Comparative evaluation of peri-implant tissues in definitive and repeated abutment replacements: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Repeated abutment replacements may insults the soft tissue (mucosal) barrier mechanically, that might initiate other toxic irritants and bacteria into the mucosal-implant barrier that may affect the strength of the tissues around implants. The development of the “definitive abutment,” might minimize the chances of peri-implant soft and hard tissue loss. Therefore, the study was designed to assess peri-implant tissue dimensions in dental implants with definitive abutment (Test group) and repeated abutment replacements (Control group). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty edentulous sites from systemically healthy participants were selected for the study. Parameters registered were bleeding on probing, Sulcus probing depth, peri-implant marginal bone loss (PMBL) and additionally, two parameters were measured both clinically and radiographically, which included distance of cement enamel junction to alveolar crest (CEJ-AC) and distance of CEJ to gingival margin (CEJ-GM). At the time of surgery, sites were allocated randomly to either test group or control group. All the measurements were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: The PMBL increased from baseline to 3 months in control (1.05 ± 0.28 mm) and test groups (0.65 ± 0.41 mm). When the clinical values of CEJ-AC and CEJ-GM were compared with their respective radiographic values, no substantial differences were noticed between both the groups. The soft-tissue margins in both the groups remained comparatively stable across all the time points. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study point toward the use of implants with definitive abutment are more beneficial in achieving better maintenance in terms of marginal peri-implant tissue health.