Stability of Contour Augmentation and Esthetic Outcomes of Implant‐Supported Single Crowns in the Esthetic Zone: 3‐Year Results of a Prospective Study With Early Implant Placement Postextraction

Background: Early implant placement is one of the treatment options after tooth extraction. Implant surgery is performed after a healing period of 4 to 8 weeks and combined with a simultaneous contour augmentation using the guided bone regeneration technique to rebuild stable esthetic facial hard‐ and soft‐tissue contours. Methods: In this prospective study, 20 patients were treated with an implant‐born single crown and followed for 3 years. Clinical, radiologic, and esthetic parameters were recorded to assess treatment outcomes. Results: At the 3‐year examination, all 20 implants were successfully integrated, demonstrating ankylotic stability and healthy peri‐implant soft tissues as documented by standard clinical parameters. Esthetic outcomes were assessed by the pink esthetic score (PES) and white esthetic score (WES) and confirmed pleasing results overall. WES values were slightly superior to PES values. Periapical radiographs showed minimal crestal bone loss around used bone‐level implants with a mean bone loss of 0.18 mm at 3 years. Only two implants revealed bone loss between 0.5 and 1.0 mm. One of these implants had minor mucosal recession <1.0 mm. Conclusions: This prospective study evaluates the concept of early implant placement and demonstrated successful tissue integration for all 20 implants and stable bone‐crest levels around implant–abutment interfaces according to the platform‐switching concept. The midterm 3‐year follow‐up revealed pleasing esthetic outcomes and stable facial soft tissues. The risk of mucosal recession was low, with only one patient showing minor recession of the facial mucosa. These encouraging results need to be confirmed with a 5‐year follow‐up examination.     

Long-term changes in soft tissue height on the facial surface of dental implants

The success of osseous healing around dental implants has allowed for an increased emphasis on soft tissue healing and esthetic results. However, there is limited information profiling the long-term healing of the soft tissues following prosthesis placement. The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term changes in the position of the facial soft tissue margins following restoration of a one-stage implant system. One hundred and six one-stage ITI implants were evaluated in 39 patients. Implants were placed in maxillary and mandibular anterior regions. Clinical assessment of the soft tissues on the midfacial aspect of the implants was performed over a 2-year period, at 3 and 6 month intervals, following placement of the final restoration. A total of 63 implants were placed as multiple units in the mandible, 23 as single units in the maxilla, and 20 as multiple units in the maxilla. There were no implant failures over this time period. Overall, on the facial aspect of 61% of the 106 implants there was 1 mm or more of soft tissue recession, whereas 19% of the implants showed 1 mm or more of gain in soft tissue height. There was a significantly (P < 0.01) greater number of implants showing a gain in soft tissue levels in the mandibular implants compared with the maxillary implants. Of the 39 patients assessed, 24 showed a loss and five showed a gain of 1 mm or more of the soft tissue levels around the implants. Overall, there was a significant decrease in the mean levels of tissue height of 0.6 mm within the first 6 months, with relatively little change afterward. However, in evaluating only patients showing a loss in tissue height around one or more implants, the mean loss in tissue height was 1.6 mm after 24 months. These results suggest that the potential for significant changes in soft tissue levels after completion of restorative therapy need to be considered for implant therapy in esthetic areas.     

上颌单颗前牙不翻瓣即刻种植修复的临床效果观察

目的 评价即刻种植即刻修复联合不翻瓣技术在上颌单颗前牙位点的临床应用效果,并探讨其技术要点.方法 选择上颌单颗中切牙无法保留的患者17例,采用不翻瓣技术,拔除患牙后即刻植入种植体,并即刻行种植体支持临时冠修复,术后2个月复诊调整临时冠外形,术后3个月行最终修复.最终修复后1、3、6、12、24个月复诊.最终修复即刻、1...     

Esthetic outcomes of immediate implant placements

BACKGROUND: Single-rooted teeth deemed not restorable via conventional means may be candidates for implant placement at the time of tooth extraction. Immediate implant placements are believed to preserve soft and hard tissue form and contours, reduce the need for augmentation procedures, minimize surgical exposure of the patient, reduce treatment time and improve esthetic outcomes. METHOD: This retrospective review analyzed the esthetic outcomes of 42 non-adjacent single-unit implant restorations completed using an immediate implant surgical placement protocol. RESULTS: The mean time in function was 18.9 months (range 6-50 months) and the majority of implants placed had a restorative platform diameter of 4.1 and 4.8 mm. A highly significant change in crown height due to marginal tissue recession of 0.9 +/- 0.78 mm (P=0.000) was recorded for all sites, with no difference seen between implant systems (P=0.837). Thin tissue biotype showed slightly greater recession than thick tissue biotype (1 +/- 0.9 vs. 0.7 +/- 0.57 mm, respectively); however, this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.187). Implants with a buccal shoulder position showed three times more recession than implants with a lingual shoulder position (1.8 +/- 0.83 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.55 mm, respectively) with the difference being highly statistically significant (P=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate implant placement requires very careful case selection and high surgical skill levels if esthetic outcomes are to be achieved. Long-term prospective studies on tissue stability and esthetic outcomes are needed.     

Long‐Term Stability of Contour Augmentation With Early Implant Placement Following Single Tooth Extraction in the Esthetic Zone: A Prospective,Cross‐Sectional Study in 41 Patients With a 5‐ to 9‐Year Follow‐Up

Background: Early implant placement with simultaneous contour augmentation is documented with short‐ and medium‐term studies. The long‐term stability of contour augmentation is uncertain. Methods: In this prospective, cross‐sectional study, 41 patients with an implant‐borne single crown were examined twice, in 2006 and 2010. Clinical, radiologic, and esthetic parameters were assessed at both examinations. In addition, a cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) image was obtained during the second examination to assess the dimensions of the facial bone wall. Results: All 41 implants demonstrated ankylotic stability without signs of peri‐implant infection at both examinations. The clinical parameters remained stable over time. Satisfactory esthetic outcomes were noted, as assessed by the pink and white esthetic score (PES/WES) indices. Overall, the PES scores were slightly higher than the WES scores. None of the implants developed mucosal recession over time, as confirmed by values of the distance between implant shoulder and mucosal margin and cast measurements. The periapical radiographs yielded stable peri‐implant bone levels, with a mean distance between implant shoulder and first visible bone‐implant contact value of 2.18 mm. The CBCT analysis demonstrated a mean thickness of the facial bone wall ≈2.2 mm. In two implants (4.9%) no facial bone wall was detectable radiographically. Conclusions: This prospective cross‐sectional study demonstrates stable peri‐implant hard and soft tissues for all 41 implants examined and satisfactory esthetic outcomes overall. The follow‐up of 5 to 9 years confirmed again that the risk for mucosal recession is low with early implant placement. In addition, contour augmentation with guided bone regeneration was able to establish and maintain a facial bone wall in 95% of patients.     

Peri-implant soft tissue level secondary to a connective tissue graft in conjunction with immediate implant placement: a 2-year follow-up report of 11 consecutive cases

The purpose of this case series was to evaluate secondary soft tissue level changes of a single-stage surgical protocol combining immediate implant placement and connective tissue grafting in maxillary incisors associated with gingival recession defects. Ten patients underwent the proposed combined treatment consisting of 11 single-tooth implant restorations. Peri-implant soft tissue level and the width of keratinized gingiva were evaluated at baseline, the time of implant restoration connection, and 2 years postrestoration. All parameters used to assess esthetic outcomes showed improvements. The proposed clinical procedure can be considered an alternative approach to achieving an ideal esthetic anterior restoration.     

上颌中切牙种植修复结合软硬组织增量后的临床和影像学效果初步分析

目的    应用种植同期结合引导性骨再生（guided bone regeneration,GBR）技术及不同软组织处理方式修复缺失的单颗上颌中切牙,评价其软硬组织的增量效果。方法    纳入于2013—2014年就诊于北京大学口腔医院牙周科因单颗上颌中切牙缺失而接受种植治疗的患者6例。所有患者在种植同期行GBR,并接受不同软组织处理方式。最终修复7 ~ 24个月后,记录患者上颌前牙区牙周状况,通过影像学检查定量测量种植体唇侧骨高度及骨壁厚度,利用标准化临床照片,定量测量种植体与对照牙牙龈顶点的位置关系,以及种植体近远中龈乳头高度和充满程度,并应用粉色美学评分（pink esthetic score,PES）评价美学效果。结果    所有种植体在复查时均处于健康稳定的牙周状态。5颗种植体在复查时可观察到垂直向及水平向骨增量,种植体唇侧中央肩台根方2、4、6 mm处平均骨壁厚度分别为（1.7 ± 1.1）mm、（2.3 ± 1.1）mm、（2.2 ± 1.3）mm。种植体牙龈顶点相比对照牙（同颌对侧中切牙）平均更偏向远中（1.0 ± 0.6）mm,偏向根方（0.4 ± 0.8）mm;远中龈乳头平均高度（2.8 ± 0.5）mm和充满程度（76.9 ± 19.2）%低于近中龈乳头［（4.2 ± 0.7）mm,（89.8 ± 11.1）%］,平均PES为（11.5 ± 1.4）分。结论    对于缺牙区存在软硬组织缺损的患者,上颌中切牙种植同期结合GBR及不同软组织处理方式,可获得较为充足的骨增量效果及与对照牙相对协调的软组织形态,一定程度上改善美学效果。     

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??Objective    Implant therapy combined with simultaneous guided bone regeneration??GBR??and different soft tissue management was applied to patients to repair their missing maxillary center incisors. This article aims to analyze the effects of hard and soft tissue augmentation quantitatively. Methods    Six patients who accepted implant therapy in combination with simultaneous GBR and different soft tissue management for their single missing maxillary central incisor were screened. They were called for a review visit at 7 to 24 months after final restoration. The clinical periodontal status of the maxillary anterior teeth was examined??and the bone height and thickness at middle labial aspect of implants were measured by CBCT quantitatively. The relationship of gingival zenith position between implants and the control teeth??as well as the papilla height and filling degree of implants were measured quantitatively on the standardized photographs. Pink esthetic score??PES??was applied to evaluate the esthetic effect. Results    All the implants were in stable and healthy periodontal status at the review visit. Vertical and horizontal bone augmentation could be observed on 5 implants. The mean facial bone thickness at 2??4??and 6 mm apical to implant shoulder was??1.7 ± 1.1??mm????2.3 ± 1.1??mm??and??2.2 ± 1.3??mm??respectively. The mean position of gingival zenith of implants was??1.0 ± 0.6??mm more distally??and??0.4 ± 0.8??mm more apically??compared to the control teeth. The mean height??2.8 ± 0.5??mm and filling ??76.9 ± 19.2??% of distal papilla of implants were less than those of mesial papilla??4.2 ± 0.7??mm??and ??89.8 ± 11.1??%. Mean PES was 11.5 ± 1.4. Conclusion    For the patients with bone and soft tissue defect at edentulous areas??implant therapy combined with GBR and different soft tissue management for the missing maxillary center incisors can obtain adequate bone augmentation and harmonious soft tissue profile to the control teeth??and consequently improve esthetic outcomes in a certain degree.     

A prospective clinical study of non-submerged immediate implants: clinical outcomes and esthetic results

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate healing of marginal defects in immediate transmucosal implants grafted with anorganic bovine bone, and to assess mucosal and radiographic outcomes 3-4 years following restoration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty immediate transmucosal implants in maxillary anterior extraction sites of 30 patients randomly received BioOss (N=10; BG), BioOss and resorbable collagen membrane (N=10; BG+M) or no graft (N=10; control). RESULTS: Vertical defect height (VDH) reductions of 81.2+/-5%, 70.5+/-17.4% and 68.2+/-16.6%, and horizontal defect depth (HDD) reductions of 71.7+/-34.3%, 81.7+/-33.7% and 55+/-28.4% were observed for BG, BG+M and control groups, respectively, with no significant inter-group differences. Horizontal resorption was significantly greater in control group (48.3+/-9.5%) when compared with BG (15.8+/-16.9%) and BG+M (20+/-21.9%) groups (P=0.000). Ten sites (33.3%) exhibited recession of the mucosa after 6 months; eight (26.7%) had an unsatisfactory esthetic result post-restoration due to recession. Mucosal recession was significantly associated (P=0.032) with buccally positioned implants (HDD 1.1+/-0.3 mm) when compared with lingually positioned implants (HDD 2.3+/-0.6 mm). In 19 patients followed for a mean of 4.0+/-0.7 years, marginal mucosa and bone levels remained stable following restoration. CONCLUSION: BioOss significantly reduced horizontal resorption of buccal bone. There is a risk of mucosal recession and adverse soft tissue esthetics with immediate implant placement. However, this risk may be reduced by avoiding a buccal position of the implant in the extraction socket.     

Immediate Placement of Dental Implants in the Esthetic Zone: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis

Background: Research interest on immediate placement of dental implants has shifted from implant survival toward optimal preservation of soft and hard tissues. The aim of this study is to systematically assess the condition of implant survival, peri‐implant hard and soft tissue changes, esthetic outcome, and patient satisfaction of immediately placed single‐tooth implants in the esthetic zone. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were searched for publications up to June 2013. Studies reporting on implant survival, changes in hard and soft peri‐implant tissues, esthetic outcome, and patient satisfaction were considered. A pooled analysis was performed to identify factors associated with survival and peri‐implant tissue changes after immediate implant placement. Results: Thirty‐four studies were considered eligible. Immediate placement of single‐tooth implants in the esthetic zone was accompanied by excellent 1‐year implant survival (97.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.958 to 0.980). Mean marginal peri‐implant bone loss was 0.81 ± 0.48 mm, mean loss of interproximal peri‐implant mucosa level was 0.38 ± 0.23 mm, and mean loss of peri‐implant midfacial mucosa level was 0.54 ± 0.39 mm. Regression analysis revealed that delayed provisionalization (odds ratio [OR] 58.03, 95% CI: 8.05 to 418.41, P <0.000), use of a flap (OR 19.87, 95% CI: 10.21 to 38.66, P <0.000), and use of a connective tissue graft (OR 4.56, 95% CI: 1.72 to 12.08, P <0.002) were associated with marginal peri‐implant bone‐level change >0.50 mm. Because of underreporting, esthetic results and patient outcome did not allow for reliable analysis. Conclusion: Immediate placement with immediate provisionalization of dental implants in the esthetic zone results in excellent short‐term treatment outcome in terms of implant survival and minimal change of peri‐implant soft and hard tissue dimensions.     

Immediate placement and provisionalization of maxillary anterior single implants: 1-year prospective study

PURPOSE: This 1-year prospective study evaluated the implant success rate, peri-implant tissue response, and esthetic outcome of immediately placed and provisionalized maxillary anterior single implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients (8 men, 27 women) with a mean age of 36.5 years (range 18 to 65) were included in this study. Thirty-five threaded, hydroxyapatite-coated implants were placed and provisionalized immediately after each failing tooth had been removed. The definitive restoration was placed 6 months later. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at implant placement and at 3, 6, and 12 months after implant placement. RESULTS: At 12 months, all implants remained osseointegrated. The mean marginal bone change from the time of implant placement to 12 months was -0.26 +/- 0.40 mm mesially and -0.22 +/- 0.28 mm distally. No significant differences in the Plaque Index scores were noted at different time intervals. The mean midfacial gingival level and mesial and distal papilla level changes from pretreatment to 12 months were -0.55 +/- 0.53 mm, -0.53 +/- 0.39 mm, and -0.39 +/- 0.40 mm, respectively. All patients were very satisfied with the esthetic outcome and none had noticed any changes at the gingival level. DISCUSSION: Although marginal bone and gingival level changes were statistically significant from pretreatment to 12 months of follow-up, they were well within clinical expectations. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that favorable implant success rates, peri-implant tissue responses, and esthetic outcomes can be achieved with immediately placed and provisionalized maxillary anterior single implants.     

Prospective study of the impact of peri‐implant soft tissue properties on patient‐reported and clinically assessed outcomes

1 Background

It has been proposed that the presence of a zone of keratinized mucosa (KM) around implants is associated with less discomfort during brushing and improved esthetic outcomes. Therefore, mucogingival procedures have been recommended for patients with discomfort during brushing, and to enhance esthetic results around implants without KM. However, no study has systematically assessed and compared discomfort during brushing, patient soft tissue esthetic satisfaction, and other clinical parameters between implants with and without KM.

2 Methods

Group 1 included patients with implants surrounded by KM, whereas patients in Group 2 had no KM around implants. Patient discomfort during brushing and esthetic satisfaction were measured with a visual analog scale and compared between the 2 groups using a mixed model. Clinical width of KM, probing depth, peri‐implant recession, plaque index, and bleeding on probing were compared within and between groups 3 and 6 months following implant restoration.

3 Results

Twenty‐four patients (12 in each group) were evaluated at the 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up visits. Patients without peri‐implant KM were less satisfied with the esthetics of the soft tissue around their implants (P < 0.01). However, lack of KM was not associated with discomfort during brushing. In Group 1, width of KM was significantly increased after 6 months (P < 0.01). There was greater recession around implants without KM after 3 months (P < 0.01), but not after 6 months.

4 Conclusions

Patients reported that presence or absence of keratinized mucosa did not affect discomfort associated with brushing. Yet, esthetically, patients preferred implants with a zone of keratinized mucosa.     

树脂充填结合多牙位冠向复位瓣技术治疗伴非龋性牙颈部病变合并牙龈退缩的临床疗效

目的 观察树脂充填结合多牙位冠向复位瓣技术（multiple coronally advanced flap, MCAF）治疗伴非龋性牙颈部病变（noncarious cervical lesion，NCCL）合并牙龈退缩的临床疗效。方法 选取伴NCCL的多牙位牙龈退缩患者3例，使用树脂充填+MCAF，并结合上皮下结缔组织移植术（subepthelial connective tissue graft，SCTG）进行缺损区域软硬组织的修复。术后随访3年，比较手术前后的探诊深度(probing depth，PD)、出血指数(bleeding index，BI)、菌斑指数（plaque index, PLI）、退缩高度(recession height，RH)、角化龈宽度(keratinized tissue width，KTW)、牙龈厚度(gingiva thickness，GT)，并计算根面覆盖美学评分（root coverage esthetic score, RES）评价术后长期随访的美学效果。结果 本研究共纳入3例患者，共10个位点。PD由(1.10±0.32)mm至(1.65±0.34)mm，P=0.001；BI由0.10±0.32至0.50±0.53，P=0.037；PLI由0.30±0.48至0.40±0.52，P=0.660；10个位点均获得了100%的根面覆盖率和角化龈宽度、牙龈厚度的增加，P值分别为＜0.000、0.003、＜0.000。术后3年随访的RES为（9.40±0.95）分。结论 树脂充填结合MCAF+SCTG技术可以修复NCCL造成的牙颈部硬组织缺损和牙龈软组织缺损，美学效果良好。     

薄龈生物型患者前牙区的即刻种植即刻修复

目的 评估美学区不翻瓣即刻种植即刻修复+软组织增量技术在薄龈生物型患者中的临床应用效果。方法 选择12例薄龈生物型患者,上颌中切牙或侧切牙无法保留,进行不翻瓣即刻种植、即刻修复,4个月后进行软组织移植,再过3个月后完成最终修复。修复后随访1年,观察种植体周围软硬组织情况,统计种植体存留率、种植体唇侧骨板厚度、种植修复体与邻牙唇侧牙龈的协调性和患者主观满意度。结果 在观察期内,所有种植体均获得了良好的骨整合,存留率100%。CBCT测量,3例种植体唇侧骨板厚度大于1.5 mm,9例大于2 mm。10例种植修复体唇侧龈缘位置与邻牙协调无差异,2例轻度差异;全部12例种植修复体与邻牙牙龈颜色质地协调无差异。患者主观满意度VAS平均值为95。结论 不翻瓣即刻种植即刻修复+软组织增量是针对薄龈生物型患者美学区种植的有效技术,能减少美学并发症,获得稳定的美学效果以及很高的患者满意度。     

A retrospective analysis of peri-implant tissue responses at immediate load/provisionalized microthreaded implants

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the peri-implant tissue status at immediately provisionalized anterior maxillary implants 12 to 30 months following tooth replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 43 microthreaded, TiO2 grit-blasted implants placed in healed ridges and immediate extraction sockets to restore maxillary anterior and premolar teeth in 28 patients. The cortical bone position relative to the implant reference point was evaluated at implant placement and 6 to 30 months following restoration. Radiographs were assessed using 7x magnification. The distance from the reference point to the cortical bone was measured to +/- 0.1 mm. The relationship of the peri-implant mucosa to the incisal edge of the definitive prosthesis was recorded. RESULTS: Four implants in 3 individuals failed during the first 6 weeks following placement and provisional loading. Cortical bone adaptation from the time of implant placement up to 30 months following restoration ranged from 0.0 mm to 1.5 mm (average, 0.33 +/- 0.40 mm mesially and 0.28 +/- 0.37 mm distally). The mean radiographic measurements from the interproximal crestal bone to the contact point were 4.53 +/- -0.91 mm (mesial) and 4.06 +/- 0.98. Maintenance and growth of papilla was observed in this group of immediate provisionalized single-tooth implants. Definitive abutment or abutment screw loosening was not observed. DISCUSSION: The linear clinical and radiographic measures of peri-implant tissue responses suggest that proper implant placement is followed by supracrestal biological width formation along the abutment and preservation of toothlike tissue contours. This may influence buccal peri-implant tissue dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: Generalized maintenance of crestal bone and the increased soft tissue dimension with maintenance of peri-implant papilla were identified as expected outcomes for immediate loading/provisionalization of microthreaded, TiO2 grit-blasted implants. Control of peri-implant tissues can be achieved to provide predictable and esthetic treatment for anterior tooth replacement using dental implants.     

上颌前牙区单牙种植钛膜引导成骨的美学效果观察

目的上颌前牙单牙种植采取不可吸收性无孔纯钛膜进行引导骨再生,对成骨效果以及修复后软组织美学效果进行观察。方法 2004年6月至2009年12月,在北京大学口腔医学院种植中心,20例上颌前牙单牙缺失种植患者（男12例,女8例,年龄19~56岁,平均34.0岁）。种植体植入后唇侧颈缘出现裂开性骨缺损或唇侧骨板厚度小于等于0.5mm,采用少量自体碎骨和Bio-Oss骨粉充填骨缺损后,以钛膜覆盖植骨区,并用小膜钉固定。愈合5~6个月行Ⅱ期手术,取出钛膜,测量种植体唇侧骨板的厚度。Ⅱ期术后2个月进行种植修复。使用PES（pink esthetic score）评分对种植修复体周围软组织进行评价。结果 20例病例中,没有一例出现伤口的裂开及感染。20颗种植体均获得骨结合。种植体植入时,唇侧骨板的厚度平均0.23mm,种植Ⅱ期手术暴露种植体取出钛膜时,测量唇侧骨板的厚度为1.5mm~3.5mm,平均2.33mm,平均增加2.10 mm。PES平均得分为10.05±1.57。结论在上颌前牙区单牙种植时,采取钛膜引导成骨,解决种植体唇侧颈部骨板裂开性骨缺损及厚度不足效果可靠,牙龈软组织的近期效果良好。     

Tissue alterations at implant-supported single-tooth replacements: a 1-year prospective clinical study

Objectives: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate dimensional alterations of the peri‐implant tissues at single‐tooth restorations from the time of implant placement to 1‐year post‐loading. Material and methods: Eleven patients, aged 18–36 years, subjected to single‐tooth replacements with implant‐supported restorations (Brånemark implant^® system) in the maxillary anterior region were included in the analysis. The implant installation was performed as a two‐stage procedure with a 6‐month healing interval. Bone dimensions were determined by direct assessments immediately following implant placement and at abutment connection. The prosthetic restoration was placed approximately 1 month after abutment surgery. Radiographic and clinical examinations were performed at crown placement and at 1‐year post‐loading. Assessments of the soft tissues at the implant site and at the neighboring teeth were performed before and during implant placement, before abutment connection, after crown placement and at the 1‐year follow‐up examination. Mean values and standard deviations were calculated for each variable and interval, with the subject as the statistical unit. Results: At the time of abutment connection, a mean loss of bone height at the facial and lingual aspect of the implant amounting to 0.7–1.3 mm (P<0.05) was recorded, whereas no significant change was noted at proximal sites. A mean reduction of 0.4 mm of the labial bone thickness was observed between implant placement and the second‐stage surgery. The radiographic bone‐to‐implant level showed a mean loss of 0.9 mm between abutment connection and crown placement (P<0.05) and a further 0.7 mm loss at 1 year (P<0.05). The thickness of the labial mucosa was increased at crown placement followed by a slight remission at 1 year. During the corresponding interval, a mean apical displacement of the labial soft tissue margin of 0.6 mm had taken place (P<0.05). A papilla fill of ≥50% was observed at a frequency of 32% at crown placement and 86% at 1 year. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that following implant surgery remodeling takes place, which is manifested in diminished bone dimensions, both horizontally and vertically, at the facial aspect of the implant. The observed soft tissue alterations after the crown placement may affect the esthetic appeal of the restorative therapy.     

Effects of Currently Available Surgical and Restorative Interventions on Reducing Midfacial Mucosal Recession of Immediately Placed Single‐Tooth Implants: A Systematic Review

Background: Procedures to improve peri‐implant soft‐tissue outcomes of single, immediately placed implants are a topic of interest. This systematic review investigates the effect of various surgical and restorative interventions on implant mid‐buccal mucosal level. Methods: An electronic search of five databases (January 1990 to December 2012) and a manual search of peer‐reviewed journals for relevant articles were performed. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), prospective cohort studies, and case series with at least nine participants were included, with data on midfacial mucosal recession (MR) of immediately placed implants following various surgical and restorative interventions with a follow‐up period of at least 6 months. Results: Thirty‐six studies, eight RCTs, one cohort study, and 27 case series were eligible. Six interventions were identified and reviewed: 1) palatal/lingual implant position; 2) platform‐switched abutments; 3) flapless approach; 4) bone grafts to fill the gap between buccal plate and fixture; 5) connective tissue grafts; and 6) immediate provisionalization. Three studies consistently showed that palatally/lingually positioned implants had significantly less MR when using tissue‐level implants. Mixed results were reported for interventions 2, 3, 5, and 6. One study was available for intervention 4 and did not show a benefit. Conclusions: Some interventions might be adopted to reduce the amount of MR on implants with the immediate placement approach, as suggested by the included studies, with various levels of evidence. The conflicting results among studies might be a result of differences in patient and site characteristics, e.g., tissue biotype and buccal plate thickness. Therefore, the use of these interventions might be reserved for patients with moderate to high risk of esthetic complications.     

Soft tissue biotype affects implant success

The influence of tissue biotype in natural dentition is already well demonstrated in the literature, with numerous articles showing that thicker tissue is a preferred biotype for optimal surgical and prosthetic outcomes. In this same line of thought, current studies are directed to explore whether mucosal thickness would have similar implications around dental implants. The purpose of this review was to investigate the effects of soft tissue biotype in relation to success of implant therapy. The influence of tissue biotype was divided into 3 main categories: its relationship with periimplant mucosa and the underlying bone, immediate implant placement, and restorative outcomes. Soft tissue biotype is an important parameter to consider in achieving esthetic implant restoration, improving immediate implant success, and preventing future mucosal recession.     

Crestal ridge width changes when placing implants at the time of tooth extraction with and without soft tissue augmentation after a healing period of 6 months: report of 24 consecutive cases

The esthetic outcome of an implant-supported restoration is first of all dependent on the soft tissue volume. Since the labial bone plate resorbs in every direction after tooth extraction, even when an implant is placed immediately, most patients end up with compromised esthetics. Twenty-four patients were treated consecutively with implants placed in the maxillary anterior area at the time of tooth extraction using two different treatment modalities. The first 12 patients were treated without raising a flap, whereas a subepithelial connective tissue graft was placed using the tunnel technique in the labial area of the subsequent 12 patients at the time of tooth extraction and implant placement. The dimension of the labial volume was measured before treatment and 6 months after implant placement. The results show an average loss of volume in the nongrafted group of 1.063 mm, whereas in the grafted group, there was a slight gain of 0.34 mm. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of placing a soft tissue graft at the time of immediate implant placement in the esthetic zone.