Effect of Probe Material on Peri-implant Probing

Randomized clinical trial with two parallel groups. Eligible patients will be randomized (1:1 ratio) to one of two parallel treatment groups: Group 1 (Metal probe): Peri-implant probing performed with a UNC-15 metallic periodontal probe (HuFriedy PCPUNC156). Group 2 (Plastic probe): Peri-implant probing performed with a UNC-15 plastic periodontal probe (HuFriedy PCVO12PT). Primary objective: To evaluate whether the type of probe (plastic vs metallic) modifies the accuracy of peri-implant probing in single-unit implants, by comparing the probing depth recorded with the prosthesis in place versus without the prosthesis (ΔPS, mm). Secondary objectives: To explore the influence of prosthetic design (e.g., emergence profile, crown contour) and implant position on probing depth values and other clinical/radiographic parameters. To evaluate patient-reported discomfort during peri-implant probing, recorded using a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). The study was designed in accordance with the international consensus on Implant Dentistry Core Outcome Set and Measurement (ID-COSM), published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology in 2023. The protocol includes all applicable mandatory outcome domains recommended by this consensus for implant dentistry clinical trials.