Impact on peri-implant connective tissue of laser treated versus traditional healing abutments: a human clinical trials

Background: Dental implant is the principal treatment for edentulism and the healthiness of the peri-implant tissue has a pivotal role for its longterm success. In addition, it has been shown that also the topography of the healing abutment can influence the outcome of the restoration. The objective of this human clinical trial was to assess the impact of a novel laser-treated healing abutment on peri-implant connective tissue and extracellular matrix proteins compared to the conventional machined surface, which served as the control group. Methods: During second surgical stage a customized healing abutment were inserted on 30 single dental implants. Healing abutments were realized with two alternated different surface (two side laser-treated surfaces and two side machined surfaces) in order to be considered both as test and control on the same implant and reduce positioning bias. Following the soft tissue healing period (30 ± 7 days) a 5 mm circular biopsy was retrieved. Immuno-histochemical and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analyses were performed on Collagen, Tenascin C, Fibrillin I, Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitor (TIMPs). 15 were processed for qPCR, while the other 15 were processed for immunohistochemical analysis. Paired t-test between the two groups were performed. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Results revealed that the connective tissue facing the laser-treated surface expressed statistically significant lower amount of MMPs (p < 0.05) and higher level of TIMPs 3 (p < 0.05), compared to the tissue surrounding the machined implant, which, in turn expressed also altered level of extracellular matrix protein (Tenascin C, Fibrillin I (p < 0.05)) and Collagen V, that are known to be altered also in peri-implantitis. Conclusions: In conclusion, the laser-treated surface holds promise in positively influencing wound healing of peri-implant connective tissue. Results demonstrated that topographic nature of the healing abutments can positively influence mucosal wound healing and molecular expression. Previous studies have been demonstrated how laser treatment can rightly influence integrity and functionality of the gingiva epithelium and cell adhesion. Regarding connective tissue different molecular expression demonstrated a different inflammatory pattern between laser treated or machined surfaces where laser treated showed better response. Targeted interventions and preventive measures on peri- implant topography could effectively minimize the risk of peri-implant diseases contributing to the long-term success and durability of restoration. However, new studies are mandatory to better understand this phenomenon and the role of this surface in the peri-implantitis process.  TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: (Registration Number: NCT05754970 ). Registered 06/03/2023, retrospectively registered.