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.

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.