Evaluation of the effect of the emergence profile of the implant restorations on periodontal health : Prospective study

Introduction and Aim: The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the periodontal health in vivo by measuring the effect of the emergence profile angles of the implant restorations, which are frequently used in current dentistry and have become the primary treathment option, on the loss of the bone around the implant and the surrounding soft tissues. Material and Methods: This study was carried out with the participation of 24 patients (15 women, 9 men) with a total of 67 implants. The number of implants that meet our criteria and have been included in our study is 24. Prosthetic restorations were performed 3 months after the surgical stages of the implants were completed. Periapical films were taken from the implant areas of the implant restorations in the 1st and 6th months with the help of parallel film holders. Plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) status in over-implant restorations were examined clinically at 1 month and 6 months. The data belonging to the periodontal parameters taken according to the gingival index scores of Löe-Silness were recorded. With the help of ImageJ program, emergence profile angle and bone level around the implant were measured on periapical films taken from the implant areas. As a result of bone level measurements, bone loss was calculated and recorded using the ratio-proportion method. The data in our study were analyzed with IBM SPSS V23. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine independent variables affecting bone loss, GI, PI, and probing depth. Analysis results are mean ± sd for quantitative data. Categorical data were presented as frequency and percentage, with deviation and median (minimum - maximum). The significance level was taken as p <0.05. Results: In line with the statistical evaluations made, there is a significant relationship between angle measurement and 6th month gingival index. As the angle increases, a moderate decrease occurs in the gingival index (p = 0.020). There is no statistically significant relationship between angle measurement and bone loss, plaque index and probing depth (p> 0.050). There is a statistically significant difference between the averages of the angles according to the bleeding status (p = 0.001). The average angle of those who did not bleed was higher. When the independent variables affecting bone loss, plaque index, gingival index and probing depth were examined by multiple linear regression analysis, the established regression model was not found to be statistically significant. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study it has been observed that the emergence profile angle has a significant relationship with the gingival index in fixed-implant restorations. It was observed that there was no significant relationship between emergence profile angle and other parameters. There is a statistically significant difference between the bleeding status and the mean angles (p = 0.001). It was observed that the appropriate emergence profile angle had an effect on the long-term success of the implant. Key words: dental implant, fixed dental prosthesis, emergence profile, periodontal health.