Effect of Soft Tissue Condition on Peri-implant Health and Disease: A Retrospective Clinical Study

This study retrospectively evaluated the effect of soft tissue condition on peri-implant health. Clinical variables (Plaque Index, keratinized tissue width, gingival biotype, and vestibular depth) were recorded. Probing depth, soft tissue recession, bleeding on probing, and radiographic marginal bone loss were assessed in relation to independent variables. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis rank test and a logistic regression model at the implant level. A total of 139 implants in 43 patients were assessed. Bleeding on probing was recorded at 54.7% sites, which was significantly related to the biofilm accumulation. Gender, history of periodontal disease, patient adherence to recall visits, and the presence of plaque were associated with higher peri-implant probing-depth values. The maximum soft tissue recession was recorded at sites with a thin biotype and shallow vestibular depth (P = .0). The logistic regression analysis revealed that plaque (P = .002) and vestibular depth (P = .043) were significantly associated with peri-implantitis. Within the study limitations, patients with high plaque accumulation and shallow vestibular depth are more prone to peri-implant disease.