The purpose of this study was to compare the healing response of submerged implants with that of nonsubmerged implants and to determine the influence of oral hygiene procedures on the initial healing response adjacent to nonsubmerged implants. Radiographs demonstrated direct bone-implant contact of submerged and nonsubmerged implants. No significant differences in bone-implant scores were recorded between the submerged and nonsubmerged implants with oral hygiene. Oral hygiene procedures during healing had a positive influence on the gingival status and marginal bone height adjacent to nonsubmerged implants.