Abstract
Development of a stable and healthy soft-tissue barrier around dental implants is key to long-term success of implant-supported prostheses. The novel two-piece abutment concept shifts the prosthetic interface to the soft-tissue level to protect bone interface/connective tissue during the healing phase and restorative procedures. This prospective study included 72 patients treated with 106 implants to support a single-tooth or a three-unit bridge restored with two-piece abutments. The evaluation included marginal bone level change (MBLC), implant and prosthetic survival, soft-tissue health including keratinized mucosa height and mucosal margin position, patient quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction, and clinician satisfaction and ease-of-use rating of the concept. Mean MBLC from implant placement to 1 year was -0.36 ± 1.26 mm (n = 89), the 1-year implant and prosthetic survival rates were 97.1 and 96.7%, respectively, while keratinized mucosa height increased from 2.9 ± 1.2 mm at prosthetic delivery to 3.2 ± 1.3 mm, and mucosal margin migrated coronally by 0.49 ± 0.61 mm by 1 year. Patient satisfaction and QoL were high. Clinicians were satisfied with the esthetic and functional results and rated the concept as easy to use. In conclusion, the novel two-piece abutment concept promotes good peri-implant tissue health, while providing an easy-to-use workflow and high treatment satisfaction to both patients and clinicians.