Soft tissue contour changes at implant sites with or without soft tissue grafting in the esthetic zone: A retrospective case-control study with a 12-year follow-up

ObjectivesTo evaluate the volumetric changes and peri-implant health at implant sites with and without previous soft tissue grafting over a 12-year observation period. Materials and MethodsEighteen patients received dental implants and simultaneously guided bone regeneration in the esthetic zone (15-25) for dental rehabilitation. Three months following implant placement, 8 patients (test) received an additional subepithelial connective tissue graft, whereas 10 patients (control) did not receive any additional treatment. One week after prothesis delivery and at the 5 and 12 years follow-up examination, impressions were taken. Obtained casts were processed for profilometric and linear analyses. The mean distance (MD) in the mid-buccal area between the two surfaces was considered the primary outcome. Peri-implant health was assessed based on clinical and radiographic data. ResultsNine female and 7 male patients were re-assessed after a median follow-up time of 144.5 months (Min: 114.8; Max: 213.0). The median reduction of MD amounted to -0.81 mm (Min: -1.39; Max: 0.52) in the test group and -0.56 mm (Min: -0.93; Max: 0.11) in the control group, (intergroup comparison p = .607, CI 95%: -0.760/0.530). None of the implants was diagnosed with peri-implantitis. Six tests and two control implants were diagnosed with peri-implant mucositis (p = .103). ConclusionsDespite the limited number of included patients, similar results in terms of volumetric, linear changes, and peri-implant conditions could be detected at implant sites with or without soft tissue grafting over a period of 12 years.