Implant-Root Proximity and Pulp Vitality of the Tooth

Background: When dental implants are applied in partially edentulous patients, there is the risk of placing the implants in close proximity or in direct contact with the adjacent roots. In this situation assurance of pulp vitality of the adjacent tooth is neessary. Objectives: The current study aimed to assess pulp response of the tooth after root proximity with dental implant. Patients and Methods: After investigating 2800 records of patients, 31 implants in 29 patients were included in this study. A parallel peri-apical radiography was taken and pulp vitality tests (cold, heat and electrical pulp tests) were conducted for each patient. Results: Among the 31 assessed implants and the adjacent intact teeth, 13 implants had direct contact and 18 implants had proximity of less than 1 mm with the adjacent root. All of the teeth had positive (normal) pulp response to all tests. The most prevalent areas for proximity of implant-tooth were upper first premolar implants and upper canine teeth. The most approximation area was apical third of root of the teeth. Conclusions: Based on the clinical and radiographic examinations, implant-tooth approximation (less than 1 mm or direct contact) is not related to pulp vitality of the tooth. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm the results of the study.