Maintaining Interimplant Crestal Bone Height Via a Combined Platform-Switched, Laser-Lok Implant/Abutment System: A Proof-of-Principle Canine Study

Interimplant papillae are critical for achieving esthetic implant-supported restorations in the maxillary esthetic zone. Stable papillary anatomy, however, depends upon a stable volume of underlying crestal bone for support. Multiple studies have documented a critical interimplant distance of 3 mm under which crestal bone resorption occurs. This preclinical proof-of-principle canine study examines a novel implant-abutment system design, combining platform switching with precisely configured laser-ablated abutment and implant microgrooves to maintain interimplant crestal bone at interimplant distances of 2 and 4 mm. Results of this initial preclinical study suggest that it is possible through precise implant/abutment design modifications to place adjacent implants at distances of 2 to 4 mm without inducing subpapillary crestal bone loss.