Soft and hard tissues analysis around tissue level implants with laser microtextured neck: a 12-month pilot study

OBJECTIVES: A flapless tissue level minimally invasive technique has been proposed for rehabilitation procedures with implants characterized by a laser modified neck surface. A promising computer- controlled laser microtextured technique which creates an implant
neck surface with cell-sized microchannels (8 μm) has been developed. This preliminary clinical study aimed to evaluate soft and hard tissues modification around implants with laser microtextured neck.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tapered tissue level implants, characterized by 2.0 mm laser- treated surface neck were placed in healthy consecutive patients using a flapless technique. After 3 months customized abutments and provisional resin crowns were applied. Definitive metal-ceramic crowns were cemented approximately after 4 months from implant placement. Periapical Rx were taken after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months from placement to evaluate marginal bone level (MBL). Gingival biotype (thin/thick) was measured before surgeries. Plaque score (PS) and Bleeding on probing (BoP) were evaluated on 4 sites (buccal, oral, mesial, distal) at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Dichotomous scores were used (0 = absence, 1 = presence) for both parameters. Gingival biotype (thin/ thick) was also recorded.

RESULTS: A total of 31 implants were placed in consecutive 26 patients (15 F, 11 M, mean age 61±8 years). All implants were safe from complications. After 12 months positive low BoP was observed (7.2% of total sites) while PS was positive in 11.2% of total sites. Mean MBL (expressed as mm±SD) was -0.15±0.18 at 1 month, -0.25±0.29 at 3 months, -0.41±0.37 at 6 months and -0.49±0.45 at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS: A stable crestal bone with minimal loss was observed during the 12 months observation period. Clinical parameters resulted stable during the pre-loading and post-loading period.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The implant analyzed in this study placed with a minimally invasive tissue level technique showed minimal inflammatory response during the healing phases.