Implant supported single-tooth replacements compared to contralateral natural teeth. Crown and soft tissue dimensions

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Periodontology

Background:

• Single-tooth implant restorations are common in the esthetic zone.
• Assessing dimensional and soft tissue parameters is crucial for esthetic evaluation.
• Longitudinal soft tissue changes around implants require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare crown and soft tissue dimensions between single implant restorations and contralateral natural teeth.
• To evaluate patient satisfaction with the esthetic outcome of single implant restorations.
• To assess longitudinal changes in papilla height around single implant restorations.

Main Methods:

• Comparative study of 20 patients with single implant restorations.
• Assessment of crown form, soft tissue dimensions, and conditions.
• Patient-reported esthetic outcome using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
• Longitudinal evaluation of papilla height using clinical photographs in 12 subjects.

Main Results:

• Implant crowns were longer, narrower facio-lingually, with thicker facial mucosa.
• Implant sites showed lower distal papilla height, higher mucositis/bleeding, and greater probing depths.
• Longitudinal analysis revealed improved proximal soft tissue fill over time.
• High patient satisfaction (median VAS 96%) with the esthetic outcome.

Conclusions:

• Despite measurable differences in crown and soft tissue dimensions, single implant restorations generally achieve high patient satisfaction.
• Observed variations are typically of minor clinical significance for the overall esthetic appreciation.
• Longitudinal soft tissue fill around implants can improve post-restoration.