Influence of the microgap/interface vertical position on early marginal bone remodeling around one-stage implants with laser-microtextured collar surface: a randomized clinical study

The aim of the present randomized study was to radiographically evaluate the early marginal bone remodeling (EMBR) around one-stage implants with a collar surface that is laser-microtextured (LM), placed with the mirograp/interface at different levels relative to the bone crest, and to clinically evaluate the influence of keratinized tissue thickness (KTT) on outcomes. Thirty partially edentulous patients were selected to each receive at least two one-stage implants with LM collars placed at different depth levels in the mandible and maxilla: one implant placed at an equicrestal level (E group) and one implant placed at a supracrestal level (SP group). Rank-based analysis of variance test was used for statistical comparison between groups. Before loading, the E and SP groups showed a mean marginal bone loss of 0.03 ± 0.04 mm and 0.02 ± 0.03 mm, respectively, without a statistically significant difference (P > .05) between the groups. Moreover, no statistically significant correlation between EMBR and the amount of KTT was found (P > .05). Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that neither the vertical position of the microgap/interface of one-stage implants with an LM surface nor the thickness of keratinized tissue around the implant site influences the amount of EMBR.