Pilar Valderrama

Bone apposition around two different sandblasted and acid-etched titanium implant surfaces: a histomorphometric study in canine mandibles.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate bone apposition to a modified sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) implant surface (modSLA) in the canine mandible as compared with the standard SLA surface. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this experimental study, all mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted bilaterally in five foxhounds. After a healing period of 6 months, each side of the mandible received six randomly assigned dental implants alternating between the standard SLA and modSLA surface. The dogs were sacrificed at 2 weeks (n=2) or 4 weeks (n=3) after implant placement. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses were then performed for each implant. RESULTS The microscopic healing patterns at weeks 2 and 4 for the two implant types with the standard SLA and modSLA surfaces showed similar qualitative findings. New bone tissue had already established direct contact with implant surfaces after 2 weeks of healing. The mean percentage of newly formed bone in contact with the implant (BIC) was significantly greater for modSLA (28.2+/-7.9%) than for SLA (22.2+/-7.3%) (P<0.05). This difference was no longer evident after 4 weeks. An increase in BIC for both implant surface types occurred from weeks 2 to 4. This increase was statistically significant when compared with SLA at 2 weeks (P<0.05), but not when compared with modSLA at 2 weeks. CONCLUSION The data from the present study demonstrate significantly more bone apposition for the modSLA surface than the standard SLA surface after 2 weeks of healing. This increased bone apposition may allow a further reduction of the healing period following implant placement for patients undergoing early loading procedures.

Foreign bodies associated with peri-implantitis human biopsies.

BACKGROUND Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition that can lead to implant loss. The aim of this descriptive retrospective study is to describe the histopathologic findings in soft tissue biopsies of implants with peri-implantitis. METHODS Thirty-six human peri-implantitis biopsies were analyzed using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The composition of foreign materials found in the tissues was assessed using an energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer. RESULTS At the LM level, the inflammatory lesion of peri-implantitis was in most cases a mixture of subacute and chronic inflammation dominated by plasma cells. At the SEM level, radiopaque foreign bodies were identified in 34 of the 36 biopsies. The predominant foreign bodies found were titanium and dental cement. These foreign materials were surrounded by inflammatory cells. CONCLUSIONS At present, the exact mechanism for introduction of these materials and their role in peri-implantitis is unknown. Further research is warranted to determine their etiology and potential role in pathogenesis.

Evaluation of Parathyroid Hormone Bound to a Synthetic Matrix for Guided Bone Regeneration Around Dental Implants: A Histomorphometric Study in Dogs

BACKGROUND A polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogel matrix covalently bound to a 35-amino acid peptide of parathyroid hormone cystein-PTH 1-34 (cys-PTH 1-34) was shown to enhance bone regeneration around implants. The aim of this study is to test if the addition of an integrin-receptor-binding arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-containing peptide at early healing time points improves the performance of the PEG matrix supplemented with cys-PTH 1-34 (PTH) when applied in acute defects around implants at early healing time points (2 and 4 weeks). METHODS Six dogs received 48 implants. Each side of the mandible was randomly assigned for implantation at day 0 or 2 weeks. A circumferential critical-size defect was created at each site before implantation. Sites were randomly assigned to one of four groups: 1) PEG alone (PEG group), 2) PEG plus RGD (PEG/RGD group), 3) PEG plus PTH (PEG/PTH group), and 4) PEG plus RGD plus PTH (PEG/RGD/PTH group). Dogs were sacrificed 2 weeks after the second surgery, and specimens were obtained for histologic analysis. For the statistical analysis, mixed linear regression with repeated measurements was used, and a Dunnett-Hsu adjustment was made for multiple comparisons. RESULTS At 2 weeks, the percentages of new bone formation within the defect were 12.43% for the PEG group, 15.95% for the PEG/RGD group, 15.32% for the PEG/PTH group, and 16.60% for the PEG/RGD/PTH group. At 4 weeks, the percentages of new bone formation within the defect were 30.01% for the PEG group, 27.90% for the PEG/RGD group, 29.89% for the PEG/PTH group, and 27.58% for the PEG/RGD/PTH group. A marginally significant difference (PEG/RGD/PTH group versus PEG group; P = 0.055) was found at 2 weeks but not at 4 weeks. The highest percentage of bone-to-implant contact (BIC) in the defect site at 2 weeks was observed for the PEG/RGD group (8.57%). The BIC after 4 weeks of healing ranged from 11.54% (PEG/RGD/PTH group) to 16.61% (PEG group). No statistically significant differences were observed in BIC. CONCLUSIONS The effect of binding PTH covalently to a synthetic, RGD-modified PEG hydrogel marginally significantly improved bone formation at 2 weeks of healing compared to the use of PEG alone. Bone regeneration within the defects increased in all groups at week 4 of healing without statistically significant differences.

In Vitro Investigation of the Effect of Oral Bacteria in the Surface Oxidation of Dental Implants

BACKGROUND Bacteria are major contributors to the rising number of dental implant failures. Inflammation secondary to bacterial colonization and bacterial biofilm is a major etiological factor associated with early and late implant failure (peri-implantitis). Even though there is a strong association between bacteria and bacterial biofilm and failure of dental implants, their effect on the surface of implants is yet not clear. PURPOSE To develop and establish an in vitro testing methodology to investigate the effect of early planktonic bacterial colonization on the surface of dental implants for a period of 60 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS Commercial dental implants were immersed in bacterial (Streptococcus mutans in brain-heart infusion broth) and control (broth only) media. Immersion testing was performed for a period of 60 days. During testing, optical density and pH of immersion media were monitored. The implant surface was surveyed with different microscopy techniques post-immersion. Metal ion release in solution was detected with an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy sensor platform called metal ion electrochemical biosensor (MIEB). RESULTS Bacteria grew in the implant-containing medium and provided a sustained acidic environment. Implants immersed in bacterial culture displayed various corrosion features, including surface discoloration, deformation of rough and smooth interfaces, pitting attack, and severe surface rusting. The surface features were confirmed by microscopic techniques, and metal particle generation was detected by the MIEB. CONCLUSION Implant surface oxidation occurred in bacteria-containing medium even at early stages of immersion (2 days). The incremental corrosion resulted in dissolution of metal ions and debris into the testing solution. Dissolution of metal ions and particles in the oral environment can trigger or contribute to the development of peri-implantitis at later stages.

Commentary: The Case for Routine Maintenance of Dental Implants

The large majority of dental implants are successful over the long term. Failure is usually associated with infection, trauma, inflammation, or a combination of these factors. Early identification and appropriate treatment can identify and eliminate these problems in the majority of cases. Thus routine implant maintenance structured along the guidelines for patients with periodontal diseases is recommended.

Effects of Implant Design on Marginal Bone Changes Around Early Loaded, Chemically Modified, Sandblasted Acid-Etched–Surfaced Implants: A Histologic Analysis in Dogs

BACKGROUND A minimal marginal bone loss around implants during early healing has been considered acceptable. However, the preservation of the marginal bone is related to soft tissue stability and esthetics. Implant designs and surfaces were evaluated to determine their impact on the behavior of the crestal bone. The purpose of this study is to evaluate histologic marginal bone level changes around early loaded, chemically modified, sandblasted acid-etched-surfaced implants with a machined collar (MC) or no MC (NMC). METHODS Three months after a tooth extraction, 72 sandblasted acid-etched chemically modified implants were placed in six dogs. Thirty-six implants had NMC, and 36 implants had a 2.8-mm MC. All implants were loaded 21 days after placement. For histologic analyses, specimens were obtained at 3 and 12 months. Assessments of the percentage of the total bone-to-implant contact and linear measurements of the distance from the shoulder of the implant to the first bone-to-implant contact (fBIC) were performed. Based on fBIC measurements, estimates of bone loss were obtained for each implant. A mixed-model analysis of variance was used to assess the effects of implant type and sacrifice time. RESULTS All implants achieved osseointegration. The mean bone gain observed around NMC early loaded implants (at 3 months: 0.13 ± 0.37 mm; at 12 months: 0.13 ± 0.44 mm) was significantly different from the mean bone loss for MC early loaded implants (at 3 months: -0.32 ± 0.70 mm; at 12 months: -0.79 ± 0.35 mm) at 3 months (P = 0.003) and 12 months (P <0.001). No infrabony component was present at the marginal fBIC around NMC implants in most cases. There were no statistically significant differences among the means of total bone contact for implant types. CONCLUSIONS Chemically modified, sandblasted acid-etched-surfaced implants with NMC presented crestal bone gain after 3 and 12 months under loading conditions in the canine mandible. The implant design and surface were determinants in the marginal bone level preservation.

Effects of decontamination solutions on the surface of titanium: investigation of surface morphology, composition, and roughness.

AIM To investigate the impact of treatments used to detoxify dental implants on the oxide layer morphology and to infer how changes in morphology created by these treatments may impact re-osseointegration of an implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pure titanium (cpTi) and the alloy Ti6Al4V were subjected to a series of chemical treatments and mechanical abrasion simulating surface decontamination of dental implants. The morphology and roughness of the surface layer before and after treatment with these solutions were investigated with optical and atomic force microscopy (OM, AFM). The solutions employed are typically used for detoxification of dental implants. These included citric acid, 15% hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine gluconate, tetracycline, doxycycline, sodium fluoride, peroxyacetic acid, and treatment with carbon dioxide laser. The treatments consisted of both immersions of samples in solution and rubbing with cotton swabs soaked in solution for 1, 2, and 5 min. Cotton swabs used were analyzed with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). RESULTS The microscopy investigation showed that corrosion and pitting of the samples were present in both metal grades with immersion and rubbing methods when employing more acidic solutions, which had pH <3. Mildly acidic solutions caused surface discoloration when coupled with rubbing but did not cause corrosion with immersion. Neutral or basic treatments resulted in no signs of corrosion with both methods. EDS results revealed the presence of titanium particles on all rubbing samples. CONCLUSION It was demonstrated in this study that acidic environments coupled with rubbing are able to introduce noticeable morphological changes and corrosion on the surface of both titanium grades.

Detoxification of Implant Surfaces Affected by Peri-Implant Disease: An Overview of Non-surgical Methods

Objective: The aim of this review is to summarize the findings of studies that have evaluated non-surgical approaches for detoxification of implant body surfaces in vitro and in vivo, and to evaluate clinical trials on the use of these methodologies for treating peri-implant disease. Materials and methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (Pubmed) from 1966 to 2013. In vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials on non-surgical therapy were evaluated. The outcome variables were the ability of the therapeutic method to eliminate the biofilm and endotoxins from the implant surface, the changes in clinical parameters including probing depth, clinical attachment levels, bleeding on probing; radiographic bone fill and histological re-osseointegration. Results: From 134 articles found 35 were analyzed. The findings, advantages and disadvantages of using lasers as well as mechanical and chemical methods are discussed. Most of the in vivo and human studies used combination therapies which makes determining the efficacy of one specific method difficult. Most human studies are case series with short term longitudinal analysis without survival or failure reports. Conclusion: Complete elimination of the biofilms is difficult to achieve using these approaches. All therapies induce changes of the chemical and physical properties of the implant surface. Re-osseointegration may be difficult to achieve if not impossible without surgical access to ensure thorough debridement of the defect and detoxification of the implant surface. Combination protocols for non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis in humans have shown some positive clinical results but long-term evaluation to evaluate the validity and reliability of the techniques is needed.

Clinical and Histologic Evaluation of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy With Enamel Matrix Derivative: A Report of Four Cases

BACKGROUND Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) is a composite of proteins that was demonstrated histologically to work as an adjunct to periodontal regenerative surgical therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and histologic effects of EMD as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. METHODS Four patients with severe chronic periodontitis and scheduled to receive complete dentures were accrued. Probing depth and clinical attachment levels were obtained. Unlimited time was allowed for hand and ultrasonic instrumentation. A notch was placed in the root >or=1 to 2 mm from the apical extent of root planing. EMD was inserted into the pocket, and a periodontal dressing was placed. Patients were seen every 2 weeks for plaque control. At 6 months post-treatment, soft tissue measurements were repeated, and the teeth were removed en bloc and prepared for histomorphologic analysis. RESULTS Probing depth reduction and clinical attachment level gain were obtained in three-fourths of the specimens. Three of the four specimens analyzed histologically demonstrated new cementum, bone, periodontal ligament, and connective tissue attachment coronal to the notch. In one specimen, the gingival margin had receded below the notch. CONCLUSIONS The results were unexpected and may represent an aberration. However, the substantial reduction in deep probing depths and clinical attachment level gain in three of four specimens, in addition to the histologic findings of new cementum, new bone, a new periodontal ligament, and a new connective tissue attachment, suggest that EMD may be useful as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in single-rooted teeth.

Characterization of Cement Particles Found in Peri-implantitis-Affected Human Biopsy Specimens.

PURPOSE Peri-implantitis is a disease characterized by soft tissue inflammation and continued loss of supporting bone, which can result in implant failure. Peri-implantitis is a multifactorial disease, and one of its triggering factors may be the presence of excess cement in the soft tissues surrounding an implant. This descriptive study evaluated the composition of foreign particles from 36 human biopsy specimens with 19 specimens selected for analysis. The biopsy specimens were obtained from soft tissues affected by peri-implantitis around cement-retained implant crowns and compared with the elemental composition of commercial luting cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nineteen biopsy specimens were chosen for the comparison, and five test cements (TempBond, Telio, Premier Implant Cement, Intermediate Restorative Material, and Relyx) were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. This enabled the identification of the chemical composition of foreign particles embedded in the tissue specimens and the composition of the five cements. Statistical analysis was conducted using classification trees to pair the particles present in each specimen with the known cements. RESULTS The particles in each biopsy specimen could be associated with one of the commercial cements with a level of probability ranging between .79 and 1. TempBond particles were found in one biopsy specimen, Telio particles in seven, Premier Implant Cement particles in four, Relyx particles in four, and Intermediate Restorative Material particles in three. CONCLUSION Particles found in human soft tissue biopsy specimens around implants affected by peri-implant disease were associated with five commercially available dental cements.