability: A prospective clinical study

Background

Implant restorations have become a high predictable treatment option. Several caracteristics such as surgical technique and implant design can influence the treatment outcomes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of implant macro-design on primary stability measured with resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and insertion torque (IT).

Material and Methods

A total of 47 implants divided in two groups: Test group (TI): 22 Tapered MIS® Seven implants; Control group (CI): 25 cylindrical Astra® Osseospeed implants. All implants were inserted following the manufacturers’ standard protocols. Implant primary stability was measured at the moment of implant placement by registering insertion torque values (ITv) and ISQ values by means of Osstell™ Mentor (ISQv) (Integration Diagnostic Ltd., Goteborg, Sweden).

Results

In the mandible, mean ISQv for tapered implants (TI) was 71.67±5.16 and for cylindrical implants (CI) 57.15±4.83 (p=0.01). Mean insertion torque was 46.67±6.85 Ncm for TI and 35.77±6.72 Ncm for CI (p=0.01). In the maxilla, mean ISQ was 67.2±4.42 for tapered implants and 49.17±15.30 for cylindrical implants (p=0.01). Mean insertion torque for TI was 41.5±6.26 Ncm and for CI 39.17±6.34 Ncm (p>0.05). For tapered implants, no correlation could be found between implant diameter and primary stability. But for cylindrical implants there was a statistically significant correlation between implant diameter and primary stability: ITv (p=0.03); ISQv (p=0.04).

Conclusions

Within the limits of the present study, tapered shaped implants achieve higher primary stability measured through ISQ and insertion torque values. Moreover, for cylindrical implants positive correlation has been established between implant diameter and primary stability. Key words:Primary stability, tapered, cylindrical, conical, implant macro-design.     

Comparion of stability in titanium implants with different surface topographies in dogs

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

A few of studies which compared and continuously measured the stability of various surface treated implants in the same individual had been performed.

PURPOSE

We aim to find the clinical significance of surface treatments by observing the differences in the stabilization stages of implant stability.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eight different surface topographies of dental implants were especially designed for the present study. Machined surface implants were used as a control group. 4 nano-treated surface implants (20 nm TiO₂ coating surface, heat-treated 80 nm TiO₂ coating surface, CaP coating surface, heat treated CaP coating surface) and 3 micro-treated surface implants [resorbable blast media (RBM) surface, sandblast and acid-etched (SAE) surface, anodized RBM surface] were used as experiment groups. All 24 implants were placed in 3 adult dogs. Periotest® & ISQ values measured for 8 weeks and all animals were sacrificed at 8 weeks after surgery. Then the histological analyses were done.

RESULTS

In PTV, all implants were stabilized except 1 failed implants. In ISQ values, The lowest stability was observed at different times for each individual. The ISQ values were showed increased tendency after 5 weeks in every groups. After 4 to 5 weeks, the values were stabilized. There was no statistical correlation between the ISQ values and PTV. In the histological findings, the bone formation was observed to be adequate in general and no differences among the 8 surface treated implants.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the difference in the stability of the implants was determined not by the differences in the surface treatment but by the individual specificity.     

Measurements of Implant Stability Following Sinus Lift: A Pilot Clinical Study

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the implant stability of Bredent Sky Blue implants of different diameters following one stage sinus lift procedure.

Material and methods

This study included 9 male patients with an existing indication for unilateral or bilateral sinus lift procedure. As grafting materials, combination of allograft material MinerOss® cortical & cancellous and Ossceram nano were used.

Results

All implants were considered successful and ISQ levels were measured by Osstell ISQ device. The ISQ values were from 68 to 84. The mean values of stability of Bredent Sky Blue implants of different diameters following one stage sinus lift procedure were 77.73 ± 2.93 (MD) and 77.98 ± 2.72 (VO).Key words: dental implants, implant stability, sinus floor augmentation     

Assessment of Osstell? and Periotest? systems in measuring dental implant stability (in vitro study)

Objectives

The objectives of this in vitro study were to investigate the sensitivity and reliability of the Osstell™ systems (Resonance Frequency Analysis – RFA) compared to the Periotest® system in implant bone simulated conditions. Three conditions were simulated: (1) the direct fixture-bone contact and fibrous tissue fixture contact, (2) The different levels of horizontal bone loss, and (3) The hardening implant–bone interface.

Materials and methods

Forty-nine dental implant fixtures were placed in the center of acrylic cubes. In Part I seven fixtures were placed in direct contact with acrylic and another seven were placed in contact with polyvinyl siloxane impression material as soft interface. Part II: four sets of 0, 2, 4 and 6 mm horizontally exposed fixture samples were made (seven fixtures in each set). Part III: seven fixtures were placed in contact with a thin mix of autopolymerizing resin. The stability of these fixtures was measured using Osstell™ and Periotest® systems.

Results

The mean Periotest® value(PTV) and Osstell™ measurements showed a significant difference between the direct contact and soft interface (P < 0.001). These values also showed statistically significant difference between the different levels of horizontally exposed fixture groups (P < 0.001). The level of horizontal fixture exposure was strongly correlated with the PTVS (r = 0.967) and strongly negatively correlated with Implant Stability Quotient (r = −0.946). A strong correlation was found between the Osstell™ readings and the change in the stiffness of the autopolymerizing resin fixture interface group (r = 0.986).

Conclusions

Both Osstell™ and Periotest® systems proved to be sensitive in measuring dental implant stability in hard and in soft interfaces. Osstell™ also proved to be sensitive in detecting changes in the fixture interface stiffness. Osstell™ system proved to be more reliable compared to Periotest® system in measuring dental implant stability in hard and in soft interfaces.     

Biomechanical evaluation of dental implants with different surfaces: Removal torque and resonance frequency analysis in rabbits

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Macroscopic and especially microscopic properties of implant surfaces play a major role in the osseous healing of dental implants. Dental implants with modified surfaces have shown stronger osseointegration than implants which are only turned (machined). Advanced surface modification techniques such as anodic oxidation and Ca-P application have been developed to achieve faster and stronger bonding between the host bone and the implant.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of surface treatment of titanium dental implant on implant stability after insertion using the rabbit tibia model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three test groups were prepared: sandblasted, large-grit and acid-etched (SLA) implants, anodic oxidized implants, and anodized implants with Ca-P immersion. The turned implants served as control. Twenty rabbits received 80 implants in the tibia. Resonance frequencies were measured at the time of implant insertion, 2 weeks and 4 weeks of healing. Removal torque values (RTV) were measured 2 and 4 weeks after insertion.

RESULTS

The implant stability quotient (ISQ) values of implants for resonance frequency analysis (RFA) increased significantly (P < .05) during 2 weeks of healing period although there were no significant differences among the test and control groups (P > .05). The test and control implants also showed significantly higher ISQ values during 4 weeks of healing period (P < .05). No significant differences, however, were found among all the groups. All the groups showed no significant differences in ISQ values between 2 and 4 weeks after implant insertion (P > .05). The SLA, anodized and Ca-P immersed implants showed higher RTVs at 2 and 4 weeks of healing than the machined one (P < .05). However, there was no significant difference among the experimental groups.

CONCLUSION

The surface-modified implants appear to provide superior implant stability to the turned one. Under the limitation of this study, however, we suggest that neither anodic oxidation nor Ca-P immersion techniques have any advantage over the conventional SLA technique with respect to implant stability.     

A comparison of the implant stability among various implant systems: clinical study

PURPOSE

To determine the change in stability of single-stage, three different design of implant systems in humans utilizing resonance frequency analysis for early healing period (24 weeks), without loading.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-five patients were included into this study. A total of 45 implants, three different design of implant systems (group A,C,R) were placed in the posterior maxilla or mandible. The specific transducer for each implant system was used. ISQ (implant stability quotient) reading were obtained for each implant at the time of surgery, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24 weeks postoperatively. Data were analyzed for different implant type, bone type, healing time, anatomical locations.

RESULTS

For each implant system, a two-factor mixed-model ANOVA demonstrated that a significant effect on ISQ values (group A = 0.0022, C = 0.017, R = 0.0018). For each implant system, in a two-factor mixed model ANOVA, and two-sample t-test, the main effect of jaw position (P > .005) on ISQ values were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

All the implant groups A, C and R, the change patterns of ISQ over time differed by bone type. Implant stability increased greatly between week 0 and week six and showed slow increase between week six and six months (plateau effect).     

Assessment of implant stability following sinus lift procedures with different grafting materials

Objective

The objective of this research was to evaluate implant stability following sinus lift with two grafting materials, and to compare it with the results obtained for the implants placed in a pristine posterior maxilla.

Materials and methods

The study included 44 healthy patients with an existing indication for sinus lift procedure (test group). 46 implants were placed following sinus lift with a pure-phase beta-tricalcium phosphate, while 39 implants were placed following augmentation with 60% hydroxyapatite with 40% beta-tricalcium phosphate material. The control group consisted of 48 healthy patients who were treated with 85 implants but without bone augmentation in posterior maxilla. Astra Tech OsseoSpeed implants were placed in all subjects. Resonance frequency analysis was used in both groups for determining implant stability 4 months after insertion. A mean implant stability quotient (ISQ) was calculated on the basis of 3 measurements.

Results

No statistical difference was observed in ISQ values of implants placed with and without augmentation procedure (p=0,789). Statistically significant difference was not found when ISQ values of implants placed following particular grafting material were compared with ISQ values of corresponding implants in a pristine bone (p=0.697 and p=0.402).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the implant stability is comparable among implants placed in the posterior maxilla regardless of sinus lift and grafting procedure. Implants placed in the grafted posterior maxilla can be predictably loaded as the implants placed in a non-grafted, pristine maxilla.Key words: Dental Implants, Sinus Floor Augmentation, Resonance Frequency Analysis, Beta-tricalcium Phosphate, Hydroxyapatite     

The relationship between initial implant stability quotient values and bone-to-implant contact ratio in the rabbit tibia

PURPOSE

Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values have been supposed to predict implant stability. However, the relationship between ISQ values and bone-to-implant contact ratio (BIC%) which is one of the predictors of implant stability is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate initial ISQ values in relation to BIC% using rabbit model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four New Zealand white rabbits received a total of 16 implants in their tibia. Immediately after implant placement ISQ values were assessed. The measurements were repeated at the time of sacrifice of the rabbits after 4 weeks. Peri-implant bone regeneration was assessed histomorphometrically by measuring BIC% and bone volume to total volume values (bone volume %). The relationships between ISQ values and the histomorphometric output were assessed, and then, the osseointegration prediction model via the initial ISQ values was processed.

RESULTS

Initial ISQ values showed significant correlation with the BIC%. The bone volume % did not show any significant association with the ISQ values.

CONCLUSION

In the limitation of this study, resonance frequency analysis is a useful clinical method to predict the BIC% values and examine the implant stability.     

A comparison of bone bed preparation with laser and conventional drill on the relationship between implant stability quotient (ISQ) values and implant insertion variables

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate a comparison of implant bone bed preparation with Er,Cr:YSGG laser and conventional drills on the relationship between implant stability quotient (ISQ) values and implant insertion variables.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty implants were inserted into two different types of pig rib bone. One group was prepared with conventional drills and a total of 20 implants were inserted into type I and type II bone. The other group was prepared with a Er,Cr:YSGG laser and a total of 20 implants were inserted into type I and type II bone. ISQ, maximum insertion torque, angular momentum, and insertion torque energy values were measured.

RESULTS

The mean values for variables were significantly higher in type I bone than in type II bone (P < .01). In type I bone, the ISQ values in the drill group were significantly higher than in the laser group (P < .05). In type II bone, the ISQ values in the laser group were significantly higher than in the drill group (P < .01). In both type I and type II bone, the maximum insertion torque, total energy, and total angular momentum values between the drill and laser groups did not differ significantly (P ≥ .05). The ISQ values were correlated with maximum insertion torque (P < .01, r = .731), total energy (P < .01, r = .696), and angular momentum (P < .01, r = .696).

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, the effects of bone bed preparation with Er,Cr:YSGG laser on the relationship between implant stability quotient (ISQ) values and implant insertion variables were comparable to those of drilling.     

The effect of various thread designs on the initial stability of taper implants

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Primary stability at the time of implant placement is related to the level of primary bone contact. The level of bone contact with implant is affected by thread design, surgical procedure and bone quality, etc.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the initial stability of the various taper implants according to the thread designs, half of which were engaged to inferior cortical wall of type IV bone (Group 1) and the rest of which were not engaged to inferior cortical wall (Group 2) by measuring the implant stability quotient (ISQ) and the removal torque value (RTV).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study, 6 different implant fixtures with 10 mm length were installed. In order to simulate the sinus inferior wall of type IV bone, one side cortical bone of swine rib was removed. 6 different implants were installed in the same bone block following manufacturer''s recommended procedures. Total 10 bone blocks were made for each group. The height of Group 1 bone block was 10 mm for engagement and that of group 2 was 13 mm. The initial stability was measured with ISQ value using Osstell mentor® and with removal torque using MGT50 torque gauge.

RESULTS

In this study, we found the following results. 1. In Group 1 with fixtures engaged to the inferior cortical wall, there was no significant difference in RTV and ISQ value among the 6 types of implants. 2. In Group 2 with fixtures not engaged to the inferior cortical wall, there was significant difference in RTV and ISQ value among the 6 types of implants (P < .05). 3. There was significant difference in RTV and ISQ value according to whether fixtures were engaged to the inferior cortical wall or not (P < .05). 4. Under-drilling made RTV and ISQ value increase significantly in the NT implants which had lower RTV and ISQ value in Group 2 (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Without being engaged to the inferior cortical wall fixtures had initial stability affected by implant types. Also in poor quality bone, under-drilling improved initial stability.     

Histomorphometry and stability analysis of early loaded implants with two different surface conditions in beagle dogs

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Despite an improved bone reactions of Mg-incorporated implants in the animals, little yet has been carried out by the experimental investigations in functional loading conditions.

PURPOSE

This study investigated the clinical and histologic parameters of osseointegrated Mg-incorporated implants in early loading conditions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 36 solid screw implants (diameter 3.75 mm, length 10 mm) were placed in the mandibles of 6 beagle dogs. Test groups included 18 Mg-incorporated implants. Turned titanium implants served as control. Gold crowns were inserted 4 weeks after implant placement and the dogs were immediately put on a food diet. Implants were observed for 10 weeks after loading. Radiographic assessments and stability tests were performed at the time of fixture installation, 2^nd stage surgery, 4 weeks after loading, and 10 weeks after loading. Histological observations and morphometrical measurements were also performed.

RESULTS

Of 36 implants, 33 displayed no discernible mobility, corresponding to successful clinical function. There was no statistically significant difference between test implants and controls in marginal bone levels (P = .46) and RFA values. The mean BIC% in the Mg-implants was 54.5 ± 8.4%. The mean BIC% in the turned implant was 45.3 ± 12.2%. These differences between the Mg-implant and control implant were statistically significant (P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

The anodized, Mg-incorporated implant demonstrated significantly more bone-to-implant contact (BIC) in early loading conditions.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The results of this study in beagle dogs suggest the possibility of achieving predictable stability of early loaded free-standing dental implants with Mg-incorporated surface.     

Comparison of marginal bone loss and patient satisfaction in single and double-implant assisted mandibular overdenture by immediate loading

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the coronal bone level and patient satisfaction in 1-implant and 2-implant assisted mandibular overdentures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty patients who had maladaptive mandibular dentures were treated in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received 1 implant (Simple line II, Implantium, South Korea) in their mandibular midline and the second group received 2 implants in their B and D regions (according to Misch''s category). If the primary stability of each implant was at least 60 ISQ, ball attachment was placed and denture relined with soft liner. After 6 weeks, retentive cap incorporated with hard acrylic resin. In the 6 and 12 months recalls, periapical digital radiograph were made and visual analogue scale questionnaires were used to record patient satisfaction. The Friedman test was done for comparing the presurgical and postsurgical parameters in each group and the U-Mann Whitney test (P<.05) was done for comparison of post-treatment results between the two groups.

RESULTS

All implants achieved sufficient primary stability to be immediately loaded. Patient satisfaction was high, and there were no significant differences between two groups (P>.05). In addition, mean marginal bone loss was 0.6 ± 0.67 mm in the first group and 0.6 ± 0.51 mm in the second group, after 12 month. Mean marginal bone loss showed no significant differences between two groups.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary one-year result indicated that mandibular overdentures anchored to a single implant can be a safe and cost-effective method as a starting step for implant-overdenture treatment.     

Histologic evaluation and removal torque analysis of nano- and microtreated titanium implants in the dogs

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

A number of studies about the nano-treated surfaces of implants have been conducting along with micro-treated surfaces of implants.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to get information for the clinical use of nano-treated surfaces compared with micro-treated surfaces by measuring removal torque and analyzing histological characteristics after the placement of various surface-treated implants on femurs of dogs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Machined surface implants were used as a control group. 4 nano-treated surface implants and 3 micro-treated surface implants [resorbable blast media surface (RBM), sandblast and acid-etched surface (SAE), anodized RBM surface] were used as experimental groups. Removal torque values of implants were measured respectively and the histological analyses were conducted on both 4weeks and 8weeks after implant surgery. The surfaces of removed implants after measuring removal torque values were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 8 weeks.

RESULTS

1. Removal torque values of the nano-treated groups were lower than those of micro-treated groups. 2. Removal torque values were similar in the anodized RBM surface groups. 3. On the histological views, there was much of bone formation at 8 weeks, but there was no difference between 4 and 8 weeks, and between the types of implant surfaces as well.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that implant topography is more effective in removal torque test than surface chemistry. To get better clinical result, further studies should be fulfilled on the combined effect of surface topography and chemistry for the implant surface treatments.     

Guided bone regeneration using demineralized allogenic bone matrix with calcium sulfate: case series

PURPOSE

The purpose of this case series was to evaluate the effect of guided bone regeneration using demineralized allogenic bone matrix with calcium sulfate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Guided bone regeneration using Demineralized Allogenic Bone Matrix with Calcium Sulfate (AlloMatrix™, Wright. USA) was performed at the time of implant placement from February 2010 to April 2010. At the time of the second surgery, clinical evaluation of bone healing and histologic evaluation were performed. The study included 10 patients, and 23 implants were placed. The extent of bony defects around implants was determined by measuring the horizontal and vertical bone defects using a periodontal probe from the mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual sides and calculating the mean and standard deviation of these measurements. Wedge-shaped tissue samples were obtained from 3 patients and histologic examination was performed.

RESULTS

In clinical evaluation, it was observed that horizontal bone defects were completely healed with new bones, and in the vertical bone defect area, 15.1% of the original defect area remained. In 3 patients, histological tests were performed, and 16.7-41.7% new bone formation was confirmed. Bone graft materials slowly underwent resorption over time.

CONCLUSION

AlloMatrix™ is an allograft material that can be readily manipulated. It does not require the use of barrier membranes, and good bone regeneration can be achieved with time.     

Effect of bone quality and implant surgical technique on implant stability quotient (ISQ) value

PURPOSE

This study investigated the influence of bone quality and surgical technique on the implant stability quotient (ISQ) value. In addition, the influence of interfacial bone quality, directly surrounding the implant fixture, on the resonance frequency of the structure was also evaluated by the finite element analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two different types of bone (type 1 and type 2) were extracted and trimmed from pig rib bone. In each type of bone, the same implants were installed in three different ways: (1) Compaction, (2) Self-tapping, and (3) Tapping. The ISQ value was measured and analyzed to evaluate the influence of bone quality and surgical technique on the implant primary stability. For finite element analysis, a three dimensional implant fixture-bone structure was designed and the fundamental resonance frequency of the structure was measured with three different density of interfacial bone surrounding the implant fixture.

RESULTS

In each group, the ISQ values were higher in type 1 bone than those in type 2 bone. Among three different insertion methods, the Tapping group showed the lowest ISQ value in both type 1 and type 2 bones. In both bone types, the Compaction groups showed slightly higher mean ISQ values than the Self-tapping groups, but the differences were not statistically significant. Increased interfacial bone density raised the resonance frequency value in the finite element analysis.

CONCLUSION

Both bone quality and surgical technique have influence on the implant primary stability, and resonance frequency has a positive relation with the density of implant fixture-surrounding bone.     

In vitro evaluation of resonance frequency analysis values to different implant contact ratio and stiffness of surrounding material

PURPOSE

The present study was aimed to evaluate the influence of implant contact ratio and stiffness of implant-surrounding materials on the resonance frequency analysis (RFA) values.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy resin blocks that had the different amounts (100, 50, 30, 15%) of resin-implant contact (RIC) were fabricated. Ten silicone putty blocks with 100% silicone-implant contact were also made. The implants with Ø5.0 mm × 13.0 mm were placed on eighty specimen blocks. The RFA value was measured on the transducer that was connected to each implant by Osstell Mentor. Kruskal-Wallis and Scheffe''s tests (α=.05) were done for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The control resin group with 100% RIC had the highest RFA value of 83.9, which was significantly different only from the resin group with 15% RIC among the resin groups. The silicone putty group with 100% contact had the lowest RFA value of 36.6 and showed statistically significant differences from the resin groups.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this in vitro study, there was no significant difference in the RFA values among the resin groups with different RIC''s except when the RIC difference was more than 85%. A significant increase in the RFA value was observed related to the increase in stiffness of material around implant.     

Influence of cortical bone anchorage on the primary stability of dental implants

Purpose

This retrospective chart review study assessed patient records to determine implant insertion torque (IT) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) values during implant placement to evaluate the correlation with cortical bone anchorage (mono- or bicortical).

Methods

Primary stability data (IT during implant placement surgery and ISQ values immediately after implant placement) and cone beam computed tomography of 33 patients (165 implants) were assessed. Patients were divided into the following groups: G1, implants with apical cortical bone contact; G2, implants with bicortical bone contact (apical and cervical regions); and G3, implants with cervical cortical bone contact.

Results

Sixty-eight implants were excluded due to cortical bone contact on regions other than implant apical or cervical. Ninety-seven implants were therefore assessed for this study. No implant failure was found after a mean 70.42-month follow-up time. Implants with bicortical anchorage (G2) showed higher IT (64.1 Ncm) during implant placement and higher ISQ values (76) (p?<?0.05). Monocortical implants (G1, apical, and G3, cervical) showed similar IT (G1 52.3 and G3 54.3) and ISQ values (G1 71.9 and G3 73) (p?>?0.05). No correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient) was found between the two stability measurement devices for the different cortical bone anchorages that were analyzed (G1 0.190, G2 0.039, and G3 ??0.027) (p?>?0.05).

Conclusions

Insertion torque values and implant stability quotients were influenced by cortical bone contact. No significant correlation was found between IT and ISQ values—higher insertion torque values do not necessarily lead to higher implant stability quotients.

     

Influence of extended light exposure curing times on the degree of conversion of resin-based pit and fissure sealant materials

Purpose

The aim of present study was to evaluate extended curing times on the degree of conversion (DC) of filled and unfilled resin-based materials used as pit and fissure sealants.

Materials and methods

The materials examined were a flowable composite (Filtek™ Z350 XT Flowable) and a pit and fissure sealant (Clinpro™ Sealant). Thirty disks of each material were prepared. The 30 made of the flowable composite were divided into three groups (n = 10 each) according to the three different curing times studied: 20 s (group 1), 40 s (group 2), and 60 s (group 3). Similarly, the 30 disks made of the pit and fissure sealant were divided into three groups (n = 10 each) according to the three different curing times: 20 s (group 4), 40 s (group 5), and 60 s (group 6). After polymerization, the disks were removed from the mold and stored in dry, lightproof containers in an incubator at 37 °C for 24 h. The DC was obtained using an Avatar 320 FTIR spectrometer. Then the data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and the Fisher’s least significant difference post hoc test for multiple comparisons (alpha = 0.05).

Results

DC values for the flowable composite (Filtek™ Z350 XT) were higher (p = 0.002) than those for the pit and fissure sealant (Clinpro™ Sealant). Group 2 and group 5 showed significantly higher DC values than group 1 and group 4, respectively. There was no difference between groups 2 and 3 or between groups 5 and 6 (p = 2.93).

Conclusion

An extended curing time improves the DC to some extent for both materials.     

HISTOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF THREE DIFFERENT CALCIUM HYDROXIDE-BASED ROOT CANAL SEALERS

Objective:

To histologically evaluate the behavior of the subcutaneous tissue of rats after placement of polyethylene tubes filled with calcium hydroxide-based root canal sealers (Sealapex™, Apexit™ e Sealer 26™).

Study design:

The study employed 60 rats, which were divided into eight groups, being four experimental groups with 10 rats each, and four control groups with five rats. Analysis was conducted at 48 hours, 7, 21 and 60 days. Results: Histological analysis revealed that all sealers were irritant; however, the intensity varied between each sealer and as a function of time. At the initial periods (48 hours and seven days), all materials demonstrated similar outcomes, with inflammatory reaction from severe to moderate, respectively. At the final periods (21 and 60 days), the tissue reactions to the implants containing Sealapex™ displayed an active status yet with regression, compared to the Apexit™ and Sealer 26™. The control groups exhibited less inflammatory cells than the experimental groups, keeping a reaction status with regression.

Conclusions:

The results achieved in this study revealed that the Sealapex™ sealer was the most compatible, followed by Apexit™ and Sealer 26™