Implant platform switching: biomechanical approach using two-dimensional finite element analysis

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Biomaterials Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Peri-implant bone resorption is a common issue in dental implant therapy, particularly within the first year post-insertion.
• This bone remodeling can compromise treatment success, especially with short implants or in aesthetic zones.
• Platform switching (PS) is a technique employed to mitigate this bone loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the biomechanical concept of platform switching (PS) in relation to stress distribution.
• To compare stress distribution between a regular platform (RPG) and a PS connection using finite element analysis.

Main Methods:

• Two-dimensional finite element models simulated a 2-piece implant system with peri-implant bone tissue.
• Models represented a regular matching diameter connection (RPG) and a PS connection (PSG).
• A 100 N load was applied using ANSYS software to analyze stress distribution.

Main Results:

• The regular platform group (RPG) showed higher stress on bone tissue (159 MPa) and the implant (1610 MPa).
• The platform switching group (PSG) demonstrated significantly lower stress on bone tissue (34 MPa) and the implant (649 MPa), an 80% reduction in bone stress.
• Increased stress concentration was observed in the crown and retention screw within the PS group.

Conclusions:

• Platform switching exhibits superior biomechanical behavior, significantly reducing stress on peri-implant bone tissue.
• While beneficial for bone, PS may increase stress on the crown and retention screw, warranting further investigation.
• PS is a promising strategy for managing peri-implant bone stress in implant therapy.