Peri‐implant soft and hard tissue response to hybrid implant + a 6 month follow up

Abstract

Background The health of the periimplant tissues play an important in the long term outcome of dental implants. Bone and soft tissue remodeling can be influenced by dental implant materials, designs and surface modifications. Several studies on implants with the same design but with different surfaces such as hybrid implants are lacking at the present time. Aim/Hypothesis The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the influence of soft and hard tissue response to a hybrid dental implant with a platform switch inserted at 6 months after implantation in the posterior mandible. Material and Methods From August 2016 to January 2017, 16 consecutive patients were enrolled (8 men and 8 women, mean age 51.2 years with 32 implants, needing two implant-supported restoration in the posterior mandible. An impression was taken 6 weeks later, and a final restoration was positioned. Follow-up examinations, clinical parameters, photographs, and intraoral digital radiographs were made at baseline and six month after definitive restorations to evaluate the marginal bone level changes. Cast analysis were performed to detect soft tissue vertical and horizontal changes. Implant stability was measured with an (Osstell®) ISQ implant stability meter. Results Postoperative healing was uneventful. All implants were clinically osseointegrated. Changes of marginal bone level and soft tissue dimensions were recorded at implant installation and at 6 months. No bone defect around implants and there were no signs of inflammation. Soft tissue levels significantly improved between baseline and 6 month follow up. Periodontal parameters never exceeded the physiological levels. The ISQ readings obtained the high stability at 6 month follow up. Conclusions and Clinical Implications Within the limitations of this prospective study, the analyzed hybrid implants obtained favorable results in the posterior mandible. Long term randomized controlled clinical trials on hybrid implants are necessary to confirm these results.