Influence of frequent clinical probing during the healing phase on healthy peri-implant soft tissue formed at different titanium implant surfaces: a histomorphometrical study in dogs

P>Objectives To investigate (i) the impact of different titanium implant surfaces on soft tissue integration over 6 months, and (ii) the influence of frequent clinical probing during the healing phase on the established mucosal seal. Material and Methods Standardized clinical probing was randomly performed (12 dogs, probing versus control) at different transmucosal surfaces [machined (M), sand-blasted/acid-etched (SLA), and chemically modified acid-etched (modA), modSLA] at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks (i.e. 1 x , 2 x , 3 x , and 4 x). Histomorphometrical analysis (e.g. mucosal margin (PM) - apical extension of the junctional epithelium (aJE), PM - coronal level of bone-to-implant contact (CBI) was performed at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Results While M and SLA groups revealed a split formation, epithelial cells and connective tissue were in close contact to modA and modSLA surfaces. Frequent clinical probing (i.e. 3 x and 4 x) increased mean pocket depths, PM-aJE, and aJE-CBI values in all groups and markedly disrupted the epithelial and connective tissue attachment. Conclusions It was concluded that irrespective of the surface characteristics, a frequent clinical probing at short intervals during the healing phase was associated with dimensional and structural changes of the mucosal seal.