title: Predictability of soft tissue form around single-tooth implant restorations.
abstract: The objective of this study was to answer important questions about gingival responses to single-tooth implants: (1) Are papilla regeneration and sulcular recession expected results? (2) Do soft tissue profiles retain their sulcular form over an extended period? and (3) Do single-implant replacements require special restorative handling to achieve predictable soft tissue form? A retrospective, photographic examination was used to follow 55 single-implant restorations in 51 patients for a period from 1 to 9 years (mean 3.5 years). Papillae regenerated in 83.9% of implants for a mean growth of 0.65 mm mesially and 0.62 mm distally. The sulcular apex receded in 59% of patients for a mean of 0.06 mm. Complete papilla fill was noted in 75% of patients examined. Short- to long-term measurements revealed that papilla regrowth continued slightly and that sulcular recession abated. Papilla regeneration around single implants was a predictable outcome in this population; sulcular recession was not a predictable finding. Papilla levels demonstrated a tendency toward increasing height, and sulcular levels remained fairly constant over the long term. Predictable soft tissue profiles were achieved with a simplified implant prosthetic protocol, progressing directly from healing abutments to definitive crowns in most cases.
authors.affiliation: Implant Innovations, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Priest
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003442:Crowns; D000044:Dental Abutments; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010781:Photography; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology