This study was performed to investigate the soft tissue changes around single implant-supported crowns during follow-up periods.

Twenty patients(31 implants) whose single missing tooth in the maxillary anterior region had been replaced with an single implant-supported crown were recruited for the study. Crown length, soft tissue level and papilla height at the single implant-supported crowns were measured at follow-up examination and calculated from the slides taken at time of crown placement. as well Papilla index was scored from the slides taken at the time of crown placement and follow-up examination.

A very little amount of recession occurred and the soft tissue level moved more apically and the papilla height increased significantly(p<0.01). Especially, both mesial and distal papilla index at single implant-supported crowns increased significantly during follow-up periods(p<0.001). When the two slides taken at the time of crown placement and follow-up were compared simultaneously, except one site, papillae size increased at all sites.

From the results of the study, the interdental papillae at the single implant-supported crowns seemed to regenerate significantly and their crown margins were stable during follow-up periods. Hence it is indicated that various surgical interventions at on early stage to enhance soft tissue esthetics arourd single implants may be unnecessary.