The influence of the implant-abutment complex on marginal bone and peri-implant conditions: A retrospective study

Abstract

PURPOSE. The design of the implant-abutment complex is thought to be responsible for marginal bone loss (MBL) and might affect the condition of the peri-implant tissues. This the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of the implant-abutment complex on MBL and the peri-implant tissues in partially edentulous patients treated with dental implants and determine the most advantageous design. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total of ninety-one endosseous implants with different designs of implant-abutment complex [tissue level-TL (n = 30), platform switch-PS (n = 18), and platform match-PM (n = 43)] were reviewed for MBL, Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and Bleeding on Probing (BoP). MBL was calculated for first year of the insertion and the following years. RESULTS. The median MBL for the PM implants (2.66 ± 1.67 mm; n = 43) in the first year was significantly higher than those for the other types (P=.033). The lowest rate of MBL (0.61 ± 0.44 mm; n = 18) was observed with PS implants (P=.000). The position of the crown-abutment border showed a statistically significant influence (P=.019) and a negative correlation (r=-0.395) on MBL. BoP was found significantly higher in PM implants (P=.006). The lowest BoP scores were detected in PS implants, but the difference was not significant (P=.523). The relation between PPD and connection type revealed no statistically significant influence (P>.05). CONCLUSION. Within the limitations of the present study, it may be concluded that PS implants seem to show better peri-implant soft tissue conditions and cause less MBL. [J Adv Prosthodont 2021;13:46-54]