The Influence of Platform Switching on Clinical, Laboratory, and Image‐Based Measures: A Prospective Clinical Study

Purpose This prospective study was conducted to compare the marginal bone level alterations, stability/mobility measurements, and volume of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) of peri-implant sulcus fluid (PISF) between platform-switched (PS) and standard platform (SP) implants inserted to mandibular premolar/molar regions with a single-stage protocol. Materials and Methods Thirty-two (16 PS and 16 SP) implants restorated with fixed prosthesis were included in the study. For both implant systems standard implant dimensions were used. Implant abutment connections and final restorations were made after 3 months of osseointegration. Standard parallel periapical radiographs were used to measure marginal bone loss in over time. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and mobility measuring (MM) device were used to determine implant stability/mobility. PISF samples were derived with paper strips and PISF MPO and nitrite level analysis were done spectrophotometrically. Peri-implant parameters were assessed by periodontal indices and all parameters were evaluated at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up. Results No healing problems were recorded for all implants at the end of the study period. At 12 months, mean bone loss measures were 0.84 and 0.76 mm, and mean implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were 74.04 and 76 for PS and SP implants, respectively. Mean MM values were found as −4.82 for PS and −6.26 for SP implants. There were no significant differences between implant types according to PISF volume and laboratory biochemical measures including MPO and NO, and clinical peri- implant indices at any time point. Conclusion Platform switching seems not to affect the marginal bone level, clinical peri-implant parameters and MPO and NO metabolism around implants inserted to mandibular premolar/molar regions when using a single-stage protocol.