A Prospective Clinical Assessment of BioHorizons Tissue-Level Implants.

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Biomaterials Science
• Periodontology

Background:

• Crestal bone loss and soft tissue recession are common challenges in dental implantology.
• Tissue-level implants aim to improve esthetics and hygiene by positioning the implant shoulder within the gingiva.
• Laser-Lok technology is a surface modification designed to enhance soft tissue integration and bone stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the crestal bone stability around Laser-Lok tapered tissue-level implants.
• To assess soft tissue maintenance and health at implant sites with Laser-Lok tapered tissue-level implants.
• To determine the clinical performance of these implants 1 year after prosthetic restoration.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 12 patients with edentulous sites suitable for two implants each.
• Placement of 24 Laser-Lok tapered tissue-level implants using a surgical stent with a 3-mm interimplant distance.
• Positioning the Laser-Lok zone at the hard-soft tissue junction for optimal integration.
• Clinical evaluation of crestal bone stability and soft tissue parameters 1 year post-restoration.

Main Results:

• All 24 placed implants achieved satisfactory crestal bone stability.
• Consistent and adequate soft tissue maintenance was observed around all implants.
• No significant complications or adverse events were reported at the 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Laser-Lok tapered tissue-level implants provide excellent crestal bone stability.
• Satisfactory soft tissue maintenance is achievable with this implant system.
• The findings suggest favorable long-term outcomes for Laser-Lok tapered tissue-level implants in dental restorations.