Keratinized Gingiva and Soft Tissue Position Around Implants in the Anterior Mandible

Methods: 52 edentulous patients with a total of 283 implants in the anterior mandible were studied. Calibrated clinicians measured RAL, PD, and REC using a modified Florida Probe. The width of the zone of KG was measured using a North Carolina probe. Patients were seen bi-annually for a period of 4 years. ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis.

Results: KG did not influence RAL over a 4 year period. For buccal sites mean change in PD correlated to the amount of KG. Mean change in PD was -0.45mm, -0.29mm, -0.12mm, and 0.21mm for sites with KG of 0mm, 1-2mm, 3mm and ³4 mm, respectively. This was statistically significant (p=0.00099). All sites with KG showed a decrease in REC with the magnitude of change increasing with increased KG. Sites with no KG showed a slight increase. Mean change in REC was 0.11mm, -0.19mm, -0.36mm, and -0.71mm for sites with KG of 0mm, 1-2mm, 3mm and ³4 mm, respectively. This was statistically significant (p=0.000018).

Conclusions: The amount of KG did not influence the maintenance of attachment around dental implants in the anterior mandible. The amount of KG did influence the position of the gingival margin on the abutment.