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Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the existing scientific evidence on human clinical studies describing the application of computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology in restorative implant dentistry. Materials and Methods: Electronic searches for clinical studies from 1966 through May 2008 focusing on long-term follow-up were performed using the PubMed search engine. Concentrating on the restorative aspect of the CAD/CAM technology applicable to implant dentistry, pertinent literature was divided into articles related to implant abutments and implant frameworks. Results: Of the 885 articles initially reviewed, 5 articles (3 CAD/CAM framework and 2 CAD/CAM abutment) satisfied the search criteria of the literature search performed. Combining the results from the framework clinical trial studies, there were a total of 189 prostheses supported by 888 implants. The follow-up varied between 12 and 60 months. Four implants were lost prior to the insertion of the prosthesis and 46 after the insertion. One prosthesis failure was reported. Similarly, in the 2 abutment clinical trial studies there were a total of 53 ceramic abutments supported by 53 implants. The patients were followed between 12 and 44 months. No significant failures or complications were reported in association with the implants and their restorations. Conclusions: Based on a systematic review of literature concerning CAD/CAM used for fabrication of frameworks and abutments, preliminary proof of concept was established. Clinical studies on the use of these techniques were too preliminary and underpowered to provide meaningful conclusions regarding the performance of these abutments/frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To systematically evaluate the survival and success of screw- versus cement-retained implant crowns. Materials and Methods The authors performed an electronic search of nine databases using identical MeSH phrases. Systematic evaluation and data extraction of the articles from 1966 through 2007 were completed by three reviewers and two clinical academicians. The major outcome variable was implant or crown loss, and the minor outcome variables were screw loosening, decementation, and porcelain fracture. Random effects Poisson models were used to analyze the failure and complication rates. Results The initial search produced 26,582 articles. Of these, 577 titles and subsequently 295 abstracts were available for evaluation, with 81 full texts meeting the criteria for review. Data were extracted from 23 level one and two research studies. Fleiss' kappa interevaluator agreement ranged from almost perfect to moderate. Major failures included 0.71 screw-retained and 0.87 cement-retained failures per 100 years. Minor failures included 3.66 screw loosenings, 2.54 decementations, and 0.46 porcelain fractures per 100 years. Conclusion There is no significant difference between cement- and screw-retained restorations for major and minor outcomes with regard to implant survival or crown loss. This is important data, as clinicians use both methods of restoration, and neither is a form of inferior care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of the EAO summer camp was to create visions and ideas for future developments in the field of implant dentistry. An additional goal was the installation of a young, strong and enduring network for scientific exchange among participants. Summer camp activity: Forty participants younger than 40 years of age, from 16 different European countries, discussed potential future developments of implant dentistry in a professionally moderated workshop. Participants worked in a competitive manner over 3 days in small teams on four topics: future teaching and education, surgery in 2030, prosthetics in 2030 and futuristic tissue development related to the field of implantology. Various innovative conference and moderation techniques were applied to achieve a maximum output from the creative potential present. Results: Plenum consensus was obtained for several key factors potentially influencing future development in implant dentistry. In particular, teaching and education will be improved by the establishment of curriculum standards and novel teaching technologies. Surgery in 2030 will benefit from an improved cost-effectiveness of new technologies and biomaterials. A more comprehensive knowledge on host susceptibility will have an impact on treatment planning and the predictability of implant therapy. A virtual patient concept and tissue engineering will influence Prosthodontics in 2030. Futuristic tissue development will set a 'platinum standard' for tissue regeneration. Summary: Visions on all four topics were generated and discussed intensively during the conference. 'Future teaching and education' was voted unanimously as the winning team based on the presented ideas and the special interest this topic generated. The EAO Junior Committee members, Jung RE, Kapos T, Nicol A, Nisand D, Palarie V, Payer M, Rocchietta I, Schwarz F. EAO Summer Camp: a Facilitated sharing experience. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23, 2012; 257-260. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2011.02221.x [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]