The goal of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the behavior of Morse-taper indexed abutments by analyzing the marginal bone level (MBL) after at least 12 months of function. Patients rehabilitated with single ceramic crowns between May 2015 and December 2020 received single Morse-taper connection implants (DuoCone implant) with two-piece straight abutment baseT used for at least 12 months, presenting periapical radiograph immediately after crown installation were enrolled. The position of the rehabilitated tooth and arch (maxilla or mandible), crown installation period, implant dimensions, abutment transmucosal height, installation site (immediate implant placement or healed area), associated with bone regeneration, immediate provisionalization, and complications after installation of the final crown were analyzed. The initial and final MBL was evaluated by comparing the initial and final X-rays. The level of significance was α = 0.05. Seventy-five patients (49 women and 26 men) enrolled had a mean period of evaluation of 22.7 ± 6.2 months. Thirty-one implant-abutment (IA) sets had between 12–18 months, 34 between 19–24 months, and 44 between 25–33 months. Only one patient failed due to an abutment fracture after 25 months of function. Fifty-eight implants were placed in the maxilla (53.2%) and 51 in the mandible (46.8%). Seventy-four implants were installed in healed sites (67.9%), and 35 were in fresh socket sites (32.1%). Thirty-two out of these 35 implants placed in fresh sockets had the gap filled with bone graft particles. Twenty-six implants received immediate provisionalization. The average MBL was −0.67 ± 0.65 mm in mesial and −0.70 ± 0.63 mm in distal (p = 0.5072). The most important finding was the statistically significant difference comparing the values obtained for MBL between the abutments with different transmucosal height portions, which were better for abutments with heights greater than 2.5 mm. Regarding the abutments’ diameter, 58 had 3.5 mm (53.2%) and 51 had 4.5 mm (46.8%). There was no statistical difference between them, with the following means and standard deviation, respectively, −0.57 ± 0.53 mm (mesial) and −0.66 ± 0.50 mm (distal), and −0.78 ± 0.75 mm (mesial) and −0.746 ± 0.76 mm (distal). Regarding the implant dimensions, 24 implants were 3.5 mm (22%), and 85 implants (78%) had 4.0 mm. In length, 51 implants had 9 mm (46.8%), 25 had 11 mm (22.9%), and 33 implants were 13 mm (30.3%). There was no statistical difference between the abutment diameters (p > 0.05). Within the limitations of this study, it was possible to conclude that better behavior and lesser marginal bone loss were observed when using abutment heights greater than 2.5 mm of transmucosal portion and when placed implants with 13 mm length. Furthermore, this type of abutment showed a little incidence of failures within the period analyzed in our study.

Primary Stability (PS) depends on different factors, such as bone structure (quality and density), implant characteristics (macro and micro), and the relationship between thread shape and implant insertion hole size. PS is crucial for the prognosis and success of dental implants. The use of healing chambers, which create empty spaces between the implant and peri-implant bone, helps reduce the risk of compressive bone necrosis. High Insertion Torque (IT) values could potentially lead to the deterioration of the implant-abutment connection. However, the optimal implant macro-structure and IT values remain unknown. In this study, implants with healing chambers (Test) and without (Control) were inserted into polyurethane blocks with densities of 10, 20, 30, and 40 pounds per cubic foot (PCF). In blocks with densities of 30 and 40 PCF, Control implants had significantly higher IT values than Test implants. Additionally, Control implants exhibited significantly higher Removal Torque (RT) values than Test implants, but only in the 30 PCF density block (p < 0.0001). However, no differences were found between the implants in the 10, 20, and 40 PCF density blocks. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) values between the Test and Control implants. The results of the present study confirm that adding healing chambers to the macro-structure of dental implants can significantly reduce IT values without affecting ISQ values. This suggests the potential for avoiding compression and damage to peri-implant bone while maintaining consistent levels of PS.

We investigated the effects of two common dietary supplements on bone healing in dental extraction sockets in humans. In this randomized pilot trial, male subjects took Grape Seed Extract [GSE] or Grapefruit Extract [GFE] starting two weeks prior to dental extraction and maintained this regimen for sixty days after surgery. Extraction sockets were filled with a collagen plug. After 24 h, a socket sample was collected and processed for quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and an 84-gene wound healing assay. Sixty days after tooth extraction, a core of newly formed bone was obtained prior to dental implant placement and processed for histology. qRT-PCR revealed that GFE led to a significant decrease in platelet-derived growth factor and interleukin (IL)1-β compared to GSE, and a significant decrease in IL-6 and CXCL2 compared to control. GSE led to a significant increase in coagulation factor Von Willebrand and inflammatory marker IL1-β compared to GFE. WISP1 and CXCL5 were upregulated in both groups. Overall, GFE showed a downregulation of inflammation and GSE led to a decrease in collagen density and increased osteoclasts. This pilot trial highlights the need for further investigation on the mechanism of action of such supplements on bone healing and oral health.

Objective: The primary objective of the present retrospective clinical study was to evaluate and compare the clinical performance presented by castable abutments developed for the MT system versus intermediate machined abutments, specifically regarding prosthetic or implant fractures/loss; the secondary objective was to verify the looseness of the abutments and the behavior of the peri-implant soft tissues. Methods: This clinical retrospective study was conducted on patients rehabilitated between 2019 and 2020. Inclusion criteria were patients in good general health, with an implants-supporting single crown; with solid machined abutments (control group) or castable UCLA abutments; with a connection portion (base) machined in cobalt-chrome (test group) over Morse taper DuoCone implants in the posterior mandible area; and at least two years in function. Clinical assessment was carried out by the same professional, considering the following parameters: (A) prosthetic: (i) loosening of the fixation screw, (ii) fracture of the screw and (iii) the number of times the patient had some type of complication after the installation of the prostheses were evaluated; (B) biological: (i) without keratinized mucosa (KM), (ii) 1 mm or less, (iii) between 1 and 2 mm and (iv) greater than 2 mm of KM width; and the presence or absence of mucositis. Furthermore, radiographic evaluation was performed in order to assess the marginal bone loss. These evaluations permitted to compare the groups analyzed and patients enrolled. Data were statistically analyzed, with the level of significance set at α = 0.05. Results: 79 patients with 120 MT implants were evaluated (80 castable UCLA abutments and 40 machined solid abutments). The follow-up was from 2 to 4 years. There was a 100% implant survival rate. Therefore, the control group showed two fractured abutments (5%) and no abutment loosening (95% for prosthetic survival rate), whereas the test group showed no abutment fracture but nine loosening screws (11.3%) (100% for prosthetic survival rate). Keratinized mucosa was considered thin or absent in 19 implants in the control group (47.5%) and 42 in the test group (52.5%). Mucositis was found in 11 implants in the control group (27.5%) and 27 in the test group (33.8%). A positive correlation was observed between the width of keratinized mucosa and mucositis (r = 0.521, p = 0.002). The mean marginal bone loss was 2.3 mm, ranging from 1.1 to 5.8 mm. No correlation was observed when considering marginal bone loss versus the three parameters (implant diameter, implant length and time of the prosthesis in function). Conclusions: The results suggest that UCLA-type abutments are a viable option for rehabilitating implants with Morse taper connections, suggesting lower fracture risk. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and thoroughly evaluate the clinical performance and long-term outcomes.

This in vitro study aimed at evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of newly developed scaffolds of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and biphasic ceramic (Hydroxyapatite HA + beta-tricalciumphosphate β-TCP) with or without collagen impregnation to be used for bone regeneration in the oral and maxillofacial district. Solvent casting and particle leaching techniques were used to produce the scaffolds, which were then divided into six groups according to PLGA/HA + β-TCP ratio and impregnation with collagen: G1 (50/50) + collagen; G2 (60/40) + collagen; G3 (40/60) + collagen; G4 (50/50); G5 (60/40); G6 (40/60). As control group, inorganic xenogenous bone was used. Structure and porosity were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, and a chemical analysis was performed through an energy-dispersive spectrometer. Moreover, to evaluate the hydrophilicity of the samples, a wettability test was conceived, and finally, mechanical properties were examined by a compression test. High porosity and interconnectivity, resulting in a large surface area and great fluid retention capacity, were presented by the PLGA/HA + β-TCP scaffolds. In the composite groups, collagen increased the wettability and the mechanical resistance, although the latter was not statistically affected by the percentage of HA + β-TCP added. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed for a deeper understanding of the influence of collagen on the biological behavior of the developed composite materials and their potential, namely biocompatibility and bioactivity, for bone tissue regeneration.

Background/Aim: The stability of peri-implant tissues is crucial for the long-term success of dental implant treatments. A new cervical implant design has been developed to address the challenges associated with peri-implant tissue stability, featuring a concave cervical portion to increase tissue volume in this area. The present study aimed to clinically evaluate the effectiveness of the new cervical implant design in maintaining peri-implant tissue stability. Materials and Methods: Five clinical cases involving completely edentulous patients were selected, in which 25 implants were installed. The marginal bone level around each implant was assessed at three different time points—T0: immediately after the prosthesis installation, T1: 6 months post installation, and T2: at the last control visit, up to 38 months later. Measurements were taken to analyze changes in marginal bone levels (MBLs) and the keratinized mucosa (KM) over time. Furthermore, the keratinized mucosa (KM) around the implants was evaluated. Results: The mean and standard deviation values of the marginal bone levels at each time point were as follows—T0: 0.59 ± 0.55 mm; T1: 1.41 ± 0.59 mm; T2: 1.76 ± 0.69 mm. Statistical analysis showed significant differences across the time points (ANOVA p < 0.0001). The overall mean KM values were 3.85 mm for T1 and T2, showing the stability of the peri-implant soft tissues at ≥1-year controls. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, the results showed that the Collo implants presented measured MBL values increasing within the time range analyzed in each case but within the normal values cited in the literature for these types of rehabilitation treatments. However, the measured KM values presented, in all cases, an average above the values referenced in the literature as a minimum for maintaining the health of the peri-implant tissues.