Effect of customized vs. prefabricated healing abutments on peri-implant soft tissue and bone in immediate implant sites: A Randomized controlled trial

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of customized healing abutments compared to prefabricated healing abutments in immediate implant sites. Patients, who received immediate implant were randomly assigned to a customized or a standard healing abutment group. Digital impressions were taken prior to extraction (baseline), 1, 4 and 6 months after implant insertion to evaluate horizontal and vertical soft tissue change between different time points. Radiographic examinations were taken at baseline and 6 months to evaluate bone change at peri-implant area. Additionally, Pain score and Pink Esthetic Score were measured to determine patients’ satisfactions. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. At the 1- and 4-month follow-ups, the customized group had a significantly lower buccal volume variation (BVv). At the 6-month follow-up, neither group showed any significant difference in the marginal bone change; however, the customized group had a significantly lower PES change and a lower pain score. In the anterior and premolar regions, the customized group showed the preservation of peri-implant buccal horizontal soft tissue and buccal volume, while in the molar regions, the preservation of papilla height and midfacial height was observed. The morphology of the customized healing abutment demonstrated a better trend in preservation of peri-implant soft tissue, esthetic outcomes, and lower patient discomfort in immediate implant sites.