Digital impression on transmucosal vertical neck® implants: evaluation of soft tissues stability

BACKGROUND: The literature indicates that 0.5 to 1.5 mm of gingival recession most often occurs within the first months after implant placement or abutment connection. The aim of this study is to test the validity of the new Biotype implant design (Vertical Neck®) to evaluate the effect of a concave transmucosal profile on the vertical stability of soft tissues at the facial aspect of dental implants, taking advantage of the benefits deriving from intraoral digital impression. METHODS: The study was carried out at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza - University of Rome. A 45-years-old patient was selected. He didn’t show periodontal and systemic diseases. Mono edentulous sites were either in maxilla (1.6) and in mandible (3.6). After the sign of the informed consent form, according to the World Medical Declaration of Helsinki, the surgical phase was performed. Mini-invasive osteotome sinus floor elevation in atrophic maxilla was used to insert a transmucosal Vertical Neck® implant with 4.8 mm diameter and 8 mm length. In mandible was used a transmucosal Vertical Neck® implant with 4.1 mm diameter and 8 mm length. Six months later a digital impression was taken with an intraoral optical scanner (CS3500, Carestream Dental, Atlanta, GA, USA). A Simbiosi® Scan Body was applied on implants. Periapical radiographs were taken in order to show the right linkage between devices and implants. Straight titanium abutmentswere used and periapical radiographs were made to evaluate a correct marginal fit on implants. Two monolithic zirconia crowns were realized with a CAM system. RESULTS: No recession in soft tissue was observed. The gingival level remained stable at 12 months. Vertical Neck® implants have shown a good relationship with bone and soft tissues. Also the aesthetic goals have been reached. CONCLUSIONS: Biotype transmucosal Vertical Neck® implants have been projected to allow the placement of prosthetic border into an area of 2 mm of eight instead of predetermined point. Because of its intrinsic feature, the biological width is respected. Thanks to the management of the impression into a digital format (intraoral scan and CAD/CAM system), the final crowns resulted to be more accurate than with a traditional system; infact, common mistakes linked to clinical and laboratory process have been avoided.