The influence of implant platform apico-coronal position on the bone level of adjacent teeth

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the influence of the implant platform apico-coronal position on the crestal bone level of adjacent teeth, focusing on the anterior and premolar regions.

Ninety-six patients with 117 implants were included. The vertical distance from the implant platform to the crestal bone level of adjacent teeth was measured, and bone level changes were assessed from loading to the last follow-up. The implant position was categorized into two subgroups based on the vertical distance (≤2 or > 2 mm). Associations between vertical distance, bone loss on adjacent teeth and implants, and other variables were analyzed using linear regression and multivariate generalized estimating equations (GEE).

Linear regression showed a significant association between implant vertical distance and bone loss on adjacent teeth, but not at implant sites. Multivariate GEE analysis revealed that a vertical distance of > 2 mm, a convex prosthesis emergence profile, and female sex were significantly associated with a greater bone loss on adjacent teeth. After adjusting for sex, implants with a vertical distance of > 2 mm combined with a convex profile presented greater bone loss compared with a concave profile. In contrast, when the vertical distance was ≤2 mm, no statistically significant difference was found between implants with convex or concave profiles.

An implant positioned more than 2 mm vertically relative to the crestal bone level of the adjacent teeth was associated with a greater crestal bone loss on these teeth. This suggests that clinicians should carefully consider vertical implant positioning to prevent bone loss around the adjacent teeth.

This study looked at how the vertical position of a dental implant affects the bone levels around nearby natural teeth, especially in the front and premolar areas of the mouth. Our team reviewed records from 96 patients who received a total of 117 implants. We measured the distance between the top of each implant and the bone level of the teeth next to it. The implants were grouped into two categories: those placed 2 millimeters or less below the bone level of nearby teeth, and those placed more than 2 millimeters below. The results showed that when implants were placed more than 2 millimeters below the nearby teeth, there was more bone loss around those natural teeth over time. This was especially true when the implant crown had a rounded (convex) shape at the gumline and in female patients. However, when the implant was placed closer to the bone level (≤2 mm) of the adjacent teeth, the amount of bone loss was smaller and less affected by the crown shape. Dentists should carefully consider how deep they place implants in relation to the surrounding teeth. Placing implants too far apical of the bone level of nearby teeth may lead to unwanted bone loss in those teeth, especially if the implant crown has a rounded (convex) profile. Proper implant positioning can help to reduce the risk of bone loss and improve long-term outcomes.