Avinash S. Bidra

Computer-aided technology for fabricating complete dentures: systematic review of historical background, current status, and future perspectives.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Computer-aided technology is an emerging method for fabricating complete dentures. Consolidated information about historical background, current status, and scope for the future is lacking. PURPOSE The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the existing literature on computer-aided technology for fabricating complete dentures and provide the reader with a historical background, current status, and future perspectives on this emerging technology. MATERIAL AND METHODS An electronic search of the English language literature between the periods of January 1957 and June 2012 was performed by using PubMed/MEDLINE with the following specific search terms: CAD-CAM complete dentures, digital complete dentures, computer dentures, designed dentures, machined dentures, manufactured dentures, milled dentures, and rapid prototyping dentures. Additionally, the search terms were used on the Google search engine to identify current commercial manufacturers and their protocols. RESULTS A total of 1584 English language titles were obtained from the electronic database, and the systematic application of exclusion criteria resulted in the identification of 8 articles pertaining to computer-aided technology for complete dentures. Since the first published report in 1994, multiple authors have described different theoretical models and protocols for fabricating complete dentures with computer-aided technology. Although no clinical trials or clinical reports were identified in the scientific literature, the Google search engine identified 2 commercial manufacturers in the United States currently fabricating complete dentures with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology for clinicians world-wide. These manufacturers have definitive protocols in place and offer exclusive dental materials, techniques, and laboratory support. Their protocols contrast with conventional paradigms for fabricating complete dentures and allow the fabrication of complete dentures in 2 clinical appointments. CONCLUSIONS A body of scientific literature related to computer-aided technology for complete dentures is emerging. Significant advancements in this technology have now resulted in their commercial availability with shorter clinical protocols. However, prospective clinical trials with true clinical endpoints are necessary to validate this technology. This could affect dental education, patient care, research, and public health worldwide.

Clinical outcomes of lithium disilicate single crowns and partial fixed dental prostheses: A systematic review

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Lithium disilicate is a relatively new and popular restorative material for esthetic and functional rehabilitations, but the evidence for clinical outcomes is not clear. PURPOSE The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the short-term (1- to 5-year) and medium-term (5- to 10-year) survival rates of lithium disilicate single crowns and partial fixed dental prostheses. MATERIAL AND METHODS An electronic search for articles in the English-language literature published between January 1998 and June 2013 was performed with the PubMed search engine. The specific search terms used were lithium disilicate, lithium silicate, IPS e max, IPS Empress, CAD CAM, pressed ceramic, monolithic, and bilayer. After applying predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the definitive list of selected articles was suitable only for calculating the interval survival rate and cumulative survival rate. RESULTS The electronic search resulted in 2033 titles. The systematic application of inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in 12 clinical studies that addressed the clinical outcomes of lithium disilicate restorations. Of these, 2 were randomized controlled trials, 5 were prospective studies, 1 was a retrospective study, and 4 studies were descriptive in nature. All 12 studies reported on tooth-retained lithium disilicate restorations. The 2-year cumulative survival rate for single crowns was 100%, and the 5-year cumulative survival rate was 97.8%. The 2-year cumulative survival rate for fixed dental prostheses was 83.3%, and the 5-year cumulative survival rate was 78.1%. The cumulative survival rate over a 10-year period, primarily owing to data from 1 study, was 96.7% for single crowns and 70.9% for fixed dental prostheses. CONCLUSIONS For lithium disilicate single crowns, the existing evidence indicates excellent short-term survival rates, but the evidence for medium-term survival is limited. For lithium disilicate fixed dental prostheses, the evidence for short-term survival is fair, although limited, but the evidence for medium-term survival is not promising. The majority of failures in both types of restorations were reported in the posterior region.

Mini implants for definitive prosthodontic treatment: A systematic review

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Mini implants are commonly used in orthodontics and for interim prosthodontic treatment, but evidence for their use in definitive prosthodontic treatment is not clear. PURPOSE This systematic review evaluated the mini-implant literature to analyze short-term (1 to 5 years), medium-term (5 to 10 years), and long-term (beyond 10 years) survival rates when used for definitive prosthodontic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS An electronic search of the English language literature for articles published between January 1974 and May 2012 was performed by using PubMed and Cochrane databases with predetermined inclusion criteria. Key terms included in the search were mini dental implants, narrow diameter implants, reduced diameter implants, small diameter implants, transitional implants, interim implants, and provisional implants. After a systematic filtering process, the selected articles were subjected to a detailed review, and the data collected were used to calculate the 1-year interval survival rate (ISR) and the cumulative survival rate (CSR). RESULTS The electronic database search yielded 1807 titles. By scrutinizing the titles and abstracts with inclusion and exclusion criteria, the researchers identified 9 studies of mini implants for definitive prosthodontic treatment. Of the studies identified, 1 was a randomized controlled trial, 2 were prospective studies, and 6 were retrospective studies. The majority of mini implants were placed by using a flapless surgical technique in the mandibular anterior region to support an overdenture. The 1st year ISR was 94.7% and the CSR over a 9-year period, primarily attributed to data from 1 study, was 92.2%. Most implants were immediately loaded and almost all implant failures occurred during the first year after implant placement. CONCLUSIONS For short-term survival, the first year ISR of 94.7% of mini dental implants appears encouraging, but the true 1-year survival rate is unknown, as the minimum follow-up period reported for several implants was less than a year. Insufficient information about failures after the first year makes it difficult to draw conclusions about the medium-term survival of these implants. Currently, there is no evidence for the long-term survival of mini implants.

Clinical and histologic outcomes of socket grafting after flapless tooth extraction: A systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Several biomaterials and techniques have been reported for socket grafting and alveolar ridge preservation. However, the evidence for clinical and histologic outcomes for socket grafting with different types of materials in flapless extraction is not clear. PURPOSE The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the outcomes of a socket grafting procedure performed with flapless extraction of teeth in order to determine which graft material results in the least loss of socket dimensions, the maximum amount of vital bone, the least remnant graft material, and the least amount of connective tissue after a minimum of 12 weeks of healing. Secondary outcomes, including the predictability of regenerating deficient buccal bone, necessity of barrier membranes, and coverage with autogenous soft tissue graft, were also evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS An electronic search for articles in the English-language literature was performed independently by multiple investigators using a systematic search process with the PubMed search engine. After applying predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final list of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) for flapless extraction and socket grafting was analyzed to derive results for the various objectives of the study. RESULTS The initial electronic search resulted in 2898 titles. The systematic application of inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in 32 RCTs studying 1354 sockets, which addressed the clinical and histologic outcomes of flapless extraction with socket grafting and provided dimensional and histologic information at or beyond the 12-week reentry period. From these RCTs, the mean loss of buccolingual width at the ridge crest was lowest for xenografts (1.3 mm), followed by allografts (1.63 mm), alloplasts (2.13 mm), and sockets without any socket grafting (2.79 mm). Only 3 studies reported on loss of width at 3 mm below the ridge crest. The mean loss of buccal wall height from the ridge crest was lowest for xenografts (0.57 mm) and allografts (0.58 mm), followed by alloplasts (0.77 mm) and sockets without any grafting (1.74 mm). The mean histologic outcomes at or beyond the 12-week reentry period revealed the highest vital bone content for sockets grafted with alloplasts (45.53%), followed by sockets with no graft material (41.07%), xenografts (35.72%), and allografts (29.93%). The amount of remnant graft material was highest for sockets grafted with allografts (21.75%), followed by xenografts (19.3%) and alloplasts (13.67%). The highest connective tissue content at the time of reentry was seen for sockets with no grafting (52.53%), followed by allografts (51.03%), xenografts (44.42%), and alloplast (38.39%). Data for new and emerging biomaterials such as cell therapy and tissue regenerative materials were not amenable to calculations because of biomaterial heterogeneity and small sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS After flapless extraction of teeth, and using a minimum healing period of 12 weeks as a temporal measure, xenografts and allografts resulted in the least loss of socket dimensions compared to alloplasts or sockets with no grafting. Histologic outcomes after a minimum of 12 weeks of healing showed that sockets grafted with alloplasts had the maximum amount of vital bone and the least amount of remnant graft material and remnant connective tissue. There is a limited but emerging body of evidence for the predictable regeneration of deficient buccal bone with socket grafting materials, need for barrier membranes, use of tissue engineering, and use of autogenous soft tissue grafts from the palate to cover the socket.

Clinical Outcomes of Implant Abutments in the Anterior Region: A Systematic Review

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM The clinical outcomes of anterior implant abutments are not well reported. Purpose of the Study To systematically review the existing literature to identify survival, mechanical, biological, and esthetic outcomes of anterior implant abutments. MATERIAL AND METHODS An electronic search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE with specific search terms and predetermined criteria. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final list of articles was reviewed in-depth to meet the objectives of this review. RESULTS Systematic application of inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in identification of 27 studies that described outcomes of anterior implant abutments. Because of substantial heterogeneity of data, true survival, or cumulative survival of abutments could not be calculated. However, the mean failure of abutments was 1.15%, attributable to fractures restricted to ceramic abutments. Mechanical complications included abutment screw loosening, primarily restricted to external hex implants. Biological complications included fistulas and mucosal recession. Esthetic outcomes showed lesser gingival discoloration for zirconia abutments compared with metal abutments. CONCLUSIONS Minimal anterior abutment fractures have been reported and are restricted to ceramic abutments. Studies using spectrophotometry showed lesser gingival discoloration with zirconia abutments, but there is no evidence for difference in patients esthetic satisfaction between ceramic and metal abutments. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE For the anterior region, selection of an implant with internal connection and a customized metal abutment (titanium or cast metal) can have the least mechanical complications. Limited existing clinical data indicate reduced peri-implant mucosal discoloration from zirconia abutments, which may be preferable over metal abutments, in patients with thinner mucosal tissues or patients with high or gummy smiles.

Three-Dimensional Esthetic Analysis in Treatment Planning for Implant-Supported Fixed Prosthesis in the Edentulous Maxilla: Review of the Esthetics Literature

Fixed implant-supported prosthesis for the edentulous maxilla has gained tremendous popularity over the years. Multiple prosthetic designs have been introduced in order to accommodate a gamut of clinical situations. Irrespective of the design, it is paramount that the esthetics imparted by the prosthesis be uncompromised. Though esthetics is subjective, a common ground exists where all its fundamental principles converge. This article reviews pertinent dental and facial esthetics literature for application of various esthetic concepts involved in diagnosis and treatment planning for an implant-supported fixed prosthesis in the edentulous maxilla. Three-dimensional esthetic analysis involves assessment of various esthetic parameters in superior-inferior, medial-lateral, and anterior-posterior dimensions. The impact of various esthetic parameters such as facial forms, facial profiles, maxillary teeth positions, maxillary teeth proportions, smile lines, lip support, gingival display, facial midline, dental midline, horizontal cant, and smile width are discussed in detail.

Classification of maxillectomy defects: A systematic review and criteria necessary for a universal description

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Maxillectomy defects are complex and involve a number of anatomic structures. Several maxillectomy defect classifications have been proposed with no universal acceptance among surgeons and prosthodontists. Established criteria for describing the maxillectomy defect are lacking. PURPOSE This systematic review aimed to evaluate classification systems in the available literature, to provide a critical appraisal, and to identify the criteria necessary for a universal description of maxillectomy and midfacial defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS An electronic search of the English language literature between the periods of 1974 and June 2011 was performed by using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases with predetermined inclusion criteria. Key terms included in the search were maxillectomy classification, maxillary resection classification, maxillary removal classification, maxillary reconstruction classification, midfacial defect classification, and midfacial reconstruction classification. This was supplemented by a manual search of selected journals. After application of predetermined exclusion criteria, the final list of articles was reviewed in-depth to provide a critical appraisal and identify criteria for a universal description of a maxillectomy defect. RESULTS The electronic database search yielded 261 titles. Systematic application of inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in identification of 14 maxillectomy and midfacial defect classification systems. From these articles, 6 different criteria were identified as necessary for a universal description of a maxillectomy defect. Multiple deficiencies were noted in each classification system. Though most articles described the superior-inferior extent of the defect, only a small number of articles described the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral extent of the defect. Few articles listed dental status and soft palate involvement when describing maxillectomy defects. CONCLUSIONS No classification system has accurately described the maxillectomy defect, based on criteria that satisfy both surgical and prosthodontic needs. The 6 criteria identified in this systematic review for a universal description of a maxillectomy defect are: 1) dental status; 2) oroantral/nasal communication status; 3) soft palate and other contiguous structure involvement; 4) superior-inferior extent; 5) anterior-posterior extent; and 6) medial-lateral extent of the defect. A criteria-based description appears more objective and amenable for universal use than a classification-based description.

Prospective cohort pilot study of 2-visit CAD/CAM monolithic complete dentures and implant-retained overdentures: Clinical and patient-centered outcomes

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Presently, no studies have evaluated clinical outcomes or patient-centered outcomes for complete dentures fabricated with computer-aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. PURPOSE The purpose of this prospective cohort pilot study was to evaluate the clinical and patient-centered outcomes for CAD/CAM monolithic dentures fabricated in 2 visits. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty participants with an existing set of maxillary complete dentures opposing either mandibular complete dentures or implant-retained overdentures that required replacement were recruited in this study. A 2-visit duplicate denture protocol was used to fabricate 40 arches of monolithic dentures with CAD/CAM technology. A 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) instrument was then used to record 12 outcomes at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Predetermined values were assigned to grade the VAS rating of each outcome as favorable (70.1-100) and unfavorable (≤70). Favorable ratings were sub-divided as excellent (90.1-100), good (80.1-90), and fair (70.1-80). The clinical outcomes were evaluated independently by 2 experienced prosthodontists at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Patients evaluated the corresponding patient-centered outcomes during the same time intervals. Additional descriptive variables were also recorded. Each clinical and patient-centered outcome was summarized by medians and ranges. Differences in all ratings recorded at baseline and at 1 year were tested by 1-sided sign test (α=.05). RESULTS Of 20 participants, 3 were lost to follow-up, and 3 were unsatisfied with the digital dentures and withdrew from the study. These 3 participants were considered treatment failures. Of the 14 remaining participants, 9 had implant-retained mandibular overdentures, and 5 had conventional mandibular complete dentures. For clinical outcomes, the 12 studied outcomes were favorably evaluated by the 2 prosthodontist judges at the 1-year follow-up. Evaluations showed minimal differences between baseline and 1 year. An average of 5 emails (0-11) per patient were sent to the laboratory technicians to communicate the improvisation the CAD design of the dentures. An average of 3.3 denture adjustments were needed after insertion (0-10) during the 1-year period. For patient-centered outcomes, median ratings of all 14 participants indicated each of the 12 studied outcomes was favorable at the 1-year recall. Statistically significant improvements in patient ratings from baseline to 1 year were observed for the absence of denture sore spots and treatment time to make the dentures (P<.05). Minor complications related to loss of retention, excessive wear of teeth and the need for additional visits were observed in 5 participants. No other adverse clinical outcomes related to the CAD/CAM dentures were noted in the 14 evaluated participants, and all dentures were intact and in good condition at the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Clinical and patient-centered outcomes for CAD/CAM monolithic dentures fabricated using a 2-visit protocol were evaluated favorably at a 1-year follow-up. However, the proportion of excellent and good ratings for overall satisfaction and assessment was higher for patients than clinicians. A considerable amount of the clinicians time and effort was devoted to aiding in the digital process for the fabrication of CAD/CAM dentures.

The relationship of facial anatomic landmarks with midlines of the face and mouth

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM The importance of the midline is well known to dentists. Currently, there are no verifiable guidelines that direct the choice of specific anatomic landmarks to determine the midline of the face or midline of the mouth. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the hierarchy of facial anatomic landmarks closest to the midline of the face as well as midline of the mouth. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three commonly used anatomic landmarks, nasion, tip of the nose, and tip of the philtrum, were marked clinically on 249 subjects (age range: 21-45 years). Frontal full-face digital images of the subjects in smile were then made under standardized conditions. A total of 107 subjects met the inclusion criteria. Upon applying exclusion criteria, images of 87 subjects were used for midline analysis using a novel concept called the Esthetic Frame. Deviations from the midlines of the face and mouth were measured for the 3 clinical landmarks; the existing dental midline was considered as the fourth landmark. The entire process of midline analysis was done by a single observer and repeated twice. Reliability analysis and 1-sample t tests were conducted at alpha values of .001 and .05, respectively. RESULTS The results indicated that each of the 4 landmarks deviated uniquely and significantly (P<.001) from the midlines of the face as well as the mouth. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations of the study, the hierarchy of anatomic landmarks closest to the midline of the face in smile was as follows: the midline of the oral commissures, natural dental midline, tip of philtrum, nasion, and tip of the nose. The hierarchy of anatomic landmarks closest to the midline of the oral commissures was: natural dental midline, tip of philtrum, tip of the nose, and nasion. These relationships were the same for both genders and all ethnicities classified.

Evidence-Based Prosthodontics: Fundamental Considerations, Limitations, and Guidelines

Evidence-based dentistry is rapidly emerging to become an integral part of patient care, dental education, and research. Prosthodontics is a unique dental specialty that encompasses art, philosophy, and science and includes reversible and irreversible treatments. It not only affords good applicability of many principles of evidence-based dentistry but also poses numerous limitations. This article describes the epidemiologic background, fundamental considerations, scrutiny of levels of evidence, limitations, guidelines, and future perspectives of evidence-based prosthodontics. Understanding these principles can aid clinicians in appropriate appraisal of the prosthodontics literature and use the best available evidence for making confident clinical decisions and optimizing patient care.