Outcomes of Connective Tissue (CT) Graft on Periodontal Health in Relation to Dental Implants Placed in Esthetic Zone of Anterior Maxilla

Abstract

Background: Since 1998, maxillary anterior single immediate implant insertion and provisionalization (IIPP) has been successful and practical. It preserves natural gingival profiles without extending treatment time or needing a removable interim prosthesis. The gingival profile includes a hard tissue zone with bone and a soft tissue zone without bone, extending from the free gingival border to the bony crest's apex. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of connective tissue transplant on the thickness and appearance of soft tissue around single implants in the anterior maxilla's aesthetic zone. Study Design: A Prospective cross-sectional study. Settings: A Prospective cross-sectional study was conducted CMH Dental College Multan. Duration: This study was conducted from January 2021 to April 2022. Methods: A total of 64 individuals were included who had criteria for a single cosmetic implant implantation. Detailed demographic information was recorded for enrolled patients once informed written consent was obtained. Patients were equally divided in two groups. Group I (consisting of 32 patients) underwent implant insertion and connective tissue graft implantation (1.50 mm thick) while group II (consisting of 32 patients) simply had implant insertion. Six-month and twelve-month clinical assessments were conducted. Postoperative pain and discomfort were measured. Results: There were 37 (57.8%) males and 27 (42.2%) females among all cases. Buccal tissue thickness in group I significantly increased from 2.45 ±1.80 mm at baseline to 4.0±1.1 mm after 6 months and 3.9±3.46 mm after 12 months (P <0.05), whereas no change was seen in the implant group. After a year, the buccal deficiencies in Group I were significantly less than those in the implant group (∆ -0.46±1.42 mm and ∆ -1.67 ±2.28 mm,). After 12 months, there was a statistically significant difference in proximal bone resorption between the two groups (0.59±0.37 mm and 1.0±0.19 mm), with group I exhibiting less bone resorption than the implant group. Conclusion: In this research, we observed that a single implant placed in the front maxilla in conjunction with a connective tissue graft may enhance peri-implant mucosa thickness and decrease proximal bone resorption.