Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effects of soft tissue augmentation procedures performed preoperatively and postoperatively on the health status of peri-implant soft tissues and the extent of bone resorption. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 9 implant patients (totaling 12 implants) treated at the Department of Stomatology, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing First Hospital) from August 2020 to January 2023. According to the timing of augmentation, the patients were divided into two groups: preoperative group (6 implants) with insufficient attached gingiva found before the first stage of implant surgery and completed the augmentation, and postoperative group (6 implants) with augmentation after the first stage of implant surgery or repair. The mucosal color, probing depth, bleeding on probing (BOP), and radiographic bone resorption around the implants were compared between the two groups. Results Patients in the preoperative group had mucosal color and morphology closer to normal gingival standards, with reduced probing depth and positiverate of BOP compared to the postoperative group(although the differences did not reach statistical significance, P>0.05). Radiographic examination revealed mild bone resorption in part of the preoperative group, while no significant bone resorption was observed in the postoperative group. Conclusion The timing of soft tissue augmentation surgery may influence the stability of soft tissues around dental implants.

Key words: peri-implantitis, soft tissue augmentation, bone resorption