Conventional and early loading of unsplinted ITI implants supporting mandibular overdentures

The aim of this study was to compare the success rates after 1 and 2 years of conventionally and early loaded pairs of unsplinted ITI implants supporting mandibular overdentures in edentulous patients. Twenty-four participants (age range 55-80 years) were randomly allocated with maximum concealment to two treatment groups. In the first group, the implants were allowed to heal for 12 weeks before being functionally loaded (control) and the second group had 6 weeks of healing with identical loading. All participants had new conventional complete maxillary and mandibular dentures prior to the study. Two sandblasted large-grit acid-etched (SLA) surface ITI implants were placed in the mandibular interforaminal area, following a standardized nonsubmerged surgical protocol. After 6 or 12 weeks of healing, matrices were processed into the fitting surface of the pre-existing mandibular dentures and the implants loaded. Implant success was determined using mobility tests and radiographs taken at baseline and 52 and 104 weeks after surgery. Clinical peri-implant parameters were also documented. Results showed all implants successfully osseointegrated, according to accepted criteria, after 2 years. Mean loss of crestal bone height after 1 year was 0.35 +/- 0.22 mm (control) vs. 0.27 +/- 0.18 mm (test). After 2 years this reduced to 0.09 +/- 0.06 mm (control) vs. 0.12 +/- 0.17 mm (test). The mean Periotest value after 1 year was -4.9 (control) vs.-3.78 (test). After 2 years, the mean resonance frequency value for the control implants was 6797 Hz [mean implant stability quotient (ISQ) = 64.77] and for the test implants 6670 Hz (mean ISQ = 62.0). Shortened loading periods for these ITI implants did not cause any statistically significant differences in osseointegration or peri-implant parameters. We conclude that pairs of unsplinted SLA-surface ITI implants can be successfully loaded with mandibular overdentures 6 weeks after surgery.     

Early loading of sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) implants: a prospective split-mouth comparative study

Sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) implants were recently introduced to reduce the healing period between surgery and prosthesis. In this split-mouth study, SLA implants were compared to titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) implants under loaded conditions one year after placement in 32 healthy patients, with comparable bilateral edentulous sites and no discrepancies in the opposing dentition. The surgical procedure was performed by the same operator and was identical at 68 SLA (test) and 68 TPS (control) sites. Tapping was never performed and primary stability was always achieved. Abutment connection was carried out at 35 Ncm 6 weeks postsurgery for test sites and 12 weeks for the controls, by the same dentist blind to the type of surface of the implant. In 4 of the 68 test sites the implant rotated slightly, patients reported minor pain and connection was not completed. Provisional restoration was fabricated and a new tightening was performed after six weeks. Similar gold-ceramic restorations were cemented on the same type of solid abutments on both sites. No implant was lost. Clinical measures and radiographic changes were recorded by the same operator, blind to the type of surface of the implant, 1 year post surgery. No significant differences were found with respect to presence of plaque (24% vs. 27%), bleeding on probing (24% vs. 31%), mean pocket depth (3.3 mm vs. 2.9 mm) or mean marginal bone loss (0.65 mm vs. 0.77 mm). The results suggest that SLA implants are suitable for early loading at 6 weeks. Limited implant spinning may occasionally be found but, if properly handled, it produces no detrimental effect on the clinical outcome.     

The use of reduced healing times on ITI implants with a sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) surface: early results from clinical trials on ITI SLA implants

ITI dental implants are available with two bone-anchoring surfaces, a titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) surface, and a recently introduced sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) surface. Cell culture and animal tests demonstrate that the SLA surface stimulates bone cell differentiation and protein production, has large amounts of bone-to-implant contact, and results in large removal torque values in functional testing of the bone contact. As a result of these studies, a prospective human clinical trial was initiated to determine whether the 4.1 mm diameter SLA ITI solid screw implants could be predictably and safely restored as early as six weeks after implant placement surgery. The protocol restricted the use of the reduced healing time to a) healthy patients with sufficient bone volume to surround the implant, and b) those patients who had good bone quality (classes I-III) at the implant recipient site. Patients with poorer bone quality (class IV) did not have restorations until 12 weeks after implant placement. The clinical trial is an ongoing multicenter trial, with six centers in four countries, and with follow-up over five years. The primary outcome variable was abutment placement with a 35 Ncm force, with no countertorque and no pain or rotation of the implant. A secondary outcome was implant success, as defined by no mobility, no persistent pain or infection, and no peri-implant radiolucency. To date, 110 patients with 326 implants have completed the one-year post-loading recall visit, while 47 patients with 138 implants have completed the two-year recall. Three implants were lost prior to abutment connection. Prosthetic restoration was commenced after shortened healing times on 307 implants. The success rate for these implants, as judged by abutment placement, was 99.3% (with an average healing time of 49 days). Life table analyses demonstrated an implant success rate of 99.1%, both for 329 implants at one year and for 138 implants at two years. In the 24-month period after restoration, no implant losses were reported for the 138 implants. These results demonstrate that, under defined conditions, solid screw ITI implants with an SLA endosseous surface can be restored after approximately six weeks of healing with a high predictability of success, defined by abutment placement at 35 Ncm without countertorque, and with subsequent implant success rates of greater than 99% two years after restoration.     

Early loading of nonsubmerged titanium implants with a sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) surface: 3-year results of a prospective study in partially edentulous patients

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate of ITI implants with the SLA surface that were loaded after 6 weeks of healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, a total of 104 implants were placed in posterior sites of 51 partially edentulous patients exhibiting bone densities of Class 1, 2, or 3. After a healing period of 6 weeks, all implants were functionally loaded with cemented crowns or fixed partial dentures. The patients were recalled at 3, 12, 24, and 36 months for clinical and radiographic examination. RESULTS: One implant failed to integrate during healing, and 1 implant was lost to follow-up and considered a dropout. The remaining 102 implants showed favorable clinical and radiographic findings and were considered successfully integrated at the 3-year examination. This resulted in a 3-year success rate of 99.03%. DISCUSSION: The peri-implant soft tissues were stable over time, as evidenced by no changes in the mean probing depths and the mean attachment levels during the follow-up period. None of the radiographs exhibited signs of continuous peri-implant radiolucency, which confirmed ankylotic stability of all 102 implants. The radiographic evaluation of the bone level at the implant indicated stability of the bone crest levels. CONCLUSION: The results of this prospective study demonstrated that early loading of ITI implants with the SLA surface after an unloaded healing period of 6 weeks provided successful tissue integration with high predictability, and that successful tissue integration was well maintained up to 3 years of follow-up in this study population.     

Early loading of sandblasted and acid-etched implants: a randomized-controlled double-blind split-mouth study. Five-year results

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present split-mouth study is to assess the peri-implant conditions around early-loaded sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) implants, 5 years after abutment connection and to compare, in the same patients, the results obtained with a standard protocol using identical implants with a TPS surface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Surgical procedure was performed by the same operator and was identical at test (SLA) and control (TPS) sites, in 32 healthy patients. Abutment connection was carried out at 35 N cm 6 weeks postsurgery for test sites and 12 weeks for the controls. Patients were seen regularly, for control and professional cleaning. At 60 months, clinical measures and radiographic bone changes were recorded by the same operator, blind to the type of surface of the implant, on 27 patients, as five patients were lost to follow-up. RESULTS: A total number of 106 implants were examined. No implant was lost. No significant differences were found with respect to the presence of plaque [modified plaque index (mPI) 0.27+/-0.56 vs. 0.32+/-0.54], bleeding on probing (29% vs. 32%), mean pocket depth (3.2+/-1 vs. 3.2+/-1 mm) or mean marginal bone loss (0.32+/-1.04 vs. 0.44+/-1.12 mm) between test and control. Four implants that presented 'spinning' at the time of abutment connection presented no significant differences from the rest of the test sites. CONCLUSION: The results of this prospective study confirm that SLA implants, under defined conditions, are suitable for early loading at 6 weeks in both the mandible and the maxilla. Limited implant spinning, occasionally found at abutment connection, produces no detrimental effect on the clinical outcome when properly handled.     

Immediately loaded implants supporting fixed prostheses in the edentulous maxilla: a preliminary clinical and radiologic report

PURPOSE: To evaluate the survival rate of immediately loaded ITI sand-blasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) solid-screw dental implants in the edentulous maxilla after 8 months of loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (mean age 63 years) with edentulous maxillae each received 6 implants and 1 implant-supported fixed provisional prosthesis within 24 hours after surgery. After a mean healing time of 15 weeks, the patient received a definitive, screw-retained, implant-supported fixed prosthesis. A total of 168 implants were placed. Clinical parameters were registered after 1 month of loading with the implant-supported fixed prostheses as well as 8 months after implant placement. Radiologic examinations and assessments were made at implant placement and after 8 months. RESULTS: The mean marginal bone level at implant placement was 1.6 mm (range 0 to 5.1; SD 1.1) apical of the reference point (the implant shoulder). The mean marginal bone level at the 8-month follow-up was 3.2 mm (range 0.4 to 5.9; SD 1.1) apical of the reference point. Three implants failed during the healing period. DISCUSSION: The improved results in the present study might be a result of the positive effect of splinting the implants immediately after placement. CONCLUSION: ITI SLA solid-screw implants immediately loaded (ie, loaded within 24 hours of placement) and supporting fixed prostheses had successful survival rates after 8 months. The present results constitute a solid baseline for future follow-up studies.     

Mucosal and radiographic aspects during the healing period of implants placed in a one-stage procedure

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to compare peri-implant clinical and radiographic parameters following the placement of nonsubmerged two- and one-stage implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to the IMZ group (20 patients receiving two IMZ two-stage implants in a one-stage procedure) or ITI group (20 patients receiving two ITI implants in the conventional one-stage procedure). The healing period was defined as an 18-week unloaded osseointegration period and a 1-year functional period during which maturation of bone took place. Twelve weeks after implant placement, fabrication of an overdenture with a bar-clip attachment system was started; it was placed at 18 weeks. RESULTS: None of the implants were lost during the osseointegration period; one IMZ implant was removed during the functional period because of mobility. There was no significant difference in Gingival Index between the two groups at all evaluation periods. The mean bone loss during the functional period was 0.6 mm in both groups. A high number of healing abutments loosened in the IMZ group. CONCLUSION: Clinical and radiographic parameters of two-stage implants placed in a one-stage procedure and one-stage implants are comparable during the healing period. Healing abutments of the IMZ implant system loosen easily.     

Bone regeneration in dehiscence-type defects at chemically modified (SLActive) and conventional SLA titanium implants: a pilot study in dogs

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate bone regeneration in dehiscence-type defects at titanium implants with chemically modified (mod) and conventional sand-blasted/acid-etched (SLA) surfaces. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Standardized buccal dehiscence defects (height: 3 mm, width: 3 mm) were surgically created following implant site preparation in both the upper and lower jaws of four beagle dogs. modSLA and SLA implants were inserted bilaterally according to a split-mouth design. The animals were sacrificed after 2 and 12 weeks (n=2 animals each). Dissected blocks were processed for histomorphometrical analysis: defect length, new bone height (NBH), percent linear fill (PLF), percent of bone-to-implant contact (BIC-D) and area of new bone fill (BF). RESULTS: Wound healing at SLA implants was predominantly characterized by the formation of a dense connective tissue at 2 and 12 weeks, without significant increases in mean NBH, PLF, BIC-D or BF values. In contrast, modSLA implants exhibited a complete defect fill at 12 weeks following implant placement. In particular, histomorphometrical analysis revealed the following mean values at 12 weeks: NBH (3.2+/-0.3 mm), PLF (98%), BIC-D (82%) and BF (2.3+/-0.4 mm(2)). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the present study, it was concluded that modSLA titanium surfaces may promote bone regeneration in acute-type buccal dehiscence defects at submerged implants.     

A 10-year prospective study of ITI dental implants placed in the posterior region. I: Clinical and radiographic results

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term fixture success rate, crestal bone loss and peri-implant soft tissue parameters around ITI dental implants placed in the posterior region of partially edentulous patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 192 ITI dental implants were consecutively placed in premolars and molars of 83 partially edentulous patients admitted for treatment at Geneva Dental School. All implants were restored by means of ceramic-to-metal fused fixed partial dentures and single crowns. Patients were followed as part of a prospective longitudinal study focusing on implant success. Surgical, radiographic and clinical variables were collected at the 1-year recall after implant placement and at the most recent clinical evaluation. RESULTS: The mean observation time was 6 years (range 5-10 years). Four implants failed, yielding a 10-year cumulative survival rate of 97.9%. The mean annual crestal bone loss was -0.04+/-0.2 mm. Hollow-cylinder implants displayed more crestal bone loss (-0.13+/-0.24 mm) than hollow-screw implants (-0.02+/-0.19 mm; P=0.032). Clinical parameters such as age, gender, implant length and bone quality did not affect crestal bone levels. Increase in recession depth (P=0.025) and attachment level (P=0.011) were significantly associated with crestal bone loss. CONCLUSIONS: ITI dental implants placed in the posterior jaw demonstrate excellent long-term clinical success. Hollow-cylinder implants seem to display a higher risk for crestal bone loss. Recession depth and attachment levels appear to be good clinical indicators of peri-implant bone loss.     

Clinical and radiological results of patients treated with three treatment modalities for overdentures on implants of the ITI® Dental Implant System. A randomized controlled clinical trial.

In a randomized controlled clinical trial carried out at the Ignatius teaching hospital in Breda, The Netherlands, 110 edentulous patients with severe mandibular bone loss were treated with implants of the ITI Dental Implant System using 3 different treatment strategies: a mandibular overdenture supported by either 2 implants with ball attachments, 2 implants with an interconnecting bar, or by 4 interconnected implants. In this study, results of clinical and radiographic parameters were evaluated and compared over a period of 19 months after implant placement. A total of 283 ITI Dental Implants were placed. Six implants (2%) were lost during the osseointegration period. No further implant losses occurred after that. At the 19 month evaluation mean values and standard deviations for bleeding index were 0.51 +/- 0.5 (bleeding incidence = 70%) and for plaque index they were 0.46 +/- 0.5 (plaque incidence = 45%). The mean values and standard deviations for probing depth and loss of attachment were 2.7 +/- 1.1 mm and 0.26 +/- 0.6 mm respectively. The radiographic evaluation showed a mean bone loss of 1.5 mm +/- 0.26 after 19 months for all the implants. In cases with 4 interconnected implants there was significantly more bone loss around the central 2 implants (2.1 +/- 0.31 mm) in comparison with the lateral 2 (1.4 +/- 0.25 mm). No significant correlations were found between plaque and bleeding indices and bone loss.     

下颌无牙颌种植固定修复早期负载的临床观察

目的:评价下颌无牙颌种植固定修复早期负载的可行性和临床疗效。方法:14例下颌无牙颌病例共植入94颗ITISLA种植体,种植体植入后第6周完成固定修复。于植入当天、第4周、修复后1年行影像学检查,观察种植部位牙槽骨吸收情况。在植入即刻及第4周行共振频率分析。结果:种植体1年成功率为100%,修复体的1年成功率为100%。影像学检查示种植体周无低密度影;种植部位牙槽骨水平未见明显吸收,均位于种植体第一螺纹的冠方,从全景片测量得1年牙槽骨水平吸收为(0.3±0.94)mm。共振频率分析显示,植入即刻与第4周分别为69.54±4.29和63.14±5.57。结论:ITI SLA种植体固定修复下颌无牙颌早期负载是可行的。     

Reliability of implant placement with stereolithographic surgical guides generated from computed tomography: clinical data from 94 implants

BACKGROUND: Dental implant placement requires precise planning with regard to anatomic limitations and restorative goals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the match between the positions and axes of the planned and placed implants using stereolithographic (SLA) surgical guides. METHODS: Ninety-four implants were placed using SLA surgical guides generated from computed tomography (CT) between 2005 and 2006. Radiographic templates were used for all subjects during CT imaging. After obtaining three-dimensional CT images, each implant was virtually placed on the CT images. SLA surgical guides, fabricated using an SLA machine with a laser beam to polymerize the liquid photo-polymerized resin, were used during implant placement. A new CT scan was taken for each subject following implant placement. Special software was used to fuse the images of the planned and placed implants, and the locations and axes were compared. RESULTS: Compared to the planned implants, the placed implants showed angular deviation of 4.9 degrees+/-2.36 degrees, whereas the mean linear deviation was 1.22+/-0.85 mm at the implant neck and 1.51+/-1 mm at the implant apex. Compared to the implant planning, the angular deviation and linear deviation at the neck and apex of the placed maxillary implants were 5.31 degrees+/-0.36 degrees, 1.04+/-0.56 mm, and 1.57+/-0.97 mm, respectively, whereas corresponding figures for placed mandibular implants were 4.44 degrees+/-0.31 degrees, 1.42+/-1.05 mm, and 1.44+/-1.03 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: SLA surgical guides using CT data may be reliable in implant placement and make flapless implant placement possible.     

Is the osseointegration of immediately and delayed loaded implants the same?—comparison of the implant stability during a 3‐month healing period in a prospective study

Objectives: The objectives of the present study were (1) to compare the stability of delayed loaded (DL) and immediately loaded (IL) ITI SLA implants during the first 3 months of the healing period using resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and (2) to determine the factors that affect implant stability during the healing period.
Materials and methods: To compare implant stability, RFA was performed on two groups of patients (12 patients received 25 IL implants and 47 patients received 79 DL implants) with a total 104 ITI SLA implants. Implant stability was measured directly by RFA at implant placement and consecutively once a week for 12 weeks. Statistical analyses were carried out to study implant stability differences between IL and DL groups.
Results: One of the 25 implants in the IL group failed, and no implant was lost in the DL group. Implant stability between the IL and DL groups showed a statistically significant difference ( P <0.05). The mean implant stability quotient of all measured implants from implant insertion to 12 weeks was 72.88 ± 5.39 for the DL and 75.86 ± 3.60 for the IL types. The lowest stability was at 4 weeks for DL implants (mean: 71.58 ± 5.11) and 2 weeks for IL implants (mean: 71.33 ± 2.97). In both groups, bone types I and II showed higher implant stability than bone type III ( P <0.05).
Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that differences in osseointegration between IL and DL implants may be predicted according to differential implant stability.     

Clinical performance of wide-body implants with a sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) surface: results of a 3-year follow-up study in a referral clinic

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the 3-year success rates of wide-body implants with a regular- or wide-neck configuration and a sandblasted, large grit, acid-etched (SLA) surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 151 implants were consecutively placed in posterior sites of 116 partially edentulous patients in a referral clinic at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern. All implants were restored with cemented crowns or fixed partial dentures after a healing period of 6 to 8 weeks (for implants placed without simultaneous bone augmentation) or 10 to 14 weeks (for implants with simultaneous bone augmentation). All patients were recalled 36 months following implant placement for a clinical and radiographic examination. RESULTS: One implant failed to integrate during healing, and 11 implants were lost to follow-up and considered dropouts. The remaining 139 implants showed favorable clinical and radiographic findings and were considered successfully integrated at the 3-year examination. This resulted in a 3-year success rate of 99.3%. Radiographic evaluation of 134 implants indicated stability of the crestal bone levels: During the study period, the crestal bone level changed less than 0.5 mm for 129 implants. CONCLUSION: Successful tissue integration was achieved with wide-body implants with a regular or a wide-neck configuration and an SLA surface with high predictability. This successful tissue integration was well maintained for up to 3 years of follow-up.     

A 10-year prospective study of ITI dental implants placed in the posterior region. II: Influence of the crown-to-implant ratio and different prosthetic treatment modalities on crestal bone loss

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the crown-to-implant ratio (C/I) ratio and different implant prosthetic treatment modalities on crestal bone loss around dental implants placed in the posterior region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 192 ITI dental implants were consecutively placed in premolars and molars of 83 partially edentulous patients. All implants were restored by means of ceramic-to-metal fused fixed partial dentures or a single crown. Patients were followed as part of a prospective longitudinal study focusing on implant success. Surgical, radiographic and clinical variables were collected at the 1-year recall after implant placement and at the most recent clinical evaluation. Radiographic parameters were evaluated on periapical radiographs taken with a standardized long-cone paralleling technique. Implant restorations were divided into three groups according to their respective clinical C/I ratios: (a) 0-0.99, (b) 1-1.99 and (c) >or=2. RESULTS: The mean clinical C/I ratio was 1.77+/-0.56 mm. A total of 51 implants (26.5%) showed a clinical C/I ratio equal to or greater than 2. In this group, three implants failed, giving a cumulative survival rate of 94.1%. Crestal bone loss was -0.34+/-0.27 mm in group a, -0.03+/-0.15 mm in group b and -0.02+/-0.26 mm in group c. Differences among groups were statistically significant (P=0.009). Mode of retention, splinting or presence of cantilever extensions did not have an effect on crestal bone loss around ITI dental implants. CONCLUSIONS: Implant restorations with C/I ratios between 2 and 3 may be successfully used in the posterior areas of the jaw.     

Three-year evaluation of single-tooth implants restored 3 weeks after 1-stage surgery

PURPOSE: The possibility of expediting dental implant therapy by early or immediate loading protocols requires long-term clinical investigation. The aim of this prospective cohort trial was to determine the 3-year implant success rate and prosthesis complications associated with functional loading 3 weeks after 1-stage placement of Astra Tech single-tooth implants replacing maxillary anterior teeth. A secondary objective was to determine peri-implant tissue responses at these implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The peri-implant bone and mucosal conditions of 43 implants in 39 subjects were radiographically and clinically measured 3 years after implant placement. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients originally treated, 39 patients and 43 implants were examined at the 3-year time point. Three of 54 implants failed within the first year. No additional failures were recorded since the 12-month reporting period. Peri-implant bone levels were stable for the 3-year period following implant placement. The change in marginal bone levels after 3 years was 0.42 +/- 0.59 mm. Papilla growth was measured at 1 and 3 years (0.61 +/- 0.95 mm and 0.74 +/- 0.79 mm, respectively). The buccal peri-implant tissue dimensions at the gingival zenith also increased at 1 and 3 years (0.34 +/- 0.94 mm and 0.51 +/- 1.42 mm, respectively). No abutment screw loosening or fracture occurred. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Early loading of endosseous dental implants placed in healed ridges offers select benefits to clinicians and their patients.     

Immediate placement and provisionalization of maxillary anterior single implants: 1-year prospective study

PURPOSE: This 1-year prospective study evaluated the implant success rate, peri-implant tissue response, and esthetic outcome of immediately placed and provisionalized maxillary anterior single implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients (8 men, 27 women) with a mean age of 36.5 years (range 18 to 65) were included in this study. Thirty-five threaded, hydroxyapatite-coated implants were placed and provisionalized immediately after each failing tooth had been removed. The definitive restoration was placed 6 months later. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at implant placement and at 3, 6, and 12 months after implant placement. RESULTS: At 12 months, all implants remained osseointegrated. The mean marginal bone change from the time of implant placement to 12 months was -0.26 +/- 0.40 mm mesially and -0.22 +/- 0.28 mm distally. No significant differences in the Plaque Index scores were noted at different time intervals. The mean midfacial gingival level and mesial and distal papilla level changes from pretreatment to 12 months were -0.55 +/- 0.53 mm, -0.53 +/- 0.39 mm, and -0.39 +/- 0.40 mm, respectively. All patients were very satisfied with the esthetic outcome and none had noticed any changes at the gingival level. DISCUSSION: Although marginal bone and gingival level changes were statistically significant from pretreatment to 12 months of follow-up, they were well within clinical expectations. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that favorable implant success rates, peri-implant tissue responses, and esthetic outcomes can be achieved with immediately placed and provisionalized maxillary anterior single implants.     

The effect of subcrestal placement of the polished surface of ITI® implants on marginal soft and hard tissues

In order to achieve esthetically more satisfying results, it has been proposed to place ITI implants with their border between the rough and smooth surfaces below the level of the alveolar crest, thereby obtaining a submucosally located implant shoulder following healing. The aim of the present experimental study was to clinically and radiographically evaluate the tissue response to the placement of one-stage transmucosal implants with the border between the rough and the smooth surfaces sunk by 1mm into a subcrestal location. 11 patients underwent comprehensive dental care including the placement of 2 implants of the ITI Dental Implant SystemTM in the same quadrant (test and control). Randomly assigned control implants were placed according to the manufacturer's instructions, i.e. the border between the rough titanium plasma-sprayed and the smooth polished surfaces precisely at the alveolar crest. At the test implants the apical border of the polished surface was placed ?1mm below the alveolar crest. Probing bone levels were assessed at implant placement (baseline), 4 and 12 months later. Modified plaque and modified gingival indices were recorded at 1, 2, 3,4 and 12 months. Clinical probing depth and “attachment” levels were measured at 4 and 12 months. All parameters were assessed at 6 sites around each implant. The mean for each implant was calculated and used for analysis. The Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test and the Student r-test were applied to detect differences over time and between the test and control implants. At baseline, a mean difference in probing bone level of ?0.86mm (SD 0.43 mm, p<0.05) was found between test and control implants with the test implants being placed more deeply. Both test and control implants lost a significant amount of clinical bone height during the first 4 months (test 1.16mm, p<0.05: control 0.58 mm. p<0.05). However, only the test implants significantly lost clinical bone height from 4–12 months (test 1.04 mm, p<0.05; control 0.45mm, p=0.08). Overall, the test implants lost 2.26mm and the control implants 1.02mm of bone height during the first year of service. On the average, the test implants demonstrated a bone level 0.38mm lower than the controls at 12 months. Except for the modified gingival index at 4 months (mean difference 0.21, SD 0.19, p<0.05), no clinical parameters yielded significant differences between test and control implants at any time. It is concluded that in addition to the crestal bone resorption occurring at 1 implants placed under standard conditions, the bone adjacent to the polished surface of 1 more deeply placed ITI implants is also lost over time. Form a biological point of view, the placement of the border between the rough and the smooth surfaces into a subcrestal location should not be recommended.     

Stability measurements of 1-stage implants in the maxilla by means of resonance frequency analysis: a pilot study

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to determine standard Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) values for apparently successfully osseointegrated 1-stage implants in the maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To measure implant stability, resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed in 35 patients (18 women, 17 men) with a total of 120 maxillary ITI implants. Based on the time interval between implant placement and measurements, the ISQ values of anterior and posterior implants were divided into subgroups: unloaded (n = 41), loaded < or = 12 months (n = 31), and loaded > 1 year (n = 48). Statistical analysis was performed using a mixed-effects model with the variables lading, implant location, and gender as fixed effects. RESULTS: The mean ISQ of all measured implants was 52.5 +/- 7.9 (range 40 to 68). Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in ISQ values between the 3 tested time intervals: unloaded (48.8 +/- 3.6), loaded < or = 12 months (54.1 +/- 7.0), and loaded > 1 year (53.1 +/- 9.5). Neither for the location in the jaw nor for bone quality (assessed using radiographs) could a significant difference be found. Gender was the only parameter which was found to be significant (P < .003); on average, men showed higher implant stability than women (56.3 +/- 6.6 versus 48.7 +/- 7.4). DISCUSSION: Standard values for osseointegrated maxillary ITI implants exhibited an individual range. Single RFA measurements of an implant do not allow assessment of its current status or prediction of its performance. Repeated measurements over a longer time period would be necessary. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in ISQ values were found between implants with regard to loading period or location in the jaw. Postmenopausal women exhibited significantly lower ISQ values compared to men of the same age group.     

ITI种植体早期负重与传统负重稳定性的比较

目的：应用共振频率分析评价早期负重种植体的稳定性，为种植体早期负重的可行性提供客观依据。方法：50例牙列缺损患者共植入104颗ITISLA表面实心螺纹种植体，随机分为2组，实验组为早期负重组，于术后6周修复；对照组为无负重组，于术后12周修复。在种植体植入术后当天、1周、4周、6周、8周、12周使用无线共振频率分析仪（Osstell Mentor）测定2组种植体的稳定性，所得参数为种植体稳定值（ISO）。采用Minitab统计软件对数据进行t检验．得出各时段2组ISQ值的P值。结果：术后12周，2组种植体的留存率均为100％，2组种植体在各时间段的ISQ值均无显著差异（P〉0．05），整体变化趋势相同：表现为初期稳定性均较高，于第1周至第4周下降，第6周逐步上升，其后稳定性基本保持不变或略有上升。随访期（修复后6个月）间，2组种植体的留存率均为100％。结论：ITISLA表面种植体早期负载是可行的。