Linear soft tissues dimensions
The soft tissues contour measurements were performed using digital impressions taken at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up visit, which were uploaded into a software (OraCheck, Cyfex, Switzerland) to analyze the changes in the soft tissue dimensions. Both files were superimposed using a best-fit algorithm to obtain an overlap with the smallest possible discrepancy. The implant-supported restorations, the adjacent mesial and distal teeth, and its keratinized gingiva were selected for the analysis with the selection tool (Fig. Horizontal linear measurement at the level of the initial mucosal margin. The difference between both measurements represents the change in contour thickness at the most coronal portion.Horizontal linear measurement 2 mm apical to the initial mucosal margin. The difference between both measurements represents the change in contour thickness 2 mm apical to the position of the mucosal margin at baseline.Mucosal recession was assessed by measuring the vertical distance between the position of the mucosal margin at the different time points.The volume was analyzed with a color-coded graph in µm, which corresponds to the mean distance between the two surfaces within the analyzed area of interest (implant and adjacent teeth). The yellow, orange, red, and pink colors represent an increased distance, which is equivalent to an increase in tissue contour thickness. Those areas in blue and violet color indicated a loss in thickness. A color-coded scale ranging from + 500 to − 500 µm was selected.Graphic image of the analysis of the distance between the digital casts with the color code in a case of the study group (OraCheck, Cyfex, Switzerland)Diagram of the horizontal measurements: (1) Horizontal measurement from the basal gingival margin at the same height in the follow-up scan (difference in thickness at the gingival margin). (2) Horizontal measurement 2 mm apical from the baseline gingival margin at the same height in the follow-up scan (difference in thickness at 2 mm from gingival margin). (3) Vertical measurement from the inflection point between the crown curvature and the peri-implant soft tissue to that same point of the follow-up scan (height difference of the gingival margin) (OraCheck, Cyfex, Switzerland)