Impact of platform switching on inter-proximal bone levels around 8.5 mm implants in the posterior region; 5-year results from a randomized clinical trial.

AIM

To assess the medium-term results of 8.5 mm implants supplied with a conventional platform-matched implant-abutment connection or a platform-switched design.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty patients with one or more missing teeth in the maxillary or mandibular posterior zone were randomly assigned for treatment with implants with a conventional (control group) or platform-switched (test group) implant-abutment connection. Follow-up visits were conducted 1 month, 1 year and 5 years after functional loading. Inter-proximal bone loss, assessed with standardized peri-apical radiographs, clinical parameters, survival of implants and satisfaction of patients were the outcome parameters studied.

RESULTS

After 5 years of loading, five of the 80 patients were lost to follow-up. The inter-proximal bone loss in the test group (0.38 ± 0.61 mm) was comparable to the bone loss in the control group (0.41 ± 0.47 mm; p = 0.201). Remarkably, bone loss has not progressed compared to the 1-year results. Implant survival, clinical parameters and satisfaction of the patients were favourable and comparable for the test and control group.

CONCLUSION

The 5-years results showed that inter-proximal bone resorption was minor and comparable around platform-matched and platform-switched implants, and implant survival, peri-implant health and patients' satisfaction were favourable.