Behavior of implants in bone grafts or free flaps after tumor resection

The authors compared bone resorption of autogenous bone grafts and revascularized free flaps used for the reconstruction of mandibular continuity defects following resection for tumors, before and after the placement of endosseous implants. Ten patients (group 1) were treated with autogenous bone grafts taken from the fibula or the anterior iliac crest; 8 patients (group 2) were treated with iliac or fibula revascularized flaps. Four to 8 months later, 72 endosseous implants were placed in the reconstructed areas. After a further healing period of 4-6 months, patients were rehabilitated with implant-borne prostheses. The following parameters were evaluated and compared between the two groups: 1) bone resorption of grafts and free flaps before and after implant placement; 2) peri-implant bone resorption mesial and distal to each implant, immediately after prosthetic rehabilitation and then during yearly follow-ups. Bone resorption before implant placement showed mean values of 3.53 mm in group 1, and 0.96 mm in group 2. Peri-implant bone resorption was: 0.49 mm (39 implants) in group 1, and 0.45 mm (30 implants) in group 2, at time of prosthetic rehabilitation; 0.78 mm (39 implants) in group 1, and 0.89 mm (30 implants) in group 2, 12 months after prosthetic load; 1.16 mm (24 implants) in group 1, and 1.02 mm (13 implants) in group 2, 24 months after the prosthetic load. A significant difference in bone resorption before implant placement was found between the two groups, whereas it was not found after implant placement and prosthetic load. The failure rate according to Albrektsson criteria was 4.9% (2/41 implants) in group 1, and was 3.2% (1/31) in group 2.     

Implants in Reconstructed Bone: A Comparative Study on the Outcome of Straumann® Tissue Level and Bone Level Implants Placed in Vertically Deficient Alveolar Ridges Treated by Means of Autogenous Onlay Bone Grafts

Purpose: To evaluate: (1) the survival rate of Straumann® Tissue Level and Bone Level implants placed in atrophic edentulous jaws previously reconstructed by means of autogenous onlay bone grafts; (2) to compare peri‐implant bone resorption values over time. Materials and Methods: From 2005 to 2010, 50 patients presenting with vertical or tridimensional defects of the edentulous ridges were treated with autogenous bone grafts. Three to 7 months afterward, 192 implants were placed (Group A: 97 Tissue Level implants; Group B: 95 Bone Level implants) in the reconstructed areas. After a further waiting period of 2 to 3 months, patients were rehabilitated with implant‐supported fixed prostheses. The follow‐up ranged from 12 to 68 months after the start of prosthetic loading (mean: 33 months). Results: No implants were removed (survival rate: 100%), but in Group B 13 implants (8 placed in iliac grafts, 2 placed in ramus grafts, and 3 placed in calvarial grafts) presented peri‐implant bone resorption values higher than those proposed by Albrektsson and colleagues. for successful implants: the overall implant success rate was then 100% for Group A and 86.8% for Group B. No prosthetic failures were recorded, thus leading to a 100% prostheses success rate. Conclusion: No significant differences were found between the two types of implants as far as implant survival rate is concerned, but results from this study seem to demonstrate that Tissue Level implants may present better long‐term results in terms of peri‐implant bone maintenance, as compared with Bone Level implants, when placed in reconstructed areas.     

Implant stability and peri-implant parameters in free vascularized iliac graft transplantation patients: report of three ameloblastoma cases

Background: Ameloblastoma, a benign but locally aggressive tumor, accounts for 9% to 11% of all odontogenic tumors. Radical procedures, including resection, are performed. To restore functions after resection, free vascularized iliac grafts followed by a dental implant–supported prosthesis are used as a successful treatment option. The aim of this case report is to evaluate the peri‐implant clinical status and stability of dental implants placed in patients with advanced‐stage mandibular ameloblastomas. Methods: Examinations of three patients revealed extensive ameloblastomas, and hemimandibulectomies were performed. Six months after surgeries, two to four dental implants were placed. After 6 months of healing, one fixed prosthesis and two removable prostheses were delivered. The stability of implants was evaluated at the surgical baseline and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery by resonance‐frequency (RF) analysis. Peri‐implant clinical parameters (i.e., plaque index [PI], gingival index [GI], gingival bleeding time index [GBTI], and peri‐implant probing depth [PD]) were recorded at the delivery of the prosthesis and at follow‐ups at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: Nine implants that supported one removable prosthesis and two fixed prostheses were placed. RF analysis revealed no significant changes in implant stability during 12 months of follow‐up. Peri‐implant clinical parameters (PI, GI, and GBTI) showed slight improvements during follow‐up. Although advancements were observed in 6 months, PDs were found to be deeper than optimal measurements for the whole observation time. Conclusion: The implant‐supported prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with ameloblastomas reconstructed with free vascularized iliac crest grafts can be a predictive alternative for improving the quality of life of patients in which a high implant stability and acceptable peri‐implant health may be achieved.     

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

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

Le Fort I osteotomy with interpositional bone grafts and delayed oral implants for the rehabilitation of extremely atrophied maxillae: a 1-9-year clinical follow-up study on humans

AIM: The purpose of this clinical follow-up study was to report the clinical outcome of osseointegrated implants placed in extremely atrophied edentulous maxillae after Le Fort I osteotomy and interpositional autogenous iliac bone grafts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a 10-year period (1995-2004), 39 patients, 18 males and 21 females, aged from 32 to 76 years, presenting with severely atrophied edentulous maxillae were treated with Le Fort I osteotomy and interpositional iliac bone grafts. Four to 8 months after the reconstructive procedure, 281 osseointegrated implants were placed in the reconstructed maxillae. Four to 8 months afterwards, abutments were connected and the prosthetic rehabilitation started. The mean follow-up period of implants after the start of prosthetic loading was 45.9 months (range: 12-108 months). RESULTS: The reconstructive procedure was successful in 38 of 39 patients. In one patient, partial loss of the inlay graft occurred before implant placement. Six patients (42 implants) dropped out of the study. Fifteen implants were removed during the follow-up period, due to loss of integration. Thirty-two implants, although integrated, presented with peri-implant bone-level changes higher than those proposed for successful implants. Cumulative survival and success rates of implants were 94.5% and 82.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Results from this study showed that Le Fort I osteotomy with interpositional bone grafts followed by delayed implant placement is an acceptable means to rehabilitate edentulous patients affected by extremely atrophied edentulous maxillae. Survival rates of implants are consistent with those related to implants placed in native, non-reconstructed bone. Conversely, the success rate of implants resulted to be lower as compared with those obtained for implants placed in native bone.     

Clinical outcome of dental implants placed in fibula-free flaps used for the reconstruction of maxillo-mandibular defects following ablation for tumors or osteoradionecrosis

OBJECTIVES: (a) To evaluate the clinical outcome of fibula revascularized flaps used for the reconstruction of maxillary and mandibular defects due to resection for tumors or osteoradionecrosis and (b) to evaluate the survival and success rates of implants placed in the reconstructed areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a 8-year period (1995-2002), 59 patients, 38 males and 21 females, aged from 13 years to 69 years (mean age: 48.7 years), presenting with maxillary and mandibular defects due to resection for tumors or osteoradionecrosis, were reconstructed with fibula-free flaps. Of the 59 patients, 16 received 71 implants for the prosthetic rehabilitation of the reconstructed edentulous areas. RESULTS: Out of 59 fibula-free flaps, three failed and had to be removed, nine underwent partial necrosis involving the bone segment and/or the skin paddle but survived, while the remaining 47 healed uneventfully. The mean follow-up of patients after the reconstruction was 55 months (range: 24-120 months). The cumulative survival rate of fibula-free flaps was 94.9%. The mean follow-up of the 16 patients treated with dental implants and implant-supported prostheses was 50.2 months (range: 24-96 months). The cumulative implant success and survival rates of implants were 98.6% and 93.1% respectively. CONCLUSION: The reconstruction of maxillo-mandibular defects following ablation for tumors or osteoradionecrosis with fibula-free flaps has been demonstrated to be a reliable technique with good long-term results. Implants placed in the reconstructed areas were demonstrated to integrate normally, with success and survival rates comparable to those obtained in case of implants placed in native bone.     

Staged reconstruction of the severely atrophic mandible with autogenous bone graft and endosteal implants.

PURPOSE: Vastly different surgical techniques have been advocated for osseous reconstruction of the severely atrophic mandible. Endosseous implants placed in autologous bone grafts have been proposed to minimize graft resorption and restore function; however, sufficient bone must exist to support the implants and prevent pathologic fracture. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to assess the efficacy of autologous bone grafting and the subsequent placement of endosteal implants as a staged procedure in patients with severely atrophic mandibles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of all patients presenting to The University of North Carolina for treatment from 1997 to 1999 with atrophic mandibles (vertical mandibular height <7 mm as measured on panoramic radiographs in at least 1 site at the mandibular midline and at the thinnest portion of the mandibular body) were reviewed. Bone height was assessed preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, at the time of implant placement (4 to 6 months), and again at 12 and 24 months after bone grafting from posterior iliac crest to the mandible via an extraoral approach. Five endosteal implants were subsequently placed in each patient as a delayed procedure 4 to 6 months after bone grafting, and prosthetic rehabilitation was completed with implant supported prostheses. RESULTS: Fourteen consecutive patients were identified with a median preoperative bone height of 9 mm (interquartile range, 25th to 75th percentile [IQ], 7 to 10 mm) in the mandibular midline and 5 mm (IQ, 2 to 5 mm) in the body region. There were no perioperative complications. Median estimated blood loss during the bone graft procedure, as estimated by the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, was 300 mL (IQ, 150 to 1,100 mL), and 1 patient required blood transfusion secondary to symptomatic anemia. The mean loss of vertical bone height after grafting and during the 4 to 6 months before implant placement was 33%. After implant placement and at 12 months, the vertical bone loss was negligible in the implant-supported region and less than 11% in the body region. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the severely atrophic mandible using autogenous corticocancellous bone grafts followed by placement of osseointegrated implants in 4 to 6 months can restore and maintain mandibular bone sufficient to support implants and facilitate successful restoration of occlusion. A prospective study is planned to identify predictors of successful outcomes compared with other surgical/prosthetic treatment.     

Immediate loading of dental implants placed in severely resorbed edentulous maxillae reconstructed with Le Fort I osteotomy and interpositional bone grafting

Background: Reconstruction and rehabilitation of atrophic maxillae with bone grafts is a lengthy and demanding procedure. This study reports the immediate loading of 50 implants placed on six extremely atrophied edentulous maxillae reconstructed with Le Fort I osteotomy and iliac bone grafting. Methods: Six patients, aged 49 to 68 years, with severely atrophied maxillae were treated with Le Fort I osteotomy and iliac bone grafting to allow for implant‐borne prosthetic rehabilitation. Four to 5 months thereafter, 50 implants (seven to 10 per patient) were placed in reconstructed maxillae and immediately functionally loaded with a screw‐retained definitive prosthesis. The patients were followed by clinical and radiographic examinations for 24 months after prosthetic loading. Results: The grafting procedure and healing period before implant placement were uneventful in all patients. Two implants were lost within 2 months after prosthesis insertion in two patients, with an overall survival rate of 96%. The prostheses success rate was 100%. At the end of the follow‐up period, all remaining implants appeared clinically healthy; crestal bone loss was >1.7 mm for six implants, resulting in a cumulative success rate of 84%. Conclusion: Immediate loading of implants placed after Le Fort I osteotomy and interpositional iliac bone grafting could be considered a viable protocol to rehabilitate extremely atrophied edentulous maxillae, considerably reducing the treatment time.     

Autogenous onlay bone grafts vs. alveolar distraction osteogenesis for the correction of vertically deficient edentulous ridges: a 2-4-year prospective study on humans

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to compare: (a) autogenous bone grafts (ABG) and distraction osteogenesis (DO) for their ability in correcting vertically deficient mandibular ridges and their capability in maintaining over time the vertical bone gain obtained before and after implant placement; and (b) the survival and success rates of implants placed in the reconstructed or distracted areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a 2-year period (2001-2002), 17 patients presenting with vertically atrophied partially edentulous mandibles requiring implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation, were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Eight patients (group 1) were treated with ABG harvested from the mandibular ramus, while nine patients (group 2) were treated by means of DO. In group 1, patients received implants 4-5 months after the reconstructive procedure, while in group 2 implants were placed at the time of distraction device removal (approximately 3 months after the completion of distraction). A total of 19 endosseous implants were placed in group 1, and 21 implants were placed in group 2 patients. For both groups, after an additional 3-5-month period, prosthetic rehabilitation was started. RESULTS: Bone resorption before implant placement was significantly higher in group 1 (P=0.01), while no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups as far as survival and success rates of implants and peri-implant bone resorption after the start of prosthetic loading were concerned. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that: (a) both techniques may effectively improve the deficit of vertically resorbed edentulous ridges; (b) survival and success rates of implants placed in the reconstructed/distracted areas are consistent with those of implants placed in native bone.     

Titanium Mesh Technique in Rehabilitation of Totally Edentulous Atrophic Maxillae: A Retrospective Case Series

Background: This study evaluates implant‐borne prosthetic rehabilitation of 10 totally edentulous atrophic maxillae after bone reconstruction with a titanium‐mesh technique and particulate bone graft. Methods: Ten atrophic maxillae were reconstructed with 19 titanium meshes and particulate autologous‐heterologous bone. Maxillae were rehabilitated at least 5 months, with placement of 67 implants connected to the prostheses after an additional 4 months of rehabilitation. Cases were evaluated retrospectively in terms of complication rates, particularly on the amount of mesh exposure, implant survival, and success rates at the end of follow‐up. Results: In seven cases, two meshes were prematurely exposed (within 4 to 6 weeks), and five were exposed later (after 4 to 6 weeks). Only two of the later exposures extended >1 cm². Nevertheless, reconstructions allowed implant placement and prosthetic rehabilitation in all cases. Two implants were lost before loading. After mean follow‐up at 39.3 (20 to 56) months since prosthetic loading, all 65 implants were functional (100% implant survival), but 15 implants demonstrated a peri‐implant mean bone resorption of 2.96 mm increased bone loss, yielding a cumulative implant success rate of 76.9%. No prosthetic problem was observed. Conclusions: Use of titanium mesh with particulate bone can be considered a valid option in reconstructing atrophic maxillae to allow for implant‐borne prosthetic rehabilitation. A high level of dehiscence did not compromise final outcome.     

Maxillary bone grafting for insertion of endosseous implants: results after 12-124 months

Abstract: Insertion of endosseous implants in the atrophic maxilla is often complicated because of lack of supporting bone. Augmentation of the floor of the maxillary sinus with autogenous bone graft has been proven to be a reliable treatment modality, at least in the short term. The long‐term clinical and radiographic outcome with regard to the grafts, the implants and satisfaction of the patients with their implant‐supported overdenture was studied in 99 patients. The sinus floor was augmented with bone grafts derived from the iliac crest (83 subjects, 162 sinuses, 353 implants), the mandibular symphysis (14, 18, 37), or the maxillary tuberosity (2, 2, 2). Before implant installation, the width and height of the alveolar crest were increased in a first stage procedure in 74 patients, while in the other 25 patients augmentation and implant installation could be performed simultaneously (width and height of the alveolar crest >5 mm). Perforation of the sinus membrane occurred in 47 cases, which did not predispose to the development of sinusitis. Loss of bone particles and sequestration were observed in one (diabetic) patient only, in whom a dehiscence of the oral mucosa occurred. A second augmentation procedure was successful in this patient. Symptoms of transient sinusitis were observed in 3 patients. These symptoms were successfully treated with decongestants and antibiotics. 2 other patients developed a purulent sinusitis which resolved after a nasal antrostomy. In all cases, the bone volume was sufficient for implant insertion. 32 of 392 inserted Brånemark implants (8.2%) were lost during the follow‐up. After the healing period of the bone grafts, no sinus pathology was observed. The patients received implant‐supported overdentures (72 patients) or fixed bridges (27 patients). Overall, the patients were very satisfied with the prosthetic construction. We conclude that bone grafting of the floor of the maxillary sinus floor with autogenous bone for the insertion of implants is a reliable treatment modality with good long‐term results.     

Vertical ridge augmentation of the atrophic posterior mandible with interpositional bloc grafts: bone from the iliac crest vs. bovine anorganic bone. Clinical and histological results up to one year after loading from a randomized-controlled clinical trial

Objectives: To compare two different techniques for vertical bone augmentation of the posterior mandible: bone blocs from the iliac crest vs. anorganic bovine bone blocs used as inlays.
Materials and methods: Ten partially edentulous patients having 5–7 mm of residual crestal height above the mandibular canal had their posterior mandibles randomly allocated to both interventions. After 4 months implants were inserted, and after 4 months, provisional prostheses were placed. Definitive prostheses were delivered after 4 months. Histomorphometry of samples trephined at implant placement, prosthesis and implant failures, any complication after loading and peri-implant marginal bone-level changes were assessed by masked assessors. All patients were followed up to 1 year after loading.
Results: Four months after bone augmentation, there was statistically significant more residual graft (between 10% and 13%) in the Bio-Oss group. There were no statistically significant differences in failures and complications. Two implants could not be placed in one patient augmented with autogenous bone because the graft failed whereas one implant and its prosthesis of the Bio-Oss group failed after loading. After implant loading only one complication (peri-implantitis) occurred at one implant of the autogenous bone group. In 16 months (from implant placement to 1 year after loading), both groups lost statistically significant amounts of peri-implant marginal bone: 0.82 mm in the autogenous bone group and 0.59 mm in the Bio-Oss group; however, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups.
Conclusions: Both procedures achieved good results, but the use of bovine blocs was less invasive and may be preferable than harvesting bone from the iliac crest.     

功能性颌骨重建61例临床分析

目的:评价采用多种骨瓣进行功能性颌骨重建的临床效果。方法:61例颌骨缺损患者,首先应用多种骨瓣重建颌骨的连续性,然后植入骨结合种植体,利用种植义齿重建患者的咀嚼和发音功能。61例患者中,男39例,女22例,平均年龄48岁(20～61岁)。游离髂骨瓣32例,血管化腓骨瓣21例,单纯牵引成骨重建颌骨7例,其他骨瓣1例。共植入种植体247颗。种植固定义齿修复29例,种植体支持的活动义齿修复32例。结果:种植义齿修复完成后平均追踪49个月(6～114个月),种植体脱落6颗。1例患者在修复完成2年后因肿瘤复发死亡(含4颗种植体,不计入存活种植体)。至最后复查,共237颗种植体仍在行使功能,累计5年存活率为95.95%。结论:应用游离髂骨瓣、血管化腓骨瓣重建颌骨的连续性后,植入骨结合种植体,能够有效地重建患者的咀嚼、发音功能,近期效果满意。     

Bone grafting of cleft lip and palate patients for placement of endosseous implants.

OBJECTIVE: Fixation of a prosthesis or single tooth replacement using osseointegrated implants has the potential to overcome functional and psychological inconveniences that many patients experience from such appliances. However, the dimensions of the recipient site are relatively often inadequate for implant placement. This study assessed grafting of this site with autogenous bone as a solution for the latter problem. METHODS: Ten cleft lip and palate patients had bone grafts; six had iliac crest grafts to the maxillary sinus floor (31 implants), and four had chin bone grafts to the local defect in the anterior maxilla (six implants). Implants were inserted during the grafting procedure (one patient) or after 3 months (nine patients). RESULTS: No inflammation of the bone grafts or the maxillary sinus occurred. One implant was lost during the healing phase. Four single tooth restorations, one fixed bridge, and five implant-supported overdentures were made. During the follow-up, which was 47 months (range, 28 to 65 months) in the anterior maxilla group and 56 months (range, 28 to 68 months) in the posterior maxilla group, no loss of implants was observed, and all prosthetic appliances functioned well. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that bone grafting followed by placement of dental implants can serve as a reliable alternative for conventional prosthetic rehabilitation of cleft patients.     

钛网成形自体颗粒骨修复下颌骨缺损并同期种植的实验研究

目的 观察犬钛网成形自体颗粒骨移植修复下颌骨节段性缺损并同期植入钛种植体后的骨愈合和骨结合情况.方法 5只Beagle犬,一侧下颌骨制备长40 mm的节段性缺损;钛网成形修复下颌骨缺损.将切除后的下颌骨和自体髂骨剪成直径约2mm颗粒,骨皮质、骨松质体积比3∶1混合,紧密充填在钛网内,将2枚纯钛种植体埋置于颗粒骨内,术后6个月处死动物.用下颌骨X线片、组织学切片、扫描电镜以及能谱分析观察钛网内颗粒骨愈合以及种植体骨结合的情况.结果 钛网成形自体颗粒骨移植重建后的下颌骨外形满意,功能正常、颗粒骨成骨良好、结构优良,未见明显骨吸收.同期植入的种植体能够与周围骨组织形成良好的骨结合,并有促进邻近骨组织结构优化的趋势.结论 钛网成形自体颗粒骨移植是一种修复下颌骨节段性缺损的好方法,当修复后下颌骨形态良好、骨质优良、骨量充足时可以同期植入种植体.     

Brånemark and ITI dental implants in the human bone-grafted maxilla: a comparative evaluation

Abstract: The development of new characteristics concerning implant surface makes it interesting to clinically compare different implant systems in the bone‐grafted maxilla. The aim of this evaluation was to compare clinical data of a two‐staged procedure on the augmented extremely atrophic maxilla using either Brånemark‐ or ITI‐fixures. In 25 patients (18 females, seven males) the severely atrophied maxilla was reconstructed with autogenous iliac or mandibular bone and either Brånemark or ITI implants. Seventy‐eight Brånemark implants and 80 SLA‐ITI implants were inserted in the augmented bone and the patients were followed between 20 and 67 months post implantation. The bone graft was transplanted to add bony volume in the maxillary sinus, the anterior floor of the nose and/or the alveolar ridge. After a healing period of 4½ months, dental implants were inserted and left for healing for 8 months. Twelve consecutive patients received machine‐surfaced Brånemark fixtures and 13 consecutive patients received SLA‐ITI fixtures. Gradual loading was applied after healing abutment application. After 6 months the permanent prosthetic reconstruction was provided to the patient, either as a fixed or removable bridge. Comparison in survival rate was performed: 15 machined Brånemark fixtures were lost, resulting in an overall survival rate of 81%. Two ITI fixtures were lost, resulting in an overall survival rate of 98%. The results of this evaluation show that sandblasted large grit acid etched surface‐treated ITI implants has a significant higher survival rate than machine‐surfaced Brånemark implants in autogenous grafted maxillary bone.     

Staged protocol for resection, skeletal reconstruction, and oral rehabilitation of children with jaw tumors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a staged protocol for resection of jaw tumors and reconstruction including implants in pediatric patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nine children were evaluated retrospectively. Data included age at resection, tumor type, use of adjuvant therapy, type of bone graft, and number of implants. Occurrence of postoperative infection, tumor margins, recurrence, plate fractures, number of bone grafts, implants restored, and failures were recorded. RESULTS: Ages ranged from 3.5 to 16 years with 2 maxillary and 7 mandibular tumors. Diagnoses included giant cell lesion (n = 3), osteosarcoma (n = 2), myofibroma (n = 1), ossifying fibroma (n = 1), desmoplastic fibroma (n = 1), and ameloblastoma (n = 1). No patients experienced postoperative infection, wound dehiscence, or jaw instability after en bloc resection. One patient had recurrence of a giant cell lesion. To date (mean, 56 months; range, 24 to 93 months), there have been no additional recurrences. There was 1 plate fracture. Eight patients underwent iliac bone grafts (stage 2), and in 1 patient, the mandible regenerated. There were no graft infections or wound dehiscences. Three patients required additional bone grafting for implant placement. Twenty-three implants were placed in 7 patients without complications, and 21 implants have gone to second stage. One implant failed to osseointegrate. Six patients have had prostheses placed and loaded for a mean of 26 months (range, 5 to 64 months). One patient is scheduled for prosthetic restoration and 2 for implant placement. CONCLUSION: Pediatric maxillofacial tumors can be successfully treated by resection, rigid fixation, and delayed reconstruction with minimal morbidity and a high success rate.     

Five-year results of fixed implant-supported rehabilitations with distal cantilevers for the edentulous mandible

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival rate, success rate and primary complications associated with mandibular fixed implant‐supported rehabilitations with distal cantilevers over 5 years of function. Material and methods: In this prospective multi‐center trial, 45 fully edentulous patients were treated with implant‐supported mandibular hybrid prostheses with distal extension cantilevers. Data were collected at numerous time points, including but not limited to: implant placement, abutment placement, final prosthesis delivery, 3 months and 5 years post‐loading. Biological, implant and prosthetic parameters defining survival and success were evaluated for each implant including: sulcus bleeding ndex (SBI) at four sites per implant, width of facial and lingual keratinized gingiva (mm), peri‐implant mucosal level (mid‐facial from the top of the implant collar, measured in mm), modified plaque index (MPI) at four sites per implant, mobility and peri‐implant radiolucency. Survival was defined as implants or prostheses that did not need to be replaced. Success rate was defined as meeting well‐established criteria that were chosen to indicate healthy peri‐implant mucosa osseointegration, prostheses success and complications. Results: A total of 237 implants in 45 completely edentulous patients were included in the study. In each patient, four to six implants were placed to support hybrid prostheses with distal cantilevers. Cantilevers ranged in length from 6 to 21 mm, with an average length of 15.6 mm. The ages of the patients ranged from 34 to 78 with a mean age of 59.5 years. The survival rate of implants was 100% (237/237) and for prostheses 95.5% (43/45). The overall treatment success rate was calculated as 86.7% (39/45). Of the six patients that have not met the criteria for success, two patients required replacement of the entire prosthesis and four patients presented >four complications events. Conclusion: Fixed implant‐supported rehabilitation with distal cantilever resulted in a reliable treatment modality over the 5‐year observation period. Although biological parameters of MPI, SBI, keratinized tissue and peri‐implant mucosal levels showed statistically significant differences over time, the mean values for each patient remained within the normal limits of oral health. Complications were categorized as biological or technical. The majority of complications were technical complications (54/79) and of these most involved fracture of the acrylic teeth and base (20/54). While the survival rate was 100% for implants and 95.5% for prostheses, the application of strict criteria for treatment success resulted in an overall treatment success rate of 86.7%.     

Early bone resorption of free microvascular reanastomized bone grafts for mandibular reconstruction – A comparison of iliac crest and fibula grafts

ObjectivesPatients with continuous bone defects of the mandible after ablative tumor surgery need bony reconstruction for proper function and aesthetics. Free microvascular reanastomized bone grafts provide a clinically proven option for such patients, yet the optimal source of donor tissue has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the bone volume stability of vascularized bone grafts, particularly in the early highly resorptive phase, from the iliac crest (DCIA) and the fibula and to assess the implantologic rehabilitations.Materials and methodsThirty-six patients with mandibular continuity defects due to tumor resection were reconstructed by the use of vascularized bone grafts; 21 patients received DCIA flaps and 15 patients received a composite free fibular flap, depending on the size and location of the defect. Bone resorption was assessed using digital panographs. Radiographs were taken immediately after bone reconstruction, 6 months postoperatively, prior to implant surgery, and at prosthetic loading.ResultsAfter a mean observation period of 6 months, vertical bone resorption was 6.79% for the patients of the iliac crest group (DCIA), 10.20% after 11 months, and 12.58% after 17 months. Fibular grafts showed a bone resorption of 5.30% after a mean observation time of 6 months, 8.26% after 11 months, and 16.95% after 17 months. Eighteen patients received 71 implants for implant-retained dental reconstructions.ConclusionsMicrovascular reanastomized bone grafts represent a reliable treatment option for reconstruction in cases of large defects of the mandible, with low graft resorption in the early healing phase. Additionally, the compared grafts provide sufficient bone volume to permit implant rehabilitation.     

Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes and Bone Loss around Titanium Implants with Oxidized Surface: Six‐Year Follow‐Up Results from a Prospective Case Series Study

Purpose: The aim of this prospective study was to assess long‐term clinical outcomes and peri‐implant bone level changes around oxidized implants supporting partial fixed rehabilitations. Materials and Methods: Twenty‐two partially edentulous patients were included in the study. A total of 33 fixed rehabilitations were placed, supported by 54 titanium implants with oxidized microtextured surface. Prostheses were delivered after 3 and 6 months of implant placement in the mandible and maxilla, respectively. Patients were scheduled for follow‐up at 6 and 12 months and then yearly. At each follow‐up, plaque level and bleeding scores were assessed and periapical radiographs were taken. The main outcomes were prosthesis success, implant survival, implant success, and marginal bone level change. Results: Three patients were excluded from the study because they did not attend the 1‐year follow‐up. Nineteen patients, accounting for 49 implants, were followed for at least 6 years after prosthesis delivery. The mean follow‐up duration was 81.8 months (range 75–96 months). One mandibular single‐tooth implant failed after 1 year in a smoker woman. Cumulative implant survival and success at 6 years were 98.0% and 95.9%, respectively. Prosthesis success was 96.7%. The mean peri‐implant bone loss at 6 years was 0.76 ± 0.47 mm. Not significantly (p = .75) greater bone loss was found in the maxilla (0.78 ± 0.14 mm, n = 19) as compared with the mandible (0.74 ± 0.59 mm, n = 30). In the maxilla, bone loss was significantly greater around implants supporting partial prostheses as compared with single‐tooth implants (p = .03). Full patient satisfaction was reported. Conclusion: Implants with oxidized microtextured surface may achieve excellent long‐term clinical outcomes in the rehabilitation of partial edentulism.