Platform Switching: Reduced Marginal Bone Loss?

It has been reported that platform-switching may improve the peri-implant bone response around dental implants. But, what leads to this lower peri-implant bone loss? A new study seems to suggest that the benefits of platform switching may be the result of reduced amounts of metal ions released to the surrounding tissues. The study compared tribocorrosion product release from various platform-matched and platform-switched implant-abutment couplings under cyclic loading. [Tribocorrosion refers to surface transformations resulting from the interaction of mechanical loading and chemical reactions that occur between elements exposed to corrosive environments]. The conclusion:

The platform-matched groups demonstrated a higher amount of metal ion release and more surface damage. These findings highlight the positive effect of the platform-switching concept in the reduction of tribocorrosion products released from dental implants, which consequently may minimize the adverse tissue reactions that lead to peri-implant bone loss. Read More

1.Reduction of Tribocorrosion Products When Using the Platform-Switching Concept. J Dent Res. 2018 Aug;97(9):995-1002. Alrabeah GO et al.