Effects of Peri-implant Mucosal Characteristics on Clinical Peri-implant Parameters: A Retrospective Study

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of peri-implant keratinized mucosa (KM) width and thickness on peri-implant soft tissue health in functionally loaded implants and evaluate the factors affecting peri-implant health. Materials and Methods: A total of 645 implants from 169 patients were evaluated in this study. The duration of the implant followup ranged from 12 months to 46 months. Clinical measurements such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), KM width, mucosal phenotype (MP), and buccal mucosal recession (MR) of peri-implant sites were performed. Peri-implant mucosa was classified as healthy, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis. Results: It was determined that the thickness and width of the KM around the implant did not affect the peri-implant soft tissue health and PI, GI, and BOP scores. PD was found to be significantly lower in peri-implant regions with KM width <2 mm and thin MP. CAL was found to be significantly higher in peri-implant regions with KM width <2 mm and thin MP. Significantly less buccal MR was detected in peri-implant regions with KM width & GE;2 mm and thick MP. The peri-implant regions treated with the overdenture were significantly less healthy. Conclusions: It was determined that the CM width and thickness around the implant did not have a significant effect on soft tissue health in patients who could achieve plaque control. It is important to provide sufficient KM width and thickness in the peri-implant soft tissue, especially in esthetic areas.