The influence of peri-implant mucosal level on the satisfaction with anterior maxillary implants

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine variables associated with implant satisfaction and to evaluate the influence of peri‐implant mucosal level on implant satisfaction. Materials and Methods Forty patients restored with single‐tooth anterior maxillary implants were recruited for the study. The facial and inter‐proximal mucosal level of implants was measured. The patients and clinicians were asked to rate their satisfaction with dental implants on various aspects, using the visual analog scale (VAS). The VAS scores of patients and clinicians were compared and correlated. Variables associated with implant satisfaction as well as the influence of peri‐implant mucosal level on implant satisfaction were determined. Results The patients showed high overall esthetic satisfaction (84.5%) with their implants. However, their satisfaction on the harmonization of gingiva (67.4%) was relatively low. The patient's overall esthetic satisfaction was significantly associated with crown color, crown shape, and confidence when smiling, but not the harmonization of gingival margin. The patient's satisfaction with the worth for expense was significantly associated with overall esthetic satisfaction, confidence when smiling, and speaking well. The presence of facial mucosal level ≥1 mm (compared with the contralateral tooth) and less than half papilla fill had no significant effect on the overall esthetic satisfaction assessed by patients. However, the presence of less than half papilla fill affected the patient's satisfaction on speech. Conclusions Peri‐implant mucosal level is not a significant factor for the patient's esthetic satisfaction with their anterior maxillary implants. Papillary recession, however, appeared to affect their satisfaction on speech.