Impact of Laser-modified Abutment Topography on Peri-implant Mucosal Integration

This study is a prospective randomized split mouth study intended to evaluate the healing and health of peri-implant mucosal tissue following placement of titanium abutments with or without laser-etching. Each subject will receive two implants. Following placement of the two 4.2mm diameter implants, one implant will receive (by randomization) a laser-etched abutment ('Laser-Lok'). The other implant will receive a standard, non-etched healing abutment. Subjects will be sequentially subdivided into four groups (n=5) and scheduled for a biopsy of the peri-implant tissues of both implants at either 8 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 weeks or 1 week after implant surgery. These biopsies, about the size of a grain of rice, will be analyzed using immunohistochemical and RNASeq techniques to identify molecular changes in response to laser etching. At approximately 8 weeks after implant surgery, subjects will have abutments removed from both implants and digital impressions taken for final crown fabrication. At approximately 11-12 weeks after implant surgery, final crowns will be placed. Subjects return to clinic at approximately 1 year post surgery for a final study visit to assess the peri-implant mucosa surrounding both implants as measured by bleeding upon probing, probing depth and peri-apical radiography.