Peri-implant Soft Tissue Phenotype and Early Marginal Bone Loss After Dental Implant Placement

Overview

This prospective observational cohort study evaluated the relationship between peri-implant soft tissue characteristics and early marginal bone loss following dental implant placement. The study included patients receiving bone-level implants in posterior edentulous regions. Keratinized mucosa width, supracrestal tissue height, and mucosal thickness were measured at the time of implant placement. Marginal bone levels were assessed using standardized intraoral radiographs obtained at baseline and three months after implant placement. The primary aim was to determine whether these peri-implant soft tissue dimensions were associated with marginal bone loss during the early healing period.

This prospective observational cohort study was conducted at the Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara University. Participants requiring implant-supported rehabilitation in posterior edentulous regions were prospectively enrolled and received bone-level dental implants according to a standardized surgical protocol. No participant was assigned to a treatment or exposure group for research purposes. Peri-implant soft tissue dimensions were clinically assessed at the time of implant placement. Keratinized mucosa width was measured as the distance from the mucogingival junction to the mid-crestal point of the edentulous ridge. Supracrestal tissue height was determined following flap elevation as the vertical distance from the alveolar crest to the free gingival margin. Mucosal thickness was measured horizontally at the mid-buccal aspect using an endodontic file with a silicone stop. Standardized intraoral periapical radiographs were obtained at implant placement and at the three-month follow-up using a parallel technique with individualized positioning. Radiographic measurements were calibrated according to the known implant length. Marginal bone level was determined on the mesial and distal aspects of each implant relative to the implant platform, and changes between baseline and the three-month follow-up were used to assess early marginal bone remodeling. Radiographic measurements were performed by a calibrated examiner blinded to the clinical soft tissue measurements. The study was designed to examine the associations between peri-implant soft tissue dimensions and early marginal bone changes during healing after implant placement. Statistical analyses evaluated these relationships using both univariable and multivariable approaches while accounting for the distribution and structure of the collected data.