No abstract

Different implant placement depths do not influence crestal bone changes. Soft tissue behavior is not influenced by different implant placement depths or by the amount of keratinized tissue.

An inappropriate prosthetic fit could cause stress over the interface implant/bone. The objective of this study was to compare stresses transmitted to implants from frameworks cast using different materials and to investigate a possible correlation between vertical misfits and these stresses. Fifteen one-piece cast frameworks simulating bars for fixed prosthesis in a model with five implants were fabricated and arranged into three different groups according to the material used for casting: CP Ti (commercially pure titanium), Co-Cr (cobalt-chromium) or Ni-Cr-Ti (nickel-chromium-titanium) alloys. Each framework was installed over the metal model with all screws tightened to a 10 N cm torque and then, vertical misfits were measured using an optical microscope. The stresses transmitted to implants were measured using quantitative photoelastic analysis in values of maximum shear stress (τ), when each framework was tightened to the photoelastic model to a 10 N cm standardized torque. Stress data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test and correlation tests were performed using Pearson's rank correlation (α = 0.05). Mean and standard deviation values of vertical misfit are presented for CP Ti (22.40 ± 9.05 μm), Co-Cr (66.41 ± 35.47 μm) and Ni-Cr-Ti (32.20 ± 24.47 μm). Stresses generated by Co-Cr alloy (τ = 7.70 ± 2.16 kPa) were significantly higher than those generated by CP Ti (τ = 5.86 ± 1.55 kPa, p = 0.018) and Ni-Cr-Ti alloy (τ = 5.74 ± 3.05 kPa, p = 0.011), which were similar (p = 0.982). Correlations between vertical misfits and stresses around the implants were not significant as for any evaluated materials.

This study investigated whether there is a direct correlation between the level of vertical misfit at the abutment/implant interface and torque losses (detorque) in abutment screws. A work model was obtained from a metal matrix with five 3.75 x 9 mm external hex implants with standard platform (4.1 mm). Four frameworks were waxed using UCLA type abutments and one-piece cast in commercially pure titanium. The misfit was analyzed with a comparator microscope after 20 Ncm torque. The highest value of misfit observed per abutment was used. The torque required to loose the screw was evaluated using a digital torque meter. The torque loss values, measured by the torque meter, were assumed as percentage of initial torque (100%) given to abutment screws. Pearson's correlation (=0.05) between the misfit values (29.08 ± 8.78 µm) and the percentage of detorque (50.71 ± 11.37%) showed no statistically significant correlation (p=0.295). Within the limitations of this study, it may be concluded that great vertical misfits dot not necessarily implies in higher detorque values.

Objectives This randomized clinical trial analyzed the long‐term (5‐year) crestal bone changes and soft tissue dimensions surrounding implants with an internal tapered connection placed in the anterior mandibular region at different depths (equi‐ and subcrestal). Materials and methods Eleven edentulous patients were randomly divided in a split‐mouth design: 28 equicrestal implants (G1) and 27 subcrestal (1–3 mm) implants (G2). Five implants were placed per patient. All implants were immediately loaded. Standardized intraoral radiographs were used to evaluate crestal bone (CB) changes. Patients were assessed immediately, 4, 8, and 60 months after implant placement. The correlation between vertical mucosal thickness (VMT) and soft tissue recession was analyzed. Sub‐group analysis was also performed to evaluate the correlation between VMT and CB loss. Rank‐based ANOVA was used for comparison between groups (α = .05). Results Fifty‐five implants (G1 = 28 and G2 = 27) were assessed. Implant and prosthetic survival rate were 100%. Subcrestal positioning resulted in less CB loss (−0.80 mm) when compared to equicrestal position (−0.99 mm), although the difference was not statistically significant (p > .05). Significant CB loss was found within the G1 and G2 groups at two different measurement times (T4 and T60) (p < .05). Implant placement depths and VMT had no effect on soft tissue recession (p > .05). Conclusions There was no statistically significant difference in CB changes between subcrestal and equicrestal implant positioning; however, subcrestal position resulted in higher bone levels. Neither mucosal recession nor vertical mucosa thickness was influenced by different implant placement depths.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the marginal and internal fit of zirconia copings obtained with different digital scanning methods. A human mandibular first molar was set in a typodont with its adjacent and antagonist teeth and prepared for an all-ceramic crown. Digital impressions were made using an intraoral scanner (3Shape). Polyvinyl siloxane impressions and Type IV gypsum models were also obtained and scanned with a benchtop laboratory scanner (3Shape D700). Ten zirconia copings were fabricated for each group using CAD-CAM technology. The marginal and internal fit of the zirconia copings was assessed by the silicone replica technique. Four sections of each replica were obtained, and each section was evaluated at four points: marginal gap (MG), axial wall (AW), axio-occlusal edge (AO) and centro-occlusal wall (CO), using an image analyzing software. The data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). They showed statistically significant differences for MG, AO and CO. Regarding MG, intraoral scanning showed lower gap values, whereas gypsum model scanning showed higher gap values. Regarding AO and CO, intraoral digital scanning showed lower gap values. Polyvinyl siloxane impression scanning and gypsum model scanning showed higher gap values and were statistically similar. It can be concluded that intraoral digital scanning provided a lower mean gap value, in comparison with conventional impressions and gypsum casts scanned with a standard benchtop laboratory scanner.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the integrity of the external hexagon of an implant system with internal and external hexagons but with prosthetic connection through the external hexagon (Internal Torque, IT) in comparison with that of an implant system with external hexagon with mount (External Hexagon, EH). A device was made to measure the rotational freedom angles between implant and abutment hexagons in 10 implants from each group after the application of surgical placement torques of 45, 60 and 80 Ncm simulating implant locking. The distances between the vertices of the external hexagon were also obtained. Rotational freedom data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's test (P < .05) showing no significant difference between the angles of the intact implants (EH -3.31 ± 0.41° and IT -3.30 ± 0.17°) and after application of a 45 Ncm torque (EH -3.27 ± 0.38° and IT -3.31 ± 0.22°). However, after application of a 60 Ncm torque there were significant differences (IT -3.40 ± 0.20° and EH -4.03 ± 0.54°). After application of a 80 Ncm torque, the IT implant presented values of 3.39 ± 0.21° whereas the EH did not support the torque, suffering deformation of its external hexagon. Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that the IT implant system may be preferable in clinical situations where implant placement within a certain bone density could generate torques higher than 60 Ncm.

There was no immediate significant loss of preload after screw tightening. Tightening/untightening sequences, regardless of the implant/abutment interface design or type of screw used in the study, did not result in any significant loss of initial preload. Conical implant connections demonstrated greater structural reinforcement within the internal connections.