Piezosurgery in implant dentistry

Abstract

Piezosurgery, or the use of piezoelectric devices, is being applied increasingly in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The main advantages of this technique are precise and selective cuttings, the avoidance of thermal damage, and the preservation of soft-tissue structures. Through the application of piezoelectric surgery, implant-site preparation, bone grafting, sinus-floor elevation, edentulous ridge splitting or the lateralization of the inferior alveolar nerve are very technically feasible. This clinical overview gives a short summary of the current literature and outlines the advantages and disadvantages of piezoelectric bone surgery in implant dentistry. Overall, piezoelectric surgery is superior to other methods that utilize mechanical instruments. Handling of delicate or compromised hard- and soft-tissue conditions can be performed with less risk for the patient. With respect to current and future innovative surgical concepts, piezoelectric surgery offers a wide range of new possibilities to perform customized and minimally invasive osteotomies.

Historical background and technical characteristics

The term “piezo” originates from the Greek word piezein, and means “to press tight, squeeze”.1 In 1880, the Curie brothers Jacques and Pierre discovered “ piezoelectricity”. They found that putting pressure on various crystals, ceramics, or bone created electricity. A year later, Gabriel Lippmann found the converse piezoelectric effect. He demonstrated that if an electric field is applied to a crystal, the material will deform.2 These effects were further investigated by different scientists, and in 1953 Catuna published an article on the use of ultrasound on hard tissue.2,3 In the following decades, the application of ultrasonic vibrating technology for cutting mineralized tissue was demonstrated by different work groups.4–6 One of the groups was McFall et al.5 They investigated the distinction of healing by comparing rotating instruments with an oscillating scalpel blade. The healing was slightly slower in the oscillating scalpel blade group, but overall no severe complications occurred.5 Horton et al described that on alveolar bones in dogs, a smoother surface occurred with rotating instruments in comparison with ultrasound. However, in this publication, the bone regeneration was better using the ultrasound device.6

Almost another two decades passed before the first clinical study was published. A technical note was published by Torrella et al in 1998,7 and in 2000, Vercellotti published the first human clinical study about “piezoelectric bone surgery”.8 It was the first time a case was reported on a split ridge in which an edentulous ridge was split even though the ridge was very narrow. With other cutting instruments, it would not have been possible to keep its integrity. In 2001, the Piezosurgery^® was introduced, a tool that combines the ultrasound and the piezo effect.9

Nowadays, piezosurgery is widely used, and different devices are available. To compare six devices – Piezosurgical Piezotom, SurgySonic, Piezon Master Surgery, VarioSurg, Surgybone, and Piezosurgery – osteotomies were performed on nine freshly slaughtered cattle ribs. It was concluded that the morphological characteristics of the produced piezosurgical osteotomies varied depending on the piezosurgical unit and tip.10 The bone-cutting technique of the piezoelectric device works due to the use of microvibrations at a specific ultrasonic frequency modulated by sonic waves.11 The sonic and ultrasonic frequency (25–30 kHz) is produced by a mechanical shock wave that vibrates in a linear manner. The cutting tip works with a reduced vibration amplitude (horizontal 20–200 µm, vertical 20–60 µm).11 This allows for the main advantages of this device, which are precise and selective cutting, the avoidance of thermal damage, and safety for the patient.11,12 The selective cutting is the result of the limited amplitude. At this amplitude, only mineralized tissue will be cut, because soft tissue requires frequencies of greater than 50 kHz.13 Therefore, the use of piezoelectric instruments will reduce the risk of nerve damage. The reduction of overheating is explained by the generation of a cavitation effect in the irrigation solution due to the mechanical micromovements at a frequency of approximately 25–30 kHz. This also accounts for reduced bleeding, which means better surgical visibility and increased safety.11

Biological aspects

With rising technologies, less invasive surgery is a major aim. Piezoelectric surgery is heading in this direction, not only due to the advantage of very precise customized cutting but also due to factors associated with the healing process. The reduced blood loss improves healing conditions,11 and the constant irrigation helps to reduce thermal damage and thus reduces the risk of bone necrosis. Overheating during implant-site preparation negatively affects the osseointegration process, as well as the final outcome of implant rehabilitations. Different tips generate different temperatures, with the smooth tips creating the lowest temperature. There are other factors that will influence the temperature rise as well, such as the manner in which the cutting is performed and the particular features of the bone itself.14 In this regard, Heinemann et al compared different sonic and ultrasonic devices with rotary burs in parts of porcine jaws. In this study, piezosurgery showed the highest temperature rise, but as in the other devices, the osteocytes and the trabecular bone seemed to be intact.15

Moreover, piezoelectric bone cutting does not influence bone remodeling or cell viability.16,17 Chiriac et al showed that bone chips harvested by piezoelectric surgery, as well as bone chips harvested with a conventional rotating drill, contained vital cells that would differentiate into osteoblasts in vitro.17 von See et al showed that if the bone was harvested with a scraper or piezoelectric device, the cell count contained more osteoblast-like cells in the harvested samples.18

In addition, Esteves et al focused on the dynamics of bone healing. They compared the differences of osteotomies performed with piezosurgery or a conventional drill in regard to “histomorphometrical, immunohistochemical and molecular analysis”.16 They showed that histologically and histomorphometrically, the bone healing showed no differences between the two groups, except for a slightly higher amount of newly formed bone observed 30 days after the use of the piezosurgery device.16 Comparing the bone healing after osteotomies performed either with piezosurgery or with an oscillatory saw in rabbits, Ma et al found no significant differences with regard to histomorphometry, but they found slightly more bone formation.19

Only a few studies have been published on the effect of the piezoelectric device concerning soft-tissue changes. Stoetzer et al published an example showing that the use of piezoelectric technology creates less soft-tissue damage for subperiosteal preparation.20 They performed an animal study on rats with regard to microcirculation after subperiosteal preparation, which led to the disturbance of local periosteal microcirculation, with either a piezoelectric device or periosteal elevator. Higher levels of periosteal perfusion in the piezosurgery group were found, and thus this group demonstrated better periosteal microcirculation. This can be an incentive for enhanced bone metabolism.20

Different applications in implantology

Preparation of the implant site

The different aspects of the piezoelectric device were mentioned before. The use of it for implantology will be described in detail in the following sections. Edentulous patients will benefit from implants, and these implants have appreciable outcomes.21,22 The piezoelectric device can be used for different clinical applications in implantology (Figures 1 and 2). In healthy bony conditions, it can be employed for the preparation of the implant site.23 By the use of a special tip, which allows for drilling of a precise implant hole, thermal and mechanical damage to the bone will be reduced. In 2007, Preti et al assessed the difference between the use of piezosurgery and a conventional drill in regard to the neo-osteogenesis and inflammatory reaction after implant-site preparation.24 They discovered that more newly formed bone with an increased amount of osteoblasts was visible on the piezoelectric implant site during the early phase (7–14 days). They investigated the following factors in detail: BMP-4, TGF-β₂, TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-10. During this early period, BMP-4, TGF-β₂, and IL-10 were increased in the piezoelectric group, while IL-1β and TNFα were not.24 In conclusion, the piezoelectric device stimulated peri-implant osteogenesis, and a reduction of proinflammatory cytokines. Stübinger et al reported similar results for implant-site preparation. Their pelvic sheep model revealed good biological and biomechanical results.25 da Silva Neto et al conducted a prospective study design with 30 patients (bilateral edentulous areas in the maxillary premolar region) who received dental implants using either conventional drilling or piezoelectric tips.26 Resonance-frequency analysis was used to evaluate the implant-stability quotient in sites prepared by either conventional drilling or piezoelectric tips, showing significant increases in quotient values for the piezosurgery group. Therefore, the stability of implants placed using the piezoelectric method was greater than that of implants placed using the conventional technique.26

Figure 1.

Piezoelectric preparation of an implant site (right maxilla).

Notes: After definition of the initial implant length, widening of the implant hole, using different tips in an ascending order (A–C). Finally, control of the angulation and implant placement (D).

Figure 2.

Removal of an infected blade implant (left mandible).

Notes: Following tissue-protective piezo-osteotomy (A and B), the blade implant could be safely removed (C and D). The vestibular bone was used for bony reconstruction of the defect.

If the donor site is unsuitable, different alternatives depending on the location and amount of bone deficiency are possible. In the upper jaw, the use of the piezoelectric device for sinus-floor elevation is a perfect example.

Sinus-floor elevation

In edentulous patients with insufficient bone volume and therefore reduced height of the alveolar crest, a sinus-floor elevation is often the most suitable solution to prepare a sufficient donor site for implant insertion (Figures 3 and 4).

Figure 3.

Sinus elevation with simultaneous implant placement.

Notes: Removal of the vestibular alveolar wall (A), elevation of the Schneiderian membrane and dental implant placement (B). The sinus cavity was filled with bone substitutes and bone chips. Use of the buccal bone for additional stabilization and protection (C and D). The complete area was finally covered with a collagen membrane (E).

Figure 4.

Removal of sinus septum.

Notes: During a sinus elevation (A), a septum in the sinus was meticulously removed with a piezoelectric device (B). The thin and small tips allowed gentle removal of the septum. Finally, the sinus membrane could be elevated without problems (C). The septum was used for augmentation (D).

The surgical procedure includes the removal of a bony window of the anterior sinus maxillary wall. A precise cutting device that does not perforate the Schneiderian membrane is preferable to conventional methods. The perforation of the Schneiderian membrane can occur during the removal of the bony window and during the elevation itself. If a perforation occurs and bone grafting is completed, there is a risk for an inflammatory complication, which can necessitate further surgical procedures, including revision of the maxillary sinus. Al-Dajani found that a perforation of the Schneiderian membrane doubles the risk for the incidence of sinusitis or infection.27 Therefore, it is of great importance that any perforation should be avoided. Seoane et al showed that the use of the piezoelectric device reduces the frequency of membrane perforation among surgeons with limited experience.28 Specific tips can even decrease the risk of accidental or iatrogenic perforations.

Vercellotti et al published a surgical protocol using piezoelectric surgery showing a clear reduction (5%) of membrane perforation.29 In comparison, the prevalence with rotary instrumentation varies between 5% and 56%.30,31 Another clear advantage is the thin cut of the piezoelectric device. Sohn et al showed that the replacement of the bony lateral window into the former defect is possible when using the piezoelectric device.32

There are more articles published about the use of the piezoelectric device for lateral window sinus augmentation.33,34 Although the lateral window is probably the most commonly used method, other techniques, including the approach from the crestal and palatal side, have been described.35–38 Piezoelectric surgery has gained wide approval for sinus lift evaluation; moreover, many people are of the opinion that it does not show a clear benefit.39 Furthermore, another striking advantage of piezoelectric surgery is its use during the same surgical session for harvesting bone. Stacchi et al published a scraping–pulling fashion,40 in which the gained bone chips can then be used for the augmentation, or they can be mixed with various nonautologous materials and placed in the sinus. The successful use of the piezoelectric device for sinus grafting has been published previously.41–43

Bone grafting

Dental implants are only possible if sufficient residual bone volume is available. Different techniques for ridge augmentation have been published and proven to be very sufficient. Autogenous bone grafts from the chin or the ramus are the most common choices if only a limited amount of bone is needed (Figures 5 and 6). For larger bone volumes, other donor sites, such as the iliac crest, have to be considered. Bone grafts from the jaw region show good osteogenic properties, little resorption, and thus stable conditions. Mouraret et al compared the piezoelectric device with a conventional bur in an in vivo mouse model. Osteotomies performed with the piezoelectric device revealed greater osteocyte viability and reduced cell death.44 With the piezoelectric device, bone grafts exhibited greater short-term cell viability and showed slightly more new bone deposition and bone remodeling.44 Miron et al found in a porcine bone-graft model that “cell viability and the release of molecules affecting bone formation were higher in samples harvested by bone mill and bone scraper when compared with samples prepared by bone drilling and piezosurgery”.45 By use of the piezoelectric device, precise cutting of the graft is easily possible. Piezosurgery requires much less hand pressure than traditional rotary instruments.46 The shape of the graft can be accurately removed from the donor site, and donor-site morbidity can be kept as low as possible. Majewski investigated the possibility of harvesting individual bone blocks with an individual piezoelectric cut design.47 This also enables surgeons to remove grafts from regions that are more difficult to reach, eg, the zygomaticomaxillary region or the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus (Figure 7).48,49 Anitua et al used an onlay bone graft from the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus for augmentation.49 This is a good example indicating that the use of a piezoelectric device is not difficult. It is a safe method (preventing soft-tissue and nerve damage) with minimal surgical morbidity. Altiparmak et al recently evaluated donor-site morbidity following bone harvesting with piezoelectric and/or conventional surgical techniques.50 They investigated the ramus and symphysis as donor sites. They found that temporary paresthesia in the mucosa was significantly higher in the symphysis group than in the ramus group (P=0.004), and they showed that temporary skin and mucosa paresthesia was lower (P=0.006 and P=0.001) in the piezoelectric group in comparison to in the conventional group. Importantly, no permanent paresthesia of any region of the skin occurred in either donor-site group.50

Figure 5.

Harvesting of a corticocancellous ramus bone graft (right mandible).

Notes: The osteotomy of the bone graft could be easily performed with the piezoelectric device, after preparation of a mucoperiosteal flap (A and B). The bone graft was secured with two titanium screws (right upper jaw) (C).

Figure 6.

Minimally invasive augmentation procedure (right mandible).

Notes: Two vertical incisions (A) were performed (mesial and distal ends of the intended region for augmentation), followed by elevation of a mucoperiosteal flap. A bone graft from the contralateral side was harvested (B). The block was adapted to the defect (C), and inserted under the flap accessed from the mesial incision (D). The block was secured with two titanium screws onto the alveolar crest (E).

Figure 7.

Harvesting of ideally shaped bone graft from the zygomatic bone.

Notes: In a similar way to a sinus elevation, the bone graft was carefully removed without damaging the underlying sinus membrane (A–C). The slightly curved bone graft was placed in a vestibular bone defect (maxilla) and secured with two screws (D).

Another aspect is the removal of the graft itself. If it is performed with a conventional bur or saw, normally a chisel has to be used to remove the graft. By using a hammer and chisel, the risk of damaging teeth roots and soft-tissue structures increases. Therefore, in this regard, the use of the piezoelectric device is a safer option, because movement of the patient can lead to iatrogenic slipping and serious complications, even damage of the inferior alveolar nerve. If bone augmentation is avoided, edentulous ridge splitting is an option.

Edentulous ridge splitting

In insufficient width of the alveolar ridge, the edentulous ridge-splitting technique can be applied. For this procedure, the lingual plate is separated from the buccal plate of the edentulous ridge (Figure 8). Because bland tips are available, the procedure is very safe when using the piezoelectric device, even if the inferior alveolar nerve is accidentally touched. In the available space, the implant will be inserted. If required, alloplastic material can be inserted as well. One of the major advantages of edentulous ridge splitting is the avoidance of donor-site morbidity, because no graft is needed. Amato et al revealed that the maxilla allows an effective and fast osteotomy with atraumatic ridge expansion.51 The ridge splitting of the mandible can raise complications due to the inferior alveolar nerve, particularly if a significant amount of bone is lost. Furthermore, the risk of fracturing the bone segments in the cortical mandible is an issue. Edentulous ridge splitting is possible with conventional instruments,52,53 but the piezoelectric device showed a different dimension. Bone separation using the piezoelectric device is even possible in difficult bony situations, due to the exact and well-defined cutting abilities without macrovibrations. Case reports and studies demonstrate the successful use of the piezosurgical device, even with a modified protocol, to lateralize the inferior alveolar nerve.54–57

Figure 8.

Ridge splitting (right mandible).

Notes: The transversally thin alveolar ridge was osteotomized with an OT7 piezo tip (A). After careful expansion and placement of titanium wedges, the implant holes were drilled (B and C). Two dental implants were placed in the widened alveolar ridge (D). The remaining space was augmented with bone substitutes (E). Finally, the complete area was covered with a collagen membrane (F).

Lateralization of the inferior alveolar nerve

To keep the inferior alveolar nerve intact is essential for the patient’s quality of life. The localization of the inferior alveolar nerve can vary distinctively in the edentulous mandible. The localization in the horizontal layer seems to be fairly stable (Figure 9). In a cadaver study conducted by Gowgiel, “the distance from the lateral border of the neurovascular bundle to the external surface of the buccal plate was usually half a centimeter in the molar and premolar regions”.58 Hur et al managed to find the most common patterns of nerve-fascicle innervation to the mandibular teeth, although they stated it only as a rough classification based on 30 hemifaces of cadavers. With their anatomical study, it was possible to vaguely detect the region where the damage occurred.59 Particularly in regions with a limited view, it is essential to perform the osteotomies with a tool that reduces the risk of nerve damage. This is possible with the piezoelectric device, because the shape of the tip, surgical control, and the cavitation effect60 support the surgeon in interventions close to the inferior alveolar nerve. This accounts for the removal of deeply impacted wisdom teeth, which are often located close to the inferior alveolar nerve, as well as for the lateralization of the inferior alveolar nerve. This procedure is an alternative to the augmentation technique if implants are planned in an edentulous jaw.61 For this, free and clear access to the nerve is desirable. This can be achieved by performing cuts with the piezoelectric device, so that the cortical lateral bone lid is replaceable over the neurovascular bundle. This procedure protects the nerve structure after nerve retraction and transposition.11 In situations where nerve contact cannot be avoided, Salami et al reported that the negative side effects are much higher if a rotating instrument comes into contact with the nerve.62

Figure 9.

Lateralization of the inferior alveolar nerve (right mandible).

Notes: Complete removal of the vestibular bone in that area and gentle loosening of the nerve (from the remaining nerve canal walls) (A). The nerve was carefully kept away from the osteotomy site (B). After implant insertions, the nerve was returned to its original place (C).

Another advantage of the piezoelectric device is that patients experience less stress and fear because it produces less noise. The microvibrations of the piezoelectric device in comparison to a conventional bur appear to be less stressful for the patient.11 The only known disadvantage we are aware of is the slightly longer operating time, but this can be accepted considering all of the advantages.

Clinical applications

The piezoelectric device is widely used in all fields of dentistry. In the field of orthodontic treatment, there are published reports regarding orthodontic traction of mandibular third molars,63 orthodontic closure of edentulous spaces,64 and “surgical cortical micro-incisions”.65 The piezosurgery technique can also be combined with endoscopic assistance for corticotomies.66 The use of piezosurgery and endoscopy is also described for other scenarios, such as when displaced root fragments from the maxillary sinus need to be removed.67 Other indications in the field of oral surgery are the use of the piezosurgical device for the removal of the third molar,68–72 and additionally even for the removal of an osteoma associated with a third molar,73 or lower third molar germectomy.74 There are many other indications for the use of the piezoelectric device in maxillofacial surgery.75 An increasing number of studies show the use of the piezoelectric device in orthognathic surgery,76–80 and even research on the use of computer-assisted piezoelectric surgery for osteotomies has been published.81 The advantage of high-precision cutting and reduced risk of nerve damage are very convincing arguments to use the piezoelectric device. Using the device for unilateral condylar hyperplasia can also be safer and less invasive when a high condylectomy is performed.82 Another field in which the piezosurgical device is applied nowadays is the harvesting of microvascular free bone flaps.83 An interdisciplinary use of the piezoelectric device is for orbital surgery84–87 or around the optic nerve canal.88 The piezoelectric device is also implemented in ear, nose, and throat surgery,89–94 hand surgery,95,96 and thoracic surgery.97 Another field in which piezosurgery is becoming increasingly attractive and accepted is bone surgery in children.82,98–101 Complex anatomical structures in children are at even higher risk due to the small size; therefore, the piezosurgery device is indispensable in these situations.

Conclusion

The application of piezoelectric surgery is an excellent tool to handle delicate or compromised hard- and soft-tissue conditions with less risk for the patient. Minimal accidental damage to adjacent soft-tissue structures allows for a safe and gentle surgical approach, particularly to thin and fragile bony structures. The slightly longer amount of time required if the piezoelectric tool is used for cutting large or extensive bone volumes is acceptable, keeping in mind the overall advantages of precise cutting. With respect to current and future minimally invasive and innovative surgical concepts, piezoelectric surgery offers a wide range of new possibilities to perform customized osteotomies for bone reconstruction and placement of smart implants.