Evaluation of hard and soft tissue changes around implant in partially edentulous patients: a clinico-radiographic study.

INTRODUCTION

implant supported prosthesis has become a viable treatment option for missing teeth. An important tool to detect early changes around implants is the standardized assessment of peri-implant hard and soft tissue parameters. The purpose of this prospective study was to clinically and radiographically assess the soft and hard tissues around implants.

METHODS

ten (10) patients with 13 implant supported prosthesis were included in the study. Clinical parameters plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), peri-implant Probing Depth (PD), gingival margin Level, width of keratinized mucosa (WKM) and implant mobility were measured at loading and at 3 and 6 months. The radiographic crestal bone loss and peri-apical implant radiolucencies were also evaluated at loading and at 3 and 6 months. Student paired t test and correlation and regression analysis was done to evaluate the effect of clinical variables over bone loss.

RESULTS

there was decrease in the site specific PI, GI, mSBI and peri-implant PD and an increase in the gingival recession from baseline to 6 months. The WKM remained stable throughout the study. Significant crestal bone loss was observed around implants more on the distal as compared to the mesial aspect. No mobility or peri-apical implant radiolucency was observed. Regression analysis of the confounding variables with bone loss showed no significant effect.

CONCLUSION

the occlusal loading of implants after 6 months showed significant bone loss (<1mm), which was within acceptable limits and the soft tissues around implants were in good health.