LAUSR

OBJECTIVES This study aims to retrospectively assess to what extent peri-implant bone level changes occur from exposing the implant to the oral environment at the second stage of surgery (SSS) to the baseline assessment and, additionally, after 1-1.5 years of functional loading. Further, this study aims to examine the role of the emergence angle in marginal bone changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study included 46 patients treated between 2012 and 2019. These patients received 64 bone-level dental implants. After implant placement, SSS, and baseline assessment, relevant clinical peri-implant conditions and radiographical data were collected. A radiographic examination of the marginal bone level was performed after SSS, the baseline assessment, and 1-1.5 years of follow-up. RESULTS The peri-implant periodontal probing depth increased significantly from 3.08 ± 0.7 mm at the baseline to 3.27 ± 0.81 mm at the 1-1.5-year follow-up. The mean marginal bone level at the implant level was 0.12 ± 0.23, 0.35 ± 0.43, and 0.47 ± 0.47 mm at the SSS, baseline, and the 1-1.5-year follow-up, respectively. Most changes occurred at the implant's distal site. A significant relationship was found between the emergence angle and the extent of change in the marginal bone level between the SSS and baseline (r = .430, p ≤ .001). CONCLUSIONS Most changes in the marginal bone level occurred between SSS and baseline assessments. For diagnostic purposes, it is advised to obtain a standardized radiograph after SSS to monitor peri-implant bone-level alterations.