Peri-implant Soft Tissue Phenotype and Early Marginal Bone Loss After Dental Implant Placement

This prospective observational cohort study evaluated the relationship between peri-implant soft tissue characteristics and early marginal bone loss following dental implant placement. The study included patients receiving bone-level implants in posterior edentulous regions. Keratinized mucosa width, supracrestal tissue height, and mucosal thickness were measured at the time of implant placement. Marginal bone levels were assessed using standardized intraoral radiographs obtained at baseline and three months after implant placement. The primary aim was to determine whether these peri-implant soft tissue dimensions were associated with marginal bone loss during the early healing period.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 20 and 60 years. Good general health. Need for dental implant treatment in a posterior edentulous region. Adequate native bone volume for implant placement without bone augmentation. At least 3 months since tooth extraction at the planned implant site. Presence of stable opposing teeth. Adequate oral hygiene. Ability to attend follow-up visits Exclusion Criteria: * Heavy smoking. Uncontrolled systemic disease. Pregnancy. Use of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications within the previous 3 months. Bruxism. Poor oral hygiene. Need for bone augmentation at the implant site.