Digital Methods and Protocols in Implant Dentistry and Oral–Maxillofacial Surgery

A special issue of Methods and Protocols (ISSN 2409-9279).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 September 2021) | Viewed by 29101

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, BO, Italy
Interests: dental implants; digital prosthesis; atrophic maxilla; intra oral scanner; pterygoid implants; zygomatic implants

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Guest Editor
1. Private Practice, Messina, Italy
2. Department of Biomedicine and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40125 Bologna, Italy
Interests: dentistry
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Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Digital technologies have been introduced into implant dentistry and oral–maxillofacial surgery. This allows a computer-aided approach aiming to simplify clinical procedures, minimizing invasiveness and morbidity for the patient. New protocols and surgical techniques are available applying the latest technologies to oral–maxillofacial surgery and implantology, and clinical and in vitro studies are in progress to validate these. The aim of this Special Issue is to propose innovative methods and protocols related to recent and upcoming technologies applied to implant dentistry and oral–maxillofacial surgery. Literature reviews and clinical and in vitro studies on these topics as well as innovative protocols and reports will be considered for publication in this Special Issue.

Dr. Gerardo Pellegrino
Dr. Giuseppe Lizio
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • virtual surgical planning
  • computer-aided surgery
  • dynamic navigation
  • augmented reality
  • CAD-CAM manufacturing
  • innovative technology
  • innovative computer-aided techniques

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 2045 KiB  
Article
Total Face Approach (TFA) 3D Cephalometry and Superimposition in Orthognathic Surgery: Evaluation of the Vertical Dimensions in a Consecutive Series
by Giovanna Perrotti, Giulia Baccaglione, Tommaso Clauser, Riccardo Scaini, Roberta Grassi, Luca Testarelli, Rodolfo Reda, Tiziano Testori and Massimo Del Fabbro
Methods Protoc. 2021, 4(2), 36; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mps4020036 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 3938
Abstract
Background: Cephalometry is fundamental in diagnosis, analysis, and planning of orthodontic-surgical treatment as it reveals skeletal relationship between the upper and lower jaw as well as facial aesthetic parameters. Nevertheless, 3D cephalometry has still not become the exam of choice in orthognathic treatment [...] Read more.
Background: Cephalometry is fundamental in diagnosis, analysis, and planning of orthodontic-surgical treatment as it reveals skeletal relationship between the upper and lower jaw as well as facial aesthetic parameters. Nevertheless, 3D cephalometry has still not become the exam of choice in orthognathic treatment even though today CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) is routinely used in other branches of dentistry. Methods: In a sample of 13 patients undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery a chin-vertex CBCT exam was prescribed prior to orthodontic treatment (OT) and 12 months after surgery (T1). The DICOM files uploaded to MaterialiseSimplant Ortho software pro 2.1 (Materialise Co., Leuven, Belgium) were analyzed following the multiplane 3D Total Face cephalometry protocol (TFA). Results: Results comparing pre-op and post-op TFA 3D cephalometry, were then evaluated considering reference values reported in literature. The CBCT, carried out pre- and post-surgery, were subsequently analyzed employing the superimposition method using cranial base as reference. The aim of this study is to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods in orthognathic surgery. Conclusions: Multiplane 3D TFA allows the clinician to locate where major or minor skeletal discrepancies are found with respect to ideal parameters and is also useful in classifying skeletal intermaxillary relation. The superimposition method is highly intuitive but does not provide information on the quantity and location of osteotomic movement. Full article
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10 pages, 1697 KiB  
Article
Total Face Approach (TFA): A Novel 3D Approach to Describe the Main Cephalometric Craniomaxillofacial Parameters
by Giovanna Perrotti, Giulia Baccaglione, Tommaso Clauser, Luca Testarelli, Massimo Del Fabbro and Tiziano Testori
Methods Protoc. 2021, 4(1), 15; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mps4010015 - 20 Feb 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2828
Abstract
The aim of this study is to propose a 3D skeletal classification and relative normal values of reference. Method: from a pool of 271 cone-beam computerized tomography images 108 chin-summit examinations of the skull were selected and divided into 3 traditional skeletal [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to propose a 3D skeletal classification and relative normal values of reference. Method: from a pool of 271 cone-beam computerized tomography images 108 chin-summit examinations of the skull were selected and divided into 3 traditional skeletal classes. The same Cone-beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) images were then assessed using the cephalometric multiplanar analysis following the total face approach protocol. Results: the results of this study indicate standard 3D cephalometric norms for the vertical and sagittal evaluation of the skull. Conclusions: data obtained from our measurements allowed the creation of intervals supplying nosological classification that could be used in orthodontics, orthognatic surgery and implant surgery in fully edentulous patients. Full article
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11 pages, 1291 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Radiographic Evaluation of the Malar Bone Engagement Available for Ideal Zygomatic Implant Placement
by Gerardo Pellegrino, Francesco Grande, Agnese Ferri, Paolo Pisi, Maria Giovanna Gandolfi and Claudio Marchetti
Methods Protoc. 2020, 3(3), 52; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mps3030052 - 22 Jul 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3202
Abstract
Zygomatic implant rehabilitation is a challenging procedure that requires an accurate prosthetic and implant plan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the malar bone available for three-dimensional zygomatic implant placement on the possible trajectories exhibiting optimal occlusal emergence. After a preliminary [...] Read more.
Zygomatic implant rehabilitation is a challenging procedure that requires an accurate prosthetic and implant plan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the malar bone available for three-dimensional zygomatic implant placement on the possible trajectories exhibiting optimal occlusal emergence. After a preliminary analysis on 30 computed tomography (CT) scans of dentate patients to identify the ideal implant emergencies, we used 80 CT scans of edentulous patients to create two sagittal planes representing the possible trajectories of the anterior and posterior zygomatic implants. These planes were rotated clockwise on the ideal emergence points and three different hypothetical implant trajectories per zygoma were drawn for each slice. Then, the engageable malar bone and intra- and extra-sinus paths were measured. It was possible to identify the ideal implant emergences via anatomical landmarks with a high predictability. Significant differences were evident between males and females, between implants featuring anterior and those featuring posterior emergences, and between the different trajectories. The use of internal trajectories provided better bone engagement but required a higher intra-sinus path. A significant association was found between higher intra-sinus paths and lower crestal bone heights. Full article
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12 pages, 675 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review of Cementation Techniques to Minimize Cement Excess in Cement-Retained Implant Restorations
by Rodolfo Reda, Alessio Zanza, Andrea Cicconetti, Shilpa Bhandi, Renzo Guarnieri, Luca Testarelli and Dario Di Nardo
Methods Protoc. 2022, 5(1), 9; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mps5010009 - 17 Jan 2022
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3752
Abstract
Background: The most used types of retention of implant-supported prostheses are screw-retained or cement-retained restorations. The advantages and disadvantages of both have been identified by various authors over the years. However, cement-retained implant crowns and fixed partial dentures are among the most used [...] Read more.
Background: The most used types of retention of implant-supported prostheses are screw-retained or cement-retained restorations. The advantages and disadvantages of both have been identified by various authors over the years. However, cement-retained implant crowns and fixed partial dentures are among the most used types of restorations in implant prostheses, due to their aesthetic and clinical advantages. When cemented prostheses are made on implants, the problem of cement residues is important and often associated with biological implant pathologies. The objective of this research was to establish to what extent the techniques to reduce excess cement really affect the volume of cement residues. Materials and Methods: This review was written following the PRISMA statement; a detailed search was carried out in three different electronic databases—PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. The inclusion criteria were prospective clinical studies, with at least 10 participants per group, and with at least 6 months of the follow-up period. Results: There have been many proposals for techniques supposed to reduce the amount of excess cement in the peri-implant sulcus and on the prosthetic components, but of these, which are exceptional in their in vitro capabilities, very few have been clinically validated, and this represents the real limitation and a great lack of knowledge regarding this topic. Three articles met the inclusion criteria, which were analyzed and compared, to obtain the information necessary for the purposes of the systematic review. Discussion: Extraoral cementation can reduce the excess cement, which, after a normal excess removal procedure, is, nevertheless, of such size that it does not affect the possibility of peri-implant pathologies developing. All these studies concluded that a small amount of cement residue is found in the gingival sulcus, and using eugenol-free oxide cements, the residues were only deposited on the metal surfaces, with a better peri-implant tissues health. Conclusion: Despite the limitations of this study, it was possible to carefully analyze these characteristics and obtain valuable suggestions for daily clinical practice. Resinous cements are considered, due to the free monomers present in them, toxic for the soft tissues. The provisional zinc-oxide cements, also eugenol-free, represent the ideal choice. The different grades of retentive forces provided by these cements do not seem to have clinical effects on the decementation of restorations. Full article
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13 pages, 4120 KiB  
Protocol
The VISTA Approach in Canine Disimpaction
by Gabriella Galluccio, Alessandra Impellizzeri, Alessandra Pietrantoni, Adriana De Stefano, Gerardo La Monaca and Roberto Pippi
Methods Protoc. 2021, 4(3), 57; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mps4030057 - 20 Aug 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3050
Abstract
Canine disimpaction is always a challenging orthodontic treatment overall, even when the impacted permanent canine is in a high position, especially when in tight relation with the upper incisors’ roots. Conventional treatment methods are usually not capable of performing the correct force direction, [...] Read more.
Canine disimpaction is always a challenging orthodontic treatment overall, even when the impacted permanent canine is in a high position, especially when in tight relation with the upper incisors’ roots. Conventional treatment methods are usually not capable of performing the correct force direction, consisting of the contemporary movement in the distal and vestibular directions of the canine crown, often provoking, as side effects, the presence of decubitus on the mucous of the lips and cheeks or a poor final appearance of the periodontal support of the disimpacted canine. Among the different approaches, the vertical incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) technique shows good performance with regard to the direction of the forces and the canine’s periodontal conditions when erupted; it is usually realized through an elastic chain connected to a temporary anchorage device (TAD) in the posterior area. In this paper, a different protocol for the VISTA method is also presented, to be resorted to in cases of difficult miniscrew positioning due to the anatomic conditions or stage of dentitions. The new protocol also considers the use of nickel–titanium coil springs in order to avoid the need of frequent reactivation of the device and consequent patient discomfort, highlighting its advantages and indications with respect to the traditional approach. Full article
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7 pages, 1735 KiB  
Case Report
Dynamic Navigated “Sandwich” Technique: A Novel Surgical Approach for Safe Osteotomies in the Rehabilitation of an Atrophic Posterior Mandible: A Case Report
by Pietro Felice, Lorenzo Bonifazi, Maryia Karaban, Cesare Berti, Gerardo Pellegrino and Carlo Barausse
Methods Protoc. 2021, 4(2), 34; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mps4020034 - 16 May 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2746
Abstract
A 56-year-old female patient with vertical atrophy of the right posterior mandible was treated adopting an interpositional bone block approach using a cancellous heterologous bone block. Osteotomies of the patient’s mandible were performed with the help of dynamic computer-assisted surgery using virtual anatomical [...] Read more.
A 56-year-old female patient with vertical atrophy of the right posterior mandible was treated adopting an interpositional bone block approach using a cancellous heterologous bone block. Osteotomies of the patient’s mandible were performed with the help of dynamic computer-assisted surgery using virtual anatomical patient information obtained from a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The use of the dynamic computer-assisted surgery allowed authors to perform the horizontal osteotomy line as planned preoperatively on the CBCT virtual reconstruction, trying to minimize the risks of the inlay technique. No neurological complications were observed after surgery. The inlay technique could benefit from the aid of dynamic navigation technologies in posterior atrophic mandibles, increasing the reproducibility of the technique. A likely safer method for performing osteotomies with the “sandwich” technique in the posterior atrophic mandible is reported. Full article
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14 pages, 9677 KiB  
Protocol
Digital Approach for the Rehabilitation of the Edentulous Maxilla with Pterygoid and Standard Implants: The Static and Dynamic Computer-Aided Protocols
by Alessio Franchina, Luigi Vito Stefanelli, Simone Gorini, Simone Fedi, Giuseppe Lizio and Gerardo Pellegrino
Methods Protoc. 2020, 3(4), 84; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mps3040084 - 21 Dec 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2710
Abstract
A full-arch rehabilitation of the edentulous upper jaw without grafting procedures exploits the residual alveolar or the basal bone, with the necessity of long implants placed with a particular orientation. The precision in planning and placing the fixtures is fundamental to avoid clinical [...] Read more.
A full-arch rehabilitation of the edentulous upper jaw without grafting procedures exploits the residual alveolar or the basal bone, with the necessity of long implants placed with a particular orientation. The precision in planning and placing the fixtures is fundamental to avoid clinical problems and to allow an acceptable connection with the prosthesis. The computer-aided implantology resulted in more accuracy than the traditional one, with a high standard of correspondence between the virtual project and the real outcome. This paper reports about the two different digital protocols, static and dynamic, as support to implant-borne prosthetic rehabilitation of edentulous maxillae. Two pterygoid and two/four anterior standard implants were seated in both cases by two different operators, without flap raising, and immediately loaded. This approach avoided the posterior cantilever by-passing the maxillary sinus and was adequately planned and realized without any surgical or prosthetic error. The two digital flow-charts were described step by step, underlining each other’s advantages and drawbacks compared to a free-hand approach. Full article
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10 pages, 6607 KiB  
Protocol
Dynamic Navigation for Zygomatic Implants: A Case Report about a Protocol with Intraoral Anchored Reference Tool and an Up-To-Date Review of the Available Protocols
by Gerardo Pellegrino, Giuseppe Lizio, Francesco Basile, Luigi Vito Stefanelli, Claudio Marchetti and Pietro Felice
Methods Protoc. 2020, 3(4), 75; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mps3040075 - 05 Nov 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3365
Abstract
Dynamic Navigation is a computer-aided technology that allows the surgeon to track the grip instruments while preparing the implant site in real time based on radiological anatomy and accurate pre-operative planning. The support of this technology to the zygoma implant placement aims to [...] Read more.
Dynamic Navigation is a computer-aided technology that allows the surgeon to track the grip instruments while preparing the implant site in real time based on radiological anatomy and accurate pre-operative planning. The support of this technology to the zygoma implant placement aims to reduce the risks and the errors associated with this complex surgical and prosthetic treatment. Various navigation systems are available to clinicians currently, distinguished by handling, reliability, and the associated economic and biological benefits and disadvantages. The present paper reports on the different protocols of dynamic navigations following a standard workflow in correlation with zygomatic implant supported rehabilitations and describes a case of maxillary atrophy successfully resolved with this technology. An innovative and minimally invasive dynamic navigation system, with the use of an intraoral anchored trust marker plate and a patient reference tool, has been adopted to support the accurate insertion of four zygomatic implants, which rapidly resolved maxillary atrophy from a 75-year-old male system. This approach provided an optimal implant placement accuracy reducing surgical invasiveness. Full article
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8 pages, 2688 KiB  
Protocol
Ultrasonic Navigation for the Treatment of Medication-Related Jaw Osteonecrosis Involving the Inferior Alveolar Nerve: A Case Report and Protocol Review
by Gerardo Pellegrino, Francesca Pavanelli, Agnese Ferri, Giuseppe Lizio, Roberto Parrulli and Claudio Marchetti
Methods Protoc. 2020, 3(4), 70; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mps3040070 - 21 Oct 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2455
Abstract
Dynamic navigation (DN) is a computer-guided technique employed in different surgical fields and recently adopted in dental implantology to improve the accuracy of dental implant insertion. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) often requires the surgical removal of the impaired, hard tissue, trying [...] Read more.
Dynamic navigation (DN) is a computer-guided technique employed in different surgical fields and recently adopted in dental implantology to improve the accuracy of dental implant insertion. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) often requires the surgical removal of the impaired, hard tissue, trying at the same time to spare the healthy tissue and the noble anatomical structures. A case of extensive bilateral medication-related osteonecrosis, with the symptomatic involvement of the right mandibular canal, was successfully resolved with the use of ultrasonic surgery associated with a dynamic navigation, in order to limit the invasiveness of the surgical approach improving its reliability and accuracy. The usefulness of this technology in the management of MRONJ can be considered in future clinical trials to confirm the advantages and standardize the technique. Full article
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