The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants Edited by Steven E. Eckert, DDS, MS This highly regarded, frequently cited journal integrates clinical and scientific data to improve methods and results of oral and maxillofacial implant therapy, compiles research, technology, clinical applications, reviews of the literature, and new developments in reconstructive dentistry and implant techniques. Regular features include "Current Issues Forum," which presents opinions of invited experts on controversial issues, and "Literature Review," which keeps readers informed about implant-related publications.

This Month in IJOMI - Online Featured Article:

The Influence of Different Implant Materials on Human Gingival Fibroblast Morphology, Proliferation, and Gene Expression
(Volume 26, Number 6, 2011)

Seiichi Yamano, DDS, PhD, DMD, MMSc/Andrew Kwok-Yui Ma, DDS, DMSc/Rabie M. Shanti, DMD/Soo-Woo Kim, DMD, MS/ Keisuke Wada, DDS, PhD, DMSc/Cortino Sukotjo, DDS, PhD, MMSc

The most common material chosen for dental implants is commercially pure titanium (Ti) because of its biocompatibility. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the importance of the implant surface in the host response. The overall shape and design, physicochemical and mechanical properties, and surface topography of implants can influence healing around them. The surface topography can influence the adhesion and spreading of cells, thereby controlling the osseointegration process. It was reported that a significant decrease in the number of gingival fibroblasts was found on rough Ti surfaces compared with smooth Ti surfaces. Other studies have demonstrated that smooth Ti surfaces do not favor cell adhesion, whereas micromachined Ti surfaces inhibit epithelial downgrowth. Also, the smoother turned Ti surfaces favored fibroblast attachment, whereas the rougher blasted Ti surfaces promoted osteoblast proliferation. These varied findings are reflected in the many different techniques currently in use to condition the surfaces of commercially available abutments and implants.

Zirconia (Zr) has mechanical and biologic properties that are similar to those of Ti, and it has shown excellent biocompatibility with the host tissues. The biocompatibility of Zr-coated Ti was confirmed by recent in vitro studies and shown to enhance adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts and osteoblastlike cells. Furthermore, the results of in vitro tests of carcinogenicity and teratogenicity were negative, and genotoxicity tests showed an absence of aberrations in chromosomic patterns in cells cultured on Zr plates. Zr surfaces have shown, both in vitro and in vivo, lower bacterial deposition than Ti surfaces. A recent in vivo study of collagen fiber behavior around two different implant necks, Ti and Zr, showed that collagen fiber orientation was similar, regardless of implant materials, demonstrating a predominantly parallel or parallel-oblique pattern. Moreover, Zr, which is used as a transgingival collar on some implants, showed connective tissue adhesion that was similar to that seen on machined ti surfaces but demonstrated limited plaque formation and may provide better esthetics. The latter characteristics may ensure excellent results for the soft tissue/implant interface.

Table of Contents (Volume 26, Number 6)

The AO Silver Anniversary Summit: Impact of Biological & Technological Advances on Implant Dentistry
To see the complete 113-page published review of the 2010 AO Summit, click below:

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