Changes Around Implants Using Traditional And Switch Platform Abutments

Objectives: This study will compare alveolar bone changes and gingival health around the Lends® dental implant restored with the platform switch ( SPK ) or the traditional ( CPK ) abutment. Platform switching( PSW ) refers to the use of a smaller diameter abutment on a larger diameter implant collar. Crestal bone remodeling adjacent to the implant abutment junction (IAJ) creates a space between the bone and microbial contaminated tissue, to establish a biological seal. This biologic seal isolates the underlying crestal bone from the oral microbiologic environment. PSW shifts the biologic seal towards the implant's central axis minimizing crestal bone remodelation. Studies using the PSW concept, showed significantly reduced post-restorative crestal bone loss. Methods: Forty five new Lends® implants that osseointegrated following 2-6 month submerged healing period, will be included. Following surgical exposure, abutments will be connected as follows: Group A – 23 SPK Abutments Group B - 22 CPK Abutments Temporary crowns will be fabricated and cemented within 24 – 72 hours after the surgery. Final crowns (PFM) will be cemented within 3 – 6 weeks after exposure of the implants. Results: and Conclusions: Baseline BW radiographs taken immediately following abutment connection will be used to assess bone height. Radiographs will be repeated 12 months post-surgery. Soft tissue evaluation: Three months following abutment connection (after cementation of final crowns), baseline measurements that will include probing pockets depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) will be taken. Measurements will be repeated 12 months post-surgery.