Bone Dimensional Changes at Different Implant-to-abutment Connections: a 1-year Clinical and Radiological Study

BACKGROUND: Platform switching is intended to preserve marginal bone around implants. Studies have shown that implants using an integrated platform switching demonstrate crestal bone loss as low as 0.37mm, and 30 to 50% reduction in crestal bone loss when compared to non-platform switching implants. Recently, a new design titanium abutment (Tissuemax IL) has been proposed to modulate the soft tissue integration around implant supported crowns. A new implant with a hybrid surface (T3) has been recently launched by Biomet 3i, providing both integrated platform switching (Prevail) or non platform switching (Standard Collar). Aim of the present study will be to evaluate if the platform switching and the Tissuemax abutment can modify the peri-implant marginal bone remodelling. A clinical assessment of the soft tissues will also be provided. MATERIALS & METHODS: 80 consecutively inserted dental implants will be included in this study. Maxillary and mandibular implants will be considered, both in frontal and posterior area. Implants should be inserted in preexisting adequate bone volume, without the need for any bone augmentation technique. Implants will be inserted with a transmucosal healing (single-stage surgical procedure) with immediate connection of the healing abutment. After 6 to 12 weeks, the definitive prosthetic abutment will be screwed and the temporary crown cemented. After 2 more months, the definitive porcelain crown will be delivered. The final outcomes will be collected after 1 year from implant insertion. Data will refer to the following timing: T0= implant installation T1= temporary crown cementation T2= definitive crown cementation T3= 1 year follow-up The 80 implants will be randomly divided into 4 groups of 20 implants each, with different implant/abutment design. Group 1: Tapered T3 Standard Collar implants + GingiHue abutments Group 2: Tapered T3 Standard Collar implants + Tissuemax IL abutments Group 3: Tapered T3 Prevail implants + GingiHue abutments Group 4: Tapered T3 Prevail implants + Tissuemax IL abutments The division into the 4 group will be randomized. Standardized intraoral radiograms will be done at T0, T1, T2 and T3. On x-rays, the mesial and distal Marginal Bone Level will be measured and compared among and between the groups at the 4 different timing. Pocket Depth and Bleeding on probing (mesial, buccal, distal and lingual) will be measured at T0, T1, T2 and T3. Data will be statistically analyzed.