Description:
Abstract: In a previous study on guided bone augmentation, a new collagen membrane was compared with an e‐PTFE one on 28 partially edentulous patients who received 50 dental implants at stage 2 surgery. After implant integration and subsequent loading, we were able to recruit 22 patients with 22 implants and their contra‐lateral corresponding teeth for longitudinal observation. Clinical parameters probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BoP), plaque index (PI), assessment of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and peri‐implant crevicular fluid (PCF) volumes and periapical radiographs were performed at 2‐ and 3‐year control appointments. Calprotectin (MRP 8/14) and cross‐linked N‐terminal telopeptide (NTx) levels in both crevicular fluids were determined by ELISA. PD was significantly reduced from years 2 to 3 appointments at implant sites as at teeth sites. At the 3‐year appointment in both compartments, fluid volumes were significantly increased, which corresponded well with ascending NTx levels. The total amount of calprotectin decreased non‐significantly in both GCF and PCF samples. Periapical radiographs revealed stable bone conditions around implants without significant changes from years 2 to 3 examinations. Clinical peri‐implant parameters were considered as stable as the periodontal parameters of their corresponding teeth. A parallel increase in NTx levels in both GCF and PCF at 3‐year appointment is not clearly understood; it may reflect an upregulation in the overall bone turnover rate.