The effect of a 2-mm inter-implant distance on esthetic outcomes in immediately non-occlusally loaded platform shifted implants in healed ridges: 12-month results of a randomized clinical trial

Background: Three millimeter is considered as the minimum distance to obtain soft and bone tissue stability in case of adjacent implants. The possibility to preserve peri-implant bone level using a platform switching connection has questioned this concept. Purpose: The study evaluates soft tissue maintenance and marginal bone stability around implants, placed at 2 or 3 mm of distance. Materials and methods: Thirty patients received two immediately loaded implants either at 2-mm (test) or at 3-mm (control) of distance in the premolar area. Soft tissue esthetics (papilla height and fill, keratinized tissue, recession) and radiographic peri-implant bone level changes were measured at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: No significant differences between the two groups were detected neither for all soft tissue esthetic outcomes nor for bone level modifications up to 12 months. Conclusion: The results suggested that up to 12 months post-loading, both 2- and 3-mm inter-distance platform-switched implants in healed site, supported adequate esthetic outcomes and peri-implant bone stability.