Comparison of Stock and Customized Implant Abutments Regarding Peri-Implant Health

Background: Dental implants are one of the most predictable treatment options for replacement of the lost teeth. One of the factors affecting the success of an implant, is the health of the periodontium around the implant abutment. Recently, various materials has been used for fabrication of implant abutments. This study aimed to assess early marginal bone loss (MBL) and periodontal parameters around dental implants with titanium stock abutments and customized abutments fabricated by the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to compare their success rate during a 1-year period. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on 64 patients whose treatment plan included the stock abutment, and CAD/CAM customized abutment that were randomly selected. All patients underwent a clinical periodontal examination on the day of prosthetic crown delivery, and parallel periapical radiographs were obtained. The probing pocket depth (PPD), papilla bleeding index (PBI), keratinized gingiva width (KGW), plaque index (PI), and modified gingival index (MGI) around dental implants were calculated and recorded. Periodontal and radiographic indices, and MBL were measured at the one-year follow-up. Results: The stock and customized abutments had no significant difference regarding MBL, PPD, PBI, MGI, PI and KGW. The survival rate and success rate were equally 100% in the two groups. Conclusion: The two abutment types had no significant difference in any clinical parameter. Thus, stock or CAD/CAM customized abutments may be selected according to secondary parameters such as software availability, personal preferences, ease of fabrication and cost.