Analysis of clinical parameter and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels on keratinized tissue around implant and tooth

Background: Studies have shown the importance of keratinized tissue around implants to prevent peri-implant diseases. This study aims to analyze the correlation of keratinized tissue around implants and teeth with clinical parameter scores and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 20 adults with 20 dental implants and 20 contralateral teeth that have functioned suprastructurally for more than 3 months without any systemic diseases. Keratinized tissue around implant and tooth was measured. The clinical examinations included the plaque index (PI), papilla bleeding index (PBI), and pocket depth (PD). Peri-implant sulcus fluid (PISF) and gingival crevicular fluid were collected to measure TNF-α levels. Spearman's test was used to analyze the correlation. Results: Significant differences were found between keratinized tissue around the implant in PI, PBI, and PD (P < 0.05). Differences were found between wide and narrow keratinized tissue around contralateral teeth in PI and PBI (P < 0.05) but not in PD. TNF-α levels were not correlate to keratinized tissue width around implant and contralateral tooth (P > 0.05). Strong correlations were found between each clinical parameter score and the keratinized tissue width of peri-implant tissue in PI, PBI, and PD. Conclusion: The clinical parameter score between wide and narrow keratinized tissue around implant showed strong correlation, particularly in PBI. This shows the importance of adequate keratinized tissue around implant to maintain implant stability.