This study aimed to analyze the influence of multiple uses of zirconia implant drills on their cutting performance and bending strength. The hypothesis was that drill usage and sterilization cycles would not affect drilling time or flexural strength. Sixty zirconia twist drills from Z-Systems were used to drill in the angulus mandibulae region of fresh porcine jaws. The drills were divided into four groups based on the cycle count, and the drilling time was measured. Bending strength tests were conducted using a universal testing machine, and statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA tests. The results showed that drilling times followed a normal distribution, and significant differences were observed in drilling times between group 1 and the other groups for the pilot drill. However, no significant differences were found for ø3.75 mm and ø4.25 mm drills, and drilling times also varied significantly among different drill diameters, regardless of the cycle count. Flexural strength did not significantly differ among drill diameters or sterilization cycles. Overall, using and sterilizing zirconia implant drills had no significant impact on drilling time or flexural strength. Nevertheless, drilling times did vary depending on the diameter of the drill. These findings provide valuable insights into the performance and durability of zirconia implant drills, contributing to the optimization of dental implant procedures.
Different instrumentation procedures of the alveolar ridge expansion technique (ARST) with or without Guided Bone Regeneration have proven to be effective for successful implant placement in cases of alveolar bone width between 3mm and 6mm. Conventional bone splitting techniques require flap arising. This technical note demonstrates a method for flapless guided bone splitting. For this purpose, a newly developed surgical guide with internal irrigation channels was used.
Using CAD‐CAM additive technology, a narrow slot along the field of interest and a pin of a cooling pipe was designed and implemented in a surgical guide template. The bone split was performed flapless through the surgical guide while the cooling pipe was connected to it.
During surgery, the piezo‐driven instrument was moved within that slot, and the irrigation solution was directly rinsing it at point of entry through the irrigation channel. This procedure was performed on a 3.3 mm wide alveolar ridge achieving over 3 mm of bone gain.
The described method combines several positive aspects. The micro‐invasive flapless surgical procedure might improve postoperative healing. Additionally, sufficient cooling of the bone might lead to less thermal affection of bone cells and less resorption of the cortical bone. However, systematic studies are needed to confirm the observations of the presented case report.
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