Dental Implant Surrounding Marginal Bone Level Evaluation: Platform Switching versus Platform Matching-One-Year Retrospective Study

The benefits and feasibility of platform switching have been discussed in several studies, reporting lesser crestal bone loss in platform-switched implants than in platform-matched implants. Objective. The aim of the present study was to observe the changes in vertical and horizontal marginal bone levels in platform-switched and platform-matched dental implants. Materials and Methods. 51 patients received 60 dental implants in the present study over a 1-year period. Measurement was performed between the implant shoulder and 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  mm in the vertical gap and  mm in the horizontal gap of platform matching, while in platform switching a bone gain of  mm () in the vertical gap and  mm in the horizontal gap was found. The average vertical gap reduction from the baseline until 12 months was  mm in platform switching and  mm in platform matching (). Conclusions. Within the limitations of the present study, platform switching seemed to be more effective for a better peri-implant alveolar bone vertical and horizontal gap reduction at 1 year.