Dental clinicians know that one of the fundamental concerns involved in dental implantation is to maintain optimal bone around the implant. This requirement is one of the most critical factors contributing to the implant’s long-term success, along with the quality and stability of the soft tissue interface. A new concept called dental implant platform switching, or platform shifting, has been shown to help prevent crestal bone loss. It also increases the amount of soft tissue around the implant, which improves the aesthetic result of the procedure.

What Is Dental Implant Platform Switching?

Although dental implant platform switching has been gaining new attention recently, the idea developed over 25 years ago. It involves the use of an abutment that’s smaller in diameter than the implant platform it’s attached to. Platform switching was discovered accidentally in 1991. Implant components were not always commercially available in the same diameter, so clinicians used narrower abutments instead.

When follow-ups were conducted on these platform switched dental implants, surprising benefits to the overall oral health of the patient were discovered — namely that less crestal bone remodeling happened when these smaller abutments were used. When this type of connection is used, the perimeter of the place where the implant and abutment join shifts inward. This shift away from the outer edge of the implant platform positively affects crestal bone height, preventing loss.

It’s believed that when dental implant platform switching is utilized, it changes the biological process that occurs post-restoratively because inflammatory infiltrates are moved away from the crestal bone, preventing bone loss. This observation has led many to embrace the philosophy of platform switching.

Benefits of Platform Switching for Dental Implants

Dental implant platform switching is gaining popularity because of its proven benefits. Multiple studies have shown that using this procedure improves the short-term and long-term viability of oral implants for a couple of different reasons:

• Crestal bone preservation: Although osseointegration is essential to a successful dental implant, the bone material to which it’s attached needs to be maintained so that the implant will keep its integrity. Progressive bone loss dramatically reduces the survivability of the implant. Platform switching improves crestal bone preservation and allows for greater implant stability.
• Soft tissue maintenance: The soft tissue around dental implants is vital for its aesthetic qualities, as this tissue allows for the implant to appear more natural. However, soft tissue is also essential because it acts as a protective barrier, preventing microorganisms from harming the underlying bone. Platform switching increases the volume of soft tissue that remains around the implant platform. Bone loss often leads to loss of soft tissue, so when crestal bone is preserved, soft tissue is gained.

These two major benefits have been confirmed in several studies and reviews done on the procedure, which shows that platform switching improves bone preservation and ensures a more aesthetically pleasing result.

Hiossen® Implants Is Your Source for High-Quality Products

Whatever dental implant technique you use, Hiossen wants to be your source for advanced products, continuing education and one-on-one services. Our dental implants and equipment are manufactured to the highest standards under strict quality control conditions.

Contact us today by finding a representative near you or calling 888-678-0001 to learn more.