Esthetic outcome evaluation of maxillary anterior single-tooth bone-level implants with metal or ceramic abutments and ceramic crowns.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcome of implants placed in the maxillary anterior segment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were treated with bone-level implants (Straumann Bone Level Implant, Institut Straumann) that supported all-ceramic single crowns and were followed for 2 to 4 years. Titanium or ceramic abutments were used according to the quality of the soft tissue at each site. Esthetic parameters were recorded to assess treatment outcomes. Pink esthetic scores (PES) and white esthetic scores (WES) were used to evaluate the esthetic outcome of anterior single-tooth implant-supported crowns. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated by means of a questionnaire.

RESULTS: Fifty-five implants were placed in 47 patients. At the recall examinations, all implants were confirmed to have successfully integrated and demonstrated healthy peri-implant soft tissues, as documented by generally accepted clinical parameters. Overall, the esthetic results were considered favorable, and there were no significant differences between restorations with ceramic or titanium abutments. WES values were slightly superior to PES values. None of the implants had mucosal recession.

CONCLUSION: Objective and subjective evaluation of maxillary bone-level implants in the esthetic zone yielded satisfactory results. Pleasing esthetic outcomes and stable facial soft tissues were achieved.