Influence of Gingival Color and Abutment Material on the Final Color of Peri-Implant Soft Tissue: An In Vitro Analysis

The study aimed to investigate the influence of different gingival colors and abutment materials on the final color of peri-implant soft tissue. A total of 30-cylinder shaped specimens having 1.0- and 2.0-mm buccal thicknesses using 5 different gingiva-colored composites [light pink (LP), dark pink (DP), orange (Or), brown (Br), and purple (Pr)] were prepared. Implants were placed straight into the center of cylinders and connected to abutments [Titanium (Ti) and Zirconia (Zr)]. Color parameters were assessed using a spectroradiometer. Color differences (ΔE*_ab and ΔE₀₀) were calculated and compared with 50:50% perceptibility (PT) and acceptability (AT) visual thresholds. Color variation data were statistically analyzed using 2-way analyses of variance followed by Tukey HSD tests (a = .05). Significantly higher ΔE*_ab and ΔE₀₀ values were recorded in LP and Or groups with 1.0 mm buccal thickness and Ti abutments (P < .05). Regardless of the thickness applied, all the gingival color groups with Zr abutment presented ΔE*_ab and ΔE₀₀ values below AT. The mean ΔE*_ab value decreased as the gingiva thickness increased in the LP, DP, and Or groups with Ti abutments. Abutment material significantly affected the mean ΔE₀₀ values in the groups of LP, DP, and Or with a buccal gingiva thickness of 1.0 mm (P < .05). Gingival color and abutment material was found to be effective on the final color of peri-implant soft tissue. However, further clinical research is required to confirm these findings.