Micromorphological differences of the implant-abutment junction between original and 'compatible' abutments

Dr Nikos Mattheos being awarded the 1st prize in the poster competition at this symposiumBackground: “Compatible” or “third party” prosthetic components, which can be branded or generic have been often proposed as a cost effective alternatives in implant restorations. As the stability of the implant – abutment junction is a crucial factor to the long term success of implant reconstructions, research investigating the performance of compatible abutments is essential. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate similarities and differences in the micromorphology of implant-abutment connections between original and different third party components and consequently extrapolate to clinical implications. Materials and methods: Straumann implants were connected with original gold abutments and 5 compatible third party components. All units were then sliced and placed under different magnifications (10x - 500x) through a SEM and digitally photographed. Measurements of tight contact surface were conducted with calibrated Photographic editing software (ImageJ, USA) with precision of 1μm. The measurements focused in the shoulder contact, the internal connection including the anti-rotation element and the abutment screw threads. Results: Major dimensional differences were identified between the 6 units investigated (1 original – 5 compatible) both in geometry, symmetry as well as the overall tight contact area. In addition, there appears to be a significant diversity in the quality among the different compatible components. Conclusions and clinical implications: There is a significant misfit of certain non-original components, which implies sub-par machining and can lead to increased stress and strain in the abutment and abutment screw. This could increase the risk for screw loosening and can potentially lead to fractures of the abutment screws or the implants

Reversible, non-plaque-induced loss of osseointegration of successfully loaded dental implants

Objectives: Excess loading has been often cited as a reason for the failure of dental implants or bone loss post-osseointegration. The available data from animal studies have failed to show a clear role for excessive loading in the loss of osseointegration. The present case documentations aimed at providing a deeper insight into the medium- to long-term influence of occlusal loading on osseointegrated implants, and describe the clinical manifestations of such pathology. Material and methods: Two cases of loss of osseointegration are documented with single implants in the posterior maxilla. Implant mobility was in both cases the first and only sign of pathology, with the absence of plaque-induced inflammation and marginal bone loss. Results: Re-osseointegration of the implants was achieved after the removal of the prosthetic reconstruction. Conclusions: The two cases reported that the loss of osseointegration in the absence of plaque-induced peri-implant inflammation is possible, although the clinical manifestations were very different to these of peri-implantitis. Once the occlusal loading was withdrawn, re-osseointegration was clinically confirmed in a period of 6-8 months. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Reversible, Non-plaque-induced loss of osseointegration of successfully loaded dental implants

Objectives: Excess loading has been often cited as a reason for the failure of dental implants or bone loss post-osseointegration. The available data from animal studies have failed to show a clear role for excessive loading in the loss of osseointegration. The present case documentations aimed at providing a deeper insight into the medium- to long-term influence of occlusal loading on osseointegrated implants, and describe the clinical manifestations of such pathology. Material and methods: Two cases of loss of osseointegration are documented with single implants in the posterior maxilla. Implant mobility was in both cases the first and only sign of pathology, with the absence of plaque-induced inflammation and marginal bone loss. Results: Re-osseointegration of the implants was achieved after the removal of the prosthetic reconstruction. Conclusions: The two cases reported that the loss of osseointegration in the absence of plaque-induced peri-implant inflammation is possible, although the clinical manifestations were very different to these of peri-implantitis. Once the occlusal loading was withdrawn, re-osseointegration was clinically confirmed in a period of 6-8 months. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

The effectiveness of video support in the teaching of manual skills related to initial periodontal therapy tested on phantoms | L'efficacia di un supporto video nell'insegnamento delle abilità manuali relative al trattamento parodontale iniziale testato su manichini

Introduction: The teaching of manual skills and competencies is among the most time-consuming aspects of oral health-care education, especially when large groups of students are involved. Video has been repeatedly used as an educational tool with varying results. Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a computer-based video support system during practical training of manual skills and competencies related to periodontal treatment. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four students were randomized into 9 groups: 5 experimental and 4 control groups. The control groups received instruction in the use of scaling and root planing instruments during a 7-hour seminar, and 2 hours of manual practice. The experimental groups received the same instruction, but in addition had access to a computer-based video support system, the Visual Training System (VTS), during practical training. During the 2-hour long practice session, all students practiced 21 different procedures, which were video recorded. The videos were later evaluated by an independent observer. Results: On the whole, the students in the experimental group performed significantly better than their colleagues in the control group. Specifically, the groups that utilized the VTS video support performed significantly better in 9 of the 21 procedures tested. Conclusion: These results suggest that this computer-based video support can be an effective aid in the teaching of manual skills related to oral health care.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Demonstration-based training (DBT) in the design of a video tutorial for software training

This study investigates the design and effectiveness of a video tutorial for software training. In accordance with demonstration-based training, the tutorial consisted of a series of task demonstrations, with instructional features added to enhance learning. An experiment is reported in which a demonstration-only control condition was compared with a demonstration-with-review condition. The review videos provided a recap to support retention of the procedure. Strict viewing conditions were imposed during training. Both learning and motivation were assessed. Participants were 55 students from primary and secondary schools in Germany. The outcomes showed that both tutorials significantly contributed to development of procedural knowledge and to motivation, and that the review tutorial surpassed the control. The discussion addresses the role of user control. In addition, with the effectiveness of reviews apparently becoming better established, the need arises for measures that can reveal the effects of reviews on observational learning processes