Implant Placement Depth and Peri-Implant Tissue Outcomes
Spain80 participantsStarted 2026-05-15
Plain-language summary
The primary aim of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the influence of subcrestal implant placement depth (-2 mm vs -4 mm) on peri-implant marginal bone level changes, including marginal bone loss and bone remodeling. Secondary outcomes include implant success, peri-implant probing depth (PPD), and bleeding on probing (BoP).
Partially edentulous patients requiring fixed implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation with two implants in posterior maxillary or mandibular regions will be included. Implants will be placed subcrestally at either -2 mm or -4 mm from the bone crest, following a submerged healing protocol. Allocation to insertion depth will be randomized. Marginal bone level changes will be assessed using standardized periapical radiographs at second-stage surgery, prosthesis placement, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after functional loading. PPD and BoP will be recorded at the same time points.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients ≥18 years old with partial edentulism.
* Need for rehabilitation with fixed implant-supported prostheses in posterior regions.
* Availability of minimum bone height for implants ≥6 mm in length.
* Minimum bone width without the need for guided bone regeneration.
* Supracrestal soft tissue thickness ≥2 mm.
* Non-smokers or smokers of ≤10 cigarettes/day.
* Plaque index and bleeding on probing \<20%.
* Probing depth ≤3 mm.
* Signed informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Systemic diseases contraindicating implant surgery.
* Treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates.
* Head and neck radiotherapy.
* Uncontrolled diabetes.
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* Alcohol or drug use.
* Psychiatric disorders.
* Need for bone regeneration procedures.
* Inability to complete follow-up.
* Implant failure during the study period.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Changes in peri-implant marginal bone level (mm)
Timeframe: From abutment placement (baseline time [TB]), 1 month post (T1), and at 3 (T3) (prosthetic loading) , 6 (T6), and 12 (T12) months after definitive prosthesis placement.