Soft tissue healing around platform-switching and platform-matching single implants: A randomized clinical trial

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Periodontology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Platform-switching (PS) implant designs are known to reduce marginal bone loss.
• The effect of PS implants on peri-implant soft tissue healing remains unclear.
• This study investigated the impact of PS design on soft tissue healing post-implant uncovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the peri-implant soft tissue healing between platform-switching (PS) and platform-matching (PM) dental implants.
• To evaluate clinical parameters and molecular changes in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) and mucosa.
• To assess the influence of implant design on healing after uncovery.

Main Methods:

• A split-mouth study design was used with non-smokers receiving one PS and one PM implant.
• Implants were placed using a two-stage protocol, followed by uncovery and connection to healing abutments.
• Clinical measurements (probing depth, bleeding index) and PICF analysis (cytokines, gene expression) were performed at specified intervals post-uncovery.

Main Results:

• PS implants demonstrated significantly lower probing depth and modified sulcus bleeding index compared to PM implants at early healing stages (1-2 weeks and 1, 4, 6 weeks, respectively).
• Both implant types showed decreased osteoprotegerin and interleukin-1β concentrations in PICF over time.
• Gene expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, periostin, and peroxidasin increased in peri-implant mucosa for both groups, with no significant intergroup differences.

Conclusions:

• Platform-switching (PS) dental implants offer significant clinical advantages in reducing probing depth and bleeding compared to platform-matching (PM) designs during the initial 6-week healing period.
• Despite clinical benefits, the molecular responses in peri-implant crevicular fluid and mucosa appear comparable between PS and PM implant designs.
• Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the long-term molecular implications of PS implant designs on peri-implant soft tissue health.