Effect of connective tissue grafting on peri‐implant tissue in single immediate implant sites: A RCT

Aim To assess the effect of connective tissue grafting on the mid‐buccal mucosal level (MBML) of immediately placed and provisionalized single implants in the maxillofacial aesthetic zone. Materials and methods Sixty patients with a failing tooth were provided with an immediately placed and provisionalized implant. During implant placement, patients randomly received either a connective tissue graft from the maxillary tuberosity (n = 30, test group) or no graft (n = 30, control group). Follow‐up visits were at one (T1) and twelve months (T12) after final crown placement. The primary outcome measure was any change in MBML compared to the pre‐operative situation. In addition, gingival biotype, aesthetics (using the Pink Esthetic Score–White Esthetic Score), marginal bone level, soft tissue peri‐implant parameters and patient satisfaction were assessed. Results The mean MBML change at T12 was −0.5 ± 1.1 mm in the control group and 0.1 ± 0.8 mm in the test group (p = .03). No significant differences regarding other outcome variables were observed, neither was gingival biotype associated with a gain or loss in MBML. Conclusions This one‐year study shows that connective tissue grafting in single, immediately placed and provisionalized implants leads to less recession of the peri‐implant soft tissue at the mid‐buccal aspect, irrespective of the gingival biotype (www.trialregister.nl: TC3815).