Influence of Gingival Color and Abutment Material on the Final Color of Peri-Implant Soft Tissue: An In Vitro...

The study aimed to investigate the influence of different gingival colors and abutment materials on the final color of peri-implant soft tissue. A total of 30-cylinder shaped specimens having 1.0- and 2.0-mm buccal thicknesses using 5 different gingiva-colored composites [light pink (LP), dark pink (DP), orange (Or), brown (Br), and purple (Pr)] were prepared. Implants were placed straight into the center of cylinders and connected to abutments [Titanium (Ti) and Zirconia (Zr)]. Color parameters were assessed using a spectroradiometer. Color differences (ΔE*ab and ΔE00) were calculated and compared with 50:50% perceptibility (PT) and acceptability (AT) visual thresholds. Color variation data were statistically analyzed using 2-way analyses of variance followed by Tukey HSD tests (a = .05). Significantly higher ΔE*ab and ΔE00 values were recorded in LP and Or groups with 1.0 mm buccal thickness and Ti abutments (P < .05). Regardless of the thickness applied, all the gingival color groups with Zr abutment presented ΔE*ab and ΔE00 values below AT. The mean ΔE*ab value decreased as the gingiva thickness increased in the LP, DP, and Or groups with Ti abutments. Abutment material significantly affected the mean ΔE00 values in the groups of LP, DP, and Or with a buccal gingiva thickness of 1.0 mm (P < .05). Gingival color and abutment material was found to be effective on the final color of peri-implant soft tissue. However, further clinical research is required to confirm these findings.