This study was designed to determine if the following two variables influence the predictability of the presence of the interproximal papilla between single implant supported crown adjacent to a natural tooth: a) the vertical measurement from the crest of bone on the natural tooth to the contact point, and b) the horizontal measurement from the platform of the implant to the adjacent tooth root. Retrospective data from a multi-private practice based research network (PBRN) and from a graduate teaching institution were analyzed specific to the maxillary anterior aesthetic zones. 116 patients who had 139 dental implants restored for at least 6 months, with mesial and/or distal sites (N= 253) were included in the analysis. Assessments of the implant position based on osseous crestal topography were conducted using standardized radiographs which were digitized and interpreted with “Access” software. The gingival papilla morphology was assessed using the Jemt Papillary Index from calibrated digital clinical photographs. Contrary to previously published data, our results indicate that the presence of interproximal papillae is independent of the vertical and horizontal measurements investigated.

Aims and Objectives: To investigate the experience of implant complications and opinions on complications among dentists in private practices in Ontario. Methods: In 2010, a web-based anonymous survey was distributed to 2034 Ontario dentists with valid e-mail addresses. Results: 527 dentists replied to the survey, of which 469 utilized implants. Most complications were preventable. The most important cause of complications was “poor planning”. The most severe complication was “permanent paraesthesia”. Fewer than 5% of patients experienced a complication in 2009. There was little agreement among general dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists on the causes of complications, some agreement on preventive strategies to avoid complications, and significant agreement on severity of complications and their preventability. Conclusions: A significant proportion of dentists in Ontario had encountered an implant treatment complication in 2009. Since most complications are preventable, efforts at decreasing their prevalence and severity should be pursued.

This study was designed to determine if the following two variables influence the predictability of the presence of the interproximal papilla between single implant supported crown adjacent to a natural tooth: a) the vertical measurement from the crest of bone on the natural tooth to the contact point, and b) the horizontal measurement from the platform of the implant to the adjacent tooth root. Retrospective data from a multi-private practice based research network (PBRN) and from a graduate teaching institution were analyzed specific to the maxillary anterior aesthetic zones. 116 patients who had 139 dental implants restored for at least 6 months, with mesial and/or distal sites (N= 253) were included in the analysis. Assessments of the implant position based on osseous crestal topography were conducted using standardized radiographs which were digitized and interpreted with “Access” software. The gingival papilla morphology was assessed using the Jemt Papillary Index from calibrated digital clinical photographs. Contrary to previously published data, our results indicate that the presence of interproximal papillae is independent of the vertical and horizontal measurements investigated.

Aims and Objectives: To investigate the experience of implant complications and opinions on complications among dentists in private practices in Ontario. Methods: In 2010, a web-based anonymous survey was distributed to 2034 Ontario dentists with valid e-mail addresses. Results: 527 dentists replied to the survey, of which 469 utilized implants. Most complications were preventable. The most important cause of complications was “poor planning”. The most severe complication was “permanent paraesthesia”. Fewer than 5% of patients experienced a complication in 2009. There was little agreement among general dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists on the causes of complications, some agreement on preventive strategies to avoid complications, and significant agreement on severity of complications and their preventability. Conclusions: A significant proportion of dentists in Ontario had encountered an implant treatment complication in 2009. Since most complications are preventable, efforts at decreasing their prevalence and severity should be pursued.

Electrodes implanted into neural systems are known to degrade due to encapsulation by surrounding tissues. The mechanisms of electrode-tissue interactions and prediction of the behavior of electrode are yet to be achieved. This research will aim at establishing the fundamental knowledge of interfacial interactions between the host biological environment and an implanted electrode. We will identify the dynamic mechanisms of such interfacial interactions. Quantitative analysis of the electrical properties of interface will be conducted using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Results will be used to develop a general model to interpret electrical circuitry of the interface. This is expected to expand our understanding in the effects of interfacial interactions to the charge transport. The interfacial interactions of an implanted electrode with neural system will be studied in two types of electrodes: silver and graphene coated. The interfacial impedance of both samples will be studied using EIS. The development of the cellular interaction will be investigated using histological procedure. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) will be employed to study the chemical effects on the silver electrodes. Atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy will be used for material characterization of graphene-coated electrodes. In the study of silver electrode, two mechanisms affecting the interfacial impedance are proposed. First is the formation of silver oxide. The other is the immuno-response of tissue encapsulation. Histological results suggest that higher cell density cause higher impedance magnitude at the interface. It is also found that the cellular encapsulation dominates the increase in impedance for longer implanted time. In the study of graphene-coated electrode, it is found that the graphene can strongly prevent the metal substrate from being oxidized. It not only provides good electrical conductivity for signal transport, but also reduces the speed of the accumulation of tissue around the electrode. Such characteristics of graphene have great potential in the application of neural implant. Finally, the dynamic mechanisms of biological interaction are proposed. A model is also developed to represent the general circuitry of the interface between an implanted electrode and the neural system. The model has three major components, which are interfacial double layer, cellular encapsulation, and the substrate. The model presented in this study can compensate for selection and prediction of materials and their behaviors.

In the United States, permanent hearing loss affects approximately 3 newborns in 1,000 making it the most common birth defect. Current widespread use of universal newborn hearing screening has resulted in an average age of identification of hearing loss of 2-3 months. As the population of children who are identified early in life and fitted with cochlear implants (CI) grows, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are likely encounter clients from this population. However, the majority of SLPs are not educated as to the various modes of communication that can be used with children with CI as they learn spoken language. The focus of this review is to provide SLPs with an evidence-based resource to guide their decision-making regarding appropriate communication mode for children with CI. / text

This thesis investigates bisphosphonate adsorption onto plasma sprayed HA (PS-HA) and simulated body fluid-grown HA (SBF-HA) coatings commonly used for orthopaedic implants. Bisphosphonates exhibit high binding affinity for the calcium present in HA and hence can be adsorbed onto HA-coated implants to exploit their beneficial properties for improved bone growth at the implant interface.

In the period immediately following the implantation of a cochlear implant electrode array within the cochlear environment, the power required to stimulate the auditory nerve at preset current levels increases. This rise is due to increases in electrode impedance which in turn is suggested to be a result of tissue growth around the electrode array. The foreign body response initiated by the immune system encapsulates the array in a matrix of fibrous tissue, separating the electrode array from the rest of the body. A second change in electrode impedance occurs with the onset of electrical stimulation. A transitory reduction in impedance has been recorded in animals and humans after stimulation of electrodes. Impedance returns to pre-stimulation levels following the cessation of stimulation. It was suggested that these changes in impedance with stimulation were also related to the tissue growth around the electrode array. A more thorough understanding of the interface was required to ascertain these concepts.

Biomaterials is a systematically, pharmacologically inert substance designed for implantation within or incorporation with a living system. The ultimate goal of biomaterials is to restore function of living tissues and organs of the body. Chemical stability, mechanical behavior and biocompatibility in body fluids and tissues are basic requirements for successful application of implant materials in hip replacements. The field of biomaterials has become a vital area, as these materials can enhance the quality and longevity of human life and the science and technology associated with this field has now led to multi-million dollar business. The thesis focuses mainly on fractured analysis of retrieved titanium-alloy modular hip implants, even though there exists biomaterials made up of ceramics, polymers and composite materials As it is well known that a good biomaterial should possess the fundamental properties such as better mechanical and biological compatibility and enhanced wear and corrosion resistance in biological environment. The primary purpose of this thesis was to identify the reasons which lead to fracture of implant retrieved from 60years old male implanted for a 16 month time. The retrieved Implant was sterilized for two hours to overcome bio hazardous condition. The fractured area of implant sleeve and stem was cut with help of machine ISOMET BUEHLER 4000 consisting of diamond saw. The cut sample was placed into physiological solution (0.9% NaCl in H2O), and was maintained at room temperature over night. Samples were then thoroughly brushed with help of toothpaste and tooth brush to get rid of tissue deposits and blood stains so as to get clear picture under SEM. Fractures sample was than observed under Scanning Electron Microscope and a detailed study revealed fretting corrosion and fatigue failure were main cause of implant failure. After examining under SEM, sample was than prepared to be polished by covering it with epoxy and using BUEHLER polishing machine and sand paper from 240-1200 grid and finally a micro cloth to smoothen the surface. After sample being polished, it was immersed in Kroll solution for etching and observing under microscope to figure micro-structural changes.

BACKGROUND: Recently osseodensification has been introduced as a novel approach to management of the recipient site. The concept had been described in 2013 by Huwais which has revolutionized the way we approach an osteotomy site as we may obtain densification of the bone rather than its complete removal. AIM: We hypothesize that proper manipulation of the recipient site will induce cellular activities to accelerate new bone formation. We compared bone formation in a critical defect created by the osseodensification method or regular osteotomy under ex-vivo static calvarial culture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under sterile conditions, calvaria from 7-9-day-old neonatal CD-1 mice (n = 15) were dissected and trimmed. Densah™ burs were used to create 2.0 mm diameter defects. Clockwise rotation of the bur produced "Conventional Osteotomy," whereas counter-clockwise rotation created "Osseodensification." Five randomly selected calvaria halves for control and test groups were used to evaluate morphological changes, at 7, 14, and 28 days utilizing the Image J software. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Defect closure was significantly greater in the osseodensification group compared to the conventional group at post-operative day7 (p = 0.028), day 14 (p = 0.046) and day 28 (p=0.015). The original defects in both groups were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Results showed that osseodensification lead to faster wound healing. Clinical studies have shown that osseodensification leads to better bone density around implants. These outcomes suggest that the compressed edge of a bone defect can accelerate the healing cascade by increasing cellular activity.