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Purpose: To assess inter- and intraobserver variability in wireless resonance frequency analysis (RFA) stability measurements of palatal implants and to evaluate the influence of age, sex, time after implant insertion, and measurement direction on variability. Materials and Methods: Three observers conducted wireless RFA stability measurements of palatal implants from 16 patients. Measurements were taken in anteroposterior and laterolateral directions and were repeated after 1 hour. Results: Data showed a small interobserver variation (1.93) with intraobserver variation (1.77) as its largest component. Time after implantation showed a strong influence (P = .027) on the interobserver variation. Conclusions: The tested wireless RFA device can be considered a reliable instrument for measuring the stability of palatal implants. Multiple readings and observers could further improve measurement reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lateral cephalometric films were examined for their validity as a tool for the postoperative evaluation of palatal implant placement. Materials and Methods: Cephalometric and histometric data of 20 partially edentulous human cadaveric maxillae were compared. Lateral cephalograms of the specimens were made, and the palatal complex was pencil traced. In addition, low-dose dental computerized tomography (CT) scans were obtained from every specimen. Based on the CT data, palatal implants (Orthosystem; Institut Straumann, Waldenburg, Switzerland) were placed. Postimplantation, another lateral cephalometric film was recorded. The specimens were prepared for histologic examination. The preoperative tracings were superimposed on the postoperative cephalometric films. Results: Of 20 implants placed, 12 were 4 mm long and 8 were 6 mm long. The distance between the cranial end of the implants and the nasal floor on microscopy ranged from 0.3 to 9.3 mm. Perforation of the nasal floor was absent throughout on intraoperative probing, while 2 implants projected beyond the nasal floor on histologic analysis of the specimens. An analysis of the superimposed preand postoperative cephalograms showed 5 implants projecting beyond the nasal floor. Histologically, only 1 of these projecting implants had actually caused perforation of the palatal complex. A comparison between the histometric and the cephalometric data showed that cephalometry, on average, imaged the palatal complex 0.8 mm below the actual anatomic site. Discussion and Conclusions: Twenty percent of palatal implants projecting beyond the nasal floor were false-positive records on the postoperative lateral cephalograms. Despite CT scans, 10% of the implants placed caused fenestration of the nasal cavity by histologic evidence. If the palatal complex was perforated, intraoperative probing with a periodontal probe did not confirm the perforation. Bone perforations up to 1.3 mm did not necessarily result in frank perforation of the nasal mucosa. Two-dimensional images could not be related to actual penetrations into the nasal cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Temporary endosseous implants may be placed in the midsagittal or paramedian regions of the palate. When combined with a solid transpalatal bar, the osseointegrated implant provides stationary orthodontic anchorage. The aim of this article is to present an overview with clinical examples of this interesting new technique. Methods: Preoperative considerations to avoid bony perforation of the implant to the nasal cavity are discussed for routine lateral cephalograms and dental computer tomography. The surgical procedure for palatal implant insertion is described, as well as the laboratory fabrication of the transpalatal bar. Results: Some clinical considerations and experiences with orthodontic implants in the palate emphasize the unique possibilities for difficult tooth movements. The implant is removed easily, and full recovery of the palatal soft tissue is then observed. Conclusion: The application of endosseous implants in the palate and connection to a solid transpalatal bar is a reasonably simple, practical, and effective technique to obtain stable orthodontic anchorage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a study which investigated the behavior, particularly the stability of early-loaded palatal implants observed with Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA), presented at the 6th International Orthodontic Congress held in Paris, France. For the whole observation period, it was observed that 18 implants remained stable. The outcome of the investigation also justified the a loading of palatal implants 6 weeks postsurgery.