Vertical eruption of anterior maxillary teeth adjacent to single-implant-supported crowns: An assessment after a 3-year follow-up period.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Vertical eruption of teeth adjacent to an implant has been reported clinically and might affect the esthetic outcome over time. The prevalence of the problem is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective clinical trial was to evaluate the vertical eruption of anterior maxillary teeth adjacent to single-implant crowns after a 3-year follow-up period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty single dental implants were inserted in maxillary anterior sites including the first premolar. The mean age of the participants at implant-supported crown insertion was 48.4 years (range 23 to 79 years). Each implant was restored with a 1-piece screw-retained ceramic single crown. The vertical changes of 60 adjacent anterior maxillary teeth were evaluated from periapical radiographs and casts at baseline, 6, 12, and 36 months. RESULTS: A global ANOVA test showed statistically significant differences for the outcomes of the distance-implant platform and cement-enamel junction (DPC) (P<.001), crown length distal (P=.021) and mesial (P=.035), implant crown length (P=.022), and incisal edge to edge (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous vertical tooth eruption next to a single dental implant was observed in adult participants.