International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 16, Issue 10s, 2026

Comparative Evaluation of Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Biotype as a Predictor of Crestal Bone Stability and Long-Term Implant Success: A Prospective Clinical Study

1 Dr. Arvind Shetty, 2 Dr. Varsha Rathod, 3 Dr. Vaishnavi Agrawal, 4 Dr. Anveshi Chowdhary, 5 Dr. Jaee Saoji, 6 Dr. Rushika Shah, 7 Dr. Shreyas R Narayanan

1M.D.S, Professor & HOD, Department of Periodontology & Oral Implantology, DY Patil School of Dentistry, D Y Patil (Deemed to be) University School of Dentistry, Navi Mumbai, India

2M.D.S, Professor, Department of Periodontology & Oral Implantology, DY Patil School of Dentistry, D Y Patil (Deemed to be) University School of Dentistry, Navi Mumbai, India

3M.D.S, Post Graduate, Department of Periodontology & Oral Implantology, DY Patil School of Dentistry, D Y Patil (Deemed to be) University School of Dentistry, Navi Mumbai, India

4M.D.S, Post Graduate, Department of Periodontology & Oral Implantology, DY Patil School of Dentistry, D Y Patil (Deemed to be) University School of Dentistry, Navi Mumbai, India

5M.D.S, Post Graduate, Department of Periodontology & Oral Implantology, DY Patil School of Dentistry, D Y Patil (Deemed to be) University School of Dentistry, Navi Mumbai, India

6M.D.S, Post Graduate, Department of Periodontology & Oral Implantology, DY Patil School of Dentistry, D Y Patil (Deemed to be) University School of Dentistry, Navi Mumbai, India

7M.D.S, Post Graduate, Department of Periodontology & Oral Implantology, DY Patil School of Dentistry, D Y Patil (Deemed to be) University School of Dentistry, Navi Mumbai, India

Corresponding Author: Dr. Vaishnavi Agrawal, M.D.S, Post Graduate, Department of Periodontology & Oral Implantology, DY Patil School of Dentistry, D Y Patil (Deemed to be) University School of Dentistry, Navi Mumbai, India
Email: vaishnaviagrawal26@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Peri-implant soft tissue biotype has been proposed as a significant determinant of crestal bone stability and long-term implant success. This prospective clinical study aimed to comparatively evaluate the influence of thin and thick mucosal phenotypes on implant stability and marginal bone preservation.

Materials & Methods: Thirty systemically healthy patients with mandibular first molar edentulism were divided into thin (<1 mm) and thick (1–2 mm) mucosal groups (n=15 each). Clinical parameters including mucosal thickness, implant stability (ISQ), bleeding on probing, and crestal bone levels were assessed at baseline, three months, and six months post-loading using standardized radiographic and clinical methods.

Results: At six months, the thick mucosa group demonstrated significantly greater implant stability (79.5 vs. 72.3 ISQ; p = 0.039) and reduced crestal bone loss (0.70 mm vs. 1.60 mm; p = 0.004) compared to the thin group. No significant intergroup differences were observed at baseline, and bleeding on probing was absent in all cases throughout the study period.

Conclusion: Thicker peri-implant mucosal phenotype was associated with enhanced implant stability and superior crestal bone preservation over time. Mucosal thickness may serve as a reliable predictor of peri-implant tissue stability and long-term implant prognosis.

Key words: Implants, Crestal, Bone

How to cite this article: Shetty A, Rathod V, Agrawal V, Chowdhary A, Saoji J, Shah R, Narayanan SR. Comparative Evaluation of Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Biotype as a Predictor of Crestal Bone Stability and Long-Term Implant Success: A Prospective Clinical Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(10s): 79-86; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.10s.10

Source of support: Nil.

Conflict of interest: None