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

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 statisticallysignificant 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.