Prosthetic Abutment Height is a Key Factor in Peri-implant Marginal Bone Loss

Abstract

In this study, we analyzed the influence of prosthetic abutment height on marginal bone loss (MBL) around implants in the posterior maxilla. In this retrospective cohort study, the radiographically determined MBL was related to the height of the abutments of internal conical connection implants at 6 and 18 months post-loading. Data were gathered on age, sex, bone substratum, smoking habit, history of periodontitis, and prosthetic features, among other variables. A linear mixed model was used for statistical analysis. The study included 131 patients receiving 315 implants. MBL rates at 6 and 18 months were mainly affected by the abutment height but were also significantly influenced by the bone substratum, periodontitis, and smoking habit. MBL rates were higher for prosthetic abutment < 2 mm vs. ≥ 2 mm, for periodontal vs. non-periodontal patients, for grafted vs. pristine bone, and for a heavier smoking habit. The abutment height is a key factor in MBL. MBL rates followed a non-linear trend, with a greater MBL rate during the first 6 months post-loading than during the next 12 months.

Keywords: dental implant; dental implant-abutment connection; peri-implantitis; sinus augmentation.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

© International & American Associations for Dental Research.

Figures

Figure 1.

Diagram depicting the marginal bone loss (MBL) in relation to the height of the prosthetic abutment. Note that the distance between the antagonist tooth and the bone remains the same in all clinical situations but is comprised of different abutment and crown heights.

Figure 2.

Marginal bone loss (MBL) rates in mm/month (A) in relation to prosthetic abutment height as a continuous variable and (B) as a function of the time since functional loading and the abutment height, classified as short (< 2 mm) or long (≥ 2 mm). Vertical bars are 95% confidence intervals.