Evaluation of peri-implant marginal tissues around tissue-level and bone-level implants in patients with a history of chronic periodontitis

Objective: To evaluate clinical and radiographic characteristics in peri-implant marginal tissues in patients with a history of chronic periodontitis, rehabilitated using tissue-level or bone-level implants. Material and Methods: Using a split-mouth design, 20 patients with a history of chronic periodontitis were selected and received two different implants, tissue-level group (n = 20) and the bone-level group (n = 20). Peri-implant probing depth, relative peri-implant mucosal margin position, relative peri-implant clinical attachment level, peri-implant plaque index and peri-implant bleeding on probing were evaluated at prosthesis installation, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after implant loading. Radiographic marginal bone level was evaluated at implant insertion, prosthesis installation, 6 and 24 months after implant loading. Results: The mean difference of peri-implant marginal bone resorption from implant installation to 24 months in function was 0.75 ± 1.12 mm for the tissue-level group and 0.70 ± 0.72 mm for the bone-level group. No statistically significant difference was found between groups at all assessment periods for clinical and radiographic peri-implant evaluation. Conclusion: Under a rigid supportive therapy, both approaches performed likewise regarding clinical and radiographic parameters for rehabilitation of patients with a history of chronic periodontitis.