Clin Oral Investig. 2022 Oct 19. doi: 10.1007/s00784-022-04753-x. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to describe and compare the features of the buccal peri-implant mucosa to natural gingiva in the aesthetic area.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-nine periodontally healthy patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Mucosal and gingival dimensions at the mid-facial aspect were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Color assessments were performed using a reflectance spectrophotometer, and patient aesthetic satisfaction was further checked.
RESULTS: Implant sites revealed significant thicker mucosa when compared to tooth sites both at 1.5 (p < 0.001) and 3 mm (p < 0.001) apical to the mucosal margin. Both conventional and digital methods presented a good reliability. The spectrophotometric data revealed a statistically significant color difference between the peri-implant mucosa and the gingiva. However, there was no further significant relation between these color changes and the mucosal thickness.
CONCLUSIONS: Peri-implant mucosa revealed a darkish, greenish, and bluish discoloration when compared to the gingiva. More satisfactory patient´s aesthetic evaluation was reported in sites with thicker and comparatively lighter mucosa when compared to the adjacent dentition.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This article focuses on variables affecting color stability and aesthetics around dental implants. These can be assessed to identify the need for peri-implant phenotypic modification.
PMID:36260169 | DOI:10.1007/s00784-022-04753-x
