The influence of titanium base abutments on peri-implant soft tissue inflammatory parameters and marginal bone loss: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Some techniques in implant dentistry have been suggested that may potentially alter peri-implant soft and hard tissue parameters. PURPOSE: To evaluate the peri-implant soft tissue inflammatory parameters and crestal bone loss around titanium base abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty two implants were placed in 21 patients and restored by single crowns. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups: cement-retained abutment (n = 24) and titanium base (n = 28). Peri-implant probing depth, and mesial and distal marginal bone loss (MBL) were evaluated at implant loading (T1), 6 and 12 months (T2 and T3, respectively). Peri-implant bleeding-on-probing was evaluated at T2 and T3. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance, Tukey test, Man Whitney, and Pearson correlation were performed for statistical analysis at P < .05. RESULTS: The mean difference of peri-implant MBL from implant installation to 12 months in function was 1.15 ± 0.82 mm for the cement-retained group, and 1.23 ± 0.79 mm for the titanium base group. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups for clinical and radiographic peri-implant evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Titanium base abutments present no negative effect on peri-implant soft tissue and MBL. When used to support single crowns, both approaches performed likewise regarding clinical and radiographic parameters.