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 12 weeks 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; 21–74 years 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 ‐1β 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 ‐1β levels were ~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.