Dieter Busenlechner

Long-term implant success at the Academy for Oral Implantology: 8-year follow-up and risk factor analysis

Purpose Rehabilitation of the incomplete dentition by means of osseointegrated dental implants represents a highly predictable and widespread therapy; however, little is known about potential risk factors that may impair long-term implant success. Methods From 2004 to 2012, a total of 13,147 implants were placed in 4,316 patients at the Academy for Oral Implantology in Vienna. The survival rates after 8 years of follow-up were computed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the impact of patient- and implant-related risk factors was assessed. Results Overall implant survival was 97% and was not associated with implant length (P=0.930), implant diameter (P=0.704), jaw location (P=0.545), implant position (P=0.450), local bone quality (P=0.398), previous bone augmentation surgery (P=0.617), or patient-related factors including osteoporosis (P=0.661), age (P=0.575), or diabetes mellitus (P=0.928). However, smoking increased the risk of implant failure by 3 folds (P<0.001) and a positive history of periodontal disease doubled the failure risk (P=0.001). Conclusions Summing up the long-term results of well over 10,000 implants at the Academy for Oral Implantology in Vienna it can be concluded that there is only a limited number of patients that do not qualify for implant therapy and may thus not benefit from improved quality of life associated with fixed implant-retained prostheses. Graphical Abstract

Sinus augmentation analysis revised: the gradient of graft consolidation

OBJECTIVE Graft consolidation follows a gradient that reflects the properties of bone substitutes at sites of sinus augmentation. Here we present an analytical method to investigate the process of graft consolidation taking the distance from the maxillary host bone into account. MATERIAL AND METHODS We therefore evaluated histological specimens, 6 and 12 weeks after the sinus of minipigs was augmented with Bio-Oss((R)), a deproteinized bovine bone mineral, and Ostim((R)), an aqueous paste of synthetic nanoparticular hydroxyapatite. A curve was drawn that represents the changes in histomorphometric parameters within a given distance from the maxillary host bone. RESULTS Based on this curve, three regions of interest were defined: R1 (0-1 mm) the bridging distance where new bone is laid onto the host bone, R2 (2-3 mm) a region of osteoconduction where new bone exclusively grows on the biomaterial, R3 (4-5 mm) and a region of osteoconduction where bone formation has reached its maximal extension. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the three regions can reveal differences in graft consolidation, depending on the bone substitutes and the observation period [Bone volume (BV) per tissue volume after 6 weeks: R1: 19+/-8.4% for Bio-Oss((R)) and 42.9+/-13.2% for Ostim((R)) (P=0.03), R2: 3+/-2.4% for Bio-Oss((R)) and 14.7+/-9.5% for Ostim((R)) (P=0.03), R3: 5+/-4.1% for Bio-Oss((R)) and 5.3+/-5.3% for Ostim((R)) (P=0.86). BV per tissue volume after 12 weeks: R1: 38.0+/-13.3% for Bio-Oss((R)) and 53.3+/-6.6 for Ostim((R)) (P=0.04), R2: 14+/-12.2 for Bio-Oss((R)) and 26.4+/-11 for Ostim((R)) (P=0.18), R3: 6.6+/-7 for Bio-Oss((R)) and 10.7+/-5.8 for Ostim((R)) (P=0.32) after 12 weeks]. CONCLUSION Based on the graft consolidation gradient, the impact of bone substitutes to modulate the process of bone formation and the kinetic of degradation within a distinct region of the augmented sinus can be investigated.

Simultaneous in vivo comparison of bone substitutes in a guided bone regeneration model

A direct, simultaneous comparison of bone substitutes is hampered by the limited number of samples that can be tested simultaneously. The goal of this study was to establish a preclinical model for guided bone regeneration that offers testing of different bone substitutes in a one-wall defect situation. We show here that up to eight titanium hemispheres can be placed on the calvaria of minipigs. To establish our model, titanium hemispheres were filled with and without Bio-Oss, a deproteinized bovine bone mineral, Ostim, an aqueous paste of synthetic nanoparticular hydroxyapatite, and Osteoinductal, an oily calcium hydroxide suspension, before being positioned on the calvaria. After 6 and 12 weeks, titanium hemispheres were subjected to histological and histomorphometric analysis. We show here that bone filled approximately one-tenth of the area below the hemispheres which were left empty, indicating a critical size model for guided bone regeneration. In accordance with the documented osteoconductive properties of Bio-Oss and Ostim, titanium hemispheres were almost completely filled with bone. Moreover, the expected degradation profile of Bio-Oss and Ostim could be confirmed by histologic and histomorphometric analysis. Under the same conditions, Osteoinductal failed to exert osteoconductive properties, rather a progressive resorption of the host bone was observed. These results demonstrate that the preclinical model presented here is suitable to simultaneously compare bone substitutes with different material properties. Our model based on the titanium hemispheres allows evaluation of graft consolidation under standardized conditions thereby avoiding intra-individual variations.

Early bone apposition to hydrophilic and hydrophobic titanium implant surfaces: a histologic and histomorphometric study in minipigs.

OBJECTIVE The first objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of the hydrophilicity on the early phases of osseointegration. The second objective was to compare two hydrophilic implant surfaces with different geometries, surface roughness, and technologies achieving hydrophilicity. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve weeks after extraction, all four quadrants of nine minipigs received three dental implants, alternating between hydrophilic microrough surfaces (INICELL and SLActive) and a conventional hydrophobic microrough surface. After 5, 10, and 15 days of submerged healing, ground sections were prepared and subjected to histologic and histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS The histologic analysis revealed a similar healing pattern among the hydrophilic and hydrophobic implant surfaces, with extensive bone formation occurring between day 5 and day 10. With BIC values of greater than 50% after 10 days, all examined surfaces indicated favorable osseointegration at this very early point in healing. At day 15, the mean new bone-to-implant contact (newBIC) of one hydrophilic surface (INICELL; 55.8 ± 14.4%) was slightly greater than that of the hydrophobic microrough surface (40.6 ± 20.2%). At day 10 and day 15, an overall of 21% of the implants had to be excluded from analysis due to inflammations primarily caused by surgical complications. CONCLUSION Substantial bone apposition occurs between day 5 and day 10. The data suggest that the hydrophilic surface can provoke a slight tendency toward increased bone apposition in minipigs after 15 days. A direct comparison of two hydrophilic surfaces with varying geometries is of limited relevance.

Resorption of deproteinized bovine bone mineral in a porcine calvaria augmentation model.

OBJECTIVES The original aim of the study was to determine the osteoconductive capacity of deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) of different particle sizes underneath acrylic hemispheres in vivo. However, the model failed and allowed us to report on the resorption of DBBM. MATERIAL AND METHODS Acrylic hemispheres were filled with and without a DBBM at a small particle size of 125-250 μm and at the regular particle size of 250-1000 μm. The hemispheres were positioned on the calvaria of eight minipigs. Histological and histomorphometric analysis was performed after 12 weeks. RESULTS We found that the acrylic hemispheres were displaced and a dense fibrous capsule sequestered the augmented area. Histology showed severe resorption activity and the presence of multinucleated cells on the surface of DBBM particles in areas adjacent to the fibrous capsule. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that only less than half of the originally augmented area, which was approximately 30 mm(2) , remained after 12 weeks. The amount of residual DBBM (median 0.9 and 3.49 mm(2)) and bone (median 7.22 and 7.51 mm(2)) in the augmented area was similar in the small and the regular particle size group. CONCLUSION The model represents a pathologic situation of excess resorption of DBBM and bone in an augmented area. The underlying cellular mechanisms remain to be uncovered.

Esthetics of Flapless Single‐Tooth Implants in the Anterior Maxilla Using Guided Surgery: Association of Three‐Dimensional Accuracy and Pink Esthetic Score

BACKGROUND Flapless implant placement using surgical templates may guarantee predictable and esthetic results provided that preplanned implant positions are transfered precisely into surgical reality. PURPOSE The study aims to investigate the effect of three-dimensional accuracy in guided implant surgery on the esthetic outcome of single-tooth implants in the anterior maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS Single-tooth implants for delayed replacement of upper incisors were inserted in 27 patients using stereolithographic templates. Superimposition of postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans allowed assessment of positional inaccuracy at the implant shoulder and apex, as well as angular deviation. Objective evaluation of implant esthetics was performed after a mean follow-up of 2.3 years using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES). RESULTS Mean deviation between planned and actual implant position was 0.84 mm at the implant shoulder and significantly correlated to average PES of 12 (p = .031). Inaccuracy toward the buccal side was most frequent (70%). Deviations  ≥  0.8  mm resulted in significantly worse implant esthetics (median PES: 9.5, interquartile range [IQR]: 8-11) compared with more accurate implant positions (median PES: 13, IQR: 12-13, p = .039). CONCLUSION Positional inaccuracy is low in guided implant surgery, but may however significantly compromise implant esthetics in the anterior maxilla.Background Flapless implant placement using surgical templates may guarantee predictable and esthetic results provided that preplanned implant positions are transfered precisely into surgical reality. Purpose The study aims to investigate the effect of three-dimensional accuracy in guided implant surgery on the esthetic outcome of single-tooth implants in the anterior maxilla. Materials and Methods Single-tooth implants for delayed replacement of upper incisors were inserted in 27 patients using stereolithographic templates. Superimposition of postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans allowed assessment of positional inaccuracy at the implant shoulder and apex, as well as angular deviation. Objective evaluation of implant esthetics was performed after a mean follow-up of 2.3 years using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES). Results Mean deviation between planned and actual implant position was 0.84 mm at the implant shoulder and significantly correlated to average PES of 12 (p = .031). Inaccuracy toward the buccal side was most frequent (70%). Deviations ≥ 0.8 mm resulted in significantly worse implant esthetics (median PES: 9.5, interquartile range [IQR]: 8–11) compared with more accurate implant positions (median PES: 13, IQR: 12–13, p = .039). Conclusion Positional inaccuracy is low in guided implant surgery, but may however significantly compromise implant esthetics in the anterior maxilla.

Paste‐like inorganic bone matrix: preclinical testing of a prototype preparation in the porcine calvaria

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the osteoconductive properties and the volume stability of an injectable paste-like inorganic bone matrix (PBM) in porcine calvaria defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS We created six circumferential defects in the calvaria of 12 adult iberico pigs. The defects were filled with either PBM, Bio-Oss((R)) of different particle size, carrier alone, or left empty. PBM was composed of Bio-Oss((R)) with a particle size ranging from 250 to 500 mum and a hydrogel-carrier of carboxymethylcellulose and collagen. After 6 and 12 weeks of healing, the animals were sacrificed and undecalcified ground sections were prepared and subjected to histologic and histomorphometric analysis. To quantify the osteoconductive properties of PBM, bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV) in the defect area was determined. To determine the volume stability, bone substitute volume per tissue volume (BSV/TV) was measured. RESULTS After 6 weeks, PBM particles in the center of the defect were surrounded by fibrous connective tissue, which was later replaced by bone. BV/TV in the PBM group increased from 29.7+/-12.7% (minimum 12.2%, maximum 43.7%) after 6 weeks to 43.9+/-14.9% (minimum 27.8%, maximum 63.9%) after 12 weeks (Mann-Whitney test; P=0.6). According to the Friedman test, BV/TV in groups containing Bio-Oss((R)) of different particle sizes, the carrier and the empty defects was similar to the results obtained with PBM (6 weeks P=0.8; 12 weeks P=0.22). BSV/TV in the PBM group was stable over time, with 10.1+/-9% (minimum 3.3%, maximum 27.6%) and 16.5+/-12.9% (minimum 1%, maximum 32.7%), after 6 and 12 weeks, respectively (P=0.72). BSV/TV in the PBM group was comparable to the results obtained with the Bio-Oss((R)) particles of different sizes (Friedman test; 6 weeks P=0.0503; 12 weeks P=0.56). CONCLUSIONS The results of this preclinical study showed that the PBM is osteoconductive and maintains the augmented volume, similar to commercial Bio-Oss((R)). These data suggest that the osteoconductive properties of Bio-Oss((R)) are maintained at the smaller particle size and in the presence of the carrier.

Graftless Full-Arch Implant Rehabilitation with Interantral Implants and Immediate or Delayed Loading-Part II: Transition from the Failing Maxillary Dentition.

PURPOSE To compare long-term survival and marginal bone loss of immediate interantral implants in the nonaugmented maxilla subjected to immediate vs delayed loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS Graftless maxillary cross-arch rehabilitation was performed in a total of 362 patients in the years 2004 to 2013 (1,797 implants). Of the 240 patients with immediate implants replacing their failing maxillary dentition, 81% were subjected to immediate loading and 19% to delayed loading of their 4 to 6 interantral implants (980 and 235 implants, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were computed and marginal bone loss was evaluated in a stratified random sample of 20 patients per group. RESULTS Thirty-one of 1,215 implants failed within the mean observation period of 3.9 years, and no difference in 8-year survival estimates could be seen between immediate (97.6% [95% CI: 96.7 to 98.6]) and delayed (96.6% [95% CI: 94.3 to 98.9]) loading protocols (P = .359). Mean marginal bone resorption following implant insertion did not differ significantly between the groups (1.5 ± 1.7 mm vs 0.7 ± 1.1 mm, P = .379); however, it was significantly associated with a reduced number of implants (P = .017) and patient history of periodontal disease (P < .001). CONCLUSION Immediate loading of interantral implants yields satisfactory results in the transition of patients from a failing maxillary dentition to full-arch implant rehabilitation and thus may be favored over delayed loading concepts.

Immediate Restoration of Immediate Implants in the Esthetic Zone of the Maxilla Via the Copy-Abutment Technique: 5-Year Follow-Up of Pink Esthetic Scores.

BACKGROUND Implant esthetics may benefit from individualized zirconia abutments copying the emergence profile of the natural tooth and delivered within days after immediate implant insertion. PURPOSE To investigate the esthetic outcome of the Copy-Abutment technique using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 77 patients with single-tooth implants in the anterior maxilla restored at the day of immediate implant placement using Copy-Abutments and provisional crowns were followed-up after 1 week, 1 month, 4 months, 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years to assess implant esthetics. RESULTS PES ranged between 7 and 14 (median: 13) and improved significantly between the 6 month and 1 year follow-up (p < .001), then remained stable up to the fifth year. Significant improvement was seen for the variables PES-6 soft tissue color (p = .002) and PES-7 soft tissue texture (p < .001) up to the 1 year follow-up, while PES-5 alveolar process deficiency deteriorated (p = .016). Mean mucosal recession was 0.26 ± 0.86 mm (range: 0-1.6) after 5 years and not related to gingival biotype. CONCLUSION Copy-Abutments for immediate restoration of implants in the esthetic zone show satisfactory long-term esthetic outcomes.

Denture-Related Biomechanical Factors for Fixed Partial Dentures Retained on Short Dental Implants.

Prosthodontically driven biomechanical considerations are essential for longterm successful outcomes in dental implant therapy. Correct protocols seek to preclude potential consequences associated with functional and parafunctional occlusal overload such as screw loosening, component fracture, compromised marginal bone maintenance, and the integrity of the induced osseointegration response. Other concerns also need to be addressed, more especially when other implants are selected, for example: bridge insertion torque (BIT) in cases of immediate loading, cantilever length-anteroposterior spread ratio (CL-AP), overall crown-to-implant ratio (oCIR), total bone-to-implant surface area (tBICA), and the status of the opposing dentition. In spite of promising clinical results, evidence-based clinical protocols demand that such biomechanical limits still need to be determined.