Influence of supracrestal tissue height on peri-implant hard and soft tissues of single implants placed in the esthetic areas using one abutment-one time approach: A pilot, prospective interventional study.

Abstract

This pilot, prospective interventional study aimed to analyze the influence of supracrestal tissue height (STH) when using the one abutment-one time concept (OAOT) at the time of implant placement, on peri-implant hard and soft tissue remodeling in esthetic areas. The definitive crown was placed seven days later. Facial mucosal margin position (FMMP), mesial and distal papilla levels (MPL and DPL, respectively), and mesial and distal marginal bone loss (M-MBL and D-MBL, respectively) were assessed after seven days (placement of the definitive crown), and 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months after implant placement. Patients were classified according to the STH in thin (STH < 3 mm) and thick (STH ≥ 3 mm). Fifteen patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Eight presented a thick STH and seven a thin STH. After 12 months, the implant success rate was 100%. The mean recession at FMMP was -0.47 ± 0.57 mm and -0.19 ± 0.41 mm in thin and thick groups, respectively (p = 0.29). The mean MPL recession was -0.19 ± 0.06 mm in the thin group and -0.01 ± 0.07 mm in the thick group (p < 0.01), and the mean DPL recession was -0.15 ± 0.09 mm in the thin group and 0.00 ± 0.15 mm in the thick group (p < 0.05). The mean bone loss was -0.21 ± 0.18 mm and -0.04 ± 0.14 mm in the thin and thick groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Single maxillary anterior implants with thin supracrestal tissue height (< 3 mm) at the time of implant placement had greater bone loss and papillary recession than implants with a thick soft tissue height (≥ 3 mm), even when using the one abutment one time concept.