Influence of Platform-Switching on Marginal Bone Levels for Implants With Mandibular Overdentures: A Retrospective Clinical Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare bone around platform switched and regular platform implants that support removable prostheses and to report of the clinical outcomes after a loading period of 36 months. Material: Fifty-one patients with a mean age of 59.39 years and 126 implants, appearing in the routine recall sessions consecutively 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after loading with mandibular overdentures, were included in the study group. Bone level measurements were obtained from images of successive radiographs, which were scanned and digitized before, and analyzed at x20 magnification. Statistical analysis was utilized to assess the mean marginal bone level changes at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months as well as to explore the potential effect of platform switching on bone loss. Results: Although mesial and distal marginal bone loss rates differed in the 6th, 12th, and 24th month recalls between both groups, platform switching caused statistically significant lower bone loss at the 36th month on the mesial as well as distal sides. Conclusion: Platform switching appears to engender lower marginal bone loss around implants supporting removable dentures. (Implant Dent 2010;19:250-258)