Crestal Bone Response to Narrow vs. Regular Tie-Base in Subcrestal Implants

INTRODUCTION The preservation of supracrestal peri- implant soft tissues plays a crucial role in maintaining bone tissue stability.(1) In recent decades, it has been suggested that peri- implant marginal bone loss is influenced by several factors, including the surface characteristics of the implant neck, the implant- abutment, abutment height, platform switching, and abutment dis/reconnection.(2) Limiting these disconnections has been shown to improve the maintenance of the peri- implant marginal bone level.

On the other hand, it has been observed that transmucosal abutments with convex designs can influence bone remodeling, even with platform switching, when compared to straight or concave abutments.(3,4) The hypothesis was that distancing the abutment- prosthesis interface from the implant shoulder and using narrower transmucosal abutments with platform switching could favor the maintenance of the peri- implant marginal bone level by reducing bone remodeling and the apical migration of the "biological width".

Although there is evidence regarding the influence of platform switching or abutment height on the maintenance of the peri- implant marginal bone level, the evidence on the effect of abutment diameter is limited.(5,6) Therefore, the aim of this 24- month randomized clinical trial is to evaluate changes in the peri- implant marginal bone level at implants restored narrow or regular tie-base after 24 months.

**Inclusion Criteria

Adults ≥18 years old.

Single missing tooth in a posterior quadrant, bordered by adjacent natural teeth.

Adequate bone volume to place implants 8.5-10 mm in length and 4 mm in diameter without the need for bone or soft tissue grafting.

Presence of a natural tooth or an implant-supported fixed restoration as an antagonist.

Good oral hygiene with a plaque index <25%.

Willing and able to comply with study procedures and follow-up schedule.

Provided written informed consent.

**Exclusion Criteria

Systemic conditions or medications affecting bone metabolism (e.g., bisphosphonates, corticosteroids).

Untreated periodontitis, persistent oral infections, or poor oral hygiene.

Metabolic bone diseases (e.g., osteoporosis, renal insufficiency, immunodeficiency, leukocyte dysfunction).

History of head and neck radiotherapy.

Physical or mental disability preventing adequate oral hygiene or compliance.

Heavy smoking (>10 cigarettes/day).

Alcoholism or drug abuse.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Bruxism or oral mucosal diseases.

Need for bone regeneration procedures before implant placement.

Inability or unwillingness to attend follow-up visits.