Massimo Del Fabbro - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Massimo Del Fabbro

International Journal of Dentistry, 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic long-term outcomes of dental ... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic long-term outcomes of dental implants with an anodized TiUnite surface, placed in routine clinical practice. Two clinical centers participated in the study. One hundred and seven implants (80 in the maxilla and 27 in the mandible) in 52 patients were followed in the long term. Both one-and two-stage techniques were used for 38 and 69 implants, respectively. Thirty-eight single tooth restorations and 22 fixed partial prostheses were delivered, according to a delayed loading protocol, within 4 to 12 months since implant placement. All implants were stable at insertion and at the long-term follow-up visit, which occurred between 7 and 8 years of functional loading. The mean followup was 7.33 ± 0.47 years. The mean marginal bone level change at the long-term followup as compared to baseline was 1.49 ± 1.03 mm. No implant failure occurred. Healthy peri-implant mucosa was found around 95% of implants, whereas 91% of implants showed no visible plaque at the implant surfaces at the long-term followup. The study showed that dental implants with the TiUnite anodized surface demonstrate excellent long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes.

International Journal of Dentistry, 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic long-term outcomes of dental ... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic long-term outcomes of dental implants with an anodized TiUnite surface, placed in routine clinical practice. Two clinical centers participated in the study. One hundred and seven implants (80 in the maxilla and 27 in the mandible) in 52 patients were followed in the long term. Both one- and two-stage techniques were used for 38 and 69 implants, respectively. Thirty-eight single tooth restorations and 22 fixed partial prostheses were delivered, according to a delayed loading protocol, within 4 to 12 months since implant placement. All implants were stable at insertion and at the long-term follow-up visit, which occurred between 7 and 8 years of functional loading. The mean followup was7.33±0.47years. The mean marginal bone level change at the long-term followup as compared to baseline was1.49±1.03 mm. No implant failure occurred. Healthy peri-implant mucosa was found around 95% of implants, whereas 91% of implants sh...

Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2016

The aim of this study was to compare, through biomechanical and histological analysis, the alumin... more The aim of this study was to compare, through biomechanical and histological analysis, the aluminium (AlO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) microparticles for blasting during the sandblasting acid surface treatment in titanium dental implants using a rabbit tibia model. Materials and methods: Forty-eight commercially available titanium dental implants were divided into two test groups (n = 24 per group): implants with surface treated by AlO2 followed by acid etching as control group (Con group) and implants with surface treated by TiO2 followed by acid etching as test group (Test group). The implants were randomly installed in both tibias of eight rabbits and block samples were removed 4 and 8 weeks after implantation. Resonance Frequency Analyses were performed immediately after the implantation and at 8 weeks. Twelve implants of each group were removed to measure the reverse torque. The remaining implants were used for histological analysis. The data were compared using statistical tests (a = 0.05). Results: In comparing the implant stability quotient at the two time points, no significant statistical differences were found (P > 0.05), as well as in the removal torque test at 8 weeks after implant placement, no found significant difference between the two groups was tested.

Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 2016

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) have been proposed as a possible therapy for tissue rege... more Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) have been proposed as a possible therapy for tissue regeneration in aesthetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery. Today, platelet concentrates are used in a wide range of disciplines, but their storage has become a controversial aspect. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), after a freeze-thawing cycle, on the proliferation and biological activity of progenitor cells involved in soft tissue healing. Different formulations of activated PRGF were added to hASCs cultured in serum-free medium. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT test and cell count up to 7 and 12-day incubation. Osteo-differentiation ability of hASCs was also tested after 7 and 14-day incubation by alkaline phosphatase assay. The effects of 4 PRGF preparations (fresh/frozen and with/ without platelets) were compared with corresponding formulations of plasma poor in growth factors and with standard medium. hASCs cultured in the presence of platelet concentrates increased proliferation rate with respect to cells grown in standard medium without significant differences among all the tested plasma formulations on cell viability up to 12 days of culture. PRGF activity is preserved after cryopreservation and platelet-rich preparations promoted osteodifferentiation of hASCs at day 7. In conclusion, PRGF supports the proliferation and the differentiation of progenitor cells in vitro also when applied after cryopreservation. Platelet concentrates, either alone or in combination with mesenchymal stem cells, might be a valuable tool in the field of tissue regeneration.

Journal of Oral Implantology, 2015

The purpose of this study was to assess implant stability in relation to implant design (conical ... more The purpose of this study was to assess implant stability in relation to implant design (conical vs. semiconical and wide-pitch vs narrow-pitch) using resonance frequency analysis. Twenty patients with bilateral edentulous maxillary premolar region were selected. In one hemiarch, conical implants with wide pitch (group 1) were installed; in the other hemiarch, semiconical implants with narrow pitch were installed (group 2). The implant allocation was randomized. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured by resonance frequency analysis immediately following implant placement to assess primary stability (time 1) and at 90 days after placement (time 2). In group 1, the mean and standard deviation ISQ for time 1 was 65.8 ± 6.22 (95% confidence interval [CI], 55 to 80), and for time 2, it was 68.0 ± 5.52 (95% CI, 57 to 77). In group 2, the mean and standard deviation ISQ was 63.6 ± 5.95 (95% CI, 52 to 78) for time 1 and 67.0 ± 5.71 (95% CI, 58 to 78) for time 2. The statistical a...

The International journal of periodontics & restorative dentistry, 2008

The most frequent intraoperative complication with sinus elevation is perforation of the schneide... more The most frequent intraoperative complication with sinus elevation is perforation of the schneiderian membrane. In most instances, the repair of this perforation is necessary to contain particulate grafting material and complete the procedure. New techniques are presented here for the management of large perforations of the schneiderian membrane. A bioabsorbable collagen membrane is stabilized outside the antrostomy and then folded inward to create either a new superior wall that can obliterate a large perforation or a "pouch" that can completely contain the particulate material. This can make it possible to complete a procedure that otherwise may have had to be aborted by preventing dispersion of the particulate graft within the sinus cavity. Clinical cases are shown, along with follow-up at 6 to 9 months, demonstrating histologic and/or radiographic evidence of success, continued sinus health, and superior vital bone formation. The authors have used this technique on 20 ...

European journal of oral implantology, 2010

To compare peri-implant bone and soft-tissue levels of immediately non-occlusally loaded versus n... more To compare peri-implant bone and soft-tissue levels of immediately non-occlusally loaded versus non-submerged early loaded implants in partially edentulous patients 5 years after implant placement. Fifty-two patients were randomised in five Italian private practices: 25 in the immediately loaded group and 27 in the early loaded group. To be immediately loaded, single implants had to be inserted with a torque of > 30 Ncm, and splinted implants with a torque of > 20 Ncm. Immediately loaded implants were provided with non-occluding temporary restorations within 48 hours. After 2 months, the provisional restorations were put in full occlusion. Implants were early loaded after 2 months. Final restorations were provided 8 months after implant placement. Outcome measures were prosthesis and implant failures as well as biological and prosthetic complications recorded by non-blinded assessors. Blinded assessors evaluated peri-implant bone and soft-tissue levels. Fifty-two implants were...

The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the three-dimensional radiographic changes of 100% anor... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate the three-dimensional radiographic changes of 100% anorganic bovine bone xenograft volume in a grafted maxillary sinus, based on a computerized analysis of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. Materials and Methods: A maxillary sinus augmentation procedure done with a lateral approach using 100% anorganic bovine bone was performed in 20 patients. A CBCT scan of the grafted area was taken immediately after the procedure (T1) and 8 to 9 months later (T2). CBCT scan data were analyzed with image processing software to evaluate differences in the volume of grafted material between T1 and T2. Residual ridge height and width were also measured at T1.

International Journal of Dentistry, 2012

The maxillary sinus grafting procedure has proven to be an acceptable modality for bone augmentat... more The maxillary sinus grafting procedure has proven to be an acceptable modality for bone augmentation to provide a base for endosseous implants, routinely used for the rehabilitation of posterior maxilla. Perforation of the membrane is the most common complication in this type of procedure. This paper presents a technique for repairing a perforated Schneiderian membrane with a conjunctive connective tissue graft harvested from the palate and shows the histological and radiographic evaluation of the results. Ten consecutives cases with the occurrence of membrane perforation were included in this study. All were repaired with a flap of tissue removed from the palatine portion near to the surgical site. The technique is demonstrated through a clinical case. The results showed successful integration of 88.8% of the implants after 12 months from prosthesis installation. Histological evaluation of the samples showed that the use of nanocrystalized hydroxyapatite showed an adequate stimulation of boné neoformation within 6 months. Radiographic evaluation revealed a small apical implant bone loss, not compromising their anchorages and proservation. Thus, it can be concluded that the use of conjunctive technique with collected palate flap for sealing the perforation of the membrane of the sinus may have predictable result.

PloS one, 2014

Autologous platelet concentrates are successfully adopted in a variety of medical fields to stimu... more Autologous platelet concentrates are successfully adopted in a variety of medical fields to stimulate bone and soft tissue regeneration. The rationale for their use consists in the delivery of a wide range of platelet-derived bioactive molecules that promotes wound healing. In addition, antimicrobial properties of platelet concentrates have been pointed out. In this study, the effect of the platelet concentration, of the activation step and of the presence of plasmatic components on the antimicrobial activity of pure platelet-rich plasma was investigated against gram positive bacteria isolated from oral cavity. The antibacterial activity, evaluated as the minimum inhibitory concentration, was determined through the microdilution two-fold serial method. Results seem to suggest that the antimicrobial activity of platelet-rich plasma against Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus oralis and Staphylococcus aureus is sustained by a co-operation between plasma comp...

Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice, 2012

Context: The maxillary sinus elevation procedure has become an important preprosthetic surgical p... more Context: The maxillary sinus elevation procedure has become an important preprosthetic surgical procedure for the creation of bone volume in the edentulous posterior maxilla for the placement of dental implants. Research and clinical experience over the past 30 years has increased the predictability of this procedure as well as reduced patient morbidity. Evidence Acquisition: Data on grafting materials and implant survival rates comes from 10 published evidence-based reviews that include all relevant published data from 1980 to 2012. Supporting clinical material comes from the experience of the authors. Evidence synthesis: The evidence-based reviews report and compare the implant survival rates utilizing various grafting materials, implant surfaces, and the use or non-use of barrier membranes over the lateral window. Clinical studies report on complication rates utilizing piezoelectric surgery and compare them to complication rates with rotary instrumentation. Conclusions: The conclusions of all the evidence-based reviews indicate that the utilization of bone replacement grafts, rough-surfaced implants, and barrier membranes result in the most positive outcomes when considering implant survival. further, the utilization of piezoelectric surgery, rather than rotary diamond burs, for lateral window preparation and membrane separation leads to a dramatic reduction in the occurrence of the intraoperative complications of bleeding and membrane perforation.

European Journal of Oral Sciences, 2008

Implant therapy in the atrophic posterior maxilla becomes challenging in the presence of reduced ... more Implant therapy in the atrophic posterior maxilla becomes challenging in the presence of reduced maxillary bone height. Sinus augmentation can be performed for resolving this condition prior to implant placement. The aim of this article was therefore to evaluate implant survival rates in the grafted sinus taking into account the influence of the implant surface, graft material, and implant placement timing. A systematic review of the literature was performed. Articles retrieved from electronic databases were screened using specific inclusion criteria, and data extracted were divided according to: graft material (autogenous, non‐autogenous, composite graft), implant surface (machined or textured), and implant placement (simultaneous with grafting or delayed). Fifty‐nine articles were included. Survival rates for implants placed in grafts made of bone substitutes alone and grafts of composite material were slightly better than the survival rates for implants placed in 100% autogenous ...

Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2010

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence, location, size and course of the anastomosis between t... more Objectives: To investigate the prevalence, location, size and course of the anastomosis between the dental branch of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA), known as alveolar antral artery (AAA), and the infraorbital artery (IOA). Material and methods: The first part of the study was performed on 30 maxillary sinuses deriving from 15 human cadaver heads. In order to visualize such anastomosis, the vascular network afferent to the sinus was injected with liquid latex mixed with green India ink through the external carotid artery. The second part of the study consisted of 100 CT scans from patients scheduled for sinus lift surgery.

Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2004

Objective: This paper reports the results of a prospective multicenter clinical study on immediat... more Objective: This paper reports the results of a prospective multicenter clinical study on immediately fully occlusally loaded full‐arch screw‐retained prostheses with distal extensions (hybrid prostheses) supported by Osseotite implants inserted in edentulous lower jaws.Method and material: Sixty‐two patients were enrolled in four clinical centers. Three hundred and twenty‐five Osseotite implants were inserted and occlusally loaded according to an immediate loading protocol. The temporary prosthesis was delivered 4 h from surgery. The final prosthesis was delivered after 6 months. Marginal bone loss was monitored from periapical radiographs using a computerized technique.Results: Two implants failed to integrate within 2 months of occlusal loading. A cumulative implant success rate of 99.4% was achieved for a period of 12–60 months postplacement (mean 28.6±14.1 (SD) months). Crestal bone loss around the immediately loaded implants was similar to that reported for standard delayed loa...

Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2008

Objectives: The aims of this prospective study were to assess the treatment outcome of immediatel... more Objectives: The aims of this prospective study were to assess the treatment outcome of immediately loaded full-arch fixed bridges anchored to both tilted and axially placed implants for the rehabilitation of fully edentulous maxillae and to compare the outcome of axial vs. tilted implants. Material and methods: Forty-one patients with edentulous maxillae were included in the study. Each patient received a full-arch fixed bridge supported by four axial implants and two distal tilted implants. Loading was applied within 48 h from surgery. Patients were scheduled for follow-up at 6 months, 1 year and annually up to 5 years. Radiographic evaluation of marginal bone-level change was performed at 1 year. Results: One patient died 4 months after surgery. Thirty patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year (range 3-42 months, mean 22.1 months). Three failures were recorded at 1-year follow-up (two axial implants and one tilted). Two more implants (one tilted and one axially placed) were lost within 18 months of loading. The 1-year implant survival rate was 98.8% for both axial and tilted implants. Prosthesis success rate was 100% at 1 year. Marginal bone loss around axial and tilted implants at 12-month evaluation was similar, being, respectively, 0.9 AE 0.4 (standard deviation) mm and 0.8 AE 0.5 mm. Conclusions: The present preliminary data suggest that immediate loading associated with tilted implants could be considered to be a viable treatment modality for the atrophic maxilla and that there does not seem to be a different clinical outcome between tilted and axial implants.

Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, 2013

Objectives: The study aims to test the hypothesis of no differences in temperature variation by u... more Objectives: The study aims to test the hypothesis of no differences in temperature variation by using a single bur for implant site preparation as compared with conventional drilling sequence using multiple burs with incremental diameter. Materials and Methods: Synthetic blocks of bone (type I density) were used for drilling procedures. Three Groups Were Evaluated: Group 1 and Group 2-drilling with three consecutive burs for a 4.1 mm cylindrical implant and for a 4.3 mm conical implant, respectively; Group 3-drilling with a single bur for a 4.2 mm conical implant. For each group, 20 drilling procedures were performed without irrigation and 20 with external irrigation. The temperature in the cortical bone during osteotomy for implant site preparation was measured through a thermocouple. Results: The mean temperatures and standard deviations for the drilling without irrigation were: 25.5 1 1.24°C for Group 1; 28.1 1 1.76°C for Group 2; 26.5 1 1.79°C for Group 3. Considering the drilling with irrigation, the mean values and standard deviations were: 20.4 1 1.17°C for Group 1; 22.2 1 1.38°C for Group 2; 20.2 1 0.83°C for Group 3. Groups 1 and 3 yielded similar results, while Group 2 displayed significantly higher temperature increase than the other two groups. Conclusions: The single bur drilling protocol did not produce greater bone heating than the conventional protocol and may be considered a safe procedure.

Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, 2010

The aim of this review was to evaluate the survival rate of upright and tilted implants supportin... more The aim of this review was to evaluate the survival rate of upright and tilted implants supporting fixed prosthetic reconstructions for the immediate rehabilitation of partially and fully edentulous jaws, after at least 1 year of function. Materials and Methods: An electronic search of databases plus a hand search on the most relevant journals up to December 2009 was performed. The articles were selected using specific inclusion criteria, independent of the study design. Results: The literature search yielded 347 articles. A first screening based on the title and abstract identified 25 eligible studies. After full-text review of these studies, 10 articles were selected for analysis. Seven were prospective single-cohort studies and three had a retrospective design. A total of 462 patients have been rehabilitated with 470 immediately loaded prostheses (257 in the maxilla, 213 in the mandible), supported by a total of 1,992 implants (1,026 upright and 966 tilted). Twenty-five implants (1.25%) failed in 20 patients within the first year. All failures except one occurred in the maxilla. No significant difference in failure rate was found between tilted and upright implants, nor between maxillary and mandibular implants. No prosthesis failure was reported. Limited peri-implant bone loss was reported with no difference between upright and tilted implants. Full patients' satisfaction for function, phonetics, and esthetics was reported in three studies, based on questionnaires. Conclusions: The use of tilted implants to support immediately loaded fixed prostheses for the rehabilitation of edentulous jaws can be considered a predictable technique, with an excellent prognosis in the short-medium term. However, randomized long-term trials are needed to determine the efficacy of this surgical approach.

International Journal of Dentistry, 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic long-term outcomes of dental ... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic long-term outcomes of dental implants with an anodized TiUnite surface, placed in routine clinical practice. Two clinical centers participated in the study. One hundred and seven implants (80 in the maxilla and 27 in the mandible) in 52 patients were followed in the long term. Both one-and two-stage techniques were used for 38 and 69 implants, respectively. Thirty-eight single tooth restorations and 22 fixed partial prostheses were delivered, according to a delayed loading protocol, within 4 to 12 months since implant placement. All implants were stable at insertion and at the long-term follow-up visit, which occurred between 7 and 8 years of functional loading. The mean followup was 7.33 ± 0.47 years. The mean marginal bone level change at the long-term followup as compared to baseline was 1.49 ± 1.03 mm. No implant failure occurred. Healthy peri-implant mucosa was found around 95% of implants, whereas 91% of implants showed no visible plaque at the implant surfaces at the long-term followup. The study showed that dental implants with the TiUnite anodized surface demonstrate excellent long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes.

International Journal of Dentistry, 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic long-term outcomes of dental ... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic long-term outcomes of dental implants with an anodized TiUnite surface, placed in routine clinical practice. Two clinical centers participated in the study. One hundred and seven implants (80 in the maxilla and 27 in the mandible) in 52 patients were followed in the long term. Both one- and two-stage techniques were used for 38 and 69 implants, respectively. Thirty-eight single tooth restorations and 22 fixed partial prostheses were delivered, according to a delayed loading protocol, within 4 to 12 months since implant placement. All implants were stable at insertion and at the long-term follow-up visit, which occurred between 7 and 8 years of functional loading. The mean followup was7.33±0.47years. The mean marginal bone level change at the long-term followup as compared to baseline was1.49±1.03 mm. No implant failure occurred. Healthy peri-implant mucosa was found around 95% of implants, whereas 91% of implants sh...

Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2016

The aim of this study was to compare, through biomechanical and histological analysis, the alumin... more The aim of this study was to compare, through biomechanical and histological analysis, the aluminium (AlO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) microparticles for blasting during the sandblasting acid surface treatment in titanium dental implants using a rabbit tibia model. Materials and methods: Forty-eight commercially available titanium dental implants were divided into two test groups (n = 24 per group): implants with surface treated by AlO2 followed by acid etching as control group (Con group) and implants with surface treated by TiO2 followed by acid etching as test group (Test group). The implants were randomly installed in both tibias of eight rabbits and block samples were removed 4 and 8 weeks after implantation. Resonance Frequency Analyses were performed immediately after the implantation and at 8 weeks. Twelve implants of each group were removed to measure the reverse torque. The remaining implants were used for histological analysis. The data were compared using statistical tests (a = 0.05). Results: In comparing the implant stability quotient at the two time points, no significant statistical differences were found (P > 0.05), as well as in the removal torque test at 8 weeks after implant placement, no found significant difference between the two groups was tested.

Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 2016

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) have been proposed as a possible therapy for tissue rege... more Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) have been proposed as a possible therapy for tissue regeneration in aesthetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery. Today, platelet concentrates are used in a wide range of disciplines, but their storage has become a controversial aspect. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), after a freeze-thawing cycle, on the proliferation and biological activity of progenitor cells involved in soft tissue healing. Different formulations of activated PRGF were added to hASCs cultured in serum-free medium. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT test and cell count up to 7 and 12-day incubation. Osteo-differentiation ability of hASCs was also tested after 7 and 14-day incubation by alkaline phosphatase assay. The effects of 4 PRGF preparations (fresh/frozen and with/ without platelets) were compared with corresponding formulations of plasma poor in growth factors and with standard medium. hASCs cultured in the presence of platelet concentrates increased proliferation rate with respect to cells grown in standard medium without significant differences among all the tested plasma formulations on cell viability up to 12 days of culture. PRGF activity is preserved after cryopreservation and platelet-rich preparations promoted osteodifferentiation of hASCs at day 7. In conclusion, PRGF supports the proliferation and the differentiation of progenitor cells in vitro also when applied after cryopreservation. Platelet concentrates, either alone or in combination with mesenchymal stem cells, might be a valuable tool in the field of tissue regeneration.

Journal of Oral Implantology, 2015

The purpose of this study was to assess implant stability in relation to implant design (conical ... more The purpose of this study was to assess implant stability in relation to implant design (conical vs. semiconical and wide-pitch vs narrow-pitch) using resonance frequency analysis. Twenty patients with bilateral edentulous maxillary premolar region were selected. In one hemiarch, conical implants with wide pitch (group 1) were installed; in the other hemiarch, semiconical implants with narrow pitch were installed (group 2). The implant allocation was randomized. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured by resonance frequency analysis immediately following implant placement to assess primary stability (time 1) and at 90 days after placement (time 2). In group 1, the mean and standard deviation ISQ for time 1 was 65.8 ± 6.22 (95% confidence interval [CI], 55 to 80), and for time 2, it was 68.0 ± 5.52 (95% CI, 57 to 77). In group 2, the mean and standard deviation ISQ was 63.6 ± 5.95 (95% CI, 52 to 78) for time 1 and 67.0 ± 5.71 (95% CI, 58 to 78) for time 2. The statistical a...

The International journal of periodontics & restorative dentistry, 2008

The most frequent intraoperative complication with sinus elevation is perforation of the schneide... more The most frequent intraoperative complication with sinus elevation is perforation of the schneiderian membrane. In most instances, the repair of this perforation is necessary to contain particulate grafting material and complete the procedure. New techniques are presented here for the management of large perforations of the schneiderian membrane. A bioabsorbable collagen membrane is stabilized outside the antrostomy and then folded inward to create either a new superior wall that can obliterate a large perforation or a "pouch" that can completely contain the particulate material. This can make it possible to complete a procedure that otherwise may have had to be aborted by preventing dispersion of the particulate graft within the sinus cavity. Clinical cases are shown, along with follow-up at 6 to 9 months, demonstrating histologic and/or radiographic evidence of success, continued sinus health, and superior vital bone formation. The authors have used this technique on 20 ...

European journal of oral implantology, 2010

To compare peri-implant bone and soft-tissue levels of immediately non-occlusally loaded versus n... more To compare peri-implant bone and soft-tissue levels of immediately non-occlusally loaded versus non-submerged early loaded implants in partially edentulous patients 5 years after implant placement. Fifty-two patients were randomised in five Italian private practices: 25 in the immediately loaded group and 27 in the early loaded group. To be immediately loaded, single implants had to be inserted with a torque of > 30 Ncm, and splinted implants with a torque of > 20 Ncm. Immediately loaded implants were provided with non-occluding temporary restorations within 48 hours. After 2 months, the provisional restorations were put in full occlusion. Implants were early loaded after 2 months. Final restorations were provided 8 months after implant placement. Outcome measures were prosthesis and implant failures as well as biological and prosthetic complications recorded by non-blinded assessors. Blinded assessors evaluated peri-implant bone and soft-tissue levels. Fifty-two implants were...

The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the three-dimensional radiographic changes of 100% anor... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate the three-dimensional radiographic changes of 100% anorganic bovine bone xenograft volume in a grafted maxillary sinus, based on a computerized analysis of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. Materials and Methods: A maxillary sinus augmentation procedure done with a lateral approach using 100% anorganic bovine bone was performed in 20 patients. A CBCT scan of the grafted area was taken immediately after the procedure (T1) and 8 to 9 months later (T2). CBCT scan data were analyzed with image processing software to evaluate differences in the volume of grafted material between T1 and T2. Residual ridge height and width were also measured at T1.

International Journal of Dentistry, 2012

The maxillary sinus grafting procedure has proven to be an acceptable modality for bone augmentat... more The maxillary sinus grafting procedure has proven to be an acceptable modality for bone augmentation to provide a base for endosseous implants, routinely used for the rehabilitation of posterior maxilla. Perforation of the membrane is the most common complication in this type of procedure. This paper presents a technique for repairing a perforated Schneiderian membrane with a conjunctive connective tissue graft harvested from the palate and shows the histological and radiographic evaluation of the results. Ten consecutives cases with the occurrence of membrane perforation were included in this study. All were repaired with a flap of tissue removed from the palatine portion near to the surgical site. The technique is demonstrated through a clinical case. The results showed successful integration of 88.8% of the implants after 12 months from prosthesis installation. Histological evaluation of the samples showed that the use of nanocrystalized hydroxyapatite showed an adequate stimulation of boné neoformation within 6 months. Radiographic evaluation revealed a small apical implant bone loss, not compromising their anchorages and proservation. Thus, it can be concluded that the use of conjunctive technique with collected palate flap for sealing the perforation of the membrane of the sinus may have predictable result.

PloS one, 2014

Autologous platelet concentrates are successfully adopted in a variety of medical fields to stimu... more Autologous platelet concentrates are successfully adopted in a variety of medical fields to stimulate bone and soft tissue regeneration. The rationale for their use consists in the delivery of a wide range of platelet-derived bioactive molecules that promotes wound healing. In addition, antimicrobial properties of platelet concentrates have been pointed out. In this study, the effect of the platelet concentration, of the activation step and of the presence of plasmatic components on the antimicrobial activity of pure platelet-rich plasma was investigated against gram positive bacteria isolated from oral cavity. The antibacterial activity, evaluated as the minimum inhibitory concentration, was determined through the microdilution two-fold serial method. Results seem to suggest that the antimicrobial activity of platelet-rich plasma against Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus oralis and Staphylococcus aureus is sustained by a co-operation between plasma comp...

Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice, 2012

Context: The maxillary sinus elevation procedure has become an important preprosthetic surgical p... more Context: The maxillary sinus elevation procedure has become an important preprosthetic surgical procedure for the creation of bone volume in the edentulous posterior maxilla for the placement of dental implants. Research and clinical experience over the past 30 years has increased the predictability of this procedure as well as reduced patient morbidity. Evidence Acquisition: Data on grafting materials and implant survival rates comes from 10 published evidence-based reviews that include all relevant published data from 1980 to 2012. Supporting clinical material comes from the experience of the authors. Evidence synthesis: The evidence-based reviews report and compare the implant survival rates utilizing various grafting materials, implant surfaces, and the use or non-use of barrier membranes over the lateral window. Clinical studies report on complication rates utilizing piezoelectric surgery and compare them to complication rates with rotary instrumentation. Conclusions: The conclusions of all the evidence-based reviews indicate that the utilization of bone replacement grafts, rough-surfaced implants, and barrier membranes result in the most positive outcomes when considering implant survival. further, the utilization of piezoelectric surgery, rather than rotary diamond burs, for lateral window preparation and membrane separation leads to a dramatic reduction in the occurrence of the intraoperative complications of bleeding and membrane perforation.

European Journal of Oral Sciences, 2008

Implant therapy in the atrophic posterior maxilla becomes challenging in the presence of reduced ... more Implant therapy in the atrophic posterior maxilla becomes challenging in the presence of reduced maxillary bone height. Sinus augmentation can be performed for resolving this condition prior to implant placement. The aim of this article was therefore to evaluate implant survival rates in the grafted sinus taking into account the influence of the implant surface, graft material, and implant placement timing. A systematic review of the literature was performed. Articles retrieved from electronic databases were screened using specific inclusion criteria, and data extracted were divided according to: graft material (autogenous, non‐autogenous, composite graft), implant surface (machined or textured), and implant placement (simultaneous with grafting or delayed). Fifty‐nine articles were included. Survival rates for implants placed in grafts made of bone substitutes alone and grafts of composite material were slightly better than the survival rates for implants placed in 100% autogenous ...

Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2010

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence, location, size and course of the anastomosis between t... more Objectives: To investigate the prevalence, location, size and course of the anastomosis between the dental branch of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA), known as alveolar antral artery (AAA), and the infraorbital artery (IOA). Material and methods: The first part of the study was performed on 30 maxillary sinuses deriving from 15 human cadaver heads. In order to visualize such anastomosis, the vascular network afferent to the sinus was injected with liquid latex mixed with green India ink through the external carotid artery. The second part of the study consisted of 100 CT scans from patients scheduled for sinus lift surgery.

Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2004

Objective: This paper reports the results of a prospective multicenter clinical study on immediat... more Objective: This paper reports the results of a prospective multicenter clinical study on immediately fully occlusally loaded full‐arch screw‐retained prostheses with distal extensions (hybrid prostheses) supported by Osseotite implants inserted in edentulous lower jaws.Method and material: Sixty‐two patients were enrolled in four clinical centers. Three hundred and twenty‐five Osseotite implants were inserted and occlusally loaded according to an immediate loading protocol. The temporary prosthesis was delivered 4 h from surgery. The final prosthesis was delivered after 6 months. Marginal bone loss was monitored from periapical radiographs using a computerized technique.Results: Two implants failed to integrate within 2 months of occlusal loading. A cumulative implant success rate of 99.4% was achieved for a period of 12–60 months postplacement (mean 28.6±14.1 (SD) months). Crestal bone loss around the immediately loaded implants was similar to that reported for standard delayed loa...

Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2008

Objectives: The aims of this prospective study were to assess the treatment outcome of immediatel... more Objectives: The aims of this prospective study were to assess the treatment outcome of immediately loaded full-arch fixed bridges anchored to both tilted and axially placed implants for the rehabilitation of fully edentulous maxillae and to compare the outcome of axial vs. tilted implants. Material and methods: Forty-one patients with edentulous maxillae were included in the study. Each patient received a full-arch fixed bridge supported by four axial implants and two distal tilted implants. Loading was applied within 48 h from surgery. Patients were scheduled for follow-up at 6 months, 1 year and annually up to 5 years. Radiographic evaluation of marginal bone-level change was performed at 1 year. Results: One patient died 4 months after surgery. Thirty patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year (range 3-42 months, mean 22.1 months). Three failures were recorded at 1-year follow-up (two axial implants and one tilted). Two more implants (one tilted and one axially placed) were lost within 18 months of loading. The 1-year implant survival rate was 98.8% for both axial and tilted implants. Prosthesis success rate was 100% at 1 year. Marginal bone loss around axial and tilted implants at 12-month evaluation was similar, being, respectively, 0.9 AE 0.4 (standard deviation) mm and 0.8 AE 0.5 mm. Conclusions: The present preliminary data suggest that immediate loading associated with tilted implants could be considered to be a viable treatment modality for the atrophic maxilla and that there does not seem to be a different clinical outcome between tilted and axial implants.

Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, 2013

Objectives: The study aims to test the hypothesis of no differences in temperature variation by u... more Objectives: The study aims to test the hypothesis of no differences in temperature variation by using a single bur for implant site preparation as compared with conventional drilling sequence using multiple burs with incremental diameter. Materials and Methods: Synthetic blocks of bone (type I density) were used for drilling procedures. Three Groups Were Evaluated: Group 1 and Group 2-drilling with three consecutive burs for a 4.1 mm cylindrical implant and for a 4.3 mm conical implant, respectively; Group 3-drilling with a single bur for a 4.2 mm conical implant. For each group, 20 drilling procedures were performed without irrigation and 20 with external irrigation. The temperature in the cortical bone during osteotomy for implant site preparation was measured through a thermocouple. Results: The mean temperatures and standard deviations for the drilling without irrigation were: 25.5 1 1.24°C for Group 1; 28.1 1 1.76°C for Group 2; 26.5 1 1.79°C for Group 3. Considering the drilling with irrigation, the mean values and standard deviations were: 20.4 1 1.17°C for Group 1; 22.2 1 1.38°C for Group 2; 20.2 1 0.83°C for Group 3. Groups 1 and 3 yielded similar results, while Group 2 displayed significantly higher temperature increase than the other two groups. Conclusions: The single bur drilling protocol did not produce greater bone heating than the conventional protocol and may be considered a safe procedure.

Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, 2010

The aim of this review was to evaluate the survival rate of upright and tilted implants supportin... more The aim of this review was to evaluate the survival rate of upright and tilted implants supporting fixed prosthetic reconstructions for the immediate rehabilitation of partially and fully edentulous jaws, after at least 1 year of function. Materials and Methods: An electronic search of databases plus a hand search on the most relevant journals up to December 2009 was performed. The articles were selected using specific inclusion criteria, independent of the study design. Results: The literature search yielded 347 articles. A first screening based on the title and abstract identified 25 eligible studies. After full-text review of these studies, 10 articles were selected for analysis. Seven were prospective single-cohort studies and three had a retrospective design. A total of 462 patients have been rehabilitated with 470 immediately loaded prostheses (257 in the maxilla, 213 in the mandible), supported by a total of 1,992 implants (1,026 upright and 966 tilted). Twenty-five implants (1.25%) failed in 20 patients within the first year. All failures except one occurred in the maxilla. No significant difference in failure rate was found between tilted and upright implants, nor between maxillary and mandibular implants. No prosthesis failure was reported. Limited peri-implant bone loss was reported with no difference between upright and tilted implants. Full patients' satisfaction for function, phonetics, and esthetics was reported in three studies, based on questionnaires. Conclusions: The use of tilted implants to support immediately loaded fixed prostheses for the rehabilitation of edentulous jaws can be considered a predictable technique, with an excellent prognosis in the short-medium term. However, randomized long-term trials are needed to determine the efficacy of this surgical approach.