Peri-implant versus periodontal wound healing

Aim Peri-implant gingival healing following one-stage implant placement was investigated and compared to periodontal healing. Methods Healing at surgical sites [implant (I) and adjacent teeth (T+)] was compared to non-operated tooth (T-) in non-smokers receiving one-stage implant. Periodontal Indices (PI, GI) were recorded at surgery and up to 12weeks post-operatively. Peri-implant (PICF) and gingival crevicular fluids (GCF) were analysed for cytokines, collagenases and inhibitors. Data were analysed by linear mixed model regression analysis and repeated measures anova. Results Forty patients (22 females; 21-74years old) completed the study. Surgical site GI, increased at week 1, decreased significantly during early healing (weeks 1-3; p=0.0003) and continually decreased during late healing (weeks 6-12) for I (p<0.01). PICF volume decreased threefold by week 12 (p=0.0003). IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1 and TIMP-1 levels significantly increased at surgical sites at week one, significantly decreasing thereafter (p<0.016). Week one IL-6, IL-8 and MIP-1 levels were similar to threefold higher and TIMP-1 levels 63% higher, at I compared to T+ (p=0.001). Conclusion Peri-implant gingival healing, as determined by crevicular fluid molecular composition, differs from periodontal healing. The observed differences suggest that peri-implant tissues, compared to periodontal tissues, represent a higher pro-inflammatory state.