Crestal bone loss around dental implants: Platform switching vs platform matching-a retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the vertical and horizontal marginal bone levels in platform-switched and platform-matched dental implants. Materials and methods: In the present study, 50 dental implants were placed in 50 patients over a 1-year period. Measurement was performed from the implant shoulder to the most apical and horizontal marginal defect by periapical radiographs to examine the changes of peri-implant alveolar bone before and 12 months after prosthodontic restoration delivery. Results: These marginal bone measurements showed a bone gain of 0.53 ± 0.98 mm in the vertical gap and 0.52 ± 0.93 mm in the horizontal gap of the platform matching, while in the platform switching, a bone gain of 1.33 ± 1 mm in the vertical gap (p < 0.05) and 1.60 ± 0.56 mm in the horizontal gap was found. Statistically significant difference was found for bone regeneration in the vertical gap between the two groups (p < 0.05) using t-test with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical test version 17. Conclusion: The crestal bone around the implants can be preserved with platform-switching concept and it can be applied in clinical condition. Clinical significance: The crestal bone around the implants can be preserved with platform-switching concept.