Digital evaluation of facial peri-implant mucosal thickness and its impact on dental implant aesthetics.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to describe and compare the features of the buccal peri-implant mucosa to natural gingiva in the aesthetic area. Forty-nine periodontally healthy patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Mucosal and gingival dimensions at the mid-facial aspect were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Color assessments were performed using a reflectance spectrophotometer, and patient aesthetic satisfaction was further checked. Implant sites revealed significant thicker mucosa when compared to tooth sites both at 1.5 (p < 0.001) and 3mm (p < 0.001) apical to the mucosal margin. Both conventional and digital methods presented a good reliability. The spectrophotometric data revealed a statistically significant color difference between the peri-implant mucosa and the gingiva. However, there was no further significant relation between these color changes and the mucosal thickness. Peri-implant mucosa revealed a darkish, greenish, and bluish discoloration when compared to the gingiva. More satisfactory patient´s aesthetic evaluation was reported in sites with thicker and comparatively lighter mucosa when compared to the adjacent dentition. This article focuses on variables affecting color stability and aesthetics around dental implants. These can be assessed to identify the need for peri-implant phenotypic modification.