A Novel Framework for Optimizing Peri-Implant Soft Tissue in Subcrestally Placed Implants in Single Molar Cases: Integrating Transitional and Subcrestal Zones for Biological Stability

Background/Objectives: The peri-implant soft tissue seal is crucial for the long-term success of subcrestally placed implants (SPIs). However, conventional biologic width—now referred to as supracrestal tissue attachment (STA)—models, originally developed for natural teeth, fail to account for the three-dimensional nature of peri-implant soft tissue adaptation. This study introduces a novel framework integrating the concepts of the transitional zone (TZ) and subcrestal zone (SZ) to systematically optimize peri-implant soft tissue architecture. Methods: A mathematical model was developed to determine the optimal implant placement depth by incorporating the emergence angle (EA), soft tissue thickness (STT), and peripheral crestal offset (PCO). Additionally, a three-dimensional peri-implant soft tissue analysis (3DSTA) approach utilizing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging was implemented to evaluate peri-implant soft tissue adaptation and emergence profile design. Clinical parameters were analyzed to establish guidelines for optimizing SPI placement depth and peri-implant soft tissue stability. Results: This study introduces the concept of self-sustained soft tissue (SSST), a biologically functional structure composed of the TZ and SZ, which enhances peri-implant health and stability. The proposed framework provides clinical guidelines for optimizing SPI placement depth, emergence profile contouring, and peri-implant soft tissue thickness to mitigate the risk of peri-implant mucositis. By shifting from a traditional two-dimensional perspective to a multidimensional analysis, this approach offers an evidence-based foundation for achieving biologically stable and esthetically predictable outcomes. Conclusions: The proposed three-dimensional model advances the understanding of peri-implant soft tissue adaptation by integrating novel anatomical and biomechanical concepts. By redefining peri-implant biologic width through the introduction of TZ and SZ, this study provides a structured framework for optimizing SPI placement and soft tissue management. Future research should focus on validating this model through histological studies and long-term clinical trials to refine its application in clinical practice.