Radiographic marginal bone level evaluation around two different tissue-level implant systems: a one-year prospective study.

Background: Marginal bone loss, is a frequently reported variable in the evaluation of dental implants. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate radiographic marginal bone level changes around the two different tissue-level implant systems placed adjacently in the posterior maxilla or mandible. The influence of implant macro-geometry and vertical soft tissue thickness on marginal bone loss were also evaluated.

Methods: Seven patients were included in the study and a total of 18 implants were analyzed. Each patient received two different implants placed adjacently in the maxilla or the mandible. The implants used in our study were either Straumann^® SP cylindrical implants or JD Octa^® tapered implants. During the surgery, vertical soft-tissue thickness was measured with a periodontal probe placed on the top of the bony crest and in the center of the future implant site. Healing abutments were then seated. Three months following implant placement, impressions were taken, and screw-retained metal ceramic prostheses were delivered. Standardized intraoral radiographs were taken immediately after implant placement and one year following implant loading in order to assess marginal bone level changes.

Results: Results showed a mean marginal bone loss of 0.55±0.5 mm for Straumann^® SP implants and 0.39±0.49 mm for JD Octa^® implants after one year of loading and the difference was not statistically significant between the two systems. A statistically significant correlation was found between soft tissue thickness and marginal bone loss; in sites with thin mucosal tissues (≤2 mm), there was significantly greater bone loss compared to sites with thick, soft tissues (> 2 mm) in both implants.

Conclusions: Radiographic marginal bone loss was not statistically different between the two implant systems at the one-year examination period. Moreover, vertical soft tissue thickness influenced marginal bone loss regardless of the implant system used.