Implant Configuration, Narrow-Diameter Implants, Implant Prognosis with Peri-implantitis

Here’s our monthly update of research abstracts that maybe of interest to readers:

• Evaluation of the effect of an offset implant configuration in the posterior maxilla with external hexagon implant platform

  Slight offset of the central implant in 3-unit implant-supported prostheses has been reported to improve biomechanical behavior. However, studies that assessed the effects of an offset implant configuration in the posterior maxilla are scarce.The purpose of this 3-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis was to assess the effects of splinting in 3-unit implant-supported prostheses with varying implant positions (straight-line or offset configuration) in terms of the stress/strain distribution on bone tissue and the stress distribution on abutment screws….Splinting associated with an offset implant configuration was effective for decreasing the stress on abutment screws and bone tissue and the microstrain on bone tissue.¹

• Long-Term Retrospective Evaluation of Success of Narrow-Diameter Implants

  This retrospective study reports on the outcome of 19 narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) placed in 14 consecutively treated patients 3 to 14 years postloading…These screw-retained NDIs present a cost-effective, esthetically acceptable alternative for restoring limited spaces in the anterior esthetic zone.²

• Prognosis of Dental Implants Immediately Placed in Sockets Affected by Peri-implantitis

  The aim of this study was to describe a protocol and analyze the outcomes of immediate replacement of failed implants due to peri-implantitis. A total of 17 patients (mean age: 58 ± 10 years) had 22 failed implants that were immediately replaced. One implant failed 16 months after insertion, resulting in an implant survival rate of 94.7%. The mean follow-up time was 40 ± 16 months (range: 9-52 months) after insertion. Mesial and distal bone loss were 0.89 ± 0.62 mm and 0.97 ± 0.66 mm, respectively. Immediate implant replacement could be considered in the management of implant failure due to peri-implantitis.
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1.Evaluation of the effect of an offset implant configuration in the posterior maxilla with external hexagon implant platform: A 3-dimensional finite element analysis. de Souza Batista VE, et al
J Prosthet Dent. 2017 Sep;118(3):363-371.
2.Long-Term Retrospective Evaluation of Success of Narrow-Diameter Implants in Esthetic Areas: A Consecutive Case Series with 3 to 14 Years Follow-up.Whitley D 3rd, et al, Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2017 Sep/Oct;37(5):629-637
3.Prognosis of Dental Implants Immediately Placed in Sockets Affected by Peri-implantitis: A Retrospective Pilot Study. Anitua E, et al
Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2017 Sep/Oct;37(5):713-719.