Evaluation of aesthetics of implant-supported single-tooth replacements using different bone augmentation procedures: a prospective randomized clinical study

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the aesthetics of implant-supported single-tooth replacements using different augmentation procedures in a prospective study with the use of an objective rating index and with a subjective patient questionnaire, and to compare the results with each other. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients with a single-tooth gap in the anterior zone of the maxilla were selected for the study. All patients had a local bone defect that needed augmentation before placement of an endosseous implant with sufficient initial stability. Aesthetics of the implant-supported crown and adjacent mucosa was rated by a prosthodontist 1 year after placement of the porcelain crown. Aesthetics was rated using the Implant Crown Aesthetic Index. A subjective appreciation of the final result was assessed with a patient questionnaire. RESULTS: The Implant Crown Aesthetic Index reveals a mean overall score of 4.8, with an acceptable result in 66% of the cases. Results of the satisfaction questionnaire reveal a mean overall score of 8.5 with an acceptable result in 100% of the cases. There is no correlation between results of the Index and the questionnaire for the overall and the crown score. The patients' opinion and the professionals' opinion about the peri-implant mucosa do show a significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The peri-implant mucosa is rated as less satisfactory than the implant-supported crown by both the dental professional and patients. The dental professional was less satisfied with respect to the total result and results of the crown than the patients.