Clinical Research Directory

Digital and Conventional Clasp-retained Partial Dentures (DIGICLASP)

This single-center prospective observational cohort study evaluates two fabrication workflows already in routine clinical use for clasp-retained removable partial dentures (RPDs): a digital workflow (Group 1) and a conventional workflow (Group 2). The fabrication workflow is selected as part of routine clinical care and is not assigned by the study. Separately for the digital and conventional workflows, the study describes the cumulative active clinical chairside time (primary), together with the number of clinical appointments, dental laboratory process times, quantitative and clinical framework fit, adjustment effort, final fit, and the frequency of rework and remake. Consecutive patients treated at the Department of Reconstructive Dentistry and Gerodontology, University of Bern, are included over a 36-month period. The analysis is purely descriptive; no causal inference, confirmatory hypothesis testing, or superiority assessment is planned.

Comparison of Two Dental Implant Types and Placement Depths on Bone Around the Implant in Adults Missing Back Teeth

The goal of this clinical trial was to compare two ways of placing and restoring dental implants in adults missing one or more back teeth. The main question it aimed to answer was: does a bone-level implant placed 2 mm below the bone crest, with a final abutment that is never removed, preserve more of the bone around the implant than a tissue-level implant placed at the level of the bone crest? Each implant was randomly assigned by coin toss to one of the two treatments. Researchers measured the bone level around the implants on dental X-rays at crown placement, 6 months after loading, and at a final visit 12 to 24 months after loading. They also measured two markers of inflammation (IL-1β and MMP-8) in the fluid around the implants 6 months after loading.

Immediate vs Conventional Loading With Different Crown Materials on Immediately Placed Single Implants

This randomized controlled trial compares immediate and conventional loading of single implants placed immediately into fresh extraction sockets in the upper front and premolar region. Eighty adults will be randomly assigned to four groups: immediate loading (within 48 hours) with a definitive zirconia crown, a permanent printed PMMA crown, or a temporary printed PMMA crown, or conventional loading with a definitive zirconia crown after 3 months. All implants are placed with a fully guided digital workflow.

Study of Certain Prevail Implants Used to Treat All Types of Edentulism in the Maxilla and Mandible

This observational, prospective clinical study evaluates the performance of the Certain Prevail implant system to show potential crestal bone and soft tissue preservation following the crestal bone. It will also evaluate implant performance. Study (null) hypothesis: The preservation of crestal bone for the Certain Prevail implants will be the same as that for standard non-platform switched implants from contemporaneous studies (historical controls).

Survival of Implant-Supported All-Ceramic Prostheses

The purpose of this research study is to identify reasons that cause an all-ceramic bridge to fracture which include the thickness of the bridge material, the type of bridge material and the bite force of the person. This all-ceramic bridge will be compared to a metal-ceramic bridge. The investigators are conducting this study so we can make bridges which can withstand forces in the mouth which tend to break them. The overall objective of this research is to analyze how properties of ceramic materials and different forces in the mouth interact with each other to affect the longevity of these bridges. These include fracture toughness, elastic modulus of ceramic layers and supporting substrate, core thickness, connector height, wear, loading orientation, and maximum clenching force.

Effect of Advanced PRF and Hyaluronic Acid on Dental Implant Healing

This randomized parallel-group clinical trial aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) in enhancing peri-implant bone formation in patients undergoing delayed dental implant placement. Participants will be allocated to either a test group, in which A-PRF combined with HA is applied at the implant site, or a control group receiving conventional implant placement without adjunctive biomaterials. Peri-implant bone changes will be assessed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), including radiographic bone density and bone volume measurements. Implant stability will also be evaluated using resonance frequency analysis at the time of implant placement and during follow-up. Additional clinical outcomes include postoperative pain and implant survival. The participants will be followed up for six months after implant placement.

Evaluation of Integration Success and Crestal Bone Preservation Biomet 3i's T3 Implant System

This study evaluates the T3 implant system for the preservation of alveolar crestal bone and the establishment of initial integration. The new surface-treated features of the implant may contribute to improved soft and hard tissue healing. The success rate of the T3 implant will be no different than that of the control implant, which possess similar geometry but different surface treatments.

Prospective Study of NanoTite Implants Placed Into Fresh Sinus-Lift Augmentation Sites (VSSL)

This prospective, randomized-controlled, clinical study evaluates the ability of the NanoTite implant system to achieve integration and provide long-term support of a prosthesis when placed immediately in fresh sinus augmentation material. Control cases will be those where the sinus augmentation material is allowed four months of healing prior to NanoTite implant placement. In addition to implant performance, radiographic evidence of crestal bone regressive modeling will be used to evaluate differences between test and control cases. Study (null) hypothesis: The implants placed into sinus augmentation sites at the time of grafting will have the same integration success and maintenance of integration as for the implants placed after four months of graft healing.

Single _ Drill Vs Full Sequence Guided Implant Placement

This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the accuracy of single-drill (pilot-guided) computer-guided implant surgery versus full-sequence computer-guided dental implant placement. The study evaluates clinical and radiographic outcomes, focusing on apical, angular, coronal, and depth linear deviations using post-operative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) superimposition.

Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Cad Metallic and Poly Ether Ether Ketone (Peek) Partial Denture Frameworks in Mandibular Kennedy Class I Cases

The aim of this study was to compare CAD Poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) RPD to CAD metallic RPD in treating partial edentulism in terms of Oral health related quality of life

An Evaluation of Integration Success and Maintenance of Short Implants in Maxillas Needing Sinus Augmentation

This prospective randomized study will evaluate the integration success while supporting a prosthesis for short implants placed into maxillary sites having minimal bone height that would otherwise need sinus augmentation. The resources utilized during treatment will be assessed. Study (null) hypothesis: the overall benefit of using short length implants to avoid sinus augmentation procedures will offset differences in the cumulative implant survival rates observed between treatment groups.

A Study of Certain Prevail Implants Used for the Preservation of Crestal Bone in Short Fixed Bridge Cases.

This prospective, randomized study will evaluate the performance of the Osseotite Certain Prevail implant when compared to that of the non-lateralized version of the implant. Study (null) hypothesis: the crestal bone changes that take place after placement and loading of the Osseotite lateralized implants will be the same as for a similar but non-lateralized Osseotite Certain implant.

A Prospective Study Evaluating the Performance of Nanotite Osseotite Implants When Placed by Graduate Student Programs

This study will evaluate the contributions of the Nanotite implant design when used by graduate students in their first year of placing implants.

A Study of Osseotite Certain Prevail Implants Used to Support Short Fixed Bridges With Immediate Occlusal Loading.

This prospective, multicenter study evaluates the performance of the Osseotite Prevail implant when to support a short fixed bridge with immediate occlusal loading, providing the patient with the use of a temporary prosthesis until the final prosthesis is made. Study (null) hypothesis: This is an observational study in which no concurrent control group will be observed. Results of the study will be compared with the performance of other Osseotite implants from published Osseotite multicenter studies.

A Study of the Performance of Certain Prevail Implants Used in Short Fixed Cases

This prospective, randomized study evaluates the performance and crestal bone changes difference between the Osseotite Certain Prevail vs the non-lateralized design of the implant. Study (null) hypothesis: the crestal bone changes that take place after placement and loading of the Osseotite lateralized implants will be the same as for similar but non-lateralized Osseotite Certain implants.

Soft Tissue Augmentation Around Dental Implants Using Connective Tissue Graft, Submerged Tenting Abutment, or Sub-crestal Implant Placement

Peri-implant soft tissue thickness is an important determinant of the long-term stability and success of dental implants. Patients with a thin peri-implant soft tissue phenotype are at increased risk of soft tissue recession, marginal bone loss, and compromised esthetic and functional outcomes. Subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) is considered the gold standard for soft tissue augmentation; however, it requires harvesting tissue from the palate, increasing surgical complexity, operative time, and postoperative morbidity. Less invasive approaches, including submerged tenting abutments and subcrestal implant placement, have been proposed as alternatives to improve peri-implant soft tissue dimensions while reducing patient morbidity, but direct comparative clinical evidence remains limited. This investigator-initiated, single-center, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial will compare three approaches for peri-implant soft tissue augmentation in patients with a thin peri-implant soft tissue phenotype requiring a single dental implant in the posterior mandible. Eligible implant sites will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 allocation ratio to receive either subepithelial connective tissue grafting, submerged tenting abutment placement, or subcrestal implant placement during implant surgery. The primary objective is to compare changes in peri-implant soft tissue thickness using three-dimensional digital intraoral scanning over a 12-month follow-up period. Secondary objectives include evaluation of keratinized tissue width, clinical soft tissue thickness, histological characteristics of peri-implant soft tissue, peri-implant crestal bone level changes, postoperative pain, operative time, patient-reported satisfaction, and postoperative complications. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding whether minimally invasive treatment approaches can achieve clinical outcomes comparable to connective tissue grafting while reducing surgical morbidity and improving patient-centered outcomes.

Surface Wear of PEEK Clasp Against Zirconia Full-Coverage Restored Abutments in Distal Extension Removable Partial Dentures

This prospective clinical comparative study will evaluate the surface wear of BioHPP (modified polyetheretherketone) clasps opposing either natural tooth abutments or zirconia full-coverage abutments in mandibular bilateral distal extension removable partial dentures. Ten participants will be randomly assigned to two equal groups. Surface topography changes of the clasp fitting surfaces will be assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at denture insertion, 6 months, and 12 months. The findings will help determine the influence of abutment material on the wear behavior of BioHPP clasps and provide evidence for selecting appropriate abutment materials in removable partial denture treatment.

Flap Vs Flapless Technique for Delayed Implant Placement in the Maxillary Esthetic Zone

This randomized comparative clinical trial aims to evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and esthetic outcomes of flap versus flapless techniques for delayed dental implant placement in the maxillary esthetic zone. Twenty patients requiring implant placement in the maxillary anterior or premolar region will be randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group I will undergo implant placement using the conventional flap technique, while Group II will receive implant placement using the flapless technique. Clinical outcomes including postoperative pain, edema, surgical insertion time, and implant stability will be assessed. Radiographic evaluation will include peri-implant bone quantity, bone quality, and crestal bone loss. Follow-up examinations will be performed immediately after surgery and at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

Carrot Technique Versus Guided Bone Regeneration for Horizontal Ridge Deficiency in the Maxillary Esthetic Zone

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of the Carrot Technique and Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) for the management of horizontal alveolar ridge deficiency in patients requiring implant placement in the maxillary esthetic zone. Twenty patients will be randomly allocated into two equal groups. Clinical outcomes including implant stability and soft tissue healing, as well as radiographic outcomes including alveolar ridge width, bone density, and marginal bone loss, will be evaluated using clinical examinations and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) during a 12-month follow-up period..

Masticatory Efficiency, Bite Force, and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients Rehabilitated With Complete and Partial Dentures Supported by Teeth, Mini-Implants, or Conventional Implants

This study aims to evaluate masticatory efficiency, bite force, and patient-reported outcomes in edentulous and partially edentulous patients rehabilitated with different removable prosthodontic treatment modalities. The study includes both cross-sectional and longitudinal components. The cross-sectional component will compare patients wearing conventional complete dentures, conventional removable partial dentures, mini-implant-retained overdentures, conventional implant-retained overdentures, and implant-assisted removable partial dentures. The longitudinal component will assess changes in masticatory performance, bite force, and patient-reported outcomes following prosthodontic rehabilitation and adaptation over time. The study seeks to determine whether implant-assisted treatment options provide superior functional outcomes, oral health-related quality of life, and patient satisfaction compared with conventional removable prostheses.

Intraoral vs Extraoral Cementation of Zirconia Bridges on Ti-Bases: Microstrain Evaluation

This prospective clinical study compares two cementation techniques for implant-supported zirconia fixed partial dentures on titanium bases (Ti-bases): extraoral cementation performed on the working model and intraoral cementation performed chairside. Thirty clinical cases with two osseointegrated implants requiring a multi-unit zirconia restoration will be recruited at the UIC Dental Clinic. For each case, two restorations with identical design will be produced: one will be cemented extraorally (control) and an identical replica will be cemented intraorally (test). Micro-deformation will be assessed as peri-implant microstrain (µε) using a standardized strain-gauge setup and the same recording protocol for both techniques. The primary analysis compares microstrain between intraoral and extraoral cementation within each case; implant/prosthetic events will be recorded descriptively.

In Vivo Evaluation of the Accuracy of Immediate Screw-Retained Provisional Crowns Fabricated Using Digital Planning and Guided Surgery

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the in vivo accuracy of a fully digital workflow for the immediate placement of a previously fabricated screw-retained provisional crown using digital planning and guided implant surgery. The study will be conducted in partially edentulous adult patients requiring the replacement of a single tooth with an immediately loaded dental implant. The main objective of the study is to assess the accuracy (trueness and precision) of the planned digital implant position and provisional restoration by comparing the virtually planned position with the actual clinical outcome after guided surgery. Emphasis will be placed on linear, angular, and rotational deviations at both the implant and provisional restoration levels. Participants will undergo a fully guided implant placement procedure with rotational control, followed by the immediate placement of a prefabricated screw-retained provisional crown designed during the digital planning phase. Postoperative intraoral scans will be obtained to register the final implant and restoration positions. The planned and achieved positions will be compared using three-dimensional analysis software to quantify deviations and determine whether the accuracy achieved remains within clinically acceptable limits.

Prospective Study of Bone Augmentation With Lateral Sinus Lift and Osseointegration of Dental Implants

By using a split-mouth model in the maxilla, lateral sinus lift procedures will be performed using xenograft on one side vs autologous bone augmentation and PRF membranes on the other side. The purpose is to qualify and verify each step of this study to ensure the reliability and validity of the results.

Clinical Performance of Long-span Fixed Partial Dentures

Tooth-coloured fixed restorations are becoming increasingly popular with patients and dentists. If high-strength all-ceramics such as zirconia are used as the restoration material, a maximum of two adjacent missing teeth can be replaced with the aid of fixed partial dentures (FPDs). For the replacement of a missing anterior or posterior tooth by FPDs, a very good clinical performance similar to that of metal-based, ceramic-veneered restorations can be expected. However, evidence-based statements on the clinical performance of long-span all-ceramic FPDs are difficult because there are only very few studies on this topic, which are also inhomogeneous with regard to the study conditions. Randomized studies to compare monolithic (consisting only of the high-strength framework material) or partially veneered (weaker veneering ceramics in esthetically relevant tooth areas) all-ceramic and classic (completely veneered) metal-ceramic FPDs are lacking. The aim of the current explorative, prospective, randomized, two-arm clinical interventional study is therefore to compare the clinical performance of long-span FPDs (≥ 4 Pontics) made of monolithic / facially veneered zirconium dioxide with a gold standard (completely veneered cobalt chromium (CoCr)-based FPDs). Forty patients will be recruited. Once all inclusion criteria have been established, including the signed informed consent of the patients informed of the content, effort, advantages and disadvantages of the study, patients are assigned to the two study groups by stratified block randomization (main strata: tooth-supported / (tooth-)implant-supported). After placement of the restorations, follow-up examinations are performed after 1 week (baseline) and after half a year, one year, two years and three years. In addition to the main target criterion (veneering defects), further complications (related to FPDs or supporting tissues / structures) and parameters of oral health are recorded. Depending on the distribution and structure of the data, parametric and non-parametric statistics are used. Group differences with respect to the main target criterion ceramic defects are to be investigated by log-rank and chi-square tests. The significance level is set at α \< 0.05. Since this is an explorative study, all p-values are descriptive.