A multicenter randomized comparative trial of implants with different abutment interfaces to replace anterior...

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Periodontology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• The implant-abutment interface is critical for peri-implant mucosal architecture, influencing both oral health and aesthetic outcomes.
• Understanding the impact of different interface designs on peri-implant tissues is essential for long-term dental implant success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the peri-implant mucosal tissue responses to three distinct implant-abutment interface designs over a 1-year period.
• To compare the marginal bone levels and mucosal architecture associated with conical interface (CI), flat-to-flat interface (FI), and platform switch (PS) designs.

Main Methods:

• A 1-year follow-up of a 5-year clinical investigation involving anterior maxillary implants.
• Three implant-abutment combinations were used: conical interface (CI, n=48), flat-to-flat interface (FI, n=49), and platform switch (PS, n=44).
• Clinical, photographic, and radiographic evaluations assessed peri-implant mucosal architecture and marginal bone levels.

Main Results:

• Survival rates at 1 year were 100% for CI, 85.7% for FI, and 86.4% for PS.
• Marginal bone loss was significantly different: -0.22 mm for CI, -1.2 mm for FI, and -1.32 mm for PS.
• Marginal bone level stability was achieved in 87% of CI implants, compared to 8% for FI and 27% for PS. Mucosal and papilla dimensions showed no significant changes across groups.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences in marginal bone loss were observed among the implant-abutment interfaces, with CI demonstrating superior bone stability.
• No discernible changes in buccal mucosal zenith position or papilla dimensions were noted at the 1-year follow-up for any interface.
• Continued longitudinal evaluation is necessary to further assess peri-implant bone and mucosal changes around these different interfaces.