Clinical Study Comparing Submerged Versus Trans-mucosal Healing of P.004 Implants in the Anterior Mandible and Maxilla

The primary objective of this study is to determine the level at which the bone can be maintained in relation to the implant shoulder for the P.004 two-stage implant when placed in a submerged or a trans-mucosal procedure in single tooth gaps in the anterior region. The primary parameter will be measured by radiography 26 weeks after loading of the implant.

Inclusion criteria

• Males and females >18 years of age.
• Implant placement planned in the anterior maxilla or mandible (FDI tooth numbers 21 - 25, 11 - 15, 31-35, 41-45).
• Tooth site must have a natural tooth both mesially and distally in the adjacent tooth positions
• Opposing dentition of natural teeth, or tooth or implant-supported fixed restorations.
• Adequate bone quality and quantity at the implant site to permit the insertion of a Straumann P.004 SLActive implant of 8, 10, 12, or 14 mm length.
• Presence of a sufficient band of keratinized mucosa (min. 2 mm) to allow surgical manipulation and suturing according to the protocol
• Signed informed consent document before being treated in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Systemic disease that would interfere with dental implant therapy (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes)
• Any contraindications for oral surgical procedures
• Current untreated periodontitis or gingivitis
• Probing pocket depth of more than 4 mm at one of the adjacent teeth
• Mucosal diseases (e.g. erosive lichen planus)
• History of local irradiation therapy
• Bone augmentation procedures if the procedure require healing time of more than 12 weeks after implant placement
• Implants in adjacent position to planned implant
• Severe bruxing or clenching habits
• Heavy smokers: Patients who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day
• Conditions or circumstances, in the opinion of the investigator, which would prevent completion of study participation.
• Patients with inadequate oral hygiene or unmotivated for adequate home care

Secondary Exclusion Criteria at Implant Surgery:

• Lack of primary stability of the implant
• Inappropriate implant position to insert implants according to the prosthetic requirements.
• Patients with augmentation procedures requiring more than 12 weeks healing time.