Connective tissue attachment to laser-microgrooved abutments: a human histologic case report

Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2012 Aug;32(4):385-92.

Abstract

Previous preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of precisely configured laser-ablated microgrooves placed on implant collars to allow direct connective tissue attachment to the implant surface. A recent canine study examining laser-ablated microgrooves placed in a defined healing abutment area demonstrated similar findings. In both instances, direct connective tissue attachment to the implant-abutment surface served as an obstacle to the apical migration of the junctional epithelium, thus preventing crestal bone resorption. The current case report examines the effectiveness of abutment-positioned laser-ablated microgrooves in human subjects. As in the preclinical trial, precisely defined laser-ablated microgrooves allowed direct connective tissue attachment to the altered abutment surface, prevented apical migration of the junctional epithelium, and thus protected the crestal bone from premature resorption.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alveolar Process / pathology
  • Biopsy
  • Connective Tissue / pathology
  • Dental Abutments*
  • Dental Etching / methods*
  • Dental Implant-Abutment Design*
  • Dental Implantation, Endosseous / methods
  • Dental Prosthesis Design
  • Epithelial Attachment / pathology
  • Epithelial Attachment / physiopathology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gingiva / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / rehabilitation
  • Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / surgery
  • Lasers*
  • Maxilla / pathology
  • Maxilla / surgery
  • Osseointegration / physiology
  • Surface Properties
  • Wound Healing / physiology