Soft Tissue Stability around Single Implants Inserted to Replace Maxillary Lateral Incisors: A 3D Evaluation

Abstract

Purpose. To evaluate the soft tissue stability around single implants inserted to replace maxillary lateral incisors, using an innovative 3D method. Methods. We have used reverse-engineering software for the superimposition of 3D surface models of the dentogingival structures, obtained from intraoral scans of the same patients taken at the delivery of the final crown (S1) and 2 years later (S2). The assessment of soft tissues changes was performed via calculation of the Euclidean surface distances between the 3D models, after the superimposition of S2 on S1; colour maps were used for quantification of changes. Results. Twenty patients (8 males, 12 females) were selected, 10 with a failing/nonrestorable lateral incisor (test group: immediate placement in postextraction socket) and 10 with a missing lateral incisor (control group: conventional placement in healed ridge). Each patient received one immediately loaded implant (Anyridge®, Megagen, Gyeongbuk, South Korea). The superimposition of the 3D surface models taken at different times (S2 over S1) revealed a mean (±SD) reduction of 0.057 mm (±0.025) and 0.037 mm (±0.020) for test and control patients, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.069). Conclusions. The superimposition of the 3D surface models revealed an excellent peri-implant soft tissue stability in both groups of patients, with minimal changes registered along time.

Immediate Loading of Single Implants in the Anterior Maxilla: A 1-Year Prospective Clinical Study on 34 Patients

“…A good biological integration is an essential prerequisite for the success of a fixed implant-supported restoration [ 5 ]. In fact, a dental implant has to effectively integrate into the bone, in order to functionally support the prosthetic restoration [ 5 ]; at the same time, of fundamental importance is the integration with the soft tissues, which is a guarantee of the maintenance of osseointegration over time, and it is an essential condition for the aesthetic success of the rehabilitation [ 4 – 6 ].…”

“…In recent years, the aesthetic requirements of the patients have become increasingly important and difficult to satisfy [ 4 – 6 ]; furthermore, patients require a treatment that should be fast, minimally invasive, and of low cost [ 5 ].…”

Soft tissue replication in single unit implant impressions—A three dimensional clinical study

“…The use of IOS is becoming mainstream for implant impressions, 17,39 with distinct advantages when comparing with the use of conventional silicone based techniques, particularly where soft tissue compression 21,40 is concerned and the mapping of peri-implant tissue contours becomes even more important. Although the accuracy of scanning devices is well documented with several in vitro studies describing results ranging between 19 and 112 μm, which are well within clinically accepted values, 17,41 the accuracy between intra and extraoral scanners should be ascertained with more in vivo controlled studies, 8 44,45 The MCID, therefore, should constitute a threshold for outcome scores 46,47 and in the context of this study if we consider the visually detectable limit used in soft tissue indexes of 500 μm, the results obtained from this study even with statistical significance might not relate to a clinically important difference.…”

“…All these approaches are operator-dependent, thus making possible the introduction of bias in photographic parameters, pressure on probing, and interpretation of results with limited information regarding the overall 3D behavior of peri-implant soft-tissues and their influence on esthetic outcomes. 19,20 Recently, studies have proposed the use of reverse-engineering software that allows STL dataset superimposition for measuring 8,17,21,22 with high levels of accuracy. 10,15,23,24 In 2016, one clinical paper assessed the stability of buccal peri-implant soft tissues over time, 21 thus providing the rationale for this study.…”

“…Recently, studies have proposed the use of reverse‐engineering software that allows STL dataset superimposition for measuring with high levels of accuracy . In 2016, one clinical paper assessed the stability of buccal peri‐implant soft tissues over time, thus providing the rationale for this study.…”