BACKGROUND: The literature indicates that 0.5 to 1.5
mm of gingival recession most often occurs within the first
months after implant placement or abutment connection. The
aim of this study is to test the validity of the new Biotype
implant design (Vertical Neck®) to evaluate the effect of a
concave transmucosal profile on the vertical stability of soft
tissues at the facial aspect of dental implants, taking advantage
of the benefits deriving from intraoral digital impression.
METHODS: The study was carried out at the Department of
Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza - University of
Rome. A 45-years-old patient was selected. He didn’t show
periodontal and systemic diseases. Mono edentulous sites
were either in maxilla (1.6) and in mandible (3.6). After the
sign of the informed consent form, according to the World
Medical Declaration of Helsinki, the surgical phase was performed.
Mini-invasive osteotome sinus floor elevation in
atrophic maxilla was used to insert a transmucosal Vertical
Neck® implant with 4.8 mm diameter and 8 mm length. In
mandible was used a transmucosal Vertical Neck® implant
with 4.1 mm diameter and 8 mm length. Six months later a
digital impression was taken with an intraoral optical scanner
(CS3500, Carestream Dental, Atlanta, GA, USA). A
Simbiosi® Scan Body was applied on implants. Periapical
radiographs were taken in order to show the right linkage
between devices and implants. Straight titanium abutmentswere used and periapical radiographs were made to evaluate
a correct marginal fit on implants. Two monolithic zirconia
crowns were realized with a CAM system.
RESULTS: No recession in soft tissue was observed. The
gingival level remained stable at 12 months. Vertical Neck®
implants have shown a good relationship with bone and soft
tissues. Also the aesthetic goals have been reached.
CONCLUSIONS: Biotype transmucosal Vertical Neck®
implants have been projected to allow the placement of prosthetic
border into an area of 2 mm of eight instead of predetermined
point. Because of its intrinsic feature, the biological
width is respected. Thanks to the management of the impression
into a digital format (intraoral scan and CAD/CAM system),
the final crowns resulted to be more accurate than with a
traditional system; infact, common mistakes linked to clinical
and laboratory process have been avoided
